Please welcome Kristy Woodson Harvey as my Wednesday’s guest today. She is the author of Dear Carolina the wonderful book I reviewed last Sunday. Kristy strikes me as a person who might enjoy a nice cup of tea with something a little sweet, so let’s all join her as we read along. Anyone have cookies to share?
Kristy, thanks so much for agreeing to the interview. To start off, give the readers a short intro to who you are and what you write. Hi, everyone! Thank you so much for having me today, Maryann. I’m so excited to be here with you and your readers. I’m a mom, wife and design blogger in North Carolina. Dear Carolina, which is Southern women’s fiction, is my debut novel.
Telling this story from two points of view was quite interesting to read. Was it hard for you to write the story that way? Actually, I don’t think I could have written it any other way. The idea for the story came to me all at once, and both of these characters voices were right there in that moment. I loved telling the story from both of their viewpoints and thought it created a richer experience.
Where did the story idea come from? My son was a few days old, and I was realized how amazing and strong our bond was. I asked myself in that moment what would have to happen for a woman to be able to give up her child. And the story unraveled from there.
What nugget of wisdom do you hope people will take away from your book? I hope that people will come away knowing that “family” is whomever you choose to have in your life, no matter how you get that way!
If you could go back in time, what one thing would you change about yourself? I would realize a little sooner that everything really does happen for a reason and that it all adds up to something amazing.
If you could go through a wormhole, would you go into the future, the past, or stay right here? Why? I’d stay right here! I’m in such a happy place in my life with a wonderful family and friends and my dream of becoming a published author coming true. I’ll be thirty in a few months, and I feel like I’m in the perfect place in my life and that everything that happened before this was leading up to where I am now.
Have you always wanted to be a writer, or have you come to writing after another career? What was that career? I have always wanted to be a writer, but I never thought I’d be an author. I went to journalism school and have a Master’s in English, but my job before this was actually in finance of all things! It was a great job, and I think it gave me the confidence to chase this dream.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I’ve always been interested in Egyptian history, but, as of yet, I haven’t gotten to go there. I think the pyramids and art are completely fascinating. I hope to visit one day!
What gives you the most pleasure in writing? I’m a very go-go-go type of person, and writing is my spot of calm in the chaos. I love getting to bring characters to life on the page and see how they act in certain situations. It’s so fun! I actually don’t feel quite like myself when I’m not working on a novel.
Where do your stories begin? With character or plot? Character, always! I write my books in chunks, as they come to me and them put them together in some semblance of an order. It makes for some interesting chronology! But I think it’s hard to truly know what the plot will be until you get to know the characters.
What do you like best about where you live? I think the thing I’ve liked best about every place I’ve ever lived is the people. Kinston, the town where I live now, where Dear Carolina is set, has amazing people. I also love being surrounded by organic farms and getting to get my food straight from the ground. It’s so wonderful!
What else would you like to say to the people who will read the blog post? Thank you so much for allowing me to be here today. I put so much of my heart into Dear Carolina and sharing it with all of you is an incredible privilege. If you get a chance to pick up a copy, I hope sincerely that you enjoy it.
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Kristy Woodson Harvey blogs at Design Chic about how creating a beautiful home can be the catalyst for creating a beautiful life and loves connecting with readers at kristywoodsonharvey.com. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism and holds a Master’s in English from East Carolina University. She is a regular contributor for The Salisbury Post, Domino magazine and Houzz. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three-year-old son.
Dear Carolina is available at the following retailers:
BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND | BOOKS A MILLION | AMAZON | POWELLS | TARGET | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY | KOBO
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