Interview with Shirley KalpinOlson
Published 2022-03-15.
What is your writing process?
I love to write stories of people I see who are sad, hurt, and lonely. Many who have to deal with difficuty. I would like to show them through my writings that there is an answer and help through others love, and the Inspirational help and love of God.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first stories I read were romance books or stoies that had a pleasant ending or revelation on how to improve your life or find happiness in it..
How do you approach cover design?
I look for pictures of my own and other pictures available which pretain to the subject and people involved.I love scenery with people representimg the theme of story.
What are your five favorite books, and wh byy?
I love all the Left Behind Series and books which help to bring people to Jesus as their Lord. Love the Bible, It gets me through the good bad ugly and evil times of life, which are many
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I use my kindle and also my reader on my computer.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Word of Mouth most successful. I also have used other internet media, with some success.and book signings. I give many paper-back books away, which I feel could help people in troubling situations.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up on a poor farm with my six siblings. I have always felt that I was born for a reason. I didn't find out this reason for many years--after trying and failing many times. When I started nursing I would see the pain and sufferings people had. I then realized that I wanted to help the sad, helpless and hopelessness, which I sensed, by writing inspiring stories of hope help and love.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing poems, articles for newspapers, and newsletters, some silly, some not so silly, when I was in grade and high school. Later in life when I could see the pain, hurts and hopelessness, I was inspired to write to try to help others find hope and help through salvation in their Lord, Jesus. Son of God
What's the story behind your latest book?
When my husband and I traveled to Texas to visit my son, I talked with people in that great state and found out the problems which occured there with the imimigrants, landowners, and the drug cartels. I felt that stories should be told about the pain and sufferings going on. The story I've written are mainly fiction with fictional names.The areas of Texas is just a part of the trouble brewing on the border. (This observation was made even before borders opened up. Much worse now.)
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I like the idea that I own my materials and can change whatever I want to.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
They have been helpful in placing my books on their site. I hope to be able to get the word out to readers. I think my stories of inspiration and comfort could be helpful to many.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love to help others in times of trouble in their lives. Mainly showing them thry are not alone in their pains.
What do your fans mean to you?
I love hearing that my stories have been helpful to others, and helped to inspire and influence them.
What are you working on next?
Starting writing story about Dementia ( alzheimers), when my second husband was diagnosed with this tragic disease five years ago. Could not finish it as soul care-taker of him made it impossible to continue. He passed away recently with a pleasant ending of his wanting and knowing he will be in heaven with his Lord and Savior. I must finish this now as I will have goodnews for others, that their is help with salvation.
Who are your favorite authors?
I love Susan Mae Warren, Dee Henderson, Mary Higgins Clark, Nora Roberts, and some of Danielle Steel's works.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I wake up and know that God has given me another day and I am able to get up and enjoy it.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I love to work in our yard and travel to our lakeplace and enjoy Gods country.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I look for inspirational stories which I can relate to. I also love to read romantic suspense with twists. This is what I like to write.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
My first story I wrote was a short story in grade school about heleocopers(make-up story and words) When I think about this story, I feel embarrassed but after all, I was only about 10.
My first story I wrote and published was in 2004. I believe it was inspired as I woke up after a dream and was encouraged to write it down, which became "The Truth Shall Set You Free" about child abuse in our homes, country, and world.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
I love all the stories of the "Left Behing series and other stories by these authors. When I was younger, I loved Laura Ingalls stories. and The old time westerns.
What do you read for pleasure?
I love reading stories of happenings in this age. Stories of history and what makes our country tick. I am sadddned about stories of terrorists, and abuse of others, as there is some truth to these. When we know what it is wrong in this world we can adljust our lives to learn more about God and what is right. Knowing Our Great God is on control
Describe your desk
My desk is my lap in my living room, while looking out over our landscape, either at home or at the lake. I do have a library, but feel this is too confining.
Write your own question here!
How can I get the word out more about my stoires to help those I feel the need to help?
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
Books by This Author
Oh No, My Ex is Back: and Causing Trouble Again
by Shirley KalpinOlson
When Joanna's ex is released from prison for manslaughter and kidnapping, she and new-husband face the rampage and horror when he threatens to take away their adopted daughter, Carrie Marie. When Carrie is diagnosed with life threatening leukemia, her only hope is her biological father's stem cells. Will she be able to melt the hard heart of her blood father enough for him to save her life