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Interview with Betsy Wagner

Published 2019-02-14.
What's the story behind your latest book?
A conversation at a family reunion led to my learning about the family connection to the Alamo. It was a surprise to me, and as I pursued it, the story grew. Spirit of Gonzales is a fictional account of my ancestor, Sydie Gaston Kellogg, and her family before and during the Texas Revolution.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Art was my first major, and I love creativity. I can spend hours at the computer creating, and it feels like play.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Enjoying friends and family in our retirement years
What is your writing process?
I like to use pencil and paper and have music in the background. I like to imagine the scene like a movie.
What do you read for pleasure?
Psychology--I like to know what motivates people, how people overcome difficult circumstances, and what connects the heart and mind.
Describe your desk
It's in a glass room next to my husband's desk; we have a double office. My favorite times are spent there when he's there.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I have deep roots in Colorado County, Texas, which is the heart of Stephen Austin's colony. Walking on the streets that existed in the 1800s inspired me to want to know more about what happened there. I felt it was important to share what I learned with my cousins. Being a teacher, I wanted to share the history with Texas students.
When did you first start writing?
I remember writing stories about family and military experiences as long ago as 1980.
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Books by This Author

Spirit of Gonzales by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 65,380. Language: English. Published: March 19, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » USA, Fiction » Historical » Western & American frontier
Spirit of Gonzales is the story of Sydnie Gaston Kellogg, a pioneer woman during the Texas Revolution. She exhibited the spirit of vigor and courage that inspired the early Texas settlers and unified them during rough times. That spirit of determination rallied the men who defended the Alamo and fortified the volunteers who followed Sam Houston to San Jacinto.