Gail Pallotta Interview & Book Giveaway

Author Bio: After writing articles for years Gail recently published her first Christian romance, Love Turns the Tide. This fall an excerpt from that book won the internet Clash of the Titles contest. In 2004, the American Christian Writers Association named Gail a regional writer of the year. Her husband, Rick, says she’s the only person he knows who can go in the grocery for a loaf of bread and come out with the cashier’s life story. That’s probably because she inherited her mother’s love of people and enjoys talking to them. In her spare time she likes to bargain shop with her daughter. Sometimes they try on garments so wrong for them, they laugh for fifteen minutes. When they finally find a treasure, they’re so pleased. Gail wants to write books of faith that show God’s love. She and Rick live in Georgia.

[Anne] When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

[Gail] As a youngster I made up stories. In grammar school I worked with a friend to put out a newspaper about our classmates. I recently went to a high school re-union and read articles I’d written in old copies of the newspaper there. I first seriously considered writing when I took a creative writing course in college. Even though I’d never heard of “the spin” then, when we analyzed works, I realized writing could be used for good or bad. I wanted to use it for good.

[Anne] Tell us about your latest book.

[Gail] Shattered by a failed romance and challenged by a new job, feature writer Cammie O’Shea dreads meeting Bill Collins, editor of The Sun Dial, a new newspaper in Destin, Florida. Still in pain from her heartbreaking split-up, she wants no new relationships. That’s why real estate developer Vic Deleona turns out to be her real source of angst. When she interviews him to help get the paper off its feet, he thwarts her efforts to complete his article, arranges extra meetings and attempts to court her. She resists his advances. But mysterious break-ins occur at Cammie and her friend’s condos. When Cammie and Vic launch their own investigation into the vandalism, Cammie grows fond of him. Then, she gets an opportunity to return home to her old job. She has important decisions to make in the midst of danger.

[Anne] What inspired you to write this story?

[Gail] Over the years I’ve talked to many women and men about dating relationships. I realize some people meet, fall in love and walk down the aisle. But others are hurt again and again before they find the right person. Cammie is one of those people, but God had a plan for her just as He does for each of us. I wanted to write a story of hope and faith that entertained the reader in a romantic place.

[Anne] How did you go about researching your book?

[Gail] It’s contemporary, so one might think I didn’t need to do any research for it. But, I did. I’ve visited Destin many times, so I’m very familiar with the town. But I went through a number of magazines and brochures to learn about the history of the area and the fishing industry. The sand had fascinated me for a long time, so I dug through articles to find the origin of it. I interviewed my husband about the real estate business, because he’s been in residential construction and land development. As for the crimes, I was fortunate to meet a woman undercover cop. She and I had lunch quite a few times, and she answered a lot of my questions. I also had an interview with a police detective.

[Anne] Do you have anything new in the works?

[Gail] Yes, I’m working on a teen novel and another Christian romance set in Destin.

[Anne] What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantster?

[Gail] I start with a plot, but as I write it changes, so I suppose that makes me both. I also do character sketches, but the characters grow as I write about them.

[Anne] Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

[Gail] I’d probably ask to start in Los Angeles, where a famous actress is robbed, and follow the criminal all the way to Hawaii. Of course, I’d recover the actress’s jewels and stay in Hawaii to vacation for a while.

[Anne] What type of books do you like to read when you’re not writing?

[Gail] For as long as I can remember I’ve loved to read. I rarely find a book I don’t like. Other than the Bible, my favorite books are those with rich characters and twists and turns that draw me in. Two memorable classics are An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser and Of Human Bondage by Someset Maugham. Both writers were so good they made me see the world through the eyes of their characters. After reading the books I realized we all start at different places in life, and for some the feelings of inferiority or inadequacy that this creates causes great pain. I thought it was so sad that Philip in Of Human Bondage couldn’t cling to his faith, because I knew when one believes he or she is a worthwhile person with a purpose that God is working out, it lifts up him or her. I wanted the characters in those books to find beliefs that would lead to fulfilled lives.

[Anne] Name three things you can’t live without (excluding spouses and family because that’s a given).

[Gail] Spiritual nourishment, swimming and something good to eat. Since I love to eat it’s difficult to narrow it down to one food, but some mainstays might be fried fish, pot roast, pecan pie and anything chocolate.

[Anne] Where can we find you on the web?

[Gail] My Web site is http://www.gailpallotta.com and my blog is http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com

[Anne] Where can we purchase your books?

[Gail] From the publisher’s Web site at www.awe-struck.net. Also E-certificates with codes that download to a laptop, computer or reading device are available at Eagles’ Wings in Destin, Florida, and Sweet Spirit Bookstores in East and West Cobb County in Georgia.

[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add? I always enjoy visiting your blog.

[Gail] Thank you so much for having me.

You’re welcome, Gail. Visit anytime. Folks, Gail is giving away a free download to one lucky visitor this week so be sure to leave a comment with some contact info. Good luck!!!