Gretchen Anthony
Author Interview - Gretchen Anthony
Author I draw inspiration from: I’ve often said that Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg may be the perfect novel. It’s got everything: Humor, wisdom, difficult societal questions, memorable characters, and a plot that won’t quit. I take inspiration from Flagg’s writing in many ways, but in particular, she makes terrific use of unconventional interstitials—everything from newspaper articles to recipes—to illuminate her characters and move the plot forward. I used Christmas letters in my debut novel, Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners, and multiple tools in The Kids are Gonna Ask, including a podcast. I stole the interstitials idea from Fannie Flagg.
Author Interview - Gretchen Anthony
Favorite place to read a book: Front porch with a glass of wine.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Idgie Threadgoode from Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Author Interview - Gretchen Anthony
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I’ve always known, but when I left my last full-time corporate career job at age 43, I realized I’d better get moving if I was going to make it happen. It’s never too late to write a book, but it does take a while!
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: All of the above. Though I prefer paperbacks and audiobooks
The last book I read: My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite. And, wow—that woman can write! Pick it up.
Author Interview - Gretchen Anthony
Pen & paper or computer: Again, both. I do all my writing and revising on computer, but there’s something about the tactile nature of putting pen to paper that helps me brainstorm. I keep a notebook for every novel and that’s where I do all my necessary mental rambling.
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: I spent 20 years in corporate communication before this. But if I went back to a full-time job now, I think I might be a therapist or a 911 dispatcher. Seems random, but they’re both careers in which communication is critical. I’m drawn to that.
Favorite decade in fashion history: I’m always one decade behind so I guess, last decade?
Place I’d most like to travel: We’re four months into quarantine, so anywhere beyond my driveway looks delightful (but only after we’ve crushed Covid)
My signature drink: Gray Goose martini, dirty, extra olives, please
Find more from the author:
Instagram: @GretchenAnthony.Writer
www.GretchenAnthony.com
Author Bio: GRETCHEN ANTHONY is the author of The Kids are Gonna Ask. Her debut novel, Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners, which was a Midwestern Connections Pick and a best books pick by Amazon, BookBub, PopSugar, and the New York Post. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Medium, and The Write Life, among others. She lives in Minneapolis with her family.
Author Interview - Gretchen Anthony
