Behind the Quill with Louise Behiel
It’s time for another author interview at Behind the Quill. This time we get to take a peek into the life of Louise Behiel, author of Family Ties. I met Louise through one of my online courses and was completely hooked on her blog posts dealing with family dynamics. This is one fascinating lady with so much great information stored in her brain, I could probably make her a fortune off my therapy sessions alone um, talk with her for hours.
Here’s what Louise had to say:
Me: What lead you to write Family Ties?
LB: Family Ties explores the relationships in a family and why they are the way they are. In one of my other lives, I am a therapist and I work with adults whose lives have been negatively impacted by their childhood.
One day, after a particularly difficult session, I started thinking about writing and the question popped into mind: how would a woman behave after she kidnapped a child. And what would be the child’s reaction to her parenting style? What circumstances would jar his repressed memories loose? What would cause his ‘parents’ to finally tell him the truth and face his reaction and the legal system? And to spice it up a bit, what if he was an American, but raised in Canada?
Me: Does your significant other read your books and/or stories? What about your children or other family members? How do they feel about it?
LB: I am single and have been for 14 years. My daughter and son are great supports. She reads a lot of books, often one a day, so she’s one of my first readers. My son and daughter in law love what I do and are fascinated by the work of writing – they had this vision of the muse dropping in and leave wonderful wise words on the page. Instead they hear about me sitting for hours at the keyboard, writing, editing, critiquing, beta reading for others etc etc. They know it’s a lot of work. But they love it for me. The rest of my family, my siblings and mother, are thrilled.
Me: If Family Ties were made into a movie, who do you picture playingeach characters part?
LB: Oh, tough question. I don’t watch many movies (hangs head in shame) but with a full time job and a part time therapy practice, writing, a blog, social media and my chapter, visual entertainment had to go. Hmmm…
Me: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
LB: In Family Ties, I loved the scene where my hero, Gray, ‘meets’ his birth parents. His mother never gave up her belief that he would come home and he can see her love for him never waned. I cried as I wrote it and I hear from readers that it is a deeply emotional scene for them as well.
Me: Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
LB: Every book I’ve written (and there are a dozen or so) center on families, relationships in groups and how people interact with each other. But with my work as a therapist, what else would I write?
Me: What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?What has been the best compliment?
LB: My toughest criticism? That’s easy. I had worked very closely with a particular editor for several years. She hadn’t bought but she’d been encouraging and supportive. After many submissions with no contract I joined a critique group and we tore my book apart. I edited and edited and edited. And then I submitted to her. Her response? “Louise, what did you do? You’ve destroyed your voice and it was wonderful.” Oops. No more heavy critiquing for me.
Best compliment? I’ve had a number of readers tell me that my books are about people they might know, in lives they can identify with.
Me: What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
LB: I’d like to say I write with a boa wrapped around my neck and a glass of wine at hand, but alas, I cannot tell fibs like that. I’m a total pantser and the first reader of my story. I never know what’s going to happen until I put it down on my computer. So I write the first draft fairly quickly, put it away for a couple months and then pull it out and edit it as a writer.
Me: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
LB: Until my mid forties, I didn’t read fiction. Ever. I read self help, spiritual books (I love to study religions) and lots of recovery material. Wayne Dyer’s Your Erroneous Zones was the first book I read that led me to believe I could change my future. Boy was he right.
Me: When you aren’t writing, what do you like to do?
LB: I have four grandchildren I love to spoil. I love to travel. I have two dogs that I spoil ridiculously. And I read – my kindle is loaded with books that I’ve finished or am about to start.
Me: What is your favorite food? If you cook, what type of food is yourfavorite and would you mind sharing a recipe?
LB: My kids joke that I shouldn’t bother with a kitchen in my house and they’re right, so no, I won’t share my favorite recipe. I would eat out every meal if I could. But I’ve been diagnosed as a celiac, so I’ve had to become much fussier about what I eat. Sighhhhh. Which means I’m going to have to start cooking again. My favorite food? I spent a lot of time in New Mexico some years ago and discovered a fondness for Mexican and Tex-Mex. It’s not as big in Calgary as it is in the US and I’m so sorry about that.
