Interview Kay Bailey

by

Tamia Dawn Osburn

1) Can you tell us a little more about Crossing Nebraska.

The Overland Trail came in contact with the Pawnee (Pa'ni) trail in Nebraska Territory. Two people, whose lives would never have normally crossed, met one day while standing along the banks of The Little Blue river. Their eyes met.... and their interest was peaked. The rest makes for a wonderful adventure.

2) What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to read and I enjoy watching movies.

3) Are there any hobbies you would like to share with us?

Writing is my main hobby. Since I work also, writing is stress release for me. I also do yoga, do some physical activity.

4) What do you like best about writing stories?

One of my quotes is "The universe is made of stories, not atoms." It's on my website banner.

5) What do you do when you have writer's block?

I go do laundry or clean or take a walk. I do anything but write. The solution will come. For me it's usually more of a writer's knot and it just needs untangled.

6) Do you plot out your stories or do you let the characters take over and let them do the writing?

Oh, my characters do the work. I just try to keep them in some sort of parameters. They are tricky critters. They love to take over at times.

7). What do you like best about creating your characters?

These characters become so real. They live and breathe.

8. How do you come up with the ideas of creating your stories?

It's usually sparked by someone or something I see. Then I work with it in my head until the story kicks in. The story comes from the character most often and the struggle of their lives or personalities.

9) How do you relax after a long day of work and writing?

Well I work fulltime as well as write, so writing can be as fun as recreation. I love to go nature walking, also reading is a favorite thing of mine. I also have two teenage boys who are a blast to be with.

10). When writing historicals, how much research do you do before writing a novel?

More time researching went into this book than actual writing. If you don't have the foundation of the time period the story will seem flat.

11) Is it rough or easy when writing historical novels?

Historical fiction is so much fun for me. I love researching different time periods. I do favor the westerns and pioneer period though.

12) What are you personal plans for the future concerning your future novels?

I have a short story that I am working with now. I will keep everyone posted on my website.