Happy Thursday everyone. It’s my pleasure to introduce this week’s Top Author, historical fiction writer, Kerry Chaput. I can’t wait to find out more about Kerry and her amazing book, My Boring Life. Kerry brings words to life and is such an inspiring lady.
Here are some recent reviews of her work:
‘There is a lot of joy and humour in this book. A story written from the heart about growing up, falling in love in a world that is changing fast.’
‘Loved it!’
‘Great writing. Wonderful read.’
‘There is a lot to take away from this book for me about taking chances and going on adventures. Highly recommended YA fiction.’
When I turned forty, I decided it was time for a change. We picked up the family (two kids and two dogs) and left California for snowy Montana after selling everything we owned, and I started writing novels. A lifelong dream that I decided couldn’t wait any longer. It took me four decades to start crafting life to my own specifications, and I’ve never looked back.
As a kid, I grew up in a small town where my dad taught US History at the local high school. He hosted the honors students every Wednesday night for discussions in my living room. I used to hide behind the couch and listen to them have lively debates. My father passed years ago, but his love of history is still part of me. That is why I write historical fiction. I write women-centered tales because so much of women’s lives have been passed over or forgotten in the history books.
I’ve published two novels, and book one of a historical fiction series will release with a small press in December, 2021. I wrote My Boring Life to show how much fun historical fiction can be. It’s also a nod to growing up as the American kid in a family from the UK, and how that instilled in me a love of all things British. I now live in Bend, Oregon, fostering the big dreams of my budding writing career. My loves are travel, coffee, hiking, and reading.
My Boring Life:
It’s 1969 and the world is in upheaval- not that Gavenia would notice. She’s consumed by her disastrous first year of college in New York. When her big brother returns from Vietnam — minus one leg with a crippling case of PTSD — she returns to her hometown of Boring, Oregon to be with him. Gavenia is not your typical nineteen-year-old. She’s a ginger-haired book nerd with her own chair at the library, and whose best friends are a group of hip grannies. She’s the outcast of her outrageous British family who refuses to deal with anything uncomfortable. They swallow emotions with a stiff drink and view mocking as a family sport. Her return home means she must face a lifetime of ridicule and disappointment. Gavenia discovers that she might be the only one who can save her brother from devastation. But first, she must save herself. She’s in for one hell of a summer.
Lizzie, thank you so much for introducing us to Kerry. Kerry, I’m so happy to meet you. I feel like I can relate so much to your journey and your book. Best of wishes and your continued writing journey!
Thanks for joining us today! x
What a great introduction to Kerry! Thank you, Lizzie. I love that she followed her dream!
Thank you, Jan!
Me too. 🙂
Some very intriguing characters in this book! I still find it scary that books set within my own lifetime can be classed as ‘historical’. Make me feel like a museum piece. Good luck with the book, Kerry!
Thanks, Chris. It’s barely historical 🙂