Interview and Giveaway with Becky Povich

It's my pleasure to welcome author Becky Povich today.  Becky is here to discuss her latest book, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs. Now if that title doesn't draw you in, I don't know what will! :) Becky's offered a print copy for one of my readers; be sure to check out the giveaway details below.

 

Welcome Becky! What prompted you to write this book? 

Thank you, Karen! I hate to start off saying “It’s a long story,” but it is! I’ll shorten it as much as I can. I thought about writing my memoir in March 2001 as I read Haven Kimmel’s A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland Indiana. I loved that book and recommended it every chance I got. It occurred to me that if/when I wrote my memoir, it would be “kind of” like this one. Not that I’m comparing my writing to Ms. Kimmel’s. Oh my, not at all! I liked the way it contained both humorous and poignant stories and a few black and white photos.

Two months later, I found out my estranged father was in very bad health, and not expected to live more than a few days. When I got back home after traveling to see him, I felt compelled to write. It was as if a gentle force sat me down at my laptop and the words just flowed. If only writing was always that amazing! I titled it “Thoughts on Love & Forgiveness,” and after submitting it to a local newspaper, I was given the honor of being one of the Guest Opinion Shapers. I was almost 50 years old and that’s when I realized I could write. A few years later, I submitted the same story for the anthology, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Divorce & Recovery, and it was accepted there, also.

Since this is a memoir, did you meet with resistance from your family and friends about any of the stories?

No, but I didn’t reveal much about what I was writing! Seriously, there wasn’t any child abuse or drug addiction-type events in my life, so there wasn’t anything like that to worry about. I did have one small concern about my older sister’s feelings when I wrote about our mother, but she is okay with it.

The cover photo is so cute! How did you come to choose that photo?

You know, this may sound weird, but when it comes to the book title and the cover photo, I do not remember an exact moment when I thought of either of them. With the help of my critique group, and everyone else who wanted to give their opinion, I mulled over a lot of titles and cover ideas. I do know I came up with the title first, and then when I came across the photo of myself, it just seemed to fit perfectly.

It does fit! What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope they’ll feel as if they just spent a couple of hours with me, and that we’re great friends who talked about everything in our lives, and the ups and the downs. I hope, too, they realize just how important it is to have faith in yourself during difficult times, and that a great sense of humor is irreplaceable.

It looks like it does that very thing. :) Can you give us a sneak peek at the next book?

The sequel will be more of the same. The chapters range from my childhood right up to present day. It was really difficult to know when to end my memoir. Since it wasn’t fiction; no beginning, middle or end, I tried to keep it at a decent word count. Finally I just thought, I think it’s time to stop at this point. I’ll write a sequel, so I can share more memories!

Sometimes you just have to call it done, don't you? Thanks so much for stopping by to see us, Becky. Wishing you all the best with your book!

Thank you so much for your hospitality, Karen! 

Find Becky: 

Her website

Her Blog

Becky's book on Amazon 

Giveaway Info - One Signed Copy of From Pigtails to Chin Hairs   

• You must be a GFC (Google Friend Connect follower) of Becky's blog and my blog.
• You must leave your email address with your comment.
• Open to residents of the United States and Canada.
• Earn bonus entries (+1 each) by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter.
• Deadline to enter is midnight EST Thursday, June 5, 2014. Winner will be chosen by random.org, notified via email, and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Have you read any memoirs this year? Do you have any questions for Becky? 

Have a great week,  

Karen