Today on the Brave Blog, we have an interview with Kelsey Gietl. She’s the author of the early 1910s Over the Atlantic duology, the WWI War Across Waters duology, and the 1850s Larksong Legacy series. Be sure to read to the end to see how you can win a signed paperback from any of her books.
Let’s jump right in!
Sarah: In your novel Sparks Fly Upward, you tackle the topics of both racism and human trafficking. What inspired you to do so?
Kelsey: These are important topics in our current culture, as well as historically, and unfortunately, are often driven by division and misunderstanding. Ultimately, they both stem from a disrespect for life and a lack of dignity of the human person. I wanted to bring attention to the fact that the issues of slavery and
human trafficking are really two sides of the same coin and are still prevalent today.
Sarah: You write from the POV of a formerly enslaved Black woman. What research did you do for this, or
how did you prepare to write from this pov?
Kelsey: I read many first-hand accounts from the time period of enslaved blacks, free blacks, and also white interactions with their black slaves. It was interesting to see the distinctions in how people were treated depending on where in the country they lived. While I think we can all agree that slavery is wrong, 1850s racial interactions were far more complicated than most movies and books would have us believe. It was these nuances that I wanted to express through my stories while maintaining respect for all that
enslaved people endured. To make sure that I was maintaining this balance, I asked a sensitivity reader
to review prior to publishing.
Sarah: What did you learn through writing this book? How did it challenge you or help you grow?
Kelsey: Through writing this book, and the entire Larksong Legacy series, I’ve learned just how similar we all really are. I researched many different types of races—Whites, Blacks, Native Americans, Asians—from
many different parts of the United States—South Carolina, Missouri, the Western Frontier, California,
and Washington State. While they each had their own unique stories, their human experiences of
suffering, despair, love, hope, loss, grief, and joy were universal. These experiences either bring people
together and bind them together or tear them apart. That’s doesn’t change, no matter what era we’re
living in. Even 2,000 years ago, Christ challenged us to look past our outward divisions to each person’s inner worth, to see God’s image rather than the one we might have created. How difficult a challenge
that can sometimes be!
Sarah: Do you tackle other brave topics in your other books? Which ones?
Kelsey: Yes. My books tackle the following brave topics. As a fair warning, readers could consider these spoilers.
For a Noble Purpose – Church Hurt, Crime/Violence, People of Color/minorities, Racism, Trauma
Dusk Shall Weep – Church Hurt, Crime/Violence, Loss of A Child, Mental Illness, People of
Color/minorities, Racism, Self-harm/suicide, Trauma
Sparks Fly Upward – Prolife, Abuse, Church Hurt, Crime/Violence, Human Trafficking, Mental Illness,
People of Color/minorities, Prostitution, Racism, Sexual Assault, Trauma
Stars in the Storm – Loss of A Child, Mental Illness, People of Color/minorities, Trauma
Broken Lines – Prolife, Abuse, Addiction and recovery, Crime/Violence, Loss of A Child, Prostitution,
Racism, Trauma
Unsettled Shores – Prolife, Abuse, Crime/Violence, Loss of A Child, Racism, Trauma
My first two books were not Christian Fiction, but are clean and include the following topics:
Across Oceans – Abuse, Crime/Violence, Mental Illness, Self-harm/suicide, Trauma
Twisted River – Prolife, Mental Illness, Trauma
Sarah: What do you hope your readers will take away from your books?
Kelsey: I want readers to feel they can find themselves there, which is why I don’t shy away from the tough topics or discussing faith within my books. All our lives are messy in one way or another, even if we
don’t share that with others, and all of us at one time or another need redemption. My hope is that
there’s at least one character whose experiences lead readers to say, “Yes, I feel that. That’s me too,”
and give them a starting place for moving forward.
Sarah: What is your author tagline? Why did you choose it?
Kelsey: “Historical Fiction with a Dose of Romance and a Dash of Intrigue.” I’m one of those people who believes that (almost) any book is better with a romance, but I also wanted to write books containing topics that were grittier than a standard romance novel.
Sarah: What’s your favorite genre to read?
Kelsey: Historical Fiction, Contemporary Romance, and Survival stories (what regular people call dystopian and disaster stories)
Sarah: Do you enjoy drafting or editing better? Why?
Kelsey: I absolutely enjoy editing better. It’s a great feeling to take a story that’s either so-so or downright awful and crafting it into something readers can enjoy. For me, trying to create something from nothing is far more difficult.
Sarah: What are you working on now?
Kelsey: For the last four years, I’ve been writing in the 1850s Pacific Northwest, so I’m excited to start a totally new project. don’t want to give too much away here, as I’ve promised first details to my newsletter subscribers, but the story will be primarily set in a 1913 sanitarium (aka an asylum) in the fictional town of Hawthorn Ridge, Missouri. This is the same town where my book, For a Noble Purpose, also begins, but otherwise, the two books are not connected. While the sanitarium itself is fictional, I’m taking inspiration from the Missouri institutions that were open at the time. I recently toured the historic St. Louis State Hospital and obtained some wonderful research.
Sarah: What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to write their first book?
Kelsey: Start then keep going! I find that setting a goal of one hour per day is doable and it doesn’t all have to be at once. Whether it’s writing, researching, outlining, or just thinking about plotlines while you do the dishes, consider it a success! Then as time goes on, you’ll find you’re able to accomplish more in less time.
Go out and experience things. You can improve your writing skills by writing more and your storytelling
skills will improve by reading, but there’s only so much you can learn from books. Leave the house and
have an adventure. Travel, try a new skill, take an interesting class. Listen to how people interact, and
find stories in the world around you, even if it’s just in your parish church or at the park down the street.
The road can be long and daunting, but it’s worth it. Not everyone will like your work, but someone will.
Write for those who need to hear what you have to say. Consider criticism along with praise, and make
sure your work is as perfectly polished as it can be before publishing. Have fun. Make friends with your
characters, even your antagonists; they will tell you where they want to go. Don’t be afraid to make
mistakes (because you will and that’s ok) and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are amazing
communities of writers out there. Find the one that fits best for you.
Most importantly, ask God to take the journey with you. Everything truly feels lighter with Him by your
side.
Sarah: Thank you so much for spending time with us here. It’s been a pleasure to learn more about you and your books.
One reader can win their choice of a signed paperback from any of Kelsey’s books. The only stipulations are that you must live in the U.S. and you need to sign up for her newsletter. To enter, leave a comment below.
Kelsey Gietl is the award-winning author of the early 1910s Over the Atlantic duology, the WWI War
Across Waters duology, and the 1850s Larksong Legacy series. Combining Christian faith, family, and
lessons from our past, her books provide inspirational stories with a dose of romance and a dash of
intrigue.
She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Graphic Design and has made a career in fields
from event planning and proposal writing to product management and communications.
She lives in Missouri with her husband, two children, and two dogs. She is a member of the Daughters of
the American Revolution and the Catholic Writers Guild.
