Great Interview with Author Gayle Larson Schuck
Gayle Larson Schuck is a native of North Dakota. She worked in public relations and development as a prelude to a career in writing. Her books include, By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek and Secrets of the Dark Closet. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and local writing groups, Gayle can often be found at the Bismarck Public Library. She has led Bible studies for over thirty years, and enjoys reading, gardening, and adventures with her family.
Dear Readers, You can find Gayle on her author page.
Tell readers a few things about yourself.
I spent twenty-eight years writing news releases, newsletters, speeches, you name it. All that time I was also writing on my own. One day, I picked up a manuscript that had been in a drawer for ten years. It made me laugh and cry, and I decided to get serious about publishing. Also, I’m a wife, mom, and grandmother who reads three or four books at a time, gardens, likes to go on nature kikes and loves pretty china. In other words, I’m normal, except…I write.
Did you always want to write?
Yes! My sister game me a five-year diary when I was about nine. That started me on a life-long journey of regularly recording my thoughts. I love reading, writing, and research.
Amber’s Choice
What book are you currently working on or just released?
My third novel, Amber’s Choice, was just released in July. It’s based at Cottonwood Creek, where marriage is in style, families are strong, and the lonely find friendship. Amber McLean’s calling and greatest desire is to return to Cottonwood Creek and Kelly Jorgenson, the man she loves. But will her fast-track career and family obligations force her to decide between her calling and her career? It’s a sequel to my first book, By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek. Also, I have a historical novel out called Secrets of the Dark Closet.
Do you write in silence or with background noise/music?
Generally, I need silence. However, in spite of liking contemporary Christian music, it’s been old hymns, such as This is My Father’s World and Be Still My Soul that have given me breathless moments of inspiration at decisive times when writing.
Where do you get your inspiration to write?
I am a prairie girl at heart and I look forward to quiet times when God can speak to my heart. I just found a wooded area a few miles from my home that I expect to become my secret place to spend time with the Lord.
At the end of the day, the Bible is my book of choice and biggest inspiration. My blue-covered copy is underlined, filled with scraps of paper and showing signs of hinge fatigue. Each underlined verse is an “a-ha” moment that makes me want to seize the nearest person and say, “Look at this!”
By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek
What do you want your readers to take away from your books/writinig?
In By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek and Amber’s Choice, the characters face real life issues, such as tragic death, sexual harassment, and pressure from society. They are trying to live out their Christian faith through it all. I hope the stories encourage readers to remain strong in their faith.
One last question …What advice do you have for young writers?
Read in the genre in which you want to write. Also, write regularly. Keep a journal, write for the school newspaper, take writing classes, and reach out to other writers. With those “writes” you can’t go wrong.
I had a blast with the interview by author Gayle Larson Schuck. I hope you enjoyed getting to know the author and will venture out to purchase her books.
You can find other great author interviews on the Monday Morning Author Interview Blog
