Happy New Year! Have you started reading any new books yet this year? Today I’d like to introduce you to a writer you maybe haven’t heard about before. Let’s welcome Gail Pallotta.
Hello Gail. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? I think I knew it in my heart as a youngster and teen, but only thought of it as a hobby. I didn’t consider writing seriously until I enrolled in a professional writing class in college and learned about paying jobs for writers. I ended up working as an editor and copywriter, but wanted to write fiction. After my husband semi-retired and my daughter left for college, I started to write books.
How exciting. How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing? From my perspective, faith is an integral part of one’s being. It shapes a person’s thoughts, personality, interactions with others and so much more. Mine is so much a part of me, I don’t believe I could write a book and leave it out. Even if I tried, it would seep onto the pages.
I totally agree. What is your favorite Bible verse and why? It’s hard to select just one, but here are two of my favorites: Matthew 22: 37 – 39. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ I chose this passage because it sums up the Gospel in a few words.
Great choice. Where can readers connect with you? I love to hear from readers! They can find me on Facebook on my Authors and More page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore and my personal page at https://www.facebook.com/gail.pallotta/ . Also, on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-pallotta-b368b220/
To take advantage of free reads or giveaways I’d love to have them sign up for my newsletter at https://www.gailpallotta.com/mainphp.html
And discover other authors on my blog at https://gailpallotta.blogspot.com Be sure to stop by and read the posts in my new series about Jesus and enter to win free books from time to time.
Thanks for sharing that. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book? I wanted to show a woman entrepreneur succeeding in business in spite of great odds. The inspiration for her tea house and catering service stems from my grandmother, great aunt and mother’s kitchens, where they created delicious Southern dishes to the delight of those who ate them. When I was ten years old, according to my father I needed to learn to cook so I’d know how to prepare them when I got married. I didn’t marry until I was thirty. By then, I’d received lots of instruction, so I knew how to serve some pretty good dinners. After we tied the knot my husband said, “You could start a restaurant.” I wanted to do other things instead, such as write, but I started one in this book.
Chuckle. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book? I wanted to show a woman entrepreneur succeeding in business in spite of great odds. The inspiration for her tea house and catering service stems from my grandmother, great aunt and mother’s kitchens, where they created delicious Southern dishes to the delight of those who ate them. When I was ten years old, according to my father I needed to learn to cook so I’d know how to prepare them when I got married. I didn’t marry until I was thirty. By then, I’d received lots of instruction, so I knew how to serve some pretty good dinners. After we tied the knot my husband said, “You could start a restaurant.” I wanted to do other things instead, such as write, but I started one in this book.
Before you go, could you share the back cover blurb and your bio with us?
Bio: Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A 2013 Grace Awards finalist, she’s a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner and a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Finalist. She’s published six books, poems, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums.
Back cover blurb: Laney Eskridge worked to put her husband through dental school. Then he left with another woman. She’s on edge from the emotional scars and her parents’ deaths. Then she hears unexplained noises in her new tea house, and her anxiety is tripled. Add a budding romance with Eric—a guy with a fear of commitment—and it’s all too much to handle. She cuts ties with Eric and plunges into making her business pay off.
When Eric discovers that Laney’s in danger, he vows to protect her. But can he make a lasting promise? Will she trust him? . . .and when they overhear a threat that could cause national turmoil, will anyone believe them? There’s more brewing than herbal tea in Cooking up a Mystery.
Great interview, Gail. I love that the idea for this book was birthed in your mother’s, grandmother’s, and great aunt’s kitchen.
Thanks for stopping by, Carol. I loved that too about Gail’s book. 🙂
Hi Carol,
My mother, grandmother and great aunt had some wonderful recipes and handed down quite a few. Thank you for stopping by.
Good morning, Gail and Jodie. This sounds good. I love anything with tea and tea houses. Do you include recipes?
I can relate to your writing journey. I did the whole copywriter/editor thing, including covering several small towns for local newspapers, but none of it hit me where I live. I agree with you, Gail. I don’t think I could write fiction now, even “clean” fiction, without weaving in a faith journey.
Thanks for sharing!
So great to have you here, Kathy. Thank you for sharing your experience as well.
Hi Kathy,
How cool that we spent a number of years doing the same thing. Yes, there are over two dozen recipes in the back of the book, all contributed by Mission Love Seeds, a charity based in Destin, Florida, that supports children. Thank you for asking.
It so happens I’ve read “Cooking Up A Mystery” – and loved it! Lots of fun, and an intriguing mystery without giving me nightmares. Nice interview, too!
Hi Carlene. So glad you enjoyed Gail’s new book. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Carlene,
I’m glad you enjoyed Cooking up a Mystery and appreciate your kind words about it.
Great interview Ladies!
Good luck and God’s blessings to you both
PamT
Aww, thanks, Pamela. Blessings to you too!
Hi Pamela,
Thank you. Blessings to you as well.
Hi Gail and Jodie. Excellent interview. I appreciate someone who can cook. It’s a pleasure to eat yummy food.
All the best to you both.
So glad you stopped by, Barbara. I also appreciate someone who can cook. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. All the best to you too.
Hi Jodie,
Thanks for having me and to you and Barbara for mentioning the value of cooking.
It’s been my pleasure to have you, Gail. Praying the Lord blesses your writing.