Author Interview with Allison Whitmore

Author Interviews

October 6, 2015

Author Interview with Allison Whitmore

I’m interviewing Allison Whitmore today, author of historical fiction “Forget Me Not”. Welcome to my blog!

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I always wanted to create stories. I think when I was about three years old, I thought being like Laura Ingalls Wilder would be really cool. Then when I was about nine or so I wanted to be like Jo March and write books, too. So, I suppose for a long time.

Where did you get the inspiration for Forget Me Not?

I’ve always been fascinated by the 1930s and 1940s. It’s a complicated time that people seem to equate with Americana, mainly due to the Depression and World War II. I decided to take the idea of acceptance (of others as well as self-acceptance) and make it a major theme. There are many different places in the novel where this theme arises and for so many different reasons with so many different consequences. I based Calvin and Teddi’s love story on a ring, a Claddagh ring, representing life, unity, and love.

What is your editing process like?

It’s changed recently. I used to be all over the place, but now it’s basically: go through the easy notes, then take on the big structural changes, then read through it again while listening to the story through the Word playback feature. You can listen to your work on Word. It’s pretty awesome. I like to read along and listen to make sure everything sounds right and is in place. A lot of changes I didn’t realize I needed to make tend to happen when I do this, so I think it’s valuable for me. All of this is in addition working with my editor and proofreader, whom are completely amazing and helpful.

Who is your favorite character from the book?

I love so many for different reasons. I think Teddi’s sister, Liza, is strong and interesting. Teddi is sweet and dynamic. Calvin is steadfast but flawed. Hugh is extremely funny and fun to write because of his sharp tongue. Tough question for sure.

Have you ever participated in NaNoWriMo? If so, how did it go?

Not yet. I keep wanting to. Maybe this year! I always have a script I’m doing right at that time, so it doesn’t fit it in. Yes, I work on those, too. They can be a lot of fun.

Are you working on something now? If so, can you tell us about it?

Yes, I am currently editing a young adult fantasy book called The Lost Heir with my writing partners, Grace and Virginia. It’s about a teenage empath (pretty much a magician who gets power through emotion) who finds a magical world beneath her family’s Hollywood hotel. It’s a great adventure, full of girl-power and all that. After this one, I plan to do a historical fantasy novel on my own about a girl who goes back in time to 1930s MGM. I love old Hollywood. Other than that, I have a TV pilot I am polishing with my writing partner and a Christmas movie I am doing the same with on my own. I love having lots to do. There’s nothing better–at least, when it comes to writing!

About the Book

Title: Forget Me Not

Author: Allison Whitmore

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theodora “Teddi” Donovan and Calvin Wynne have always hated each other. They didn’t have a choice after Teddi’s bootlegger father killed Calvin’s and left them both orphaned. The scandal has fueled gossip in quiet, quaint Brookhurst, New York, for over a decade. When a friendship develops between them as teenagers, they are ridiculed and shunned by the strict society that dictates life in their town. As they grow older, friendship turns into love, and Teddi and Calvin have to choose between their future and the scepter of their past. Spanning continents and decades, Forget Me Not is a coming-of-age story about truth, self-reliance, and the freeing power of love.

Author Bio

Allison Whitmore started her first novel, Forget Me Not, one icy morning in her dorm room in Southampton, NY. After many years of teaching high school English, she came back to the novel to rewrite it. Allison comes from a family who loves history and enjoyed immersing herself in the research that brought Teddi and Calvin’s world to life. She lives in her hometown, Los Angeles, California. You can find her on Twitter @alli_whitmore and her website: allisonwhitmore.com.

Majanka Verstraete