Gail Ward Olmsted Interview Published on: 10, Aug 2021
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
When I was quite young, I wanted to work for a toy company like Mattel and create toys, dolls and games that kids would love. I envisioned myself traveling the world and asking children what they wanted to play with. So I guess I wanted to work in marketing, even as a kid. I have been involved in marketing my entire adult life- studying it, working in the field and teaching it at the college level. I love studying consumer behavior and the impact of advertising and social media. It never gets old!
What was your biggest dream as a child? Did it ever come true?My family life growing up was fairly dysfunctional and chaotic, despite the best efforts of my wonderful mother. I wanted to create a more stable and harmonious life for myself and thanks to an amazing husband, two great kids and some terrific friends, that is what I did!
What made you realize that you wanted to be a writer?My oldest friend swears that as a teenager, I said that I would write a book someday. I don’t remember that, but her memory is probably better than mine. It wasn’t until many years later when a family trip to Sedona, Az inspired me to write 'Jeep Tour'. The sheer beauty of the place combined with the fact that everyone we met seemed to be embarking on a second career or lifestyle, a do-over of sorts. I got to thinking that if you wanted to make a fresh start, Sedona would be the place to do it. I was a college professor at the time and I started picturing this woman, recently divorced who loses her bid at tenure and decides, on a whim, to reconnect with a sexy tour guide who lives there. The main character, Jackie Sullivan and I share many of the same quirks and personality traits, but I did earn tenure and have been happily married for 37 years!
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?I was always an avid reader, but the first ‘big book’ I recall reading was 'Gone with the Wind'. I loved it and still do. Well-written historical fiction inspires me to learn more about the people and events that shaped us, with themes still relevant today.
Why did you decide to put your latest novel, 'Landscape of a Marriage' for pre-order?That was a decision made by my publisher- Black Rose Writing. 'Landscape of a Marriage' is my 5th book, the first with BRW. I see pros and cons of pre-orders, but in this case, it appears to have been a wise decision.
How did you come up with the plot of your book, Guessing at Normal?'Guessing at Normal’ (my favorite of my 5) is very loosely based on my years as a front desk clerk at a motel while I was a college student. I sat behind the desk and watched the world go by as I stressed over finances, tuition bills and my love life. One day, the late (great) Dan Fogelberg was on tour and he and his crew checked into the motel for a few days. He was charming and sweet and even then, I could tell he would hit it big! Unlike the character in 'Guessing at Normal', our flirtation did not result in me chucking everything to go on tour with him. 'Guessing at Normal' represents that ‘alternate universe’, the big “What If?'
Who inspired the character of Jill Griffin in "Second Guessing”?Jill was the desk clerk turned songwriter who joins 'up and coming' rocker James Sheridan on tour in 'Guessing at Normal'. Their love story had lots of twists and turns and I wanted to give Jill a second chance at happiness with ’Second Guessing’. This time her love interest is Ben Fein, a boyband refugee who embarks on solo career. He hires Jill to write some songs for him and sparks fly, despite their age difference- he’s 28 and she’s 42. Also, Jill’s teenaged daughter used to have posters of Ben on her wall and now, he’s dating her mom. Awkward!!
What kind of music do you listen to while writing?I listen to wide array of music, mostly classic rock and alternative rock. My favorites are REM, the Eagles, John Mellencamp and the Rolling Stones and I love female artists like Alanis Morrisette, Sinead O’Connor and Dolores O’Riordan. My daughter got me listening to Taylor Swift and I enjoy her music as well.
What do you read as inspirations for your writings?Great writing inspires me and I read a lot of historical fiction, mysteries and contemporary romance. My favorite authors are Dennis Lehane, Stephen King, Michael Connelly and Elin Hilderbrand. My favorite book of all time is Trinity, by Leon Uris
Criticism, whether constructive or otherwise is part and parcel of any art form. How do you deal with reviews of your books- both positive and negative?I adore the positive and even neutral reviews when the reader references something that I wanted to communicate. One reader stated that she was furious with Jackie Sullivan, the main character in 'Jeep Tour' for something she did. I was thrilled that I was able to elicit such strong emotion. The negative reviews go with the territory but I really hate when it starts with, ‘I don’t normally read this genre.” I want to say - 'then don’t read it', but of course, you can’t engage that way.
Do you prefer writing on a notepad first or you directly start writing on your computer?I compose directly on my MacBook Air but rely on hand-written notes to scribble research questions and create timelines.
What is the best writing tip you ever received and who gave it to you?I don’t know who specifically gave me this tip, but from my own experience, it would be to hire an editor. Find someone you can work with, pay them fairly and learn from their advice. You can’t be your own editor and you shouldn’t rely on friends and beta readers. Invest in your work and create the best product that you possibly can.
Who designs your book covers? Have you participated in the Cover of the Month contest organized by AllAuthor?Shout out to Deb from Tug Boat Designs. She re-designed the covers for my first four books and is a delight to work with. For 'Landscape of a Marriage', BRW’s David King utilized a photo that my son Conor took of the Gapstow Bridge in Central Park last fall and turned it into a beautiful cover. I frequently vote in AllAuthor’s Covers of the Month, but resist the need to seek votes on my own. Maybe next month…
Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?I have two projects I am working on.The first is contemporary featuring a disgraced former Assistant State’s Attorney who is attempting a career comeback. I hope to have it ready to publish early next year. The recurring theme that I can’t seem to escape is second chances, fresh starts and happy ever afters. The second is historical, featuring a real life power couple from the early part of the 20th century. Currently it is a collection of articles and hand-written notes. Stay tuned for more!!
What do you like the most about AllAuthor?I really enjoy the closeness and support of the writing community that AllAuthor has created as well as the ability to design great graphics with ease.
