Linda Shenton Matchett: Talkshow Thursday: Author Gail Pallotta

Talkshow Thursday: Author Gail Pallotta

Linda: Thanks for joining me today. You’ve got a new book coming out. Can you tell us a bit about it, and where did you get the inspiration for the plot?

Gail: Thanks for having me. Different cultures, colorful characters and unexplained events create mystery and humor in Hair Calamities and Hot Cash, a contemporary romance. New York stockbroker Philip Wells crashes his rental car into Eve Castleberry’s beauty shop in Triville, North Carolina. On the same day the young widow’s defective hair products cause wild hairdos. Philip comes to her rescue and they fall for each other. Then Eve stops dating him because she believes he’ll leave and break her heart. However, when he needs her to help find his client’s stolen cash, she agrees. Their romance blossoms amid danger, suspense and Eve’s hair-brained plan to get back the money.

My mother’s beauty shop in the small town where I grew up inspired the book. Discussions about employers, illnesses, weddings, births, and deaths filled the room while hair flew. Sometimes I thought my mother a social advisor and psychologist as well as a hair stylist, but the caring attitudes and camaraderie of those who came there are the two things I remember most. Today society seems so divided. I wanted to capture the small-town spirit of community.

L.M.: You have published lots of books. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Gail: It’s a tie between the beginning when I can’t wait to write about the new plot and characters and the end after all of the work, re-writing and editing when I see them come to life.

L.M.: Research is an important element in writing. Can you describe a time you had an “aha” moment or discovered something extraordinary?

Gail: I enjoy research and sometimes get so involved in it the book I’m working on goes to the back burner for a while. I wrote a teen book with the theme, “We don’t have to be number one for God to love us.” My main character’s father was pushing her brother, Sean, to be a great quarterback, and the young man was not athletic. I wanted to add mystery to the sports novel, but had no idea for a crime. My “ah-ha” moment came when I discovered steroid use among teens as well as professional athletes. Sean took a steroid, has a stroke and ends up in the hospital. The main character and her friends become amateur sleuths to find out who sold him the drug. The book is Stopped Cold and will soon be re-released by Pelican Book Group’s Prism Imprint.

L.M.: What do you do to prepare yourself for writing? For example do you listen to music or set up in a specific place?

Gail: I can’t believe what I do, and I’ve tried to stop it. I procrastinate, which is ironic because I have so little time. However, I go over and check e-mail then Facebook, Twitter and other groups I belong to. If I join any more, I won’t get any writing done. LOL.

L.M.: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Gail: I asked my husband what he thought I’d done that qualified as quirky, and he said, “Make a list.” However, I’ll say going to the beach in a private plane on the spur of the moment. I was in my small, hometown at the foothills of the North Carolina Mountains one summer when a friend from college flew over and announced on his loud speaker that I should come to the airport. He wanted me to fly to the beach with him for the day. The phone rang off the hook. Each caller asked if I heard the airplane calling me then suggested I get to the airport. My father, who was at work, also listened to the announcement, came home and drove me to meet my ride. We flew to Myrtle Beach, S.C., had a great time and returned that evening. Definitely a carpe diem moment.

LM: Here are some quickies:

Gail:

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Food: Fresh fish

Favorite season: Summer

L.M.: What is your next project?

Gail: I’m working on a several novels about young women who are entrepreneurs.

L.M.: Where can folks find you on the web?

Gail:

Website http://www.gailpallotta.com

Blog https://gailpallotta.blogspot.com

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