Me: Are you a pet owner? If so, what pets do you have and their names?
LB: I’ve always had dogs. Right now I have two: Jake is a 14 pound rescue pooch who is Miniature Schnauzer, Shih Tzu and Poodle cross (we guess). I call him my Buddha Boy because he’s the most placid dog ever. Lucy is a Shih Tzu X Bichon and she’s a pistol. Always on the go and always guarding our home. After all, her six pounds are very threatening.
Me: What would YOU like your readers to know about this book or you in general? What do you want readers to see in your books?
LB: Family Ties is an emotional story of two people finding their way in life. And while they think they have plans, life will interfere in those plans to bring them to who they were meant to be, with a partner who loves them through it all.
Me: Tell us about your current or upcoming release. Will you have anew book coming out soon?
LB: Family Ties is the first of a trilogy about families. Family Lies, Book 2, will be out this summer. It is the story of a woman’s life turned upside down by the lies and machinations of her husband and the mess she’s left to clean up after he becomes incapacitated. The third book, (Family Values) will be out at the beginning of 2013. It is about a woman who values family and community above all else and a man who has little connection to his roots.
Me: What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?
LB: Write, read and then write some more. Find a good chapter or writing group that’s supportive and caring. If you get frustrated or can’t find publishing success, do what I did – step away for awhile (but not a few years) and then return with a fresh perspective. The industry is changing daily and what wasn’t popular last year might be this year’s best seller.
Me: This is so true, Louise. You can never tell what’s going to happen next in this industry. Great advice! Thank you so much for taking time out to talk with me today.
Here’s a little more about Louise:
Author Bio: I’m almost afraid to say I think blogging and WordPress are starting to make some sense to me. I’m a writer, therapist, mother, grandmother and dog lover. I listen to Country Music, and watch CSI in all three cities and Criminal Minds. I read romance, self-help and spiritual books. I read anything by Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra and many others. I don’t go to movies but usually have a radio playing nearby. I strive for emotional maturity, although it often eludes me.
But I know that who I am today is not necessarily who I will be tomorrow, because life is a journey.
Check out Louise’s awesome blog, Journey of a Thousand Miles for some great posts, and follow her on Twitter or Facebook!
So, what did you think? Do you have other questions for Louise? If so, post them in the comments and I’ll see if I can get her answer a few of them for us.
My First Author Interview | Louise Behiel
May 4, 2012 @ 8:50 AM
[…] Jennifer’s blog is always interesting, entertaining and fun. I hope you’ll join us for a look ‘Behind the Quill‘. […]
May 4, 2012 @ 9:30 AM
What a great interview. Thank you Jennifer and Louise! I love family stories! I got chills when you spoke about the part where Gray meets his parents. By the way, my oldest is named Greyson, whom we often call Grey. 😉 Can’t wait for Family Lies this summer!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:55 AM
Thanks Ginger! Family Ties is next on my reading list but I was completely hooked by her replies in this interview. I can’t wait to get my hands on the entire series! Write, Louise, write! lol!
May 4, 2012 @ 9:59 AM
Wonderful interview. I can see why you don’t have time to watch movies. You’re one busy lady. The premise of all your books sound wonderful.
May 4, 2012 @ 10:57 AM
Linda, I’m in awe of how Louise gets it all done! 🙂
Thanks for stopping in!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:13 AM
great, great interview Louise. I bought this book as soon as it came out and it’s getting closer to the top of my TBR pile and I so can’t wait to chomp into it. the series sounds great too! Wishing you much success!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:56 AM
The series does sound wonderful, doesn’t it? I can’t wait for the next book.
Thanks for stopping by, Michelle!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:15 AM
Louise you are a total inspiration to me. I’m going to start reading Family Ties tonight. I can’t agree more! A great writing group is the best thing to be a part of! Thank heavens I had the opportunity to meet you!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:58 AM
I agree, Louise is a great inspiration!
