Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born on the south side of Chicago but have been living in the Pacific Northwest for over three decades. I’m a huge fan of the natural landscape, which often shows up in my writing. Relationships between people also fascinate me, and the books I read always revolve around human interaction. I’ve published one novel, one collection of short stories, and a variety of essays, articles, and stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Women on the Brink is a short story collection. Each story was inspired by real life situations-not necessarily my own, but people I have known or have heard about. There are all sorts of problems, issues, and dilemmas that women of all ages face in real life, but we don’t talk about them. Or, if we do, we aren’t heard. This collection brings some of these truths to light.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need total solitude when I’m working on my fiction. I used to tell my family not to bother me unless there was vomit, blood, or fire. Nowadays, I have to make my husband promise to be absolutely silent when I’m writing, because his voice carries through the doors and walls in our home and through the hardshell of my skull, too. Sometimes I just have to go away from everything and everyone to get my work done.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors who influenced me in my youth were Albert Camus and J.R.R. Tolkien, although I don’t write like either of them. As a writer I devour anything by Tana French, Barbara Kingsolver, Laura Lippman, Toni Morrison, Liane Moriarty, Gloria Naylor, Ann Patchett, Anna Quindlen, Marilynne Robinson, Alice Sebold, Elizabeth Strout, and Anne Tyler. As you can see, they are writers of various genres and styles. They’re also all women.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel set in the Yellowstone area. It alternates between present day and a significant historical period. It focuses on relationships among women and the individual’s drive toward authenticity. Landscape plays an important role in this novel, as it does in some of my other work.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still working on that. I do send out a monthly newsletter to my fans and readers in which I talk about writing, reading, and life…everything from grizzly bears to gridlock. From the feedback I’ve received, I think it’s a great way to connect.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the best book you can. Don’t rush it. Enjoy the process and don’t worry about the end result. As cliche as this sounds, it’s absolute truth: the writing life is a journey, not a destination. Think hard about how you define success.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up, never surrender.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Tana French’s novel The Sacred Place. Next up: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead and also Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I get my novel finished I’ll have to find a new agent/publisher. I’ll also turn to working on some essays and a nonfiction book about wellness writing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Wilderness Survival for Dummies, Cameron M. Smith
2. The Swiss Family Robinson, Johann David Wyss
3. Fear: Essential Wisdom For Getting Through the Storm, Thich Nyat Hanh
4. Good Poems for Hard Times, ed. Garrison Keillor
Author Websites and Profiles
G. Elizabeth Kretchmer Website
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