Today, we’re visiting with a multi-talented writer, Gay Ingram. She wr
ites fiction and non-fiction. Her non-fiction works include self-help books and books on improving your writing skills. Let’s start with her latest book, a historical novel. Tells us a little about it, Gay.
GAY: Twist of Fate was released about this time last year. It’s set on the American Frontier in the 1700’s. The story follows Audelia, who when yet a child, is taken as coup by Indians. She’s adopted and raised by the Chief’s wife. When she is rescued as an adult and returned to the white man’s ways, she must struggle to reconcile the two cultures.
JRC: We’ve said you write both fiction and non-fiction. Which do you prefer, and why?
GAY: After giving your question some thought, I have to say both forms of writing give me pleasure and satisfaction. I began my writing career with non-fiction and have numerous articles published. I am especially proud of the series of in-depth articles I wrote for www.homestead.org about herbs. Perhaps because it was herbs that catapulted my writing career.
I also appreciate Writer’s Journal accepting several 
of the articles I submitted to that magazine.
Creating a fictional piece of work, especially something novel-length, brings a different satisfaction. With three novels published besides a collection of short stories, I’m still captivated by the challenge of writing fiction.
I have two completed novels awaiting publication and another that is a work-in-progress.
JRC:. Did any of these books require you to do much research? If so, how did you go about conducting this research?
GAY: Because I chose to place both Twist of Fate and Troubled Time in historical setting, it necessitated extensive research…which I thoroughly enjoy doing, by the way. For instance, in Twist of Fate I needed to research what tribes occupied the territory of my setting at the time I was writing about. I also had to study the lifestyles of those various tribes.
I use the internet for geographical research and also do a lot of reading. The Upshur Library staff has been very helpful in finding reliable research material. One of my aims is to always include a historical figure within the story as a minor character. In Twist of Fate, I incorporated Johnny Appleseed; in Troubled Times, Douglass Frederick makes a cameo appearance.
JRC: Do you make up bios for the characters in your fiction books?
GAY: I don’t. My characters make themselves known to me; one of my novels originated by a character that entered my consciousness. However, eventually the story developed without him. By envisioning them in scenes, watching and listening to them talk and interact with other characters, they slowly reveal themselves to me over time.
JRC: Interesting. So novel writing is a discovery process. Sounds like an interesting way to write, and it should keep you interested to see what is going to happen. And \i guess that means it should do the same thing, only more so, for the reader. Do you belong to a critique group? If so, can you tell us how it works for you?
GAY: Participating in a critique group has been a vital part of my development as a writer. I presently belong to a small group that meets twice a month. By being willing to receive feedback from other writers, writing practices needing correction that escape my awareness are brought to my attention.
My involvement with this group actually motivated me to write my most recently completed novel, Second Time Around. These were new writers who asked me to join them and, since I had nothing needing critiquing at the time, I had to keep writing so I’d have pages to share at the next meeting.
JRC: Nothing like a deadline to get the creative juices flowing. What particular advice would you give a pre-published writer who has just finished a book?
GAY: I would encourage all who have a completed novel to be willing to allow others practicing the craft to read and comment on your work. As a result of the ease in self-publishing, I’ve see manuscripts that I felt were rushed into publication that would have benefitted by time spent in polishing and refining the work. An author should never stop learning the craft and growing more proficient in that acquired knowledge.
JRC: And that’s great advice to end on. Gay has a collection of excellent books which can be found on Amazon by entering “Gay Ingram” in the search box. Whether you need advice on writing, or a good historical novel – or other topics as well – you might find just what you are looking for there. Thanks, Gay, for sharing your views with us. And good luck on your next publication, Second Time Around.
Not only is Gay a wonderful writer, she’s a wonderful person. I haven’t read her novels, but I’ve read her collection of short stories. I keep the book in the car and when I’m waiting in line somewhere and have my grandchildren with me, I whip out the book and read them one of her tales!
Wonderful interviewer…wonderful interviewee.
~Ann
Thanks for sharing this interview, Jim. Very interesting and talented writer, Gay!
A critique group is very important to me, as it is to so many other writers. I’d been without one for the past year and now put together a new group of four, myself included. We’re all published writers, all marketing books, and eager to give and receive comments on our work.
Jim, I enjoyed this interview with Gay. She sounds like someone I need to pick up and read her work. Thanks again for including us in your endeavor in finding writers to expand our horizons in reading. Augie
Thanks for the interview. I’ve never tried my hand at non-fiction, though I would like to try someday. Creating characters is the most fun part of writing for me, or as Gay said, letting the characters become known to me.
I think it’s GREAT to find out about Gay and her written work. I actually did go to Amazon as suggested and have a look-see for myself: even looked at table of contents and then read an excerpt. I get to keep this author’s name in mind next time I’m looking for a good book, whether it be needing help or needing great enjoyment time reading.
I was wondering though, does that character that made himself known, but then didn’t make it into the book, ever come back to haunt or ask for another try in another book?
I wish I could be involved in a face-to-face critique group. I love living in the boonies and beyond, but it does have its limitations. Still… on-line groups are good too! Thanks for the great interview, all interesting stuff.
I live in the boonies. But a 30 mile drive is worth it for a good critique. And of course, you can have a critique group on-line. Maybe I’ll talk about that in the future. They can be quite good – if you get the right people in it. Good luck.
Very interesting interview. I’m glad I stopped in and found out more about Gay. I appreciated your comments about researching and your characters making themselves known to you, in particular. Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed this interview very much, Gay. Great questions, Jim. Gay truly is a talented writer and I look forward to her next book!
Jim, I enjoyed reading about Gay’s writing life. “Multi-talented” is a great way to describe her!
JIm, may I add an addendum to the interview? I recently reprinted Twist of Fate – same story, different cover. Not sure if it’s listed on Amazon yet but anyone interested in an autographed copy can reach me at the above email or website. Thanks.
Gay, I so relate to listening to your characters tell you their story. The tale of ultimately merging aspects of self together in Twist of Fate sounds very appealing. Yet another book for my TBR list, *sigh* Thanks, Jim!