Pump Up Chats with Karen Simpson – Author of Act of Grace

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Karen Simpson Karen Simpson lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan and holds a Master’s in Historic Preservation. Writing, fabric art, and history are her passions. She’s a quilter and has taught African American quilting for over twenty years. As a historian, Simpson has designed exhibits for museums and other historical institutions that deal with issues of cultural diversity and racial reconciliation. The subjects and themes for her fiction are taken from the stories she discovers while doing research. In 2009 Simpson was awarded the Speculative Literature Foundation’s Older Writers Grant. Act of Grace is her first novel.

Thank you for this interview, Karen. Would you tell us briefly about Act of Grace and what inspired you to write it?

A: First, I would like to say than you for this opportunity. I truly appreciate it.

Act of Grace is the story of Grace Johnson a bright, perceptive African American high school senior who saves the life of a Klansman named Jonathan Gilmore. Everyone in her hometown of Vigilant, Michigan wants to know why. Few people, black or white, understand her act of sacrifice especially since rumor holds that years ago a member of the Gilmore family murdered several African -Americans including Grace’s father. Grace wants to remain silent on the matter but Ancestors spirits emerge in visions and insist she fulfill her shamanic duties by bearing witness to her town’s violent racial history so that all involved might transcend it.

act-of-grace-medium The novel is loosely based on a incident that happened several years ago in my hometown during a Klan rally. When what was supposed to be a nonviolent protest became violent, a young black woman saved a white man, (who was wearing a confederate flag T-shirt), from being beaten by throwing her body over him. She got involved because she believed he had the right to his beliefs even if she and others felt he was wrong. For weeks after the event people argued about whether she was a guardian angel or just crazy. My opinion was that she was a compassionate and brave person, worthy of admiration and respect for living up to her values. Five years after this rally I had a very vivid dream about a young woman named Grace and during the dream she yelled out what is more or less the first line of the novel.

My novel comes out of my lifelong interest in how some people are able to forgive what seem to be unforgivable acts and deeds and the subjects of altruism and justice. I’m especially interested in the theme of justice, because while I believe it is my duty as an artist and writer to illuminating injustice, I also believe it is my duty to acknowledge how complicated and sometime messy getting true justice is.

Grace sounds like a very strong character. Did you model her after anyone in particular?

A:I modeled Grace after Keisha Thomas the young black woman who saved the life of the gentleman during the Klan rally and on my attorney sister, Delphia who is a powerful advocate for social change and justice.

Let’s talk a little more about the writing life. What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

A:I get a little frustrated when I don’t having enough time to work on my new novel as much as I would like to. Marketing Act of Grace takes a lot off effort; however, I do realize that marketing my novel is an important part of being an author.

The most rewarding part of being a published author is when people tell me that reading my novel has changed their life or helped then see themselves or their world in a new or different light.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

A: I like to write out my first draft in long hand on my couch on a lap deck. I type out the next draft on my dining room table. My goal for next year is to put together a new office with a roomy desk.

There are lot of small elements that go into publishing a book. What would impress readers more – your book cover, an excerpt or your author photo – and why?

A: What a great question. For me novel covers are important because they are the first impression readers have of a book and I think my cover beautifully evokes what my novel is about.

While writing is a very solitary activity, many authors have people who support them in various ways. Do you have anyone specific in your life who has helped you through?

A: With out my wonderful sister Delphia’s support my novel would still be three chapter at the bottom of my desk drawer. When I couldn’t afford to go to workshops she helped me pay for them and she is my best critiquer.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in October and November via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

A: I decided to do a virtual tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion because word of mouth sells books and now days word of mouth is on line.

Thank you for this interview, Karen. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

A: Thank you so much for the interview. I am looking forward to the tour. If readers would like to contact me please visit me at my website, blog or join me on facebook.

Website: http://karensimpsowrites.com
Blog: http://lafreya.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/klsimpson

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Question of the Day

How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

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