Today I’m interviewing Gloria Getman, the driving force behind the recently published Visalia/Exeter Writers’ 2011 anthology, “LEAVES from the VALLEY OAK.” Without a doubt, Gloria spent many frustrating hours wading through the complicated process of editing and uploading the individual manuscripts into a format that was acceptable to CreateSpace. Her persistence and determination paid off when this delightful book was made available this fall to readers everywhere.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Ojai, CA, the youngest of four children in the family. I married my high school sweetheart and we had six children. When my husband started a plumbing business, I became the business manager. Later when my children were all in school, I decided I wanted to be a registered nurse, so I went back to school, graduating in 1971. I returned to college again for my BSN from CSU Bakersfield after we moved to the valley in 1973. When my husband died, I realized that I couldn’t hold down a job and take care of our orange grove too, so I retired after 25 years as a nurse and became a farmer. Seven years later, I sold the orchard and moved into town. Then I had more time for writing.
How long have you been writing?
My yen to be a writer started in sixth grade when I wrote a short story about a talking Christmas tree and got some positive feedback. But I didn’t get serious about it until 1991. I wrote a few poems and then a reminiscent piece that I sold to Yesterday’s Magazette. I joined a critique group and also took a creative writing course at the local college. Soon after that I started working on a novel. Because I always enjoyed historical fiction, I thought I wanted to write a historical, but then Lottie popped into my head and I turned to a mystery. I’ve written a number of short stories, three of which are in the anthology Leaves from the Valley Oak, which can be found on Amazon and at The Book Garden in Exeter.
How many books have you written?
Good question. I have one book completed and waiting for a publisher and another book started.
How do you develop your characters?
Some pop up out of a dream. Some come from a “what if” situation, and how would a character react to it. Then it’s a matter of fleshing about that character. I like unusual characters.
What books and authors influenced you?
As a child I read many of the classics: Call of the Wild, Bambi and Black Beauty. Later, I read all of Alcott’s books. Also Mark Twain. I liked books about historical figures. Today, my favorite authors are Sue Grafton, Connie Shelton, and Margaret Maron. But since I belong to the Mystery Readers at the library, I read many different authors.
How did your upbringing color your writing?
Since I grew up in the days before TV, books were part of our everyday life. Weekly trips to the library, and the fact that my mother read to me, was really important. All of it stimulated my imagination.
Do you belong to any writers’ organizations?
Sure do. I belong to both Exeter and Visalia Writers, San Joaquin Sisters in Crime, Central Coast Sisters in Crime and SLO Nightwriters.
What is your latest project?
I’m working on an historical that takes place in Jerome, AZ. And I also started a blog: gloriagetman.blogspot.com
Terrific interview! Seems many of us were bookworms early on and tried our first stories as early as 12 years old. But, how many go on to actually take classes and hone our craft?
ReplyDeleteI have always been a reader and writer. As a tiny tot, I memorized all the Mother Goose rhymes and other Golden Books. I was an English major in college and have done technical writing in every job I've ever had.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm a multi-published author, editor, and speaker.
I often start our writing workshops by saying that EVERYONE tells me they're sure they could write a book. But only about ten percent ever start, and of those, only about ten percent ever finish. Of those who finish, less than ten percent actually pursue publication.
So, I always congratulate the published authors I know for actually doing the hard part and putting their "baby" out there for criticism.
So, congratulations on taking the step!
I can't remember a time when I didn't read. I think it's true of most writers. We read until it starts to overflow and we just have to get our own stories out there--even if no one else bothers to read them.
ReplyDeleteDriving force, indeed, Ms. Gloria. What a wonderful wealth of life experience from which to draw. All those people in all those situations. Add kids, orchards and the SLO Nightwriters. This sounds like the stuff of fairy tales to me.
ReplyDeleteYou see, I am already invested in the story of your life, Gloria, as you have made it so interesting in just a few words. LIke you, I read from almost birth. They said my extreme myopia had something to do with it. I am grateful. I schlepped to the library every week, returning 10 books, only to check out 10 new ones.
I wrote in grammar school and was selected to write the class play in 6th grade. Sadly, I was not up to the task, and felt a great deal of shame-- brooded about that for some time.
My seventh grade English teacher, Mr. Harada, suffered no slouches nor cowards and we were forced to write, write, write. He instructed me again in my 12th grade AP English class. This was my good fortune.
Also, I ran into him as an adult, just twelve years ago and two years before he died. He mentored me on my current mystery novel, which is about to be published by Oak Tree Press. He has my forever gratitude and love.
Great interview. Thank you.
Marta Chausée, author
Resort to Murder
Gloria obviously has the most important quality a writer needs to possess: determination! She was determined to learn her craft and determined to see her book published. Gloria's proof that, if you can dream it, you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with Patricia. Determination! It's what separates us from the animals. Well, that and good credit.
ReplyDeleteBut as many of you have pointed out, we started thinking about writing at an early age. I told my third grade teacher Mrs. Seachrist that I was going to write books. She told me to be sure they had pictures in them, that it would make all the difference. I haven't gotten to the pictures yet, but I've never forgotten that conversation.
William Doonan
www.williamdoonan.com
Persistence and determination do pay off. I, too, have been a nurse many years. So interesting to hear how your committment to being an agent of change has shown itself in your life. We witness many real lives that can morph into many written stories. Best to you!
ReplyDeleteGee, thanks everyone for your thoughtful comments. All of you sound like folks I'd like to know better. I'm looking forward to another year with the Posse.
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