I first met Kim at the last Denver American Christian Fiction Writers national conference. The night before the conference started a large group of us who had come to Denver early went to a Mexican restaurant not far from the hotel for dinner. Kim sat next to me, and a new friendship was born. Welcome to my blog, Kim. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I think there is a little bit of “me” in every book I write.
Whether I’m writing an allegory/fairy tale for Girls of All Ages, or suspense
or women’s fiction, the overarching theme is the totally undeserved Grace of
God—that no one is beyond His love and mercy. I am a Prodigal, so I get that,
and I find that theme making its way into my writing. So though the character
may not look or sound like me, we’ll have that shared experience of finding
God’s grace in the midst of difficult circumstance. And particularly now I find
myself written into a main character when I’ve finally started a women’s
fiction medical story. I’ve been a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for
almost 30 years and this is the first time I’ve written a character with my
career and a medical emergency at the center of the story! Somehow I missed
that whole “write what you know” thing!
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
When the kids were small, we would go look at Christmas
lights. We’d load up in the van with a thermos of hot chocolate and drive
around the different areas of town and ooh and ahh at the gorgeous displays. We
were in a very nice subdivision and drove by a house that had many beautiful
lights including a lighted nativity scene, but something had gone terribly
awry! Mary had fallen over and was lying on her side in the grass. (It gets
windy in Kansas !)
I yelled “Stop!” to Kary and hopped out to sneak across the grass to help Mary
out of her distress. The first problem was that the house had a post and rail
fence across the front which I hadn’t noticed. The only way into the front yard
was from the front porch. Not to be deterred, I tiptoed up the driveway, across
the porch and into the yard. I really did have second thoughts at this point
since the people were obviously home, but I was on a mission of mercy! And my
kids and husband were watching my good deed. I’d almost gotten to Mary when I
tripped over an extension cord in the grass and every Christmas light on the
house and in the yard went dark, including poor Mary! I turned and ran! I
jumped the fence and grabbed the van door (which was already rolling) and
climbed in yelling, “Go! Go!” (I really think they were going to leave me!)
Kary had tears rolling down his face from laughing and the kids were sunk down
in their seats trying to be invisible. It has been known forever since as the
night Mom killed Mary!
That is really funny, Kim. When did you first discover that
you were a writer?
Lena, I’ve always written (grocery lists, letters to the
editor, Christmas newsletters, plays for Sunday School) and I’ve always loved
words and books, but I never thought of myself as a writer until about 10 years
ago when I had sort of a mid-life crises. I hate to call it that, but I was in
the middle of my life and I was sort of in a crises! I’d walked the wrong way
for so many years. Followed my own wandering heart instead of the Lord. I’d
come back to the Lord at the age of 33 and He had blessed me with a great life
but I had this nagging feeling that I wasn’t exactly where I would have been if
I hadn’t wandered. I was doing lots of things “for God” but wasn’t sure I was
doing what He wanted me to do, so I began to seek Him asking, “if I’d followed
Your plan, Lord, what would I be doing? Who am I, in You?” and He answered in
that still small voice, but very clearly, that I am a dramatist and a writer
which was interesting since both have been interests of mine but at the time I
wasn’t doing either one. The first step was writing dramatizations that I
perform (first person) of the women who met Jesus. I’ve traveled all over the United States
performing with my ministry, Lamplight Ministry. The passion and purpose of the
ministry is to illuminate Scripture with drama. I’ve always considered myself
more of an essayist than a novelist, but the Lord keeps giving me novel ideas,
so I keep writing them. But I will say, for a long time, I struggled with calling
myself a writer. It seemed so presumptuous at first, but if God says that is
who I am (vs. what I do), then I am a writer.
That's another interesting connection between us, too, Kim. The first thing I wrote after God told me to become a professional writer was a dramatic monologue of "The Woman at the Well," which I've performed for women's groups for years. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Disclaimer: I’ve been known to read the back of the cereal
box if there is nothing else to read! However, I love legal thrillers,
suspense, women’s fiction, and even non-fiction if it is an engaging story. But
for the last year and a half, I’ve facilitated a Christian Fiction reading
group called Mug N Muffin and we read across all genres of Christian Fiction.
To meet the needs of the group (we’re all over the place in what we like to
read), I’ve read all kinds of books I might not have picked up otherwise. It’s
been fun to read historical, romance, western, etc. Books I might not have read
because my reading for pleasure time is limited. I’ve discovered some great
writers that I might have missed. So really….have book, will read!
Kim, if your group ever chooses one of my books for its selection, I'd be happy to either call them during the meeting or Skype them, so they can ask me questions. Of course, for reading groups that are close enough, I'm happy to meet with them. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
It’s tough. I tend to be a high energy person with a lot of
interests. I get in trouble with the “someone shoulds.” Someone should start a
group. Someone should landscape that median. And no one does, so I become the
someone! I have had to learn to say no. Yes, we can do all things through Christ
who gives us strength, but that doesn’t mean we’re supposed to do all things.
