Interview with Pam Watts Harris

When I first began writing Aimee, I envisioned a book that was more literary than Christian fiction. However, Aimee’s faith, or lack of it, became a central element to the story, and I realized readers might identify with her and her struggles. The book is more than a romance; it tells the story of a young woman overcoming obstacles and developing connections with people and places she never would have imagined.

I love multi-faceted reads! Since this is a historical romance, I’m assuming you had a lot of research to do. What was your favorite discovery?

The oldest standing school house in Arizona is in Strawberry. It is unbelievable inside. I never would have imagined a building in that remote section could have been as nice as it was in 1895.

History’s an amazing thing, isn’t it? Know in your story, Aimee doesn’t know her father. What made you give her this backstory and how does it impact the novel?

My father passed away in 2012, and I was very much a “Daddy’s girl.” The bond between father and daughter can be very strong, and I tend to incorporate that relationship into what I write. Aimee has grown up without her father, and her primary motivation for going to Arizona is to find out why he was absent from her life and why her mother never told her about him. Learning that truth and establishing a relationship with him enable her to understand herself and to find a faith in God that she has lost.

Sounds like it’s going to be a tissue-needing read. Have you ever been thrown into a new experience like Aimee? If so, how did you fair?

I moved several times when I was younger, but I was always with my parents, never on my own. However, being the new girl in a strange school was scary, no matter how many times I did it. I coped, but it wasn’t easy. I attribute those experiences, however, to making me the adaptable person I am today.

Amen! I moved a lot growing up and it continued when I joined the Air Force. There’s something about being the new girl that made my skin crawl.
What are three elements that are always present in your writing and why?

Family relationships, because I believe connection with family is of utmost importance. That doesn’t mean I think children must always live in the same town or even the same state as their parents, but I think it is vital to keep the connections. My stories don’t always show family relationships in a positive light, but they are still an integral part of the story.

Family history, because where we come from impacts who we are. It is in our genetic code and many times it is the reason for why we live where we do and work in the occupations we have.

An emotional struggle that the heroine must overcome or a sacrifice that must be made, because I believe sacrificial love is the highest level of love. Also, I am a deep thinker and don’t accept life at face value or at status quo. For example, at 30 I made a career change to teaching so I could be at home more with my children, rather than continuing in a job I loved. I looked at the greater good, which for me was having more time with them.

Great elements! Can you tell us what you’re currently working on?

I have two projects going. One is a contemporary romance novella that will accompany a novella written by another author. It is due to be released in October, and the working title is Smoky Mountain Brides. The heroine in my book is best friends with the heroine in the other one. The second project is targeted to teen girls, and I guess you could say it is teen angst on steroids. Ha, ha!

Lol. They both sound intriguing. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Write as much as you can. Become a part of a writers group. Accept their criticism. Cry about it privately and then fix it. Read books in the genre you wish to write and study how the author wrote the book. Decide why you like what you do. Subscribe to Writers Digest magazine. Enter contests. Overcome discouragement. And you will be discouraged at times.

So true! I’ve learned a lot by reading other authors. Before you leave, please tell the readers how they can help support you in your writing journey.

Well, of course, please buy my books! Also, I would appreciate it very much if they would post reviews on Amazon. I need reviews for my publisher to be able to advertise my books in large venues such as Goodreads. “Like” my Pam Harris, author Facebook page and comment about my books that you’ve read. Share with your friends and family. Help spread the word!