Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Exclusive Author Interview ~ Home at Last by Anita Higman, ©2013

Welcome to a visit with author Anita Higman as she shares the background to her story, Home at Last.
Home at Last           

How long have you known you wanted to be an author?
      Growing up I longed to be a writer. When I was very young (I don’t remember my age) I started working on a novel about a man from Mars who wanted to go to college in New York. I never finished that novel, but it left an impression on me. I knew deep down that writing was my dream, even though I didn’t get around to fulfilling it until I was in my thirties.

When a reader finishes Home at Last, what do you want them to come away with?
      I would love for them to be inspired, challenged, and entertained. If I accomplished even one of those things I would feel my writing time wasn’t wasted.

Where did you come up with the idea for the story, Home at Last?
      The inspiration came from watching the latest movie version of Jane Eyre over and over and over. I love that story. I read Jane Eyre a few months ago, and I was truly awed by Charlotte Bronte’s writing. I high recommend it if you’ve never read this masterpiece.

Any hobbies you especially enjoy?
      I love decorating. I know that sounds awfully girly, but it’s exciting to see the right drapes and the right colors and flooring and accessories all come together to make a pleasant room—a place where you want to spend time and a place you want to share with your family and friends.

Home at Last deals with orphans and abandonment. Those are elements that show up frequently in your work. Why is that?
      There were times growing up that I felt lonely and abandoned. But instead of sharing all of these details of my past in interviews, I infuse my novels with those intense emotional memories. That is one of the many blessings of creating art—to be able to sift through, study, and then hopefully, through the miracle of writing, let go of some of the painful pieces and burdensome baggage of our pasts.

If you could have dinner with two special people, who would they be?
      Josh Groban, because his music inspires me, and Leif Enger, because I love the way he writes.

What are the fun things about a book signing? The uncomfortable parts?
      If I’ve invited friends, it’s always great to see them and catch up. If strangers trickle by, and I’m able to tell them about my book, or if I can encourage them in some way I feel like the book signing was successful. The uncomfortable parts can be when people automatically think you’re an employee at the bookstore and ask where the restroom is located. Too many of those kinds of responses can lower the level of enthusiasm significantly. Before I head into a book signing, I usually pray, and the prayer goes something like, “Lord, if the sales are wonderful help me not to become haughty about it, and if the sales aren’t so wonderful please help me not to become discouraged.”

Home at Last also deals with dysfunctional families, estrangement, and then also forgiveness and reconciliation. Why do you gravitate toward those themes?
      Because they are powerful and compelling themes, and because they are ones I understand on a personal level.

You’ve been published, so what do you dream of now?
      I would love to have one of my books made into a movie. In the process, I’d like for these stories to entertain as well as inspire people to see that God cares for them deeply and that His gift of grace is a present just waiting to be opened.

How can readers connect with you?
      Please feel free to stop by my website at www.anitahigman.com or chat with me on my Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorAnitaHigman


Thank you very much, Anita, for stopping by today on this cold winter day! Blessings to you and happy writing!! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House


8 comments:

  1. Oh wow, thanks for providing that video. I wept this morning, tears of joy to see it. Thanks so much!

    Anita Higman

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

      Delete
  2. Thank you for featuring Anita. I loved her book A Marriage In Middlebury and I am looking forward to reading Home At Last.
    I also want to thank you for the video. I was very Blessed hearing it.
    Blessings to you both.
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jackie, We are so blessed by His presence lifting us up and using us with the giftings He has given to each of us. I, too, agree; wonderful open author to explore man's frailities. http://lanehillhouse.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-marriage-in-middlebury-by-anita.html and http://lanehillhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/winter-in-full-bloom-by-anita-higman.html leaving her books with thoughts of introspection. That is what iron sharpening iron should do. Thank you for your comments, Jackie ~ and to Anita for her interview. Kathleen

      Delete
  3. Fabulous interview! Thanks, Kathleen. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Anita. :)

    Have a great weekend. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! Where did this week go? We are at our next weekend already! Yes, I too looked forward to Anita's answers. So enjoyable to hear "the rest of the story." Courtesy to others sure stood out and something to remember when we are in a hurry. Blessings to you, dear kindred heart, Dotti. Kathleen

      Delete
  4. Wonderful interview, Kathleen and Anita! I thoroughly enjoyed each question and answer. I haven't read any of Anita's books but they sound great. The first time I heard that particular Josh Groban song was when he debuted on GMA back in 2001. My mom had just passed away and I wept tears as I listened to the words. Thanks for sharing a bit of your personal story, Anita. BTW - that's my mom's name too :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, yes, until we are all home at last! Kathleen

      Delete