After my last post, I decided to check out some of the other authors who will be at the launch party on March 16 at the Barnes & Nobles in the Gateway. I visited Kimberly’s blog and learned about her Favorite Things Giveway to celebrate the release of her debut novel I’ll Know You By Heart.

One prize in particular caught my attention: a session with her critique group. Oh I want it! But I couldn’t just blog about the contest here and leave it at that. I had to ask a perfect stranger if she’d be willing to do an interview on my blog. And she agreed. I’m glad she did because I could relate to so many of her answers and I feel like I’ve made a new blog friend.  I hope you enjoy gettting to know her as much as I did.

Kate: Where are you from?

Kimberly: I was born in Utah, and have lived here all my life, except for a short time in Florida where there was way too many BIG bugs.

Kate:  How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

Kimberly: A lot of the thoughts and feelings of the main character are based on my own experiences. I know what it is like to feel trapped in a situation that is out of your control, and I understand the worries and insecurities of being a single parent. Portions of the book were also influenced by my own religious beliefs.

Kate:  What does your family think of your writing?

Kimberly: My children think it’s cool.  They like telling people I’ve published a book.  My parents are proud of me and tell everyone they know.  My husband is very supportive.  He watches the kids so that I can go to critique group every week, go to book signings, and he’ll take care of them while I’m gone on my two week tour.

Kate:  So will your husband watch my kids when I win this critique group session? Just kidding–my husband is very supportive as well. He tells me I’m happy when I’m writing and always offers encouragement. Enough about me. We’re here to learn about you. When and why did you begin writing?

Kimberly: I love to read, and I guess in the back of my mind, I’ve always thought it would be cool to write my own book.  I met a friend in 2008 who is an aspiring author.  He had something like thirteen manuscripts written at the time.  I was intrigued and asked a lot of questions.  He encouraged me to start writing, and took me to my first writing conference—from there I was hooked.

Kate:   That’s the same year I started writing.  Here it is two years later and your first book is coming out. Wow! You must be a fast learner.  Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Kimberly: Yes, plotting.  I can come up with basic story ideas, with a beginning, middle, and end.  But I have a hard time filling in the details in between.  I like to get from one point to the next quickly, and I struggle to have enough words.  Some people in my critique group are prolific writers and are always trying to cut words out.  I have the opposite problem.  We joke about them giving some of theirs to me.

I also don’t really like to write about things I know nothing about.  I know some people love to research and learn about new places and things as they write—me, not so much.  Sometimes it’s necessary, but I avoid it if I can.

Kate:  Having enough words is something I struggle with as well. Would you describe yourself as a discovery writer or an outliner?

Kimberly: I’ve tried it both ways.  I find that my writing is much better if I outline.  I’m not strict about staying with the outline, but it helps me to know where the story is headed.  I also think outlining helps pace the story.  In an outline you can create an even distribution of conflict and high points, with slower, low points in the story.

Kate:  What do you think makes a good story?

Kimberly: I personally like stories that show a lot of character growth.  I want to see a character experience real-life problems and overcome them in unique and inspiring ways.

Kate:  Tell us about your novel I’ll Know You By Heart.

Kimberly: What happens when the love you thought you found is the one that puts you in mortal danger?

I’ll Know you by Heart is the story of Stephanie Roberts. As Stephanie runs from an abusive marriage and tries to safeguard her children, she finds support as she turns to Jared, a recent widower with trials of his own.  She soon learns that Jared might need more than she is capable of giving.  With Stephanie’s abusive husband and past looming, the difficulties they must overcome seem insurmountable.

I’ll Know you by Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity.  A story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal, it is ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

Kate:  Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?

Kimberly: The main idea for I’ll Know You by Heart came from me wanting to portray a character who seems weak and insecure but realizes her inner strength and relies on her Heavenly Father to overcome a very difficult situation.  I think there is a part inside all of us that is strong and wants to survive.  I hope that readers will be able to identify with my character’s strengths, but also their weaknesses and come away knowing that no matter what difficulties they may face, or how hopeless they may seem, there are happy days ahead.

Kate:  Hope is always a good feeling to have. Thanks so much for visiting today and good luck with your book launch!

Here are some places you can find Kimberly online:

www.kimberlyjob.com

www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberly-Job-Author

www.facebook.com/kimberlyjob

www.twitter.com/kimberlyjob

www.kimberlyjobrecipes.blogspot.com I expecially liked this site she calls What’s For Dinner? Kind of has a familiar ring to it don’t you think? I definitely need to try her Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Fast, easy, and all in a slow cooker–that’s my kind of recipe.