Kit Wilkinson Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. So, I’m a single mom, a full-time teacher, and an author. (Sounds like an eHarmony ad 😉

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A. Hmmm. I think I was in college when I first realized I enjoyed writing. I had a fabulous professor who was most encouraging. But it wasn’t until I was much older that I thought seriously about writing a novel. A few years ago, I was teaching and a mom to one of my students just happened to be a NYT Best Selling author of Historical Romance (Cathy Maxwell). She encouraged me to just sit down and write. And so, that is what I did and here I am.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A. I was a contest-junkie. The RWA Golden Heart was my big break. My first title, Protector’s Honor, won for best romantic inspirational manuscript back in 2008 and was published by Love Inspired Suspense in 2009. I’ve had one book out each year since.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release PLAIN SECRETS?

A: Plain Secrets is a prodigal son type story set in an Amish community. Eli Miller returns to his roots to solve the brutal murder of a young girl. Aside from dodging some dangerous people, Eli must deal with an old flame and try to make amends with his Amish family.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for PLAIN SECRETS?

A: I wanted to write a story about self-sacrifice, about people willing to let go of the ones they love because they want that person’s happiness more than their own.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: I would love for readers to feel the sense of community that belongs to the Amish. In our world, we tend to think about ourselves first. We want to be seen, appreciated, sought after as an individual. The Amish do not want to stand out or be praised and noticed. They try to make decisions based on how it will affect others.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: My favorite scene would have to be the rescue at the end of the book. There’s lots of action and all of the characters have to really think on their feet.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A. Writing is a bit of an escape for me. My down time. My alone time. I also love the feeling of creating and completing a project. I like the sense of accomplishment.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: Having many friends in publishing, I think I came into the whole thing with a fairly good sense of the industry. But I am still sometimes surprised at how long things take from beginning to end. Nothing happens very quickly in publishing.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: Network as much as possible. Find a mentor. Go to conferences. Ask questions and be flexible. Consider criticism. And don’t be in a hurry. Good writing takes time and that is what sells. Not fast writing.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A. I have three projects that I’m ironing out to send to my agent—all romantic suspense. One involves a secondary character from Plain Secrets.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A. I ride horses, take walks, chauffer my kids around. I spend a lot of time with my family and close friends—we have a good time together, lots of laughter. I love to travel.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A. I’m at www.kitwilkinson.com. I’m on Facebook and Twitter@kit_wilkinson

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A. Never stop learning. Read. Try new things. Meet new people. Make a difference to at least one person everyday. Be happy with what you have and appreciate it. Love.