Interview With Author Kristine Simelda
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in the US, but have lived on the Eastern Caribbean Island of Dominica since 1994. In the interim, I have written 4 adult novels and 3 novels for young adults as well as many pieces of published short fiction. The focus of my publishing imprint, River Ridge Press, Dominica, has been to honestly portray the experiences of cross-cultural island living per empathy, engagement, and respectful appropriation.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Climbing Jacko’s Steps and Bring Blessings Home, Book 1 and Book 2 of The Maxine Alexander Mystery Series, were published together in June of 2024. The novels were inspired by 2 true-life child kidnappings here in Dominica and hope to raise community awareness about child abuse and help stop crimes before they happen.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I live off the grid on the edge of the rainforest, so my writing habits are often influenced by the weather. I try to put in a day’s work most everyday whether it’s research, creating new work, or editing. When I’m deeply entrenched in a project, inspiration can come in the middle of the night, but the bottom line is that I keep going. One thing for sure, I’ll never run out of things to write about while living in such a magical place
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always been an avid reader. . . Alice Walker, Tony Morrison, Margaret Atwood, Annie Dillard, Sue Monk Kidd, Ann Patchett . . . but my reading habits have changed dramatically after 30 years of island living. When I first moved to Dominica, I read all the Caribbean novels in our library to get acquainted. Since it was destroyed by Hurricane Maria in 2017, I read mostly on Kindle. Luckily, Caribbean literature is alive and thriving, so I read and often review notable books by those authors on my website.
What are you working on now?
I am collaborating with a younger Dominican author on a historical novel that’s set on a 250-year-old-plantation here in Dominica. Riverdale: A Tale of Two Sarah’s is told from 2 points of view location separated by many years: Enslaved Sarah from the 1800s, and Sarah Beth, the contemporary inheritor of the dilapidated estate. Getting their stories to mesh has been quite the challenge, but we have a first draft of 300+ pages.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Self-promotion has never been my strongpoint. My book launches here on the island have been quite successful, and I have a local fan base. But since Hurricane Maria in 2017 many sales outlets have disappeared. All of my books are available on Amazon in eBook or paperback, and I do have a website, a Facebook author page, and a Facebook page for my publishing imprint River Ridge Press, Dominica. Readers interested in my work can keep abreast of news and publications there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being an author is a big responsibility. Write from your heart and don’t be afraid to step on a few toes. Your prose and poems define what you are proud to feel and who you are proud to be.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘Choice not chance determines destiny.’ I found it inside a fortune cookie while sharing Chinese takeout with my 94 year old Grandpa Charlie.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Tibetan Peach Pie by Tom Robbins. What a storied life he’s had! I’m halfway through Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, which is set in a privileged neighborhood in Ohio, similar to where I came from. the complicated but insightful plot reminds me why I migrated.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to curate a book of essays that reflects the perspective I’ve cultivated during thirty years of living outside my inherent cultural point of view.
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?
Pilgrim at Tinkers Creek, by Annie Dillard, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, and The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks
Author Websites and Profiles
Kristine Simelda Amazon Profile
Kristine Simelda’s Social Media Links
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