Please tell us a little about yourself. Gail Ingis is my name, but it hasn’t always been. First it was Gail Gerber, but little by little I added more names, in this order, Ingis and then Claus. In fact, in addition to my other involvements, I am, mostly at Christmas time, Mrs. Claus, Really! In the middle of this entire medley, Gail Ingis has always been my professional name for my interior design business, and now for my writing. Mrs. Claus is mostly for my art, I sign my paintings Ingis Claus, in honor of my hubby, Tom Claus, who does my framing and shlepping to art shows.
I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book. I couldn’t believe it! I read and reread the email that said, “We would like to publish your book. Are you interested? Would you like to think about it?” I rolled my eyes while I was thinking, maybe a fatal pause for a millisecond, and wrote back, “I’m delighted, I would like that, thank you.” It’s been a fun ride.
If it isn’t too nosy, how about the first time you kissed your true love? Oh my! Memories. My true love is Tom, my second husband, and my framer, remember? He was leaving after a wonderful evening, dinner and movie, “A Few Good Men.” That was our second date getting to know each other. The kiss was just a warm and friendly one, but I did say, can I have another one of those. Touching is so important, isn’t it?Yes it is!
Other than your own, who are your favorite (heroes/heroines/writers) in your genre? I love Sherry Thomas and Loretta Chase, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career? Gulp, if I had to narrow it down, I would say, that email asking me if I was interested in having Soul Mate publish my book. There’s more—This career is so new that everything is exciting. Loved learning the craft of writing, all those workshops, I should have a PhD in writing by now. My new friends in CTRWA and Soul Mate Publishing, and so many more people I’ve met at RWA, everyone wants to help. My editors, my publisher, my writer friends, my crit group, my release party, and I suspect that my upcoming art bash and book signing on September 8th at Lockwood will be the highlight of 2016. Guess I should include an invitation at the end of this.
What is your favorite pastime, other than writing? Painting, sketching, teaching.
How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation? I paint, read, cook, prune shrubs and pal around with Tom when he's done with his writing as a scientist, medical writer. My grand-kids get a dose of me now and then; they live in different states, the closest is New Jersey.
Got a recipe you want to share?
My Noodle Pudding (secret recipe)
Gail Ingis’ Noodle Pudding-Bake 40 minutes at 325 degrees
11/26/2013
tlbs=tablespoons
pt=pint (same as 2 cups)
1lb medium egg noodles-boiled 8 minutes
4 extra-large eggs/ or 6 regular
1 cup sugar (set aside 4 Tlbs)
½lb (2 sticks) butter-melted (set aside 4 Tlbs melt later if easier)
¾lb cream cheese
1 pt (2cups) sour cream (room temp)
Topping:
2 cups corn flake crumbs, mix with 4Tlbs sugar and 4 Tlbs melted butter
Beat eggs and sour cream-add sugar and melted butter and mashed cream cheese. Can mix in Mixmaster, easier to blend cream cheese. Mix together with noodles and pour into buttered square casserole or other pan. Sprinkle with topping. Cover with aluminum foil and keep in refrigerator overnight (it gels).
THEN: remove cover and cook 40 minutes in preheated oven at 325 degrees.
Can freeze after refrigerator. THEN: thaw and cook 40 minutes, no cover. This sounds evilly good. Must try.
Any advice for new writers just starting out? Critical, learn the craft of writing romance, learn to take criticism, it’s the best thing to get you to move forward and create a masterpiece.
What genre or genres do you write? I am a historian, so it’s easy for me, and a delight to write history. I love history.
Tell us about Indigo Sky
Indigo Sky, available on Amazon as an eBook or paperback, is also available on B&N in paperback. Audiobook coming soon.
Back Cover Blurb:
In a whirlwind romance, a lovely New York socialite marries a fêted, debonair author. But beneath the charm is a cheating husband addicted to hasheesh. Her dream marriage turns sour and the simplicity of her life runs amok when a handsome stranger, her husband’s business partner, threatens her staunch loyalty to her wayward husband. When she faces the ugly truth about her marriage, her need to finalize her divorce sends her on a mad chase across the wilds of nineteenth-century America with a handsome stranger—she learns hard lessons of murder, kidnapping and more that almost destroy her.
Gail is a wonderful researcher and truly delievers the historical era. The story begins at The Catskills Mountain House in 1863
What’s your current WIP? Historical romance set in Coney Island.Which leads nicely into her art exhibit.
Coney Island: Visions from the Boardwalk
The exhibition will be up until September 30th.
I wish I were in NY so I could go.
And finally, where can we find you?
Webpage with excerpts and background: http://www.gailingis.comAmazon Author Page with updates and trailer: http://amzn.to/1K4GVQA
Follow Gail:
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1K4GVQA
Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/29NYE5w
Artist Page: http://artist.gailingis.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gail.ingis
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/29Pem1S
Trailer: http://bit.ly/29xUJ1H
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gailingis
Website: http://www.gailingis.com
Free, win an Indigo Sky eBook download. Thank you for being here, Gail.
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a Rafflecopter giveaway
I use the rafflecopter app for giveawaysbecause when people comment, I don't get an email address for them and I need the email to inform the winner. Please enter below.
Sue, thank you inviting me to your lovely blog site. I had fun with the interview, and I shared the best noodle pudding recipe ever!
ReplyDeleteDon't know how you find time to do all you do. Thanks for this opportunity.
ReplyDeletetasty recipe
ReplyDeleteIt's been my assignment to make that noodle pudding every holiday. Never any left overs.
DeleteI'd love to read Indigo Sky!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine. I hope you have fun with the romantic adventure!I hope you win.
Delete