I became a published writer nineteen months ago, and since then I’ve been interviewed several times for podcasts or write-ups. So far, I’ve enjoyed the experience of answering questions about my books. Recently, I was asked to do something new for me, an “interview” in writing, and that was even more satisfying. No more reflecting afterward, “Oh, that didn’t come out quite the way I meant it,” or “Did what I just said make sense?” When I answer written questions, I can revise the answers as many times as I like!
Here’s the link to this Strand Magazine interview, which came out on October 16: https://strandmag.com/interview-with-kim-hays/
One of the questions I most enjoyed being asked was, “What advice would you give to anyone trying to publish their debut novel?” It reminded me that it’s been a while now since I was a struggling author trying to get my debut novel Pesticide published!
Kim Hays 
Dear Kim
What a wonderful interview, I find it so enriching to read what you have experienced and how you stand today. But a big compliment to the interviewer for the really fascinating questions – that’s an art too!
I love your books and look forward to the third!!!!! But I still find it very strange to read about my hometown in a foreign language 🙂 and I have to laugh so often (even if the context is bad, tragic or very serious), because English language and Bernese place or our names (Simu, Frau von Oberdorf) are so unfamiliar.
Please write a sixth and seventh book!!!!!! And if you don’t have time because you have to cook: I’ll come over with casserole or pizza.
Best regards, Sonja
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Thanks so much for your kind words, Sonja. It makes me happy to hear how much you’ve enjoyed the first two books. I don’t know about numbers six and seven, but Book 4 is almost done (and so far I can handle the cooking along with the writing–but I appreciate your offer!!!). I understand why you find the juxtaposition of English and Bernese nicknames funny. Imagine most English-speakers trying to deal with Chrigi for Christina!
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Of course, in English there is Jack for John, Chuck for Charles, Daisy, Meg, or Peggy for Margaret, Hank for Henry, Dick for Richard, and Nell for Helen!
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Thanks, Natasha. I guess every language has its own naming customs–and oddities! Think of “Paco” for Francisco and “Pepe” for José in Spanish.
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A terrific and VERY interesting interview, Kim!
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Thanks very much, Dave. I had fun writing the answers, and I guess that shows!
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