INTERVIEW: American Historical Fiction Author Lilly Robbins Brock

 

Lilly Robbins Brock

Cathlamet, Washington 

USA

 

 

Good morning, Lilly, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the site for Art and Authors and those who love them. Tell us about what you've written?

I am currently writing my 19th-century historical fiction series, “Intrepid Journey.” I recently finished Book 9 and have begun Book 10. I was inspired by my pioneer ancestors who settled where I was born and raised, Olympia, Washington. They migrated from the Midwest via the Oregon Trail. During my research of early Olympia, I discovered a journal written by a woman in 1855 about her and her family’s journey to Washington Territory. This family, however, took a little-known, different route. They left New York City on a side paddlewheel steamship by way of South America to their destination. I knew I had to write a story surrounding this journey. Thus, the saga of my fictional family—the Bennetts.

 

Because my father fought on the battlefront of WWII, I felt compelled to interview a living WWII veteran. Consequently, I have written four WWII memoirs/biographies to honor and shine a light on the heroic members of the “Greatest Generation” who served our country (USA) during WWII. It was truly an honor to interview them and write their story. Sadly, they have all passed away now. One of them made it to his 100^th birthday. I was thrilled to attend his birthday party.

 

What is your favorite genre to write?

Anything connected to history. My favorite genre to read and write is Historical Fiction.

 

Favorite food.

I prefer clean and simple food prepared in my kitchen. If we go out, which is not often, I splurge and order a filet mignon steak. I also love dark chocolate.

 Tea or coffee?

Black tea with cream. Must be the English in me.

 

Pizza or ice cream?

Vanilla ice cream or Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars.

 

Wine or beer or soda or what?

Occasionally, I enjoy a glass of Riesling. Most of the time I drink water, which I know probably sounds boring.

 

Where would you like to visit?

I would like to visit England which is my ancestral homeland.

 

Favorite musical artist.

I am a baby boomer, so I love the rock and roll music from my era—

the 50’s. Elvis Presley was my heart throb. The music from the 80’s is 

also a favorite.

 

Do you listen to music when you write?  What?

I enjoy classic instrumental.

 

What makes you laugh?

The sitcoms: Seinfeld and Frasier. I watch them repeatedly!

 

Favorite work of art or sculpture.

I like 19^th century landscapes. I especially like the work of Albert Bierstadt, a German-American painter who was known for his landscapes of the American West. I have one of his large landscapes hanging on my wall.

How old were you when you started writing?

I believe I was about ten years old when I began writing stories and poems. It is rather amusing to look back at some of my early work which my mother saved. Then life happened. My writing was put on hold for several years. Education, earning a living, marriage, and family took center stage. Finally, with the kids grown and retirement from my interior design business, I have been able to pick up the pen again. Better late than never!     

 

Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?

I start out with a general outline, then evolve into writing. I like writing in Scrivener which is set up with tools for writers. Sometimes my research takes me to a direction I hadn’t planned on. I may find a “gold nugget” of information which is too good to pass up. In that case, I write freely, weaving it into the storyline.

 

Describe your perfect evening.

We live on the shores of the Columbia River with a view of Mt. St. Helens. I enjoy sitting on the porch at dusk with a cup of tea and watch the moon reveal itself, creating a stunning reflection in the water. Other times, my husband and I will watch a movie on our big screen television.

 

Where do you get your inspiration?

Definitely history. There are so many stories from which to tap into.

 

What do you do when you get writer's block?

Frankly, I have never experienced it. My biggest problem is shutting off my brain when I am supposed to be going to sleep. Sometimes it is worth it when I come up with an idea for the story I am working on.

 

Who is your favorite author?

Authors of the past would be Hemingway, Margaret Mitchell, and Mark Twain. In fact, Mark Twain has “cameo” appearances in my “Intrepid Journey” series. It has been uncanny the way his timeline and locales align with my characters’ storyline. Authors at present are Kristin Hannah, Rhys Bowen, and Julian Fellows.

 

Best book you ever read.

I can’t help it. I have to say, “Gone with the Wind.”

 

Last book you read.

“The Women” by Kristin Hannah.

 

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?

I have already done it. Starting my own interior design business and succeeding. After 35 years, I finally retired.

 

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

My father and I were very close. With so much life experience, he was very wise. He influenced my values and encouraged me to believe in myself. Also, my husband gives me his full support with whatever I do.

 

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

As a retired interior designer, I think it would be fascinating to converse with Thomas Jefferson. His creation of Monticello, which he both designed and built, reflects a remarkable blend of artistry, innovation, and intellect. His inventive spirit and the many devices he crafted for his home reveal a mind constantly at work. Now as an author, like him, I have a deep appreciation for design, books, and the written word. I feel a special connection to his eloquence and his lifelong curiosity. In one of my books, a character speaks excitedly about installing a dumbwaiter in his hotel. Another Jefferson invention.

 

What advice would you give someone who aspires to be a writer? 

Just sit down and start writing, even if it is a few words. Write something daily. Set a goal to write a certain number of words per sitting. If you miss the goal on one day, make up the difference the next day.

Do you have some links for us to follow you? 

 

Website: https://www.lillyrobbinsbrock.com

(See my website for links to my other books).

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lillyrobbinsbrock/

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram/lilly.robbins.brock/

 

Intrepid Journey series link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087JC1YHT

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