As I’ve gotten older and hopefully wiser, I’ve learned that God wants me to do
the things He’s asked me to do. Yes, there are things we all as believers are
to do—pray for people, give to the poor, help the fatherless and the widow and
so we must find the time for those things. But when the day comes that I am
face to face with Jesus, He’ll ask me about the things He has gifted me to do
and asked of me. All the busyness and good works in the world won’t make up
for me not using my gifts. I have a friend that says, “Sometimes we must give
up the good, to get the best.” And that is so true. Keeping my sanity means not
trying to do all things and be all things to all people. Learning to say no, and
taking naps when I can, keeps me sane!
How do you choose your characters’ names?
I love cool names! We have a friend who is a cowboy and his
name is Rio McCoy. Doesn’t he just sound like a cowboy? I keep a little
notebook with me and when I see a sign or hear a name I like, I jot it down.
When I’m trying to name characters, that little notebook is invaluable. I use
baby name books as well as research on the internet for popular names in
certain cultures to make sure the name fits the area and the time.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I’ve got a wonderful godly husband and three really great
kids! When I was getting on Facebook, I was filling out the info page and
trying to figure out what to say. Our daughter, Lauren, was still at home then
and she said, “Just say you’re a really cool mom!” So that is what I put and
that is what I’m most proud of. Definitely imperfect as a parent. Having young
adults instead of children, there are things from when they were growing up I’d
change if I could, but all three kids have turned out to be exceptionally nice
and fun people, so I am proud of that. And Kary and I miss our kids, but we
have a great marriage. We laugh and thank God every day for the life He has
given us.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I’ve been asked this before and should probably think it
through and decide but I don’t know. Boring really, but probably a dog. They
love unconditionally. They forgive without a second thought. They protect those
they love. They are full of joy at the smallest thing like a little spot of
sunshine on the carpet! And if they are like our dogs, they eat really well,
sleep lots, and are well loved.
What is your favorite food?
Oh, my! I really am a foodie, so that is hard to say just
one thing. I love to cook and I love to eat. I love well flavored home cooking
as much as any fabulous 4 star restaurant, so probably my mom’s pot roast
cooked with carrots and potatoes. I make a mean pot roast, but I think my Mom has
a secret ingredient somewhere because hers is the best!
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest
roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
My greatest roadblock with writing is two-fold. One, like
everyone else, is just doing it. Finding the time. Making yourself write when
the words just don’t flow onto the page. I love to write when I’m in the zone.
I hate to write when it is just slogging out the words and trying to get them
on the page. I met with Brandilyn Collins to pray at the ACFW conference in Indianapolis and she
shared that for her, writing is never easy. But she is called to write, so she
writes. Prolifically. That was freeing to me because the enemy of my soul wants
to whisper that if it was of God it would be easy and maybe I’m not really a
writer if it’s not. Secondly, I love words and I talk….a lot! And I love
beautiful sentences and word pictures and imagery. I write naturally like I
talk and that is not the style now. Some people still love and still write very
literary works, but it is a hard publishing journey right now. Everything in
society is microwave--Ding! Ding! Ding! It’s ready! I have had to find ways to
tell the story and put the reader there without a zillion words. I still am
working on that!
Tell us about the featured book.
Ashes to Beauty is an allegory using the Cinderella story and
the beauty for ashes Scriptures in Isaiah 61:1-3 to speak to girls and women
about the love of God for us as women. It is written and illustrated like a
children’s book but the subtitle is, “A Fairytale for Girls of All Ages.” My
husband is an artist and did the illustrations which are so beautiful and add
to the experience of the book. As women, we struggle with our self esteem. We
see air brushed models on the covers of magazines and feel “less than” because
we don’t look like them. As children, we read the fairytales and believe that
Prince Charming will come along and sweep us off our feet and when we get
married we are sure we got Barca-lounger Ken, instead. We are told to forget
happily ever after. There is no Prince Charming and we should just deal with
life as it is. But God says we were made for Him. The Bible says that He sings
over us with love. He calls us His Beloved. In our imperfectness, He loves us
and woos us to Him. The book is a short little story with great Scriptural
depth about seeing ourselves and our lives as He sees them instead of believing
what the world says about us, about life, about love. This was one of those
“words flowing onto the page” writing experiences. I was asked to speak at a
women’s conference and to just pray about my subject. But before the
coordinator hung up, did I have any idea what I might speak about? And out of
my mouth came, “Ashes to Beauty, the real Cinderella story” and I thought, “Okay,
Lord, I don’t know what that means, but we’ll go with it!” Literally, He told
me the story and I wrote it down and He is using it to teach little girls that
He loves them so much and to reteach girls of all ages, that the truth is in
His word, not in the world. I’ve been told by many women that they bought the
book for their little girls but have wept and felt His love in a new way as
they read the book.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Once upon a time (which is how all good stories begin,
unless, of course, they begin “In the beginning”), there was a King who ruled
the Kingdom of Far Away which really wasn’t all that Far Away at all.
