Ginger Garrett Interview, Day One

Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed author of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, which was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA, and Dark Hour. An expert in ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women.

In 2007, Ginger was nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award for her novel Dark Hour. When she's not writing, you may spy Ginger hunting for vintage jewelry at thrift stores, running (slowly) in 5k and 10k races, or just trying to chase down one of her errant sheepdogs. A native Texan, she now resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.

Tell us a bit about your newest release. What led you to choose to write this story?

This book started in a hotel room in Denver, Colorado, in 2006. I had just been told by my agent that I needed to begin a new series right away. I had no idea what to write. I sat, dejected, on the bed and muttered a prayer. What on earth was I going to write? It had to be a great story, I prayed.
In the back of my mind, in a way that only novelists can understand, a man began talking. He was The Scribe. I listened and realized this was my story. It wasn’t until I returned home and began researching angels that I realized there really is a scribe angel mentioned in Scripture. I was mesmerized!
The study of angels is fascinating: they’re sent to minister to us, they’re often terrifying to see, and they’re eternal beings. They know your history better than any genealogist. I’ve never seen an angel, though I frequently beg God for the chance. Honestly, I wonder if He’s protecting me, because I already “hear voices” when I write, so to see angels might make me certifiably crazy to people. I have had some unusual experiences, like many of you, however.
One lazy afternoon, before I had children, I was napping on the couch. I woke but did not move. I heard men’s voices, deep and soft, and as I listened, I could not understand what they were saying. Of course, I reasoned, it was the TV. I must have left it on when I fell asleep. So I stirred to turn it off, and the voices snapped to a stop.
The TV was not on.
I’ve always wondered if I heard angels talking that day.


What would you like readers to gain from reading your book?

I want readers to feel uneasy about Anne Boleyn, and begin to ask questions. Who said she was a scheming seductress? What motive did they have and more importantly, where’s their proof?
I have rock solid proof from the records that she was a real believer. And I have proof that powerful men hated her for that, because it upset the balance of power. People get hurt when they try to use God for their own means and ends. Christianity is a religion of peace that often can bring out the worst in some people.

What events in your life influenced you to write historical fiction?

I grew up reading novels that were set in locales very different than my hometown of Lewisville, Texas. I read everything Barbara Cartland wrote, plus Edgar Allen Poe, James Herriott, and Bram Stoker.
It gave me such a sense of the exotic—which only historical fiction can deliver.

What is your most memorable or humorous moment as a published author?

Meeting someone in the bathroom who recognized me. She hadn’t washed her hands yet, but she wanted an autograph. I used my own pen. J

With more than one book under your belt, what lesson have you learned that you wished you had known early on?

Trust. If you work diligently, you will still have slow days, slow weeks, and bad lines. It’s all going to be ok. Trust the process and keep going.

You’ve authored works of fiction and non-fiction. How does the writing process differ for each kind of work?

Come back tomorrow for the answer! Be sure to leave a comment for our chance to win In the Shadow of Lions.