Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Gail Meath
Book Title: Agustina de Aragon
Released: April 2021
Genre: Historical fiction
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Agustina de Aragon”?
Meath: I have a lifelong best friend whose grandparents were from Spain. When I came upon Agustina’s heroics during the Napoleon War, I knew it would be the perfect book to write as a tribute to my friend.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Meath: This was simple for me since my book is based upon a true story. Almost all of the characters in the book were real people, family, friends, military personnel, etc.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process, or your book?
Meath: I love researching and writing about lesser known or forgotten heroines, places and/or events in history. There are so many books written about popular historical characters and events, I want to learn something new and share it with the readers. Agustina’s courage was truly remarkable and it is known as one of the greatest love stories in history. Everyone who read it, absolutely loves the unique ending!
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Meath: I actually go through this every summer when there are so many fun things to do outside and too many distractions, like my grandkids. I just keep writing whenever I have time, and even get up at four in the morning my husband and our puppy wake up.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Meath: I started writing in my youth and my dad told me, “Write what you know.” I loved him dearly, but he was wrong! Write what you love to write about.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Meath: Of course, historical fiction and historical romance are my favorite genres to read and write. The first books I fell in love with were “Wuthering Heights”, Emily Brontë; “Jane Eyre”, Charlotte Brontë; and “Rebecca”, Daphne du Maurier.
If "Agustina de Aragón" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Meath: This is a great question! There were actually two movies made about Agustina, a silent film in 1929, and another film in 1950 staring Aurora Bautista and Fernando Rey. My choice now would be Angelina Jolie and (a younger) Antonio Banderas.
What are you working on next?
Meath: I started a few books, a light-hearted 1920s murder mystery, the sequel to my historical western book, “Fire Blossom”, and an intense civil war romance based around true events. With my summer writer’s block, I’m having fun playing with the murder mystery.
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