To Fangirl: behave in an obsessive or overexcited way.
Have you ever fangirled something?
I wouldn’t say I’m particularly known to “fangirl” people, but after reading Pepper’s Second Impressions novella, I fell in love with her fun, humorous, wholesome writing. I stalked her (in a non-threatening, friendly sort of way) and looked up all her books. I immediately became a fan. And as with any overly excited person, I jumped on social media and told her how much I loved her writing and that she had a fan for life in me. Not joking.
Pepper was kind enough to indulge me with a few emails/messages back and forth. Until one day, I guess I asked a doozy of a question…
“What’s your story?” (Meaning, what’s your writing journey been like.)
And she said…
I’d love to chat. Are you up for a phone call?
Me: <insert all the freak-out, excited emojis you can think of>
We chatted like old friends (at least on my end it felt that way – HA) for well over an hour. She was gracious, kind, open and honest about all things. I appreciated her candor and humor about a writer’s life. I gobbled up and savored all her sage advice she shared. Maybe she’ll let me officially adopt her as my mentor one day. 😉
Hope you enjoy the oh-so-talented Pepper Basham’s interview as she indulges my question whims about her writing and inspirations.
Tell us about your writing journey leading up to becoming published.
I’ve been telling stories for as long as I can remember, but when I was ten my granny called me a “writer” for the first time and bought me a second-hand typewriter. I was on a mission after that. I still have my first ‘typed’ story that I also illustrated (poorly). My first year of college I wrote my first novel (historical romance), but life happened pretty quickly after that. Soon I was married, working full-time as a speech-language pathologist, and raising five kids, so writing took a backseat to another calling. When the kids got a littleolder, I decided I wanted to learn how to hone my writing craft so I began taking a few online courses and attended my very first writer’s conference in 2001. I had NO idea how to prepare for one. I didn’t have business cards and didn’t even know what a synopsis was, but I learned A LOT. I started entering contests to get feedback and continue to hone my craft and then in 2010 I attended my first ACFW conference. In 2011 I double-finaled in the Genesis for two different genres. In 2014 I received my first two contracts, one for a 3 book historical romance series (The Penned in Time series) and one for my first contemporary romance book (A Twist of Faith). My debut, The Thorn Bearer (a WW1-era novel) arrived in May 2015.
How do you write so many books in such a little amount of time?
I daydream about stories a lot and I’m REALLY glad God’s given me a story-making brain. I just seem to think in stories. Last year I wrote TOO much. With a job and family, it just burned me out a little bit so I wisely took a little break at the beginning of this year, but I just love THINKING in stories, so when it’s time to write, I can. I usually have two going on at once. Also, my speed usually depends on the story. If I get a pretty intact story idea, the right motivation, AND a low-life-busy time, I can get a 95K novel written in 3 months.
How do you manage your time among job and family obligations?
It’s gotten a bit easier as the kids have gotten older. I’ve also recently been able to go to 4-day a week day-job. That extra day a week has been AMAZING!!! On
What’s your favorite thing to research from other time periods?
I love looking at the clothing!! Especially during the time period I mentioned above. There were so many changes and beautiful elegance for the upper classes. Location! DEFINITELY!!! Especially since one of my FAV places is the UK. I love researching all things Britain, including clothing, culture, and traditions.
Have you done any traveling for book research?
For my local historicals, I don’t have to go very far. I’ve been to Hot Springs, NC where The Thorn Healer takes place. Maple Springs in My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge takes place in the general area of where I grew up. I’ve also had the FANTASTIC opportunity to travel to England/Scotland, so I’ve visited Derbyshire (where I took a lot of inspiration for my Pleasant Gap series) and Bath (where my two novellas, Second Impressions & Jane by the Book are set). I have enjoyed EVERY visit – especially Derbyshire and Bath.
What’s your favorite part of a book to create?
Oh goodness, I don’t know. I love creating characters so much and I really enjoy writing dialogue, but I absolutely love adding the humor and drama (and KISSES) too!! AHHHHH!!!! Too hard to choose.
Do you have a favorite scene from one of your books?
“Favorite” is a hard one, but ONE of my favorites is Catherine’s conversion scene from my debut novel in The Thorn Bearer. I love how organic it is but also…well, the simple fact that Catherine was never suppose to be redeemed and during one of my rewrites I felt this impression in my spirit that God wanted to save her. It reminded me that there is no person too lost for the grace of God.
Why are the Blueridge Mountains and its culture so dear to your heart? What makes it its own culture?
I’m Appalachian and grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the culture and people are a part of my heart. I want to show the beauties, uniqueness, and struggles of this culture because I think it’s a lot less well-known that so many and usually misunderstood or misrepresented. Appalachia is unique in the fact that it really has been separate from the influence of outside places for so many years – and that a very select group of individuals chose to build their homes in the remote area when it was originally settled by Europeans. It really developed it’s own culture and accent. In fact, lots of people say that deep Appalachian is one of the closest examples to Old English still available today.
