"How Many Books Did You Read This Year?"
That was a question from a third grade boy that I saw when I spoke to the Wright Elementary School. Lucky for me I was able to say, "Last year I read over 52 books." The Third graders and some of the teachers were breathless. Let me ask you something simular. How many books were you planning to read this summer. Most of the summer is gone. You may need to make a trip to the library or amazon.com and get after it. Let me urge you to do something different. Give a new author a chance. Don't always go for the best seller department. Look for local people or even some of the people I have interviewed here. You may be surprised to find a new favorite author.
I want to introduce Barbara Taylor Blomquist, author of Randy's Ride, to you.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
I have two books published to date. Both are authored under my full name - Barbara Taylor Blomquist. The first is "Insight Into Adoption" (now in its second edition) and my second book, (my first novel) is "Randy's Ride".
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Some would consider me in 'the golden years'. The benefit of that, however, is as most senior citizens will attest to, we've had many valuable life experiences. I've learned so many lessons from others, mainly having worked for years with conflicted families.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I was excited when I was 8 years old and a palm reader told me I would one day be a writer. I don't believe in palm readers and I guess my track record shows it - I didn't write seriously for almost 60 more years! Should have started sooner.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Because I like to learn something when I read, I like to write in the same vein. I like to close a book and say to myself, "I never thought of it that way or I never knew that." So, I try to give readers some informative thoughts, and then it's up to them to agree or disagree. I love to hear readers tell me - "I loved your book. It took me to a place I'd never been and I now understand and am empathetic to adoption issues." Then they add, "But you know, what you write about applies to everyone." When I hear that, I know I've done my job.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, I love to read, to see how authors put words together to create thoughts and moods.
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished a book about George Washington I picked up at a charity book fair. It's "George Washington, the Indispensable Man" by James Thomas Flexner. The author condensed four volumes into one.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I'm in the editing phase of my next book, "Matt's Wife". It's the story of a young woman who grew up insecure with her identity, not that unusual for an adoptee. The only thing she wanted in life was to be someone's wife - so she wouldn't have to accomplish anything all by herself. After having three children, she found she wasn't satisfied with her life and still didn't know who she was. Through a series of events, she discovers she, and only she, is responsible for her identity. Although the main character is adopted, the question she needs an answer to applies to everyone.
Both my novels, "Randy's Ride" and "Matt's Wife" address the issue of personal identity, and the main characters are faced with the question, "Who am I?" By the end of both novels they have their answers.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Lack of time. I announce to my family at least once a year that I'm setting aside the next 2 to 3 months to write and/or edit 4 to 8 hours a day. I recommend they call me only in the case of an emergency. They're very understanding.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"Insight Into Adoption" I wrote as an adoptive parent for other adoptive parents. It addresses issues adoption professionals don't tell you about. In many of my counseling sessions, adoptive parents urged me to put something in writing so they could refer to it when they had pressing issues. Adult adoptees have told me after they have read the book that they thought, "She's writing about me. I've never told anyone how I feel, but this book describes me perfectly." Many have shared it with their adoptive parents to help their parents understand how an adoptee feels as a child. The book explains the unique issues of both adoptees and adoptive parents.
"Randy's Ride" is a story of a teen aged adoptee who leaves a loving home because he feels he doesn't fit it. During 18 months on the road, events and people teach Randy many of life's lessons, including where "home" truly is. The book is about an adopted teenager, but the lesson he learns is a lesson everyone learns sooner or later - that we are responsible for our own lives and it's up to us to make our own individual way in the world.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I can be contacted through email at baybar@juno.com. My website is- barbarablomquist.tatepulishing.net/
My books can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble,and Borders or at any book store. In addition, "Randy's Ride" can be purchased through Tate Publishing and "Insight Into Adoption" can be purchased through Charles C. Thomas Publishers.
