Interview Ginger Simpson
by
Dorothy Bodoin
1) Let’s start by talking about you--where you live, your family, your dreams. In other words, whatever you want to tell us about yourself.
I'm currently visiting with relatives in California, waiting to move to Arizona. I'm hoping this will be the very last move I ever have to make, but I thought the move to Tennessee was that. Oh well, life is a test, and as my sister says, "Just give me an F and move on."
Although I retired a few years back, the current economy and the fallacy that one might be able to do more than have a happy meal on their royalty check have led me to seeking yet another job. One of these days I seriously hope to finish one of my five works-in-progress. My dream is still to be published by Harlequin, but, as the magic eight ball says, "doesn't look too promising." *laughing out loud*
2) I remember reading that White Heart, Lakota Spirit is a sequel to Prairie Peace. If so, did you plan to write a sequel originally? Is White Heart, Lakota Spirit going to be a series?
White Heart, Lakota Spirit is a stand alone novel, but because so many readers wrote requesting that I continue the story, "voile." It helps if you read Prairie Peace first, but it isn't required.
3) Where did you get the idea for White Heart, Lakota Spirit?
In planning a continuation of Prairie Peace, I utilized a few of my favorite characters, added a new "white captive" and just went where they led me.
4) Do you research your Sioux background on the Internet, in books, on the scene? Did you visit the area where your book is set?
I wish I could visit the book's geographic setting, but unfortunately I had to rely on the Internet and books on Sioux history. I've always had a fascination with American Indian history so this was a great opportunity to combine that with my other love, writing.
5) The title suggests your heroine’s conflict and hints at a theme as well. What is the underlying idea of your book, in a sentence?
Wow... in one sentence... I'd have to say to give an example that you can get past conflict, hatred and desolation and find love and happiness. Egad, that's deep!
6) Writing period fiction presents a unique set of problems. What do you find the most challenging aspect of setting a story in another era?
I learned a lot from the editing process of my last two books. A problem I've had in the past is lapsing back to language that isn't pertinent to the era. An example would be referring to "children" as "kids." It's amazing how something so slight can be detected and put your credibility as a historical writer on the line.
7) How difficult is it to write from the point of view of a nineteenth century heroine?
Not at all. I think I was one, once! I love the era and my mind just visualizes my surroundings as my fingers fly on the keyboard. Unfortunately, sometimes they fly too fast and give my editor job security. *smile*
8) Assuming you wrote from the hero’s point of view, and assuming he was an Indian, was this equally difficult?
I guess my imagination has no gender barriers. I really hadn't even given thought to that until you asked, but no!
9) In your opinion, what are the advantages of being a writer? Is there any downside?
The advantages are numerous. One of the best for me is escaping my own stress and dealing with it through characters in my book. It's therapeutic. The downside is finding a good balance between family, work and the computer.
10) Do you have a certain writing schedule?
I used to try to find at least a couple of hours during the day but with all the relocations and turmoil in my life this past year, my writing schedule has flown out the window. Right now I'm struggling to get it back. I have several works-in-progress and already contracted for one that isn't finished, so I've got my task cut out for me.
11) From the idea to the finished product, approximately how long did it take you to write White Heart, Lakota Spirit?
It took me about six months to complete, but that was in an environment that was conducive to writing. I want to find that again. *smile*
12) What other stories or books have you written?
Besides Prairie Peace and White Heart, Lakota Spirit, I have written Sisters in Time, also available from Wings. Beside Myself, a Romantic "who dunnit" is available from Writer's Exchange. I have Bonded by Blood, Red Sash, Paging Dr. Jones and Contessa's Assets (novellas), available from Romance at Heart and Eshelon, Life Is A Bowl of Toilets And I Clean Them (humorous) from Publish America and my debut and swan song erotica, Searchers can be found at Creek Press. Life Is A Bowl Of Toilets And I Feel Flush is coming shortly. Information about each of them can be found on my web site.
13) Do you have a favorite? If so, what makes this favorite special to you?
They are all favorites for different reasons. I love the humorous works because I'm a closet comedienne and this gives me a chance to make people laugh without a live audience.
14) Did you ever attend any conferences?
So far, I've only been able to attend one and that was the RT conference two years ago. I loved it and hope to go again. It's a wonderful opportunity to network, get promo ideas and meet people with whom you've corresponded on-line.
15) Do you have any special plans to promote White Heart, Lakota Spirit?
I have a newsletter fan base of 400, so that will be a good start. I use a teaser in my signature line for months before the release, hoping that will instill some interest. I also utilize the loops and Jewel Stone's newsletter that goes out to over 1500 readers. Her newsletter alone spiked sales in my last book and has been instrumental in increasing my membership.
16) Do you have a website where you readers can find out more about you and your work?
17) Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself, your books, or your future plans?
I think I've about covered everything. I really want to thank the readers who continually buy my books and ask for more! They are the driving force that keeps me yearning to finish what I've started and find new ideas for future works. And... thanks again Dorothy for providing me the opportunity to share some of "me."