Top FIVE romance movies from a different decade (can be filmed WITHIN a different decade or “set” in a different decade). GO!
I’m assuming I can’t put fantasy movies on here, right?
North & South (Elizabeth Gaskell), Emma 2009 TV miniseries, Christy tv miniseries (If tv miniseries don’t count) – While You Were Sleeping, Return to Me, The Sound of Music, Jane Eyre (with Toby Stephens), The Importance of Being Earnest.
What are some of your favorite things to do in your free time?
Take walks or drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Play music (piano). Hang out with my kids. Visit the Biltmore Estate. Have tea with friends (they can have coffee if they’re not tea drinkers 😉) TRAVEL!!!
What is something you’d like readers get from your novels?
There is always hope. No brokenness is too big and no sadness is too big for the grace of God to bring the hope of belonging into the lives of people.
What’s your best advice to help unpublished writers not give up on their writing dreams?
Write because you love it. When you get bogged down in the ‘It’s not happened yet,” you’re going to be really disappointed when discouragement happens on the other side of publication. Write for the joy of the “calling” God’s given you. Write for the pleasure of penning words on a page. Write for YOU, then…when God brings publication your way, your heart will be more prepared because the core reason you write won’t change with the ebb and flow of the publishing world.
What is the title and release date for your next book?
My next book is called A Match for Emma and it is the third book in
What’s in the works for 2020? Any hints?
Oh my goodness, I have such a fun story I’m working on right now!!!!! It’s a historical romance set in Egypt, but I’m also going to be working on another Bath novella in 2020, a historical romance novella with a You’ve Got Mail twist, AND the third book in the Pleasant Gap series. I’m really not sure in which order 😊
More about Pepper
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with a southern Appalachian flair. Her books have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards,
You can get to know Pepper on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley.
TEASER from A Match for Emma.
Jon squeezed his eyes closed, then took his time placing his silverware down before turning his gaze back to her. “He had a crush on you in high school, Em and he’s probably looking for more than a business investment.”
“Well, that’s perfect, because I think he might be a nice match for Molly.”
Some sound like a cross between a cough and laugh erupted from the other end of the table. “The new waitress? The one who’s in her first year of college?”
His tone hit directly against Emma’s spine. “I’m not proposing matrimony yet. She still has some growing up to do, but she’s ready to settle down, and they’d make such an adorable couple. She’s a quick learner too, and—”
“Dalton Lewis isn’t going to date Molly, Em. She’s too young for a man like Dalton. He’s already into his profession. She’s just started college. They’re in two different worlds right now.”
His look of superiority nearly had her jumping the table to throttle him. “Four years difference? You’re five years older than me and we get along just fine.”
“That’s not the same thing. We’ve known each other our whole lives and you’re older than she is, besides, Dalton isn’t going to date someone like Molly.”
The table hopping thought grew stronger. “Someone like Molly?”
He examined her with that big brother look she hadn’t seen in a while. “His family are upscale. Business owners. Molly’s from—”
“That’s incredibly pessimistic of you, Jon, and pretty old-fashioned for a big city guy.”
“It’s practical and realistic.”
“Oh, what do you know? You’ve not dated anyone is at least a year and you’re at a perfectly marriageable age.”
“Watch out, Jon, or she’ll be matching you up next,” Cam chuckled.
“Trying to match Jon is above my pay grade,” she shot the comment across the table since she didn’t really feel like vaulting over it anymore- but maybe she’d fling a noodle at him.
“Emma, a thoughtful, mature, intelligent man doesn’t need help from a yenta-in-training. He already knows what he wants.”
“Then pray tell, all-wise one, what would such a man want?”
He braided his fingers together and leaned forward, the counselor emerging in full form. The flinging noodle idea popped back to mind.
“A partner in life. Someone who can tell them their faults, but also encourage them in their dreams. A person you can sit in comfortable silence with as much as engage in excellent conversation. A…friend.”
Her finger rose to make her point. “A kissing friend, otherwise, it’s like hanging out with one of your tennis buddies who still likes to make prank calls and leave an empty pizza box on the counter for a month.”
“Funny.” He reached for another piece of chicken.
“Well, then, I have the perfect idea.”
A sound like a growl came from across the table, but Emma happily ignored it.
“I’ll just help them become friends and let the kissing part happen as it may.”
Jon collapsed back in his chair and sent his dad a rather unhandsome frown. “Why do I suddenly feel sorry for Dalton Lewis?”
To access all of Pepper’s book releases click here to follow her Amazon author page and be notified via email when a new book has been released—including A Match for Emma.
Oh Hayley!! Thank you SO much for featuring me!!
I really hope this interview will help encourage other writers (and readers).
P.S. I LOVED getting to chat with you on the phone. I’m not sure how good a mentor I’d be, but I’m HAPPY to be a fellow encourager on this writing journey.