Page 28 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 52

Exploring Family, Resilience, And The Power Of Storytelling
ALISON RAGSDALE
On Crafting Heartfelt Stories Rooted in Scottish Heritage and Emotional Truths
Alison Ragsdale discusses her Scottish-inspired novels, career transitions, and the emotional depth of her writing, offering insights into her creative process and advice for aspiring authors.
“Weaving the culture, the stunning scenery, and the grit and dry wit of the Scots into my books helps me feel close to home.”
aA
literary world with her emotionally resonant
s told to Dan Peters
lison Ragsdale, the acclaimed au- thor of eleven bestselling contem- porary women’s fiction novels, has carved a unique niche in the
deeply personal connections she shares with to something he felt I could do well. From
her characters. She also offers invaluable ad- there, transitioning to writing was much easier vice to aspiring writers, encouraging them to because it fulfilled a life-long dream. That I embrace their voice and persevere in the face can write every day now is a gift.
of obstacles. For fans of contemporary fiction
and those curious about the creative process,
this conversation with Alison Ragsdale is a
heartfelt and inspiring read.
stories set against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. Her works, celebrated for their exploration of family dynamics, love, loss, and resilience, have garnered international acclaim and a devoted readership. From her debut novel, Tuesday’s Socks, to her latest Kindle #1 bestseller, An Impossible Choice, Ragsdale’s storytelling continues to captivate audiences with its depth and authenticity.
Your novels often explore deep emotional themes—how do you approach writing such poignant and heartfelt stories?
Born in Scotland and now residing near Washington D.C., Ragsdale’s journey to authorship is as compelling as her novels. A former professional dancer and marketing executive, she turned to writing after a life-al- tering health diagnosis in 2009, using her experiences to craft narratives that resonate with raw emotion and universal truths. Her ability to weave the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and landscapes into her stories reflects her enduring connection to her homeland, even after decades living abroad.
How has your Scottish heritage influenced the themes and settings of your novels?
Completely. All my books are set in the Highlands and islands of my homeland. I
have lived overseas for over forty years, but my connection to Scotland has never waned. If anything, the separation has heightened
my motivation to write about it. Weaving the culture, the stunning scenery, and the grit and dry wit of the Scots into my books helps me feel close to home, regardless of where I am in the world.
What was the most challenging part of transitioning from a career in ballet and marketing to becoming a full-time author?
Moving from dance to marketing was challenging because it was from necessity rather than choice. An injury put paid to my dance career before I was ready to give it
up. Marketing happened almost by chance, thanks to a wonderful mentor who guided me
I approach it with care and lots of research. I am drawn in by emotionally charged stories, so it feels natural to write about them. I am acutely aware, however, of the sensitive nature of many of the subjects I tackle and how they might trigger or affect readers. I try to tread lightly while being accurate in my research and honest in my portrayal of emotions – writ- ing from the heart.
Which of your characters do you feel the strongest connection to, and why?
This is a tough question because they all become like family to me. If I had to choose, I’d say Ailsa from The Art of Remembering. While her story is not my story it is as closely aligned to my experiences as I was comforta- ble writing. She is a complex character, strong and yet vulnerable, and it was fun to explore and develop her as she faced the ultimate challenge, when illness tears her away from a successful career that she has worked for all her life. I want to be Ailsa when I grow up.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Ragsdale opens up about the influences behind her evocative novels, the challenges of transitioning careers, and the
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