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Interview with K.D. McCrite
She eventually got in touch with me and I found out about her newest book "In Front of God and Everybody" in her SERIES of books "Confessions of April Grace" published by Thomas Nelson. Actually, K.D. originally wrote the book for adults, but when the editors read it they thought kids would like it too, so marketed it to the tween audience.
Well, I found myself laughing out loud as I read some of her descriptions of people, animals, and events, and realized I was hooked – so I ended up staying up late to finish it by the next day! Her book was delightful and an easy read, and I look forward to the next book in the series....! Now a little about the author, K.D.... SO -- maybe find a comfy chair (and a cat/dog on your lap), bring a favorite beverage, turn off your cellphone, and on to the interview!
I am of Scot/Irish blood on my father's side, and German on my mother's. My paternal ancestors settled in the Ozarks in the 1860s. It's hard to say what I love the most about living here. It's home. But I love the mountains and the unspoiled nature that surrounds us. The creeks and rivers run clear, the air smells sweet, and our skies remain clean and unsullied. As far the hillbilly image you see on TV or in the movies....forget about it. People here are like people everywhere, good and bad. 
I'm the only writer in my family, and my parents strongly discouraged my pursuit of a writing career. I never understood why. Oddly enough, for most of my life I was surrounded by people who objected to me being a writer, so I think I have to say I am the one who encouraged me the most. I knew it was what I was meant to do, and no amount of discouraging words penetrated my determination to be successful.
I'd say if someone is being teased about hair color or freckles, the best thing to do is say, "I love my hair, I love my freckles. They are what make me unique!"
I'm not sure the color of our hair has anything to do with our temperament, just as being blonde has nothing to do with our intelligence, or dark hair has nothing to do with our integrity. I more or less based April Grace on myself, and therefore gave her red hair. If my husband or daughters were to be candid, they might say I'm moody, but compassionate, open-minded and tolerant, introverted and often shy, with a tremendous sense of humor.
At my age, the hardest thing about being a redhead is keeping it red! The best thing is that we redheads seem to spark interest in other people solely because we have red hair, and that can lead to making new friends.
My dad and his sisters had great senses of humor. I grew up hearing witty observations about everything, so I suppose it just "rubbed off" on me. My mother, a very sober-minded person, often said to me in times of exasperation, "Oh, you're just like your father!" I always took that as a tremendous compliment, which exasperated her further.
Speaking of odd words, most of the peculiar terms used by the character of Grandma in the Confessions of April Grace books, are words my own mother used. Words like "wickyjigger" and "spizzarinctim." I think these flavor my stories and make them memorable.
Since we are created in the image and likeness of God, then we have the urge to be creative. I feel God has not only given me a gift for spinning stories, but the passion to do so. Many people are gifted, but if they don't have the desire, the gift goes unused, or ill-used. God is all around us, in all things and in all ways. It's up to us to open our eyes and see Him. If we honor Him, we do His work. For me, His work is my giving of myself to help others, and sharing the stories He's allowed me to write.
Nearly everyone I meet says he/she wants to be a writer. I think most people believe writing is easy, and it's a sure way to make a lot of money. I want to tell them, "If it were that easy and profitable, don't you think everyone would be doing it?" Writing takes talent, dedication, perseverance and a thick skin. Again, thanks to K.D. for taking time to answer my questions and find out about what makes a writer tick! ...And her experiences as a redhead. Actually, I felt I got to know her a bit better reading about April Grace and seeing life through her eyes. I confess I admire K.D.'s determination to pursue her passion for writing and not giving up when others tried to discourage her! Hope that inspires someone... Happily, I took the time to enjoy a fun book for a few hours. I forgot I was '50-plus' age-wise and it kind of took me back to being younger, how I saw other relatives and neighbors, and the funny things I thought about them... Plus, I felt convicted as well after reading about the parents in the book, their sacrifices to help their rude neighbors... Made me want to be more like Jesus. And to top it off, I enjoyed a few belly laughs and I needed them that day! Thanks K.D.! IF YOU WANT TO FIND OUT MORE and PURCHASE HER BOOK:
NOTE: The title of her next book in the "Confessions of April Grace" SERIES is "Cliques, Hicks, & Ugly Sticks." -- also available from Barnes&Noble.com (click on image below)  (Barnes&Noble.com) To my readers, let me know your thoughts on my interview with Plus, if you have someone particular in mind you'd like me to chat with, drop me a note at my 'Contact Me' page. Thanks for stopping by.....
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I’ve since had a chance to read this first book of the series and her style was a refreshing surprise. Admittedly, I’m in the "over-50" crowd and didn’t know if I’d enjoy a book marketed for the tweens out there....hmmm... I told myself I’d just read the 1st couple ‘confessions’ (the book is like journal entries) to check it out. 
I live in Arkansas with my husband, four dogs and a cat. When we are all in the house at the same time, I pray for a bigger house or smaller dogs! 
My two daughters are grown, but haven't presented me with grandchildren yet, only granddogs. As you might guess, we are dog people.
I'm not sure why I was the only one in my family to have red hair, since we have such strong Irish roots....Although, I should add that I passed my red hair on to my daughters. I had no hair until I was nearly two, so I think my mom wouldn't have cared if it had come in green! 
I was not teased about my red hair as a child. It was more strawberry blonde back then, and as I grew up, it turned auburn. The nice thing, as an adult, I get lots and lots of compliments on my hair. 
Everything inspires characters or stories for me. Everything. When you see scenarios and characters every time you turn around, it's easy to stay inspired. Plus, I love writing. It's hard work and I'm often exhausted, but I love it.
The things that make me laugh are gentle sarcasm, not the malicious or cruel kind that hurts people, but more like sassy or dry observations. A quaint or unique turn of phrase, a crazy way of using words will have me rolling in the floor. I love made-up words, so I let my character of April Grace make them up. 
Don't expect to be an overnight success. Just like any other profession, there must be a time of internship. Learn all you can, put into practice what you learn, listen to those who have gone before you. Stop making excuses and write. If you find you hate it, then it's not meant for you to be a writer. If you love it, then keep going, no matter what anyone says, no matter how many rejections you get. Whatever you do, don't give up. The one sure way to fail is to quit.