Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up and still live in New England with my husband, three children, and two cats. I am a self-proclaimed history buff. While History wasn’t my major during college, I took many history electives just to feed by passion for it. I enjoy weaving tidbits of history into my fictional stories; it’s a fun way to explore the past through the eyes of your characters.
I began writing while working part-time with young children at home, scribbling down ideas and chapters in notebooks whenever I had a free moment. After the several years it took me to complete my first book, “Pompeii Days,” my husband suggested self-publishing on Kindle. It’s been a wonderful experience. The book received some good reviews in the US and the UK — it’s a great feeling to know someone enjoyed reading a novel that I so enjoyed writing. The children are getting older now and I am finding more time to write. I am happy to say I am putting the finishing touches on my second novel and have just begun composing my third novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, soon to be released on Kindle, is “Wentworth House.” It’s about the Wentworth family in England, who are trying to retain ownership of the mansion and property that has been in their family for four hundred years. The Wentworths are finding it more and more difficult to hold onto the property due to the spiraling costs of upkeep and taxes. A young American woman who had been living and studying in England is hired to create a revenue-generating museum within the mansion.
This novel was inspired by a visit to Blenheim Palace, one of the largest and grandest mansions in England. I had also read in British History magazine about a family in England who finally had to sell their estate after it had been in their family for nearly a thousand years. It made me reflect how would I feel if I were the one forced to sell this invaluable family possession after being in the family for so long. I began to research what some wealthy families were creatively doing to keep up with the rising cost of ownership.
The lead character possesses some attributes of my oldest daughter, who recently received her master’s degree in museum studies and now works in a museum. The idea of a museum within the estate adds a great element to the story with, of course, an added romantic angle…I couldn’t have my American heroine in England without some romance!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually find a reasonably quiet spot in my home where I can set up my laptop for a couple of hours. I love writing and, as I begin to write, can hear the characters voices in my head and experience what they see and feel. It’s a bit like being in an improvisational acting class– I become that character and say or do what he or she would do. By becoming the character in my mind, I feel they react more authentically.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Victoria Holt, a Gothic novelist, is certainly an influence, especially for my novel, “Wentworth House.” Her books always involve a strong, gutsy heroine, a family saga, a mysterious incident, a mansion in England, and a good romantic storyline. I have always admired Marc Twain and his ability to create strong characters, and also weave humor and interesting observations about human nature into his work.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my third novel, “Angels in the Mist.” My heroine, Elena, is laid off from her well paying Accounting job in New York and returns to her parents house in a small town in Massachusetts. She has to deal with the emotions of losing her job and coming to live with her parents after being away for three years. Until she gets a better job, she decides to work as an assistant for Victoria, a wealthy, widowed woman who owns a beautiful home along a river. The townsfolk question whether the woman is sane because she insists she see angels over the water at night and they even talk to her. Elena becomes a defender of the woman and begins to believe that the woman is really seeing them. Elena also runs into Neil, someone she barely knew in high school who is now the owner of a successful garden and landscaping business. She sees his tall, tanned body working in Victoria’s gardens and will have to decide whether this handsome guy is someone she shouldn’t have overlooked in high school. Elena will also have to decide if home and family are where she wants be, or will another big city draw her away.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang.com!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is don’t be afraid to self-publish on Kindle, but make sure the work is the best it can be. Also, don’t be afraid to promote your novel in the avenues that are available. No one will ever know this great book is out there if you don’t promote it on great sites like Awesomegang. When you get a good Internet following and increasing sales, you never know what might happen next.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was from my husband, who suggested that I put my book on Kindle.
What are you reading now?
I am reading the “Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume I,” a compilation of dictations that Twain did about his life from 1906, forward. It was published in 2010, one hundred years after his death, per his instructions. He felt he could speak and say whatever interested him because he would be long dead when it came out. It’s wonderful to hear about his life and how he wove that into his stories and characters.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve begun work on my third novel and I’m aiming to have it be all that I believe the story can be. Also, I’m always thinking ahead, developing interesting story lines and characters that can form the basis of my next novel.
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?
I would bring “The Secret Woman” by Victoria Holt, “Clan of the Cave Bear” by Jean M. Auel, “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell, and “Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gail Amaral Website
Gail Amaral Amazon Profile
Gail Amaral’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account