Author Interview: Candace West

The last few years have introduced me to some amazing authors, and this one is no different. I met Candace West in person last June at the Ken Ten Writing retreat, but we've also gotten to know each other online, too. I've been blessed to be able to read both of her historical fiction novels, and let me tell you--they're gritty and emotional, full of love and forgiveness. I think you'll enjoy them, too. So, let's take a few moments so you can learn a bit more about Candace and her stories.

Candace, this is your second book. When you wrote your first book, did you already have this story in mind, or did it come to you later?

By the time I finished Lane Steen, I knew that I wanted to resolve Earl and Lorena’s story. Only until last year, however, did I finally make it happen. When I began the story, I had no idea how to get those two back together, especially after the things Earl had done. I brainstormed for awhile before putting the final plot together. In between, the characters took over and shifted the story as I wrote. They were full of surprises!

My characters have a tendency to take over my stories, too, so I can empathize!​
I know in your first book, you wrote in first person and this one was done in second person. Was it hard for you to switch? What made you decide to do it that way?

No, the switch was easy. I prefer writing in third person. Lane’s story was in first person because I wanted readers to see the story completely through her eyes and voice. For Earl and Lorena, it was easier for me to tell the story through their eyes in third person. Also, I wanted to share snippets of other characters without Earl or Lorena having to be in the room.

Historical novels are always enjoyable to me. I love going back in time in my imagination. What's the hardest thing about writing about a time long ago?

Living in a modern age, it’s easy to take for granted little everyday things. Even though times were more simple, things were more complex in many ways. Things like the dishes they used or even the differences between a wagon and buggy. Does one horse or two pull them? Those little details are easy to miss. Since there’s quite a bit of music in this story, I had to make sure that they were relevant to that era. And you wouldn’t believe how much trouble I had researching the price of a sawmill in 1910!

I can't even begin to fathom where I'd start to look for something like that. Good job.
I've fallen in love with several of your characters now, and I want to know what happens to them. Please tell me you're planning at least one more book to follow up on a story you started near the end of this one?

Yes! When I wrote the first book, I wanted to write a series featuring the original characters. Each book focus on a different character. What I didn’t count on was Ella and George setting the stage for the third book. They were pretty pushy about it, in their characteristic way. I didn’t even know Ella was going to show up in Valley Creek until she sent that telegram. In true Ella form, she took it from there. 

Hooray!
Your book is set in the beautiful Ozark mountains. Do you spend much time there in real life? What made you choose that particular setting?

Since we live in the southern Arkansas delta, my family and I frequently travel to the northern Arkansas Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains. It is truly my happy place! My mother’s family roots run through those hills and valleys. We visit all the old places, and I gather fodder for stories. My heart is there, so my stories follow.

Having lived several years in Arkansas, too, I agree. It's easy to fall in love with such a beautiful state.
As always, I ask my authors to share with us one thing not many other people know about you. What'ya got?

I once worked in the crop duster business! I wasn’t a pilot, though. When I was fourteen, I got my first job as a receptionist. Over time, they gave me more responsibilities, including bookkeeping. It was a fun, interesting job to have through high school and college. And it’s where I wrote my first book! Thank you for having me today, Amy. It has been fun sharing with you and your readers!

I've seen those planes fly. I think you got the safer side of the job! Thanks for sharing such a fun tidbit.

Okay, readers. Candace has graciously offered to give an ecopy of her new book, Valley of Shadows, to one of you! To be entered for a chance, please leave a comment below telling us one thing you'd be most interested in finding out about from the 1910s. And keep reading to learn more about Candace's book and where to follow her online.

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Valley of Shadows

Forgiving is far from forgetting.

Lorena Steen gave up on love years ago. After arriving at Valley Creek to visit her daughters, she stumbles first thing into Earl, the husband who abandoned her.

As for Earl, facing Lorena while fighting his own demons tempts him to flee town. How can he rebuild a relationship with his daughters and cynical neighbors when guilt shadows every step?

While the storm brews between them, another storm descends on Valley Creek. Will a ghost town stand in its wake?

But then the townsfolk devise a plan. All they need is a former concert pianist and violinist. A wife and husband estranged.

Can Lorena and Earl set aside their feelings to rescue a community? Even though it sweeps them back through valleys best forgotten? Especially when a forbidden love claims his right to win Lorena’s heart?

Want to know more? For Lane Steen, click here.
For Valley of Shadows, click here.

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Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. When she was twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in her beloved Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.
 
Connect with Candace:

Website
Facebook
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Twitter
Bookbub

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