So glad you stopped by!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:20 AM
I can’t wait to read Family Ties
May 4, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
Me too, Marian. Me too!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:29 AM
Great interview. Like Louise I have a Kindle and it is filled with books as well waiting for me to read. Louise’s FAMILY TIES might have to bud in line as I’m very intrigued – sorry to the other books getting hopping over!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:59 AM
I was thinking the same thing, Kreseda. I’m in the middle of a book right now, but I’m thinking maybe I need to put it down so I can read Family Ties first!
Thanks for swinging by!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:37 AM
Great interview! I loved your insight into your own writing process and Family Ties sounds like such a wonderful book. Although, I have to fess up… Am I the only one who read “Your Erogenous Zones” instead of “Your Erroneous Zones”? LOL! I thought you were going in a completely different direction 😉
May 4, 2012 @ 11:01 AM
Too funny, Jade! Now I’m going to read it like that every time I see it! lol!
Thanks for popping in!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:48 AM
I loved this interview, Jennifer & Louise. What a great insight into the mind of a wonderful woman who’s dedicated her life to helping others.
I lurk on Louise’s blog since I had a difficult childhood myself and I find my emotions at times too near the surface.
Great job ladies and I’m looking forward to book two in the series.
May 4, 2012 @ 11:04 AM
Thanks, CC!
Louise really is a wonderful person and was such a pleasure to interview!
I lurk on her blog as well – her posts are wonderful. I’ve learned a lot about family dynamics and relationships since reading her blog. Its amazing!
Thanks for stopping by!
May 4, 2012 @ 11:03 AM
Great interview Louise.
I have the great pleasure of knowing Louise, and she is one of my most favorite people.
I know that this book, is the beginning of a great writing career for her. She has earned the success I see coming.
Oh, and she’s a fun drinking partner!! Wheeeee!!!
May 4, 2012 @ 11:08 AM
I agree, Tawny. I think this book (and those to follow in the series) are going to really put her on the path to success. She is an amazing person and I’m so glad I got to meet her.
Thanks for stopping in!
May 4, 2012 @ 11:23 AM
Great interview! I too follow Louise’s blog and am constantly impressed by her wisdom and the generosity with which she shares her insight. I am so looking forward to reading Family Ties and the other books in this series!
May 4, 2012 @ 6:05 PM
Thanks, DL!
May 4, 2012 @ 11:27 AM
I love it when writers I admire pair up! I just downloaded FAMILY TIES to my Kindle yesterday. 🙂 Thanks for the great interview, ladies. “Write, read, and then write some more.” YES!
May 4, 2012 @ 6:06 PM
August, I said the same “YES” when I read Louise’s advice! 🙂
Smart lady, that Louise!
May 4, 2012 @ 12:41 PM
Great interview, Louise! I haven’t read Family Ties yet, but it’s on my TBR list 🙂
Btw, there is a good Mexican restaurant on 17th Avenue SW around 12/13 St. I haven’t been, but friends and family tell me it’s fantastic.
May 4, 2012 @ 1:32 PM
Fun interview! I am reading Family Ties right now and really enjoying it! So glad to hear there are more planned. Just curious, was the line you’d submitted to Harlequin Superromance? Because this book totally reads like one! And that’s a major compliment – they are not easy to write!
May 4, 2012 @ 6:07 PM
I was glad to hear she had a series planned as well!
Thanks for stopping by, Jennette!
May 4, 2012 @ 2:22 PM
Thanks, Jennifer, for this glimpse of Louise–the woman behind the book and the excellent blog posts. Louise, Family Ties is in my Kindle, and I can’t wait to read it.
May 4, 2012 @ 6:09 PM
Your welcome, Pat! I loved doing this interview. Louise is such an interesting subject, I may have to visit her again down the road!
Thanks for stopping by!
May 4, 2012 @ 3:48 PM
I have Family Ties on my Kindle and it is slowly working its way to the top of my TBR pile. And every time I read something about this book, it makes me more and more excited about reading it. Congratulations on the release of your first book. I’ll be watching for book two this summer.
Thanks for the wonderful interview, ladies!
May 4, 2012 @ 6:12 PM
I feel the same way, Sheila. With all these great comments and reviews on Family Ties – it may just be moved to the front of my list!
Thanks for stopping in!
May 4, 2012 @ 4:14 PM
Very nice interview ladies! Louise you’re a very interesting person. I’m glad I got to see a different side of you today!
