Friday, December 4, 2009

Interview of Rebecca Talley

As you will recall, I posted a review some weeks back for Rebecca Talley's book, Altared Plans. Due to her son's wedding, she was unable to do an interview, but I have had the opportunity to do one now! She's such a lovely lady, I hope you will enjoy getting to know her as I have!

Rebecca, tell us a little about yourself.

I'm happily married to my BYU sweetheart. We live on a small ranch in rural Colorado and are the parents of 10 wildly creative children. I love to eat ice cream and chocolate and dance to disco music.

What kind of journey have you taken as a writer?

I was interested in writing even when I was young. I "wrote" a book in sixth grade. In high school I loved my creative writing class. I wrote a short story in that class that later became the basis for my novel, Heaven Scent. I didn't do much writing for several years after I got married and started having children, though the desire still burned inside. Finally, when I realized babies were going to keep coming to my family, I decided to fit writing into my hectic lifestyle instead of waiting for a perfect time to start writing again. In between caring for newborns, nursing, toddlers, and school-aged children I took classes, read books, and practiced. I wrote some children's stories and had a picture book, Grasshopper Pie, published in 2003. I've also had numerous children's stories published in magazines, including the Friend.

What inspires and motivates you?

My family inspires me and my husband is my biggest cheerleader. He's always been super supportive of my writing and makes me feel like I could accomplish anything. Readers also motivate me when they send me comments. I love to hear that one of my stories has touched someone. It makes all of the time and head-banging worth it : ). Most of all, I love to write.

What brings you down?

When I let my "Debbie Downer" voice whisper in my ear that I'm not a real writer or that I'm wasting my time. It's easy to get discouraged and wonder if my time would be better spent cleaning the house better or folding more clothes or mending the big pile of clothes in my laundry room.

In Altared Plans, what drew you to write Caitlyn’s story? What intrigues you most about her?

Altared Plans is loosely based on my courthsip with my husband. I sprinkled in a few real events, including meeting my future mother-in-law while I was dressed as a clown. I think what intrigues me about Caitlyn is her fascination with planning and how she has to cope when her wedding plans, and, in fact, her life plans, fall apart.

What is your favorite part of being an author?

What I love about being an author is creating a world with people in it that seems so real, at least to me. I love watching a story take shape and experiencing the moment when it all seems right.

Of every book you have ever read, what would you consider your favorite?

I love "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli.

If you could do anything or be anything, what would it be? Why?

I'm doing exactly what I want to do. All I've ever wanted is to have a big, happy family that's sealed in the temple. I love being a wife and mom and watching my children grow and develop in the gospel. I love to see them take their first steps, lose their first teeth, and read their first books. I love to sit around and talk to my kids and listen to their hopes and dreams. I love to laugh with my family and enjoy their company. I love going on dates with my husband, working with the family, and playing together. Being able to publish my novels is definitely icing on the cake. I feel so incredibly blessed.

Can you tell us about any works you have in progress?

I'm currently working on an LDS novel about a woman raising a large family, trying to keep up with her calling, dealing with her anti-Mormon mother, and facing a crisis of her faith.

What is your favorite writing snack?

I snack on whole almonds or granola bars. I also try to drink water while I'm writing.

Rebecca, thank you so much for letting us sit down with you and learn more about you and your book. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Thank you, Rachel, for the interview.

Rebecca Cornish Talley’s book, Altar-ed Plans, is available at http://www.cedarfort.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ . Watch her book trailer here.

6 comments:

Rebecca Talley said...

Thank you, Rachel!!

Anonymous said...

Great interview, Rachel. After reading this I no longer feel there is not time enough to write. Look at Rebecca! Ten kids and a writer, to boot! And such a good writer. You are one amazing person.

Cindy R. Williams said...

Great interview Rebecca and Rachel! We always learn more with each interview. Well done!

Anna del C. Dye said...

Awesome interview. Thanks for letting me know more of Rebecca, she is a great woman. 10 kids. WOW! that is awesome.
Anna del C.
Author of "The Silent Warrior Trilogy"
http://www.annadelc.com

Tina Scott, author, artist said...

Love the review Rachel.

Rachel Harlin said...

Thanks for all the lovely comments! It was fun to get to know Rebecca better! I struggle with 3 girls, I don't know how she does 10 kids! WOW! And she has time for other stuff too. Amazing!