Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Living in Colorado -I enjoy walking, hiking, and cross country skiing. When I am not writing, I enjoy traveling, quilting, crocheting, cooking, reading and painting. Our Family Quilt is my second book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our Family Quilt began as a book idea. Then moved into research of quilting as an art form in America. The characters in this book evolved through quilting classes, quilting shows, museums, shops, the Columbine Quilt Guild, inspiring speakers, and encouraging quilters. Each experience inspired me to add a different dimension to both her quilting and writing.
A trip to the mountains, baking apple crisps, sewing. I never know what activities I do today, is nurturing a future creative endeavor.
Whether I am writing a book, an article or a blog, it never just happens. It takes experiences, adventures, love, encouragement and support from family and friends.
Our Family Quilt didn’t begin when I sat at my laptop. A tiny seed was planted in my writing soul when my mom, started me on my sewing journey. A box of scraps of material inspired my first try at putting bits and pieces together to create something new. A Christmas sewing basket with little scissors, thread, pins and buttons is still treasured. My grandma, gave me her sewing machine she used since the 1930’s. I remember the moment she gave me the machine and tried to weave it into my book. On my thirteenth birthday, my parents gave me a Sears Kenmore that went forward and reverse (which I took with me when I got married, sewed little-boy blankets, and used until it would sew no more). That feeling I put into words.
Once I was married my husband became my creative sounding board, patiently listening as I created with words, pins and thread. Supporting me with many adventures to fill up pages.
While I was raising children, teaching, and writing articles an idea for a book started brewing. My life supplied the inspiration. I developed the prologue and the epilogue. I also knew from beginning to end the journey I wanted to take the characters on. I knew how to sew but not quilt -which was critical in the story.
I walked into my friend’s office, who quilted, and asked her to give me enough information so I could write my book.
With a happy heart, she took me into my first quilting class and I was off on another adventure. I went to quilting shows learning everything I could. I joined a Quilting Guild, listening to all their inspiring speakers and meeting encouraging quilters. I bought quilting magazines and books. As we traveled we stopped at each quilting shop along the way. As I absorbed new experiences, I became inspired to add a different dimension to both my quilting and my book.
I not only finished the book but fell in love with the art of quilting. The needle became my pen and the thread my ink. As I wrote about Grace, a master quilter, -as she shared her creative gifts with her young granddaughter, Audrey. I was thinking about sewing with my mom.
As I wrote about their lives unfolding around their family quilt. The love between grandmother and granddaughter was a mirror of my love for my grandmother.
Each memory you create today becomes a springboard for future writing.
As you read about Grace and Audrey, may it inspire a memory for you to use as a creative springboard. So you too may piece together your own masterpiece.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I am quilting I am thinking about my writing and when I am writing I am thinking about my quilting. I find inspiration everywhere.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
An Elm Creek Quilts Sampler: The First Three Novels in the Popular Series (The Elm Creek Quilts)Oct 21, 2003
by Jennifer Chiaverini
What are you working on now?
I am writing the second book in my Fabric of Life series. It is Jana and Helen’s story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.acreativespin.com/home.html
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for yourself first.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself.
What are you reading now?
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting ClubApr 3, 2012
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am exploring the history of quilting to include in my next book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Author Websites and Profiles
Rhonda Cratty Website
Rhonda Cratty Amazon Profile