So often the author interviews the heroine of their upcoming novel.
Not this time.
Ginnifer Goodwin: the inspiration for Kendall Haynes of Catch a Falling Star
Just because I’m imaginary doesn’t mean I can’t hijack this blog!
Kendall, it’s my blog.
True, but Catch a Falling Star opens on my less-than-happy birthday. Have you ever wanted to skip a birthday?
Everybody wants to skip a birthday at some point in their lives.
You’re being vague—be specific.
Well, turning 40 didn’t bother me, but for some reason, the thought of turning 41 did. And then I ended up “celebrating” that birthday finding out I was pregnant. The mother of three teenagers—and pregnant!
Whoa! How’d you celebrate?
By laying over the side of the bed and holding onto a bucket. Can you say all-day morning sickness?
Couldn’t your doctor help you with that?
I’m married to a doctor, Kendall—
I know. That’s why I’m a family physician, right?
Why waste real life experience and 24-hour access to my “expert” whenever I had questions?
Is my practice, Rocky Mountain Family Practice, similar to your husband’s practice?
A view out of Kendall’s loft
My husband is a solo family physician in Colorado, just like you are in Catch a Falling Star. But he doesn’t live in a loft above his office. That was a bit of creativity on my part.
I love my loft. And my waveless pool. Thanks for those.
You’re welcome. It’s fun to spend imaginary money when I write a novel. The overall design of your office reflects my husband’s office—and your staff prays before the workday begins, just like my husband’s staff does.
Can we talk about why you made me 36 years old? I mean, couldn’t I have been a sweet young twenty-something?
If you were twenty-something, Kendall, you’d still be in medical school, which changes the entire plot of Catch a Falling Star. And besides, how believable would it be if you were a 21- or 22-year-old lamenting how life hasn’t turned out the way you planned?
Good points.
But, more importantly, I wanted you to be 36 because older women—
Hey!
Ahem. Women in their 30s and 40s—and older—fall in love. And I wanted to write a romance about one of those women.
Couldn’t the romance have been a little less complicated?
Is romance ever not complicated, Kendall?
Not for me.
Exactly.
Was there one thing you wanted readers to learn from Catch a Falling Star?
Releases May 7, 2013 (Howard Books)
Did you learn anything?
Lots of things—but the one thing I’ll share here is that love is worth the wait. Gosh, that sounds so clichéd. How about the guy who looks all wrong for you just may be Mr. Right? Or it’s best to hold onto dreams loosely . . .
You’re full of wisdom, aren’t you?
Did I learn what you wanted me to learn?
Sometimes I was as surprised by what you learned as you were.
What? I thought you had the story all planned out.
I did. But plans—both in real life and in fiction—change.
They do, indeed. And I’m good with that.
Is there anything you’d like to ask Kendall — or me — as we get “behind the book?” More interviews by imaginary characters & other “Behind the Book” glimpses of Catch a Falling Star to come!
Comments 28
Love this!!
And love THIS: “Women in their 30s and 40s—and older—fall in love. ”
Yes, they do!! Thank you for writing a character over 23! Not that there’s anything wrong with being 23. But anyone over 23 isn’t…23.
Welllllll, hello Pulitzer, just for that comment alone.
Author
🙂
And characters in their 30s and 40s re-fall in love … but that’s another novel …
Sounds good to me.
Is one of them, like, HAWT? And tall? With long black hair?
Or am I so self absorbed that you were talking about your own stuff?
You CRACK ME UP, girl.
Sooooo, that’s a polite way of saying “Yes, Jennifer, I was thinking of my OWN work.”
Which means, YAY, you’re working on another novel!!
What an interesting interview. Love it! And I love that your heroine is in her 30s. Can’t wait to read Catch a Falling Star!
Author
Thanks, Pat.
And, as I’ve said, I’m looking forward to your novel too.
I am on the last page of the first run-through of edits. Whew. Now to send it to my Kindle and go through it again. And again until next Tuesday. lol
I love this and where your imagination goes. (What an interesting “nation” to live in.) I’m so glad I pre-ordered (except I still want your autograph) and as of today will start counting the days.
Author
Dee,
You made me laugh with your “nation” comment!
Welcome home!
What creativity. I felt very teased to buy this book. Loved how you got the juices flowing. Keep on this path.
Author
Kathy:
I hope you felt teased right into pre-orderng. 🙂
And yes, other characters commandeered this blog. Stay tuned.
I love this interview! Not just the good conversation, but, floating just beneath the surface, the work of a writer who truly knows her characters. This is inspiration I can carry with me.
Author
Edie:
You know how much I admire you as a writer, so thanks for the encouragement!
LOVE the perspective of this! You are so creative!
Author
🙂
<3
So cute! You’ve wet my taste buds…I’m ready to read it!
Author
🙂
Absolutely loved this Beth! Lots of fun to read. Looking forward to the book.
I must be so out of touch but I love the photo of Ginnifer with short hair. It seems a perfect match for the feisty and fun character that interviewed you!
Jodi
Author
Glad you enjoyed the interview, Jod!
Awesome! What a fun interview! I will have to picture Kendall as Ginnifer Goodwin now. 🙂
Author
🙂 I had fun with Kendall — even if she did hijack my blog!
Great idea for an interview! I can’t wait to read your book–already on pre-order.
Oh my. Oh my this is good! Very good.
This book is a must read for me this year.
Thank you for sharing, Beth. How have you been doing? (By the way, I don’t know if you saw my tweet?)
Just wanted to wave hello! Bless you, Beth! It’s been a while…
Fun, fun interview! Loved getting to know Kendall a bit here. Can’t wait to hold a copy of Catch a Falling Star in my hands!
You “snuck” in a blog post that I didn’t see, and it’s a character interview no less! I’m so glad I got to read it today. I am soooo looking forward to getting to know Kendall better. I heard your voice, and loved it. 🙂
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