In Which a Librarian asks a Talented Author a Small Number of Questions:
Aimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate history’s unsung heroines. She has been honored as a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice selection, as a three-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards, and as a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year. Aimie is active as an educator and speaker in the writing community and beyond. Her newest novel, A Bakery in Paris, will release on August 1, 2023 from Harper Collins. She lives in Colorado with her amazing husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) adorable kitties, and a pet dragon. THAT description came straight from her website. Read more below to dig a little deeper into getting to know her. Even better--join us on August 3, 2023 at 6:30pm via Zoom. Meet her live! Register at tadl.org/runyan
If you were a dewey number, what would you consider yourself to be?
944.04. French history, all the way! If time and money were no object, I'd go back and get my Ph.D. in French History tomorrow.
What are you reading right now or what is in your pile of "to be read" books?
In addition to a slew of research books (as per usual) I am reading Diana Biller’s Hotel of Secrets because we’re doing an event together in LA. So excited!
You write about very strong women. Did/do you have strong women in your life that influenced you in your writing?
Yes, though in many respects they were very traditional and wouldn’t consider themselves to be “strong women” (because, Aimie, that just isn’t feminine), a lot of the women in my family were quietly subversive and commanded respect. Though I think the women who inspired me specifically to write were those absent from the history books.
Do you write every day and if so, are you more inspired in the morning, afternoon or evening?
Yes, though some days I get to write longer than others. I prefer to write early because my inner critic is still asleep. Never forget, the artist **always** works harder than the critic. Ideally, I get my 2,000 words in before that nasty shrew has had her coffee.
What is your favorite food/snack that you can't imagine your world without?
I mean, besides coffee? That one has to be a gimme, right? I think the world would be a bleak place without my chocolate cheesecake, personally. I make at least one a month and we eat it very slowly.
Thank you, Aimie! We will see you in a couple days. I can't wait for the release of your newest book!