CR: I grew up in the Washington, DC area, attended Western Michigan University, and have moved often for my husband’s aviation career. Our children have grown up, moved out, and presented us with grand-bunnies!
ib4b: It seems like most authors have quite an interesting journey to getting published. What did you do in your "former life"?
CR: I work as an occupational therapist in a hospital. My coworkers have been wonderfully supportive of my writing obsession. And sometimes my elderly patients help with research!
ib4b: I don't know how you have time to do all that you do! What was the inspiration behind your latest book?
CR: I was more than a little nervous about my first deadline, so I tried to make it easier on myself by setting this story in the 1870s, the same time period as Spring for Susannah, and setting it near home in Nebraska. The most important event then was the trial of Standing Bear, where an Indian was declared a person.
ib4b: The more I read, the more I appreciate the research that authors do to deliver a realistic story. Tell us about your research process for this book.
CR: I wanted to know what led up to this trial and who had witnessed those events. One report mentioned a Russian teacher. A woman with the same name taught French at Vassar around this time. Why would someone leave what must have been one of the best jobs in the US to become a missionary on a primitive Indian agency on the Dakota-Nebraska border? She would have been surrounded by people with a different skin color, different language, different culture. Their enormous needs must have overwhelmed her and their enormous faith humbled her.
ib4b: It's interesting how such small details can lead to writing a book. :) How do you see yourself in the book?
CR: My participation in our church’s medical mission trips to Jamaica gave me insight into Sophia’s struggles.
ib4b: What message or lesson do you hope readers will take away from reading it?
CR: In my research, I connected most of the people involved with Standing Bear’s trial with one church. Church is more than potlucks and committee meetings - we are to do justice and good works!
ib4b: Where do you like to write?
CR: I love having a laptop. When the weather’s reasonable, I write on the back porch. This summer I’ve been keeping an eye on the bird house. Who knew sparrows could be so dramatic?
ib4b: What were some of your favorite books growing up?
CR: My mom is a librarian, so we had a house full of books. I love fairy tales, stories with talking animals, biographies of trailblazer women, and of course Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series.
CR: Rosslyn Elliott’s Lovelier than Daylight is one of those amazing books you want to discuss with friends, Sunday school, your book club. It releases in November - set aside some time for a story that makes you think!
ib4b: Ooh! It's already on my TBR list ... I love books that make you want to talk about them with everyone you know! Do you have a "life verse" or favorite Scripture?
CR: Here’s my reminder that working from home does not mean goofing off: Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
ib4b: Write your memoir in six words or less.
CR: Exceeding abundantly blessed!
ib4b: What is on your nightstand?
CR: Laura Frantz’s Courting Morrow Little. Laura raises the art of historical romance to new heights.
ib4b: Loved that book! What is your dream vacation?
CR: My husband had a business trip to Europe and I tagged along. There’s so much to see and so much good chocolate to eat - I hope to return some day!
ib4b: Sounds like a wonderful trip! What’s a talent you wish you had?
CR: To go with my previous answer, the ability to speak French!
ib4b: Can you tell us a bit about what you're working on now? When can we expect to see it in stores?
CR: I have several projects under development, but no firm date of release yet. I’ll keep you posted!
ib4b: Please do! I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't wait to hear more about your next book. :) Thanks so much for stopping by! I enjoyed getting to know you better!
Catherine Richmond Online
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