The rest of the page has an illustration of pink ballet
slippers, a hair comb, and a necklace.
I can hardly wait to read the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I blog at www.kimzweygardt.com
or you can find me on Face book and Twitter (@kimzzzzzs). Ashes to Beauty is
available on Amazon in print form or for the Kindle and at Barnes and Noble for
the Nook. I love to hear from readers!
Thanks, Lena , for having me
here. I can’t wait to find out who won the book!
And thank you, Kim, for visiting with us today.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Ashes to Beauty: The Real Cinderella Story / A Fairy Tale for Girls of All Ages
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
19 comments:
Thanks for the fun interview, ladies. You find the coolest authors, Lena. Killed Mary? i loved it. The novel looks great, too. Thanks for the giveaway, Lena and Kim
mitzi[underscore]wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com
Arizona
Marianne, it is Brrrr Cold here in Kansas this morning. I'm thinking I need to come visit you in AZ and tell you the story of killing Mary over a cup of coffee! I appreciate Lena finding me in Denver and inviting me to sit with her! She is a precious jewel of a friend and as a writer. Thanks for commenting on the interview! Maybe you'll win the book!
I would love to win. Thank You for the chance. Angela from KY
Kim is such a beautiful lady, inside and out, you can tell just by being around her for a minute. No suprise that you became friends. And my girl would love this book, I'm sure. Didn't know you had one out already!
KS
How wonderful to have an in-home illustrator!
This book sounds wonderful. Please add me for opportunity for drawing.
Missouri
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
I would love to win this book! Always looking for an excuse to read a good book!
jblovez2read at earthlink dot net
North Carolina
That was such a neat fun interview and really enjoyed reading it. How wonderful that your husband does the illustrating for you. I would love to read this book.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
Your heart was in the right place when you went to Mary's aid. I laughed with joy reading this. It was so vivid. ASHES TO BEAUTY looks amazing.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
What a great idea for a book:) Our girls would love to read about ashes to beauty...seems like all us girls of any age could use some encouragement with self esteem:-) The cover is beautiful by the way, Kim!
Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com
I'm still laughing Kim. Actually I could picture this whole scene in my mind. The night you killed Mary and everything else in the path of destruction!!
Your book "Ashes To Beauty" is a must read. I would love to win a copy. If I do, after I read it, I will pass it on to my daughter and I'm sure she will pass it along to my granddaughter who is 9 1/2 years old.
Blessings and Merry Christmas to All!
Judy B in Indiana
This book sounds lie a 'keeper'. I often don't keep books after I read the, but pass them on to others or donate, them, but this sounds like a neat one to hold onto.
Patty in SC
Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
What a wonderful-sounding book! I would love to win it - my daughter needs this message, and as most stubborn children, she doesn't receive it from me!!
edwina(at)edwinacowgill(dot)com
From Georgia
Enjoyed the interview :) Thank you so much, sounds like a lovely book :) Faye from SD.
Hi, Everyone! Sorry I missed connecting with you all yesterday but duty called in the form of lots of surgeries. Everyone is trying to get things done before the holidays, it seems! LOVE reading your comments and glad you enjoyed the interview and the story about Mary. Sounds like some of us are sisters at heart!
Thanks, Melissa for your kind comment about being beautiful inside and out. It is something we all long for and that is the point of Ashes to Beauty. Whether we meet this world's standards of beauty or not, He designed us....our generations and marriages that led to my exact set of genetics! Isn't that a cool thought? And He says I'm beautiful and that is the Voice I need to hear.
LaneHillHouse, it was a fabulous experience to work with my hubby. What I did learn is that I need to be the writer and let him be the artist! lol At first it was a little like the experiences of reading a book, imagining the characters and then the movie comes out and they don't look like you imagined.
Again, thanks, Angela, Jennifer,Jo, Marybelle, Lorna, Judy, Patty, Edwina, Faye,Sharon,and hope I didn't miss anyone else who commented! It is fun to get to know you a little on here (who I don't know already!). I'll be excited to send you the book....whoever it is! Blessings!
Kim
Ooops, I didn't finish my thought about Kary's illustrations....what I had to learn is that I could trust his interpretation of my characters as an artist. Yes, I wrote them and imagined what they'd look like, but he illustrated it as a reader. He read the words and then created the drawings that brought them to life. And readers LOVE his drawings and tell me they are what makes the story, even if they didn't look like I first imagined they would. They are much richer using his artistic talent than if I would have micro-managed them. (Not that I would have! ;0) I realized after I read my comment, I hadn't finished my thought.
please enter me thanks
Live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
What a fun (and entertaining) interview. I'm still giggling.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
Sounds like a fun book. I think the illustrations sound wonderful too.
Beth from Iowa
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