Day 2 With Ann Shorey

Welcome back, Ann! We'll pick up where we left off yesterday...

Historical fiction requires a lot of research. What’s the most interesting (or unusual, or funny) thing you’ve done in the name of research for a book?

The first research trip my husband and I took from our home in Oregon to Illinois and Missouri involved finding a cemetery—in a town that no longer exists—where my great-great grandparents are buried. (As I mention in response to another question, my ancestors’ history finds its way into all my novels.)

Thanks to helpful strangers in a tiny nearby community, we were given directions that took us along narrow country roads to a small but neatly-tended cemetery in the middle of flat farmland. I used the layout of the headstones in a scene in The Promise of Morning, the second book in the At Home in Beldon Grove series.

Are you a full-time writer or do you hold a day job? What is the biggest challenge/obstacle you face in protecting your writing time?

I’m fortunate enough to be able to write full time. I wish that meant I could actually write full time! My biggest obstacle is fielding interruptions and trying to fit household chores into my days.

What is the biggest misconception the general public has about authors?

I think many people believe authors can sit down and just let the words flow—like we have the whole story in our heads, perfectly formed, waiting to hit the page. People don’t realize  the many hours spent rewriting to get the words just right.

What are one or two of the most interesting things you’ve learned while researching a novel?

The things I’ve found most fascinating are medical tidbits. In all of my books there are scenes or issues regarding doctors and/or medical treatments. In When the Heart Heals, I’ve brought that interest to the forefront. So many illnesses that are easily cured today were fatal in the 19^th century. I have some very old books written by doctors of the time, and some of their advice is scary, knowing what we know now.

When starting a new project, do you tend to begin with a time period or event and create the characters to live it, or do you start with characters and then find their story?

I start with a basic story idea, then create the characters. In the Sisters at Heart series, my hope was to write stories celebrating the importance of friendships between women. The heroines in these novels are supportive of one another, and although each book features a separate heroine, their lives continue to be intertwined.

Additionally, my novels all contain nuggets of my own ancestor’s history. I set the Sisters at Heart series in a fictional town in Missouri immediately following the War Between the States because my great-grandparents were married in 1867, and their wedding journey consisted of a move from Illinois to Missouri.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Persevere! Attend conferences, take all the classes you can, and learn the craft. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts.

Any final words?

I love hearing from readers! I spend a lot of time alone in front of my computer, and having a reader contact me about one of my books makes my day. I always respond to comments and questions. One thing I especially appreciate is when a reader suggests a book I might enjoy—I’ve gained new favorite authors from reader recommendations.

Thank you for inviting me to Novel PASTtimes!

The pleasure has been hours, Ann. We have so enjoyed this delightful interview!

To qualify to be in the drawing to win Ann Shorey's new release, When the Heart Heals, be sure to leave a comment with your e-mail address and answer this question from Ann:

Since historical fiction is the focus for this blog, when you choose a novel to read, which time period is your favorite?  

Thanks so much for visiting Novel PASTimes!