When I heard editor and friend Allison Bottke would be doing a blog tour for her latest novel, One Little Secret, I was happy to join the parade. Back when her first novel, A Stitch in Time came out, one of my book club buddies commented that "Allison could make a phone book exciting to read!" So it's no secret why I was excited to get my hands on One Little Secret.
Her heroine, Ursula, actually first appeared in A Stitch in Time and the star of that book makes a cameo appearance in One Little Secret making it rather like seeing an old friend in a new place. I love the fact that these ladies hold similar memories to me--that we've traveled the same decades. The glam and designer name dropping is still there but if you think this is the same old story, I've got a secret for you--it's not. But before you go rushing off to buy a copy of One Little Secret--and yes, I do recommend you do--first read through this interview with Allison and then go get your copy. You'll be glad you did.
Welcome Allison! Let's get started.
You describe your latest novel, Our Little Secret, and your previous one, A Stitch in Time, as "Boomer-Lit." Would you explain to my readers what you mean by this term and how your novels fit into it?
Typical “chick-lit” is written for a 20-30 year old target market. The protagonist is usually single, and struggling with her faith, career, family, love-life and things young women often struggle with. In my books, I wanted to approach the issues that baby boomers are dealing with, (women born between 1946-1964) things like the empty nest syndrome, aging parents, a change in career, retirement, menopause, and other health issues. I wanted to look at women in the prime of their life who were suddenly stepping out in faith to achieve the dreams of their heart. Women who weren’t afraid to take risks—who had the chutzpah to dare to dream big. That’s how “Boomer-Lit” was born.
What do you do when you aren't writing?
Oh gosh, a ga-zillion things! Currently, I’m doing a lot of packing as we are moving at the end of this month from Minnesota to Texas! However, I love to garden in the warm season (very short here in MN) and reading and going to the movies are BIG favorite pastimes of mine. I could take off for the nearby Cineplex and watch 3 movies, back-to-back with no trouble at all! I’m a movie-holic!
What other creative outlets do you have?
When I have time (make time) I love to scrapbook. I’m also somewhat of a teacher at heart, I love to encourage other writers, and to that end I’ve begun to produce a series of Teleseminars for writers, with bestselling author Randy Ingermanson. Your readers can find out more about these online MP3 workshops here: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/eventsteleseminars.html
When did you realize there was a need for baby boomer fiction?
I read a lot. Especially what is known as “chick-lit.” But the typical “chick-lit” is written for a 20-30 year old target market. The protagonist is usually single, and struggling with her faith, career, family, love-life and things young women often struggle with. In my books, I wanted to approach the issues that baby boomers are dealing with, things like the empty nest syndrome, aging parents, a change in career, retirement, menopause, and other health issues. I wanted to look at women in the prime of their life who were suddenly stepping out in faith to achieve the dreams of their heart. Women who weren’t afraid to take risks—who had the chutzpah to dare to dream big. That’s how “Boomer-Lit” was born.
Are you leaving God Allows U Turns behind to write fiction?
Not at all! I have a passion for sharing the true stories of how God turns people around. In fact, we are currently accepting true short stories for three new volumes in the acclaimed series. Your readers can check out the Writer’s Guidelines here: http://www.allisonbottke.com/writersguidelines.htm My co-editor, Cheryll Hutchings, is collecting the stories and our submission deadline is December 30th.
You've written a lot of books and you're so young! When did you start writing? How long does it take you to write a book start to finish?
Young? God bless you! (Where do I send your check? Ha-Ha) I’m 52 years old! I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil—it’s how I best communicate. However, I was 45 years old when my first book was published—volume one in the God Allows U-Turns series. It takes us about 9 months to compile and edit a volume in the compilation series. It takes me about a year to write a novel. Alas, I’m not very fast.
When you look back at your twenties what do you wish you would have known then that you know now?
I’ve heard it before but it rings very true now…I should never have spent so much time sweating the small stuff! I should have chosen my battles better…and not made mountains out of molehills.
What are your favorite three Christian music artists?
Without a doubt I am a huge fan of Bonnie Keen (from the band First Call.) Bonnie helped me to get all the musical info correct in One Little Secret. I also love Sandy Patti – what a vocal range! And Mark Schultz is amazing, his gift for story telling is amazing.
What blog or website do you try and visit every day?
FOX News and Glen Beck.
Allison, is there anything you’d like to share with readers before you go?
I encourage your readers to tell me what they think about One Little Secret. I really do want to hear reader feedback. I’m working on my next novel to release in summer of 2009 and I take to heart reader comments. They can reach me here: AB@AllisonBottke.com and please, I’d love to invite everyone to participate in the Hollywood Casting Call Contest where a lucky winner can win an all expense paid trip to Hollywood! Visit my web site and select the actors and actresses you think would make the best lead characters in One Little Secret! Check it out here: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/bookcontests.html
And …we have a monthly newsletter that we call a “Dream-Zine,” I’d love to invite your readers to subscribe:
http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/dreamzine.html
And one final thing, we have a co-authored blog with six best selling authors blogging each and every day – BOOMER BABES WITH BRILLIANT DREAMS: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/blog/ I think that’s it – thanks for having me!
My pleasure! And now you can go get your copy of One Little Secret--and feel free to share!
Abundant blessings!
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