Please help me give a big Hoosblog welcome to Genalea Barker!
Genalea is an author, freelance editor, and full-time mom with an Associate’s Degree in English Literature. Her work has appeared in Bookends Review, Gemini Magazine, Grande Dame Literary, Watershed Review, Broad River Review, and others. She is the author of three novels, Life After, A Song I Used to Know, and Lovehurts, all forthcoming in 2023 and 2024. Genalea resides in Southern Idaho with her husband, four children, and two dogs, where she enjoys small town living, playing music with her family, and occasionally getting caught behind farm equipment on the highway.
Tell us about your book!
My debut novel, LIFE AFTER, is a coming-of-age story about a college-bound young woman grappling with a difficult home life and an absent mother. Just as she’s feeling hope for a brighter future, she faces a jarring, life-altering event that leaves her feeling like a shell of her former self.
I’ve been blessed to have several incredibly talented authors and even more discerning readers review this book. The words most frequently used to describe LIFE AFTER have been moving, heartbreaking, and poignant. I’m so excited for more readers to discover this book.
Here’s the blurb:
Someone once asked August Haiz if twins realize one of them is an accident. Deep down, August knows if anyone was an accident, it wasn’t Benny—it was her. Granted, August doesn’t mind dancing in the background, letting Benny be the star musician and center of attention. In fact, she prefers is that way.
Abandoned by their mother as children, the twins have spent a decade dodging the unpredictable nature of their alcoholic father in an attempt to stay off his radar. With graduation in sight and their freedom on the horizon, August and Benny look forward to fleeing their hometown together and starting fresh at college. But a tragic accident turns August’s world upside down, swallowing her hopes of a brighter future.
Guilt-ridden and struggling to cope with her new normal, August shuts out the people who love her most, and nearly ruins her most important friendship. If August wants a chance at adjusting to life after tragedy, she’ll have to process her pain, let go of the past, and leave the darkness behind.
Pre-order Life After — comes out Feb 7!
Now for the fun stuff!
What’s your favorite genre? Do you read what you write?
My tastes are varied. I enjoy reading psychological thrillers, mysteries, romance, contemporary YA, what you might call “book club fiction” or “women’s fiction”, and literary fiction.
I absolutely read what I write! I think in order to write well, we need to “research” the genres we’re writing in, even if it’s to discover what we don’t like about the genre. I don’t think we should study a genre to “follow trends”, but we definitely need to get to know our intended audience. Part of that introduction is reading the same books they are.
I absolutely agree. When I first started writing, I was afraid to read anything similar for fear I’d copy that author’s style. Now I do it to get inspiration.
What’s your favorite part about writing?
Writing is therapeutic. It can be a way for me to examine events of my life through a new lens. It allows me to re-write history. I’m able to create characters and circumstances I wish I’d been able to read about as a young adult. I’m able to indulge my imagination and give my characters beautiful, happy endings. It’s as deeply, darkly cathartic as it is a bright, blissful temporary escape from the stress of daily life.
This is so true! I enjoy being able to shape stories the way I wish they’d turned out when I was younger.
What’s the hardest part of writing for you?
Right now, it’s time. I have four young children, and I’m what’s often referred to as the “primary” or “default” parent. While I have a supportive partner, most of the “home life” responsibilities fall to me. So it’s not just a logistical issue (what time of day can and I write?). It’s a complex matter of, “How do I separate myself from the all-encompassing parts of my life long enough to transition into writer mode?”
I imagine that’s a really tough balance. I admire writers who are also parents. I truly don’t know how you do it.
What’s an activity unrelated to writing that you love?
MUSIC! Music, music, music. I love to play piano and guitar. I love to sing. I love introducing my favorite songs and bands to my children. I love dancing to music. I love music. 😊
That sounds like such a happy and inspiring environment!
Who’s your biggest cheerleader?
It’s really a three-way tie between my husband, my best friend of 25 years, and my oldest son.
I love that. I’m so glad you have such supportive people in your life.
Now I’d like to play a fun little game called This or That. As a writer, I find that a lot of interviews ask the same questions, so I always appreciate sharing something new about myself. I’m super excited about these questions—and I hope you enjoy them!
Introvert or extrovert? Is “introverted extrovert” a thing?
Morning or night person? By nature, night person. Alas, my children force me to be a morning person.
Coffee or tea? Dr. Pepper.
Sweet or salty? Sweet.
Eternal summer or four seasons? Four seasons, definitely!
Mountains or beach? If I could ONLY have one, I’d say mountains. But last year I visited a few towns on the Oregon Coast where you were in the mountains on one side of the road, but at the beach on the other, and I believe that’s what Heaven looks like.
Dogs or cats? Dogs.
Over 5’5” or under? Under.
Left or right-handed? Left.
Hoodie or yoga pants? Hoodie.
Haha, almost all our answers are the same. I’ve been to the Oregon coast and it’s so breathtaking. I could definitely live with that view!
Genalea, thank you much for spending this time with me and my readers. I’ve enjoyed this so much! Readers, you can find Genalea at these links—and be sure to check out Life After!
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Pre-order Life After!
If you missed the previous interviews, you can read them here.
