The Ghosted Bridge -- Give-away

I am so excited to introduce two amazing ladies.  One is the author, Kristy Abbott,

 and one is the illustrator, Danusia Keusder, of the book you see on the right hand 

side of my blog.

They are sisters-in-law and  have made their families their number one priority, but are now spreading their wings and discovering new possibilities for their lives.  I first met Kristy at a USC football game tailgate party.  Several of us were planning a day-long 

hike on San Jacinto mountain.  I remember extending the invitation for Kristy to join us, but she declined, laughing that her brother was way too competitive and he would take 

the fun out of the experience.  

While the rest of us turned our attention to the challenge of hiking San Jacinto,

Kristy was focusing her attention on her most recent accomplishment, 

publishing her first novel.  You can go to her website http://kristyabbott.com/ 
to learn more about the compelling ghost story set against the backdrop of 
mystical Sedona, Arizona and Minnesota's I-35W Bridge collapse on 
August 1, 2007.

Kristy has a passion for helping others who are interested in publishing a book.  On

her website, she asks, "if you are a new writer (or you are thinking

about taking the plunge) or if you've ever wondered what it's like to be a first time

novelist in today's dynamic world of publishing, follow Kristy's blog "Writers Say So."

Kristy has graciously agreed to let me interview her and offer a copy of her book for two 

lucky readers just in time for the Holidays.  I seriously could not put the book down and 

was totally moved to tears through certain parts.

1.  When did you know you wanted to write a book?

I've always wanted to be a writer.  I wrote my first story in the second grade about a girl desperately wanting a horse--that turned out to be a driving theme in my life.  I ended up moving from Newport Beach to a hobby farm in Minnesota where I bought horses off of the track and retrained them, as well as breeding a baby of my own.

I've always been fascinated with the magic of someone having a specific talent and then miraculously being able to connect--for example, a young child who learns violin (as so many do) and then becomes a professional violinist.  I am lucky that I've always been connected with this gift

2.  What was your inspiration?

Writing this book was a cathartic experience that helped me work through issues in my own life.  There is nothing like creating a character and watching them live their lives and realizing that the things that bother you most about them are the things most present in you at the time.

3.  What is your background and how did you switch to writing?

I've been a writer in some form or another all my professional life, whether in public relations, consulting or philanthropic work.

4.  What did you love about writing and getting published?

Ever since I was young I had a dream to write a book and see it in a book store.  You can't imagine the surreal experience of walking into a Barnes & Noble and seeing your book on the shelf!  This whole journey has also boosted my confidence so much.  I know that I can really do anything I set my mind to.

5.  Did you ever have to fight the demons of self-doubt?

The demons of self-doubt are always flitting about.  I don't think anyone hasn't had to brush them away every now and then.  The process of pitching one's book and hoping that someone will find it worthwhile is really difficult.  However, I have learned that rejections may not be based on the quality of the writing but rather on who the reader is checking out your work.  My #1 piece of advice to writers pitching projects--know the audience of the person you are trying to sway and determine whether your product is going to help their bottom line--because publishing is a business, after all.

6.  What were the major challenges you found along the way?

A.  Time Discipline--I was very streaky writing the book.  Sometimes I'd go for days without touching the keyboard and I'd have to read back to remember where I was in the story.

B.  Plot Continuity--I didn't outline the book specifically before beginning.  The process was an organic one.  Because of that, I had to go back many times to make sure the events flowed well and moved the story forward.

C.  Character Development--Even though I knew those characters well in my head, I had to make sure readers could see them clearly, too.  It's similar to when you are recounting a great story to a friend and you struggle to give them the right picture so they can appreciate your experience.

D.  Confidence--The question of confidence I think is directly related to why one writes.  I have an inherent need to tell stories that inspire other people.  My main goal comes from this place inside.  It never was to get published first.  I think if you write from your personal writer's voice, you'll have more confidence because your success is not based on the outcome of your work.  Your reward is the work itself.

7.  What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

If you intend to become an "author" you should realize it's different from being a writer.  Because when you are published your work becomes a product and you have to morph from artist to promoter.  This is very difficult for many writers because they may not naturally be promoters.  They may be introverts who enjoy the solitary craft of creating.   Marketing and selling your book is definitely NOT for the faint of heart.

8.  Do you have another book planned?

I have a children's picture book due out in March 2014.  Finding Home is the heartwarming story of a homeless cat searching for a name and a forever family.  I was blessed to have my sister-in-law Danusia Keusder create stunningly beautiful illustrations.  She also painted the cover of "The Ghosted Bridge."

I'm trying to rustle up a screenplay for The Ghosted Bridge and I'm researching my next novel, set amidst the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry in Minnesota.

9.  What does your family think about you publishing your first book?

My family has been incredibly supportive.  Both my boys read the manuscript in process and gave me such positive feedback!  My husband has been my manager and chief cheerleader.  My sis-in-law Danusia has held my hand throughout the whole process and the rest of my family has provided endless love and encouragement, for which I am so thankful!

10.  Who has been your biggest supporter in this journey?

To be honest, one of the biggest supporters of the book is my protagonist Madison Morgan herself.  She is an actual psychic in Sedona, Arizona, and I really met her in 2007.  I was so entranced with her as a character that I wrote a short character piece imagining what her life was like as a psychic.  I sent it to her a few weeks later knowing she'd never remember me.  She called me the next day and told me this was going to become a novel and it would change my life.  Ever since then she's become a great friend and has been with me the whole way.

11.  Do you have a hero?

In terms of writing I'd say my heroes include writers who inspired me with their creativity--Gregory Maguir, Wicked, The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.  Spur me on with their attention to detail--James Michener, The Source.  Attack difficult, thought provoking topics--Upton Sinclair, The Jungle.  Appeal to my passions--Marguerite Henry, White Stallion of Lipizza.

12.  Did anyone try to discourage you?

No one specifically tried to discourage me, however the vaguely sympathetic smiles and non-committal, "Good for you's" that my explanation that I was writing a novel represented only a lukewarm response and never really provided much encouragement.  I will always remember that.  When someone tells me they want to be a writer or are working on something, I always make a point to be super excited for them.

Dear readers, for a chance to win a copy of The Ghosted Bridge, Kristy is asking that

you comment on the following question:  what is your gift and how do you use it?  

Please either tweet Kristy at @kristyabbott16 or visit her Facebook page, like and comment.  The people who comment will be put into a pool and we'll draw 

two names.