H. Schussman Interviews Pepper D. Basham

Pepper D. Basham Interview

Heidi:

First, Pepper, tell us a little about yourself

Pepper:

I'm a mom of 5, speech-language pathologist, and Phineas & Ferb junkie :-) I'm a native of the Blue Ridge Mountains and currently reside in Asheville, NC...perfect fuel for the imagination :-)

Heidi:

What genre do you write? 

Pepper:

Well, I like to write a lot of different things, but currently I am published in historical and contemporary romance. My first historical debuted in May and my first contemporary arrives in December.

Pepper's daughter

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Pepper:

I started making up stories when I was a little girl (imaginary friends are incredibly helpful in this process). I still have my first 'long story' I wrote (and poorly illustrated) when I was 10.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Pepper:

I'm finishing up the 2nd book in my historical series, The Thorn Keeper. Oh my goodness, I never imagined falling in love with the heroine as much as I have. What an extra creative bonus.

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in your stories?

Pepper:

TOUGH question. I love all of my heroes. Whew...dreamy. But I guess at this point, my favorite character is Eisley Barrett.

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Pepper:

Yes...usually the clumsy ones.

Heidi:

Where do you write?

Pepper:

Describe your workspace? Since I'm a busy mom, I usually write in the middle of the living room where 'life is happening'. Helps me keep an eye on my creative brood as well as jot down any good story ideas they inspire :-)

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite authors?

Pepper:

Laura Frantz. I LOVE her eloquence in storytelling. Her prose are lyrical. I enjoy reading Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, when I'm in the mood for high English, and I really enjoy Siri Mitchell.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?

Pepper:

Oh yes, I think writing a query letter is difficult. I'm not great with self-promotion and that's been a skill I've had to practice over and over again in this new writing world. I guess the 'key' idea I promote might be 'bringing hope, humor, healing through story'.

Heidi:

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?

Pepper:

Patience is a necessity…patience, positivity, and perseverance (whoa, I'm rocking the alliteration today ;-). I pursued publication for 11 years before Vinspire fell in love with my first book. Being consistent with this dream, enjoying the journey, giving the dream to God’s care are vital to stay the course.

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you/etc?

Pepper:

My Granny didn't live to see my first book published, but she saw the 'writing' dream in my from the time I was a little girl. She's the first person who ever called me a 'writer', and I fell in love with 'story' by listening to her Appalachia stories passed down through generations.

I have to say my parents too. They've always believed I'm much better than I really am ;-)

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