Five Questions With Kaira Rouda, author of "Here, Home, Hope"

Today I'm so pleased to host author Kaira Rouda.  Her novel, "Here, Home, Hope," was released today, and promises to be one of the favorite reads of the summer!

Kaira was gracious enough to spend some time answering questions about her writing and upcoming projects.

1. At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Hi Sharon, thanks for having me!

I remember when my family lived in Lincoln, MA, outside of Boston and I became infatuated with Robert McCloskey’s books.  Make Way for Ducklings and Blueberries for Sal were my favorites. In third grade, I decided I wanted to be an author, like him and I wrote a letter to him at his publisher. He wrote back – and I still have the note somewhere – that he wasn’t really a writer but an illustrator, but that I should keep writing. It was amazing. My first brush with a celebrity and he was an author.

2. At what point in your career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?

Hey, guess what? I’m NOT famous and that’s alright with me. The best part about being an author, in my opinion, is being a behind the scenes type person. Sure, I found out quickly after publishing my first book – REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs (2008) – that if you would like anyone to buy your book, you must learn to speak in public. After countless hours with a speaking coach, I can do it. But I’d rather, much rather, be behind the screen. I have two acting kids, however, so someone got the “I’m famous” genes. Not me.

3. Who are some of your favorite authors? Who inspires you?

I love authors – really.  I know that sounds strange or cliché, but it is a community I treasure being a part of and participating in. The common bond – especially I’ve found – with fiction writers, with women fiction writers has been amazingly rewarding. I cannot wait to meet some of my favorites in person. I have met Jacquelyn Mitchard – at the Maui Writers Conference. I’d love to meet: Susan Isaacs, Claire Cook, Beth Hoffman, Jenna Blum, Eleanor Brown, Caroline Leavitt, Sarah Pekannen, Robyn Harding and Amy Hatvany. I met Katrina Kittle way back, at the Antioch Writer’s Workshop, in the late 1990s. I’d love to see her again, too. Oh, and I could go on…

blue hydrangeas figure prominently in Kaira's novel!

4. What do you have coming up in the future?

I’m excited to present my first short story, coming out this month, too. I had a story in my head, just waiting to be shared. I hope readers enjoy it. It will be released by my publisher as an eBook on all formats. The title: A Mother’s Day.

My next novel is set in Grandville, the same setting as HERE, HOME, HOPE and the short story. It is in the throes of revision, but should be ready soon.

5. What advice would you have for anyone wanting to break into the writing biz today?

Do it. There are so many different options today. The publishing industry is eerily similar to the real estate industry 10 years ago, strangely enough. Publishing is becoming disintermediated by technology, but the major players will survive as long as they change. As a writer, it’s very important to take control of your career. To pursue your dreams in whatever way it feels right for you. The options are growing every day – while the traditional path still holds the cache. Believe in your dreams. Don’t give up.

My thanks to Kaira for her time, and to the publicists at Booksparks PR for the review copy of "Here, Home, Hope."

For more information on Kaira, check out her website at http://www.kairarouda.com/

Be sure to come back Friday for my review of "Here, Home, Hope."