A visit with author Elizabeth White

We’re having a contest over the next few days for an autographed copy of Controlling Interests, a new novel by Elizabeth White!

Let’s meet Beth!

There were three of us. All authors. All in need of a home to stay in during an overnight trip for a book signing in Mobile, Alabama. For a list a reasons, a hotel could be arranged for but it wasn’t the best answer for this particular event.

That’s when the opportunity to meet Beth White came up. I met Beth after she’d invited all three of us to stay in her home. She then arranged a spectacular evening with food, delicious cider, and a welcoming group of readers to meet us the evening we arrived. The next day, during the book signing and teaching time, Beth continued to have friends of hers come in and meet us.

Now that’s a knack for hospitality! That knack for doing things with grace and style is clearly seen in her writing. Since she has a new book, CONTROLLING INTEREST, coming out JUNE 1, 2008, let’s sneak a peek into her life.

CW: While working on my three-book novel, I’ve done some very unexpected things in the name of research. Beth, what’s the craziest thing you ever did in the name of research?

You mean besides get married?? JUST KIDDING! Once when I was working on “The Trouble With Tommy,” I went on a coon hunt with my uncle and my son. I did not carry a gun–but my son did. He was about fourteen at the time and had never been hunting before. You coon hunt at night, so we all wore these helmet like hardhats with headlights on the front. We put the dogs in their carrier on the back of the four-wheeler and they’re barking their heads off as we drive through the woods. Finally we stop and let the dogs out and follow them, listening for the change in their baying. When a dog trees a raccoon it’s very distinct. Even an ignoramus like me can hear it. So my son was so excited he could hardly hold onto the bullets as he loaded them in the gun. I won’t go into the details, but it was hilarious and gross and totally a South Mississippi experience.

CW: Who’s your favorite author?

Beth: I have lots of favorites, but I’ve always loved Max Brand. His real name was Frederick Faust–and he wrote totally campy westerns back in the 1920’s and 30’s. In fact he created Destry of Destry Rides Again and Dr. Kildare! His heroes were daring and funny, and he’s the only male writer I know who could consistently do a decent romance. You gotta check him out!

CW: I hear you’re in grad school at the moment. What gives?

Beth: I had this idea that I wanted to teach college writing instead of middle school language arts. And I loathe education courses, so the only option was an English/Creative Writing program. It’s actually been a lot of fun. I’m taking a poetry writing workshop this semester, which I totally suck at, but it scratches a creative itch I didn’t even know I had. I should graduate with my masters at the end of the summer–I have one more course, screenwriting, to take. Spielberg look out!
CW: I love that response! As you remember, I fell in love with your home when visiting you. The view and aura just seem to lend itself to creativity. Do you have a favorite season that sparks your imagination more than other seasons?

Beth: I definitely love the springtime view out my family room window. My azaleas are this brilliant flamingo pink, and the dogwoods and bridal wreath look like lace. The only problem is…the pollen drives me crazy! I sneeze constantly during March and April.
CW: As authors, something has to really tug at us to cause us to spend months with proverbial chains to our computers. What grabbed your interest to write this book?

Well, I wanted to write a sequel to OFF THE RECORD, using private detective Matt Hogan as my new hero. Which brought to mind one of my favorite TV shows from the 80’s, Moonlighting. So my son and my husband and I did a little brainstorming about Matt’s agency being invaded by a rich rookie “girl” detective–and Natalie Tubberville was born. Matt and Natalie needed a case to solve, so we came up with this runaway Pakistani bride scenario. It just got crazier from there. I think this story is a lot of fun.

CW: What was the most fun experience you’ve ever had as a writer?

Writing is not fun. I’m serious! Researching is fun. Answering fan letters is fun. Writing answers to blog interviews is even fun. Walking through a bookstore and seeing my name on a shelf is fun. Writing is, like someone said, “like shoving a refrigerator uphill.” Well, okay, if you insist. I adore writing the scene at the end where the hero and heroine get together. I just melt into a puddle every time. We old married people know that the real work begins there, but gosh, don’t you just love that hopeful spot of pure joy?

CW: Well, I can’t comment on loving endings. Of the three books I’ve written, I’ve only written one true ending and, well, I cried . . . a lot. But I’m always amazed at the amount of sheer self-will and hard work it takes to complete a novel and I’m also awed by the creativity that shows itself on the written page.

If an aspiring author were sitting across from you at your kitchen table, what piece of writing advice would you give them?

Beth: Anything that’s worth having is hard to get.

CW: That is sooooo true! This was great, Beth. Thank you!

If you’d like to win an autographed copy of Controlling Interest, please leave a comment. You do NOT need to place your e-mail address in the comment. Just fill out the field for your e-mail address and I’ll be the only one who can see it.

To visit Beth’s site go to: www.elizabethwhite.net