Interview with Kim Vogel Sawyer Author of Courting Miss Amsel
Bestselling, award-winning author Kim Vogel Sawyer wears many hats besides "writer." As a wife, mother, grandmother, and active participant in her church, her life is happily full. But Kim's passion lies in writing stories of hope that encourage her readers to place their lives in God's capable hands. An active speaking ministry assists her with her desire. Kim and her husband make their home on the beautiful plains of Kansas, the setting for many of Kim's novels.
JO: Please tell us a little about yourself.
KIM: I'm married to military-and-recently-retired hubby Don. We are empty-nesters with three adult daughters and eight grandchildren who are the lights of our lives. Currently we pay the mortgage on a house occupied by four cats who endlessly entertain us.
JO: What do you enjoying doing when you're not writing?
KIM: I enjoy quilting, travel, and--when my schedule allows--participating in community theatre.
JO: How did you get involved in writing?
KIM: I'd always loved writing as a child, but I went into elementary education because it seemed like a more secure way to make a living. However, my health deteriorated to the point I could no longer keep up the pace of teaching. God planted me in a computer chair and told me to write for Him. I did, and He swung wide the doors to publication. Of course, that's the nutshell version. I love sharing the entire testimony when I speak to women's groups.
JO: Where do you write? Do you have a dedicated office or a corner or nook in a room?
KIM: Since writing is my full-time job, I have a home office. When I enter my "work space," I go into writing mode. Although I occasionally take my laptop to the porch or somewhere else in the house to write, I am most focused when in my writing office.
JO: Do you always know the title of your books before you write them?
KIM: I generally have a title in mind, but most often the publisher chooses something else.
JO: Please tell us about Courting Miss Amsel.
KIM: Edythe Amsel is a strong-minded, forward-thinking young woman determined to open the world to her students. Unfortunately, the small farming community which has hired her to teach doesn't see much value beyond the rudimentary. Of course, this creates conflict. All of my books are written for an adult, female audience, but the content is suitable for teens and up. I'm also surprised by the number of men who read the stories.
JO: What takeaway value do you hope readers receive after reading this novel?
KIM: The spiritual thread that emerged during the writing (I don't plot) was the importance of leaning on God's strength rather than depending on our own and realizing God has plans beyond our limited ideas. It was a delight to see the characters grow and change throughout the story.
JO: Where did you get the idea for your book?
KIM: I wanted to write a story to applaud teachers for their hard work and dedication to children. So this one was born out of that desire.
JO: Did you need to do any research for this book?
KIM: I did a great deal of research about farming methods during the 1880s in Nebraska (each region tends to be different), about teaching methods (both common and revolutionary), and current events of the day. A little tidbit about Susan B. Anthony visiting Nebraska to discuss women's voting rights took the story in a direction I hadn't foreseen.
JO: How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
KIM: I began writing seriously in 1981, submitting manuscripts to publishers in 1992, and I sold my first books (one to the Heartsong line of Barbour Publishing and two historicals to Bethany House) in March of 2005.
JO: What are you working on now?
KIM: I am researching wagon trains so I'm prepared for my next story, which will be set in 1890s Kansas.
JO: What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
KIM: Read, read, read and write, write, write. Read what is out there to become familiar with current writing trends and write daily to build your skills and develop the habit of productivity.
JO: Please tell our readers where they can get your book.
KIM: Courting Miss Amsel can be purchased at any bookstore (if it isn't on the shelf, it can be ordered) or through any of the online booksellers including www.Christianbook.com.
JO: Where can our readers find you?
KIM: Please feel free to stop by www.KimVogelSawyer.com -- I love visitors!
God bless,
Kim Vogel Sawyer
COURTING MISS AMSEL, Bethany House
JO: Thank you, Kim, for spending time with us in this interesting interview!
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