Introducing Ginger Garrett

I've been privileged to have a relationship with Glass Roads PR firm in Nashville, Tennessee. They introduced me to the works of this author. I think you will enjoy reading Ginger's new book Dark Hour.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I tend to show up more in the narrative, the description of places and the times. It’s very difficult to write the evil characters, so hopefully, less of me is there!

We certainly hope so. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I am a “Method writer” meaning I want to experience what my characters did: I’ll look up ancient recipes to recreate them, I’ve ordered stones from quarries that my characters would have used thousands of years ago, I try to use the same cosmetics the women did, etc.

That's interesting and sounds like fun. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I tried many times to write a novel and failed. I knew I wasn’t a writer the way some people know they are not singers. But a strange event happened: I agreed to write a nonfiction work on Esther, and somehow it wound up being a novel. There is a mystery behind this story, which I discuss in the writer’s notes of the book Chosen.

Esther is one of my favorite Bible characters. I've spent a lot of time studying her, and I also have written and perform a dramatic monologue of Queen Esther. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I read mainly research materials and archeology articles, and classic fiction. I’m working my way through Time Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Novels of all time. Right now, I’m reading a book on ancient foods and cooking (think prehistoric Martha Stewart), and Look Homeward, Angel.

I love the cover of your book. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I divide my time between novels and nonfiction. My new nonfiction is based on Queen Esther (again!) and is the first Christian rite-of-passage for girls coming of age. It lets girls walk through her story over the course of a year, and is pretty cool. Next year I have a book coming out on the ancient beauty secrets women used—they are incredible tips!

I can hardly wait for the book next year. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I run, run, run. I just finished a 10k race and am training for another one. I have my eye on a half-marathon. Running, without music, is my only quiet moment in the day.

I'm impressed. How do you choose your characters’ names?

That’s the toughest! There are no reliable “ancient baby names” books. I work with a world-class expert in this period of history, and he hammers me about using wrong names. Sometimes I have to create them.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Hiring a maid. My little girl screamed when she saw her bedroom after the first maid’s visit. I raced upstairs to see what was going on and then I understood: she had never seen her bed made! It takes a strong woman to admit she can’t keep up her house.

Well, I haven't hired a maid yet, but my dear husband does most of the housecleaning, including cleaning up the kitchen after I cook. His help leaves me free to write more. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A lion. My house is filled with lion art. If there’s a more glorious animal, I don’t know what it is.

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate! Dark, not very sweet, nuts are okay but fruit is forbidden. Don’t ever serve me chocolate with fruit! Aaagh!

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

When the Da Vinci Code whispers that women were always oppressed by the church, don’t fall for it. Two women battled for the fate of the church: it’s because of one woman’s bravery that the lineage of Christ was continued. It’s an amazing, true story that I hope I did justice to.

I'm sure you did. Ginger, thank you for sharing with us today.

Readers, don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Dark Hour. However, if you don't win, be sure to buy this wonderful book.