Writing Wednesday – An interview with Erica Vetsch
4 November 2009
While I don’t foresee myself doing a ton of author interviews, I really wanted to feature Erica for a couple reasons. 1. Erica was my first writing friend, so it’s fitting for her to be the first interview I ever do. 2. Erica’s often told me how her 17-year-old daughter, Heather (who crochets a mean baby blanket, by the way), is a huge help to her. I thought it’d be fun to talk to her about that.
Tell us about The Bartered Bride.
The Bartered Bride is the story of an arranged marriage that neither party wants, but each accept for different reasons, all the while looking for a way out before the vows are spoken. And about how things don’t always work out the way we expected, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t in control and working those situations out for our own good.
What do you think makes your books unique?
I think what makes The Bartered Bride unique is that I used a real historical incident to provide some of the closing drama. I love to find unique, little known historical facts and work them into my stories. For The Bartered Bride, it was a terrible storm. For the next in the series, it is a lot of little things I gleaned by visiting and reading about Great Lakes Lighthouses. Bird barrages, mercury floats, inspections. What can I say? I’m such a history geek.
Tell us how Heather is active in your writing.
My daughter is 17, and she is such a help in the writing process. She hears the initial plot ideas, then the story. Over and over and over. Heather is great for picking out plot holes and she’s always asking me “Why? Why did the character do that?” Invaluable.
Today we took a trip to Barnes and Noble to browse the historical fiction. I read back cover blurbs to her and we evaluated which ones would make us read on, and which ones were kinda boring. Then we tried to learn what intrigued us and would make us read more. It was a great trip. And of course we didn’t only go to B&N. We walked through the mall and had lunch too. :) Gotta love the girl-time.
(Writers, I’ve already asked and at the moment Heather isn’t available for loan. When she is, you can stand behind me in line.)
Is it ever weird for you that Melissa, your narrator in The Bartered Bride is only a couple years older than Heather?
If I let myself think about it, yes! But I remind myself that these are different times. Heather, at 17, would be almost an old maid if she lived in some of the eras I write about. But for now, I’ve told her she can start dating when she’s 32 or so. ;)
Are there ways that you’re able to borrow on Heather’s emotions for your young narrators?
Melissa and Heather have quite a few things in common. They both play the piano, they are both passionate about teaching (though Heather works mostly with pre-schoolers right now.) I think Heather’s more even-keeled than Melissa is. Melissa is a bit more dramatic, though not as dramatic as Annie, the heroine of my next book. I think I drew a lot on my own churned up feelings where Melissa and Annie are concerned. (Okay, I’m a bit of a drama queen from time to time, I admit it. :) )
Finally, best or worst high school memory.
Probably the most unique thing about my high school experience was that I went to a little private school in central Kansas, and I was the only student in my grade. I graduated alone (though I was the valedictorian :D ) I have so many great memories from High School, it would be hard to choose just one. Though I would have to say my worst moment in HS happened pretty much every time I had to open my Geometry book. :) I much preferred history and literature to math.
Sounds familiar.
Erica, fabulous lady that she is, has agreed to give away a copy of The Bartered Bride. If you’re interested (you are—I’ve read it) leave a comment, and I’ll draw a winner over the weekend. It doesn’t even have to be an intelligent comment. Just “Hi, sounds good,” will suffice.
Comments
Great interview ladies! And I’m looking forward to the day my DD’s can help me with my novels! Right now they’re only ten! I’ll stand in line for yours, Erica, until mine are old enough to help me! :)
Posted by JodyHedlund on 4 November 2009
would love a copy
Posted by Julie Veer on 4 November 2009
So, would you mail it to SA if I win? Or perhaps deliver it personally?
Posted by Debbie McCool on 4 November 2009
LOL, I had no idea Erica was in a class of one. Cute memory! And a great book, too.
Posted by Georgiana Daniels on 4 November 2009
I read The Bartered Bride over the weekend and thought it was very good. I would give it 5 stars:)
Posted by Beth Hines on 4 November 2009
The book sounds fab! I’m just getting to know Erica (trying her plotting board idea) and I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to read her book! Great interview!
Posted by Susan Hollaway on 4 November 2009
Another great interview! Enter me!
Posted by Gina on 4 November 2009
Sounds like a great book! Great interview!!
Posted by Laura Beth on 4 November 2009
So, Erica, what are you going to do after Heather leaves for college?
Posted by Vera Stalcup on 4 November 2009
Thank you, Stephanie, for having me here on your blog. And thanks to everyone who left a comment. :)
Vera, after I curl up in the fetal position and cry for a long time, I think Heather and I will have to plot via phone. :)
Posted by Erica Vetsch on 5 November 2009
Great interview! Makes me want to read the book for sure! And, if I win, I’ll share with Debbie in SA. :-) Thanks, Steph…
Posted by Kelli on 6 November 2009
“Hi, sounds good.” No, wait, I just can’t do it! (Though I WOULD love the book;-) It’s too unoriginal. So instead I’ll say, loved the interview and the YA spin. And I’m standing in line for Heather too! And, I mean, if she loves preschoolers, this would be a fabulous place for her . . . =)
Posted by Roseanna White on 4 November 2009