Today Lovely Books Shines The Author Spotlight On…
Claire Muller
I was born in Verdun, France- the same town that many years before, my grandfather fought in, during WWI. I suppose for many reasons, it’s amazing that I even exist… Raised in the military, we moved a lot. I believe I have loved my Tom all my life, but did not meet him until Dad retired in PA. We’ve been married since 1978 and have had many children- birth, adopted and foster. Other people seem to find us and move in too, as our door is always open. We revel in chaos.
Now we live in the best possible state, that of Kentucky. Our kids are grown and having kids, but we are still surrounded by our wonderful dogs, birds and fish.
Author Interview
How long have you been writing? When did you decide to become an author?
I’d love to say I’ve been writing since I was a bit of a thing, but that’s when I started drawing, in fact. Art is my basic core, and writing was just something that I couldn’t stop from doing, every time I was sad, happy, angry or laughing at myself. I was almost writing without realizing it, doing nightly journals, homeschool newsletters, stories about things I love.
How do you find inspiration?
My head is so full of thoughts that turn into sentences and stories. My morning bible study makes me want to write all the ins and outs that occur to me. I may say to Tom, “Do you know what I’m thinking?” and he will say, “There’s no possible way to tell!”
How do you go about writing a book? Do you have any schedule, tricks or tips to share?
Signing to the Angels is my first published book, and it was written over the years that she was our daughter, and after her death I simply had to write. It was a relief to put it down on paper. I think the only ‘tip’ I might have is to write when it is fresh in your mind. Even if it means putting something else off, like breakfast or dinner! The thoughts you have will never come back to you as “right” as they do when you first have them.
What kind of books do you read? Who is your favorite author?
I tell people my house is a library, and when they come to visit, they understand I’m not kidding! There is very little I am not interested in reading. I love novels, language books, anything that reveals where words come from. I gather books on art, and music, and hundreds of children’s books. When any child comes to our house for the first time, I have a box of new books for them to chose one and keep it forever. My favorite author is a hard question. I could read everything Monty Roberts wrote, or Lorenzo Carcaterra, or Barbara Kingsolver… but of all time, I guess I’d have to chose Louisa May Alcott for books, and Rudyard Kipling for poetry. Poetry has always been in our family, from my grandparents on down, memorizing long beautiful poems and reciting them. I did pass that to my children, and they to theirs.
What are you currently working on?
Just having my first book, Signing to the Angels, published, I’m finding that there is so much to do now that it’s ‘out’ that there is not much time for writing. To take a break from it, I may get another art work finished.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I dream of flying so flying it would be. There is nothing quite so lovely as a flying dream…
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what kind of music?
In the far background I love to put on classical music. If it is too distracting, off it goes to silence.
Who is your favorite villain?
Good question! Favorite involves liking, and villain involves someone I’d not like at all…maybe I’d have to pick my favorite rascally character- the Cat in the Hat!
If you had to pick between receiving a million dollars today, or $1000 a month for the rest of your life, which would you choose?
It must say something about one’s personality, taking the flashy million, or liking the steady journey of a thousand a month. Ah, why not? I’d take the million and spread it around fast! I may not live so long to collect well on the other!
If you could take anyone out for coffee, dead, alive, or fictional, who would it be?
My long-standing, go-to person would be Ben Franklin. I would love to tell him about all the changes in vehicles, communication, etc, and know that he’d really love it!
Books by Claire Muller
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