An Interview with Kathy Galloway

To start this off, why don't you give an idea of what the book is about?

Mirrors of the Soul tell the story of a man who flees to the early American colonies to escape being hanged.  Though he comes to America to hide, he soon discovers that the only true way to overcome your past is to confront it.

Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life?

I grew up in the mountains of Wyoming where we pretty much had to entertain ourselves so reading has always played a big part in my life.  I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t telling stories or getting lost in the stories of others.

Who were your earliest influences and why?

As far as my writing goes, my mother was a huge influence in my life.  From an early age she taught me to use my imagination.  We used to play a game when we worked or traveled where one person would start a story then pass it on to the next person who would continue it for a time and then pass it on to the next person.

What would a typical day be like for a writer?

I’m not sure my days are typical for most writers.  I have two part-time jobs as well as being a writer so I try to balance my day so that I can spend most of every afternoon writing.

How long have you been writing and in what capacities?

Most people write a lot more than they realize.  From the time I learned to write I was writing stories, school papers, letters and speeches.  I wrote for a time for my high school newspaper.  Professionally, I have been writing for about 10 years.

Which is more difficult to write - Fiction or nonfiction and why?

For me, fiction is more difficult because I find I have to put more of my soul into it. 

Has there ever been a time when you wanted to throw in the towel and give up? And if so, how did you defeat those instincts?

Yesterday, today, and probably tomorrow.  Writing is the most challenging and rewarding thing I do. It can also be the most discouraging. Fortunately, the need to write is stronger than the urge to quit. I find if I concentrate on the characters and the story they are trying to tell, I can put the frustration behind me and enjoy the process.

What is the hardest part about being a writer?

Finding the discipline to actually sit down and write every day.  Most writers I know are excellent procrastinators.

Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing?

I’ve always loved learning things, so I tend to have many hobbies that change over time.  Most of them are history oriented.  I enjoy tatting, soap and candle making, hiking, camping and anything that gets me closer to nature.  If there is something one of my characters is interested in I try to learn as much about that thing as possible and it becomes a hobby for a time. In that way, not only can I describe something in a book, but I come to understand my characters better.

Articles and media alike make it sound as though the only way to rise to the top is to sacrifice. What do you find to be good sacrifices?

Writing does require a great deal of sacrifice.  I’ve often thought that there were other occupations that would provide more money and give me more time, but I don’t think any of them would give me as much satisfaction as typing that last period on a first draft of a manuscript.

What question do you get asked more than any other?

How do you come up with story ideas?

What’s the coolest thing a reader has said to you?

That she found wisdom in my writing.  When you write something and turn it loose to readers you have no control over how they will interpret what you’ve said.  To know that something you wrote touched someone in positive way makes the risks you take all worthwhile.

What has been your feedback from readers? What do they say to you about their interpretations of your book?

The feedback I have received on Mirrors of the Soul has been positive.  It never ceases to amaze me to hear what different readers pull from the book.  I’ve had readers ask me how I know so much about issues I wasn’t even thinking about when I was writing.

Do you think that as a writer you are more prone to watching what goes on around you and observing behaviors than most people are?

I have always been content to sit on the sidelines and observe people.  I’m a curious person and people fascinate me.  I believe most writers are that way by nature.

Who are some of the authors you consider to be "don't miss"?

I’m a very eclectic reader.  Some of my favorite authors are Dean Koontz, Elizabeth Peters, Jane Austin and M. M. Kaye.

If one were looking to start his/her own career as a writer, what would you suggest his/her first step to be?

Write from the heart.  Don’t let the market be your sole guide as to what you write.  The best writing, I believe, comes when you are writing what is truly yours to write.  Be brave and bold and put your whole soul into your writing.

What kind of movies do you enjoy?

I like movies with interesting, well-rounded characters, where, when you get to the end of the movie, you feel as if you have suffered and triumphed with them.

What is your favorite city to visit, but one that you wouldn’t want to live in?

Being a country girl I wouldn’t want to live in any city, however I very much enjoyed visiting Seattle.

What’s the best part of being a writer?

Finding out that something you wrote touched someone’s life in a positive way.

What's next?

I’m currently working on a novel about a Virginia infantryman during the civil war.  For more information about upcoming projects and events readers can visit my website at www.kathygalloway.com

Betsie's Literary Page thanks Ms. Galloway for her time and wish her much success with her current book and all future works!