I’m reading a book right now called “Learning To Swim,” which is about a little boy who was kidnapped in Canada, found in the US and then returned to his dad in Canada. I’m not through yet, but it’s interesting to read about what he does and how he acts and what triggers his memory and stuff like that. Can’t wait to read your book. It’s on my Kindle!
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
May 4, 2012 @ 6:14 PM
Thanks, Patricia!
I think Louise is a fascinating woman and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to bring her closer to all of you.
May 4, 2012 @ 5:08 PM
Jennifer, I’m blushing at all the lovely comments. You’ve been a joy to work with – easy going, organized and insightful. and for an interview virgin like me, (I’m not referring to the erogenous zones, Jade)you made this very easy.
For those of you who lurk on my blog, step forward and share your stories. It’s a safe place, I promise.
And do let me know what you think of Family Ties. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
May 4, 2012 @ 6:17 PM
Louise,
It was my pleasure! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you a bit better. And I can’t wait to dig in to Family Ties!
Thank you so much for sharing your time and a bit of yourself with us!
May 4, 2012 @ 8:39 PM
Congrats on your Family “series”. I have Family Ties and will read it as soon as I’m over this deadline.
wonderful interview, ladies!
May 4, 2012 @ 9:22 PM
Thanks, Suzanne! I appreciate you stopping by!
May 4, 2012 @ 9:19 PM
Great interview, Jennifer and Louise! Family Ties is in my TBR queue. The trilogy sounds wonderful.
May 4, 2012 @ 9:23 PM
Thanks, Alicia!
I’m looking forward to reading Family Ties myself, and of course, the rest of the series.
Thanks for popping in!
May 4, 2012 @ 10:24 PM
What a fantastic interview!
You asked wonderful questions Jennifer and Louise, I loved the way you described the characters in your book. I just finished it fifteen minutes ago. I had come by earlier and started to read the interview and stopped. My Spoiler alarm went off. I didn’t want to know too much before I finished the book. Fortunately, I’m a pretty fast reader.
Only a therapist could write this book Louise. It had you written all over it. It was so great to hear your voice throughout after getting to know you on your blog!
Now see, this is what I think Kristen Lamb has been talking about. That why it’s important for us to keep blogging. And it doesn’t matter whether we have a book out yet or not. After five months of reading Louise’s blog, I knew I like her voice which drew me to read her book.
I really enjoyed the story. You made me blush a little bit Louise in some of those scenes you wrote, you little saucy woman you! LOL! So I’ll be looking forward to your next release!
Thanks girls! Great job! 🙂
May 8, 2012 @ 5:31 PM
Thanks so much Karen. I’m so glad you enjoyed Family Ties. I was really trying for a slightly more ‘real’ version of a romance device that has been around for years.
May 5, 2012 @ 2:35 PM
Loved this interview, ladies! Good to learn a bit more about Louise (and a few tidbits about Jenn, too!) Thanks!
May 6, 2012 @ 12:51 PM
I’m way behind like the cow’s tail, but thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Loved Family Ties, am so looking forward to the next two. And I loved Louise’s last line – who I am today is necessarily who I will be tomorrow.
May 7, 2012 @ 12:27 AM
Louise, I love your blog as you know, and I LOVE this interview! I learned so much about you and this helps me know you better. I am looking forward to reading Family Ties What a very interesting premise! I would suggest that anyone reading this check out your blog. Louise, you are a gifted therapist and have SO much talent as a therapist AND a writer! THIS will be a huge success and WE are the lucky ones.
Peace, Jen
May 8, 2012 @ 5:36 PM
Jennifer thanks so much for having me. what fun to share my first interview with someone I know and trust. You made it all so easy. Thanks for the kind words about my blog, and work. I love working with people. It’s been my goal since i was little and it feeds my soul every day.
May 7, 2012 @ 2:30 AM
Wonderful interview, I too find Louise to be a true inspiration and admire her greatly!
This was a great and very interesting interview to read!
May 8, 2012 @ 5:47 PM
Wonderful interview. I enjoyed learning more about Louise. And I just bought Family Ties for my Kindle.