Author Interview: GUESSING AT NORMAL by Gail Ward Olmsted
“The characterizations are detailed and exciting, the writing intense, perfect for a story of this nature.”
– Amazon Reviewer
Jill Griffin has mastered the art of being invisible, so when she falls in love with sexy rocker James Sheridan, at first she is content to live in his larger than life shadow. Building a ‘normal’ life together under the glare of the media is challenging and further complicated by constant touring, James’ partying and the mixed signals she gets from James’ twin brother Alex. When her poems and journal ramblings become the songs on James’ best-selling album, Jill has to step out of her comfort zone and figure out how to live her life in a spotlight all her own. With no road map to follow, she struggles to navigate her way in her search for happiness. As her professional success threatens her relationship with James, Jill questions whether she can make a living.
“I enjoyed the natural flow of the story and the more realistic look at being in love with a musician.”
– Amazon Reviewer
5 QUESTIONS FOR AUTHOR
Gail Ward Olmsted
What story are you working on next, and what inspired it?
I am currently working on a sequel of sorts to GUESSING AT NORMAL. The working title is Second Guessing. I am writing it as a standalone, but essentially, the story continues where GUESSING AT NORMAL leaves off. Jill has endured significant changes in her life and she’s at a point where she feels ready to move on and find her happy ever after.
What is your favorite scene in Guessing at Normal?
It would have to be when Jill introduces her new boyfriend, rocker James Sheridan to her dysfunctional family. At one point, she’s in her childhood room absolutely fuming as she listens to James charm and entertain her mother, brother and best friend. Everyone is laughing and having a great time, except for Jill, who was certain that good times could not be had in the house she grew up in.
What type of hero do you like best?
I like all of my characters to have flaws and quirks, the more the merrier. But the heroes have to be aware of their flaws and struggling to overcome most of them.
What has been your greatest pleasure in writing Guessing at Normal?
I’ve gotten lots of readers confessing their own rock star crushes, which has been so enjoyable. I mean, who hasn’t fantasized about a rock star romance? When Readers’ Choice voted Guessing as the Best Rockstar Romance, I was over the moon!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Relax. Don’t stress over things you can’t control. Use more sunscreen and floss regularly. Be your best self and stop being self-conscious. No one is looking at you and everyone has their own issues to deal with. Oh, and spend every spare moment with your mom and tell everyone you love that you love them every chance you get. Don’t take your good fortune for granted.
“This story will resonate as well with anyone who has given up something they loved – especially the pursuit of a cherished dream - for someone dreamy they thought they could love more.”
– Amazon Customer
MEET THE AUTHOR
My first visit to Sedona, AZ prompted me to start writing JEEP TOUR, my first novel. I fell in love with the red rocks and blue skies. My second novel is Guessing at Normal, a rock and roll love story. I recently released Driving on the Left, a romantic sequel of sorts to JEEP TOUR, based in Ireland. A hopeless romantic, I am married to the love of my life. I am mom to two young adults and three cats, and I enjoy reading, music and travel. I am a professor in the School of Business & Information Technology at Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, MA. I was the recipient of the Deliso Endowed Chair Award and was recently recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Department of Higher Education as one of “29 Who Shine.”
