ℚ The Daughters Lem - Nila Aamoth

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Nila Aamoth to talk about The Daughters Lem  (12 July 2015, Booktrope Editions, 286 pages) a a biographical historical memoir.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Tour Stops

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Welcome to BooksChatter, Nila.
What was the inspiration for The Daughters Lem?

"There are two answers.  

First, when it finally occurred to me that I had grown up never knowing any grandparents, and when my mother revealed why when I was 16, I knew hers was a story I had to relate.  

Second: As the author of a weekly newspaper column, I was asked to speak to my grandson’s 4th grade writing class.  I explained how difficult it was to write about varied subjects each and every week.  My grandson raised his hand to ask, “Yeah, but grandma, have you ever been published?  I mean like a REAL book?”"

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"It’s not all about me, but it’s close."

Why should we read The Daughters Lem and what sets it apart from the rest? 

"I hope my love of language and turn of phrases shine through.  I believe literature needs to survive as an art form."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Daughters Lem, its story and characters?

"The reader may be surprised by the highly bizarre fantasy chapters.  Were the actual characters so quirky?  Absolutely!"

What do you like to write and read about?  Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"A fan of my weekly column once blogged, “I love Nila’s writing.  She can talk about anything, or nothing.  I so could do that!”  That comment made me laugh; most readers don’t understand how difficult writing is.  Whenever an aspiring columnist wanted to write for my newspaper, I always required they write a minimum of six columns for me to critique before any would be published.  Not one wannabe writer came through."

What is your writing process?

"Anyone who writes knows it is a pervasive process.  Times when I am NOT writing are extremely rare.  If I’m staring off into space, I’m writing.  If I’m chin-in-hand, I’m writing.  If I seem distracted ….”she’s writing!”… my husband exclaims.  Putting that vast accumulation of thoughts onto paper comes later."

What is in store next?

"I never know myself what is next."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you (this could be absolutely anything!)? Could you please provide us with a picture of you with them / it?

"NO"

The Daughters Lem - available NOW!

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