In a perfect world, everyone would put aside their differences and live in harmony. On an imperfect blind date, two strangers who initially have trouble getting along with each other decide to try a bold idea and pursue an impossible dream. Such is the premise of Eve Gaal’s new Book, The Happy War.

Interviewer: Christina Hamlett

**********

Q: Your journey as a writer all began with a miniature typewriter on your fourth birthday. Who or what had the greatest influence on your decision to one day be a published author?

A: My English teachers in High School were emphatic about my future. All of them insisted I was a ‘great writer.’ In hindsight, after reading many, many books throughout college and grad school, I’d have to question their passionate vehemence and pass it off as kindness. Of course, while my brilliant teachers pointed me toward my career choice, I have yet to reach any form of greatness.

Q: Were you a voracious reader growing up? What titles might we have found on the nightstand of your adolescent self? How about as a teenager?

A: My favorite books as a child were fairy tales, all the Oz books, Roald Dahl books, E.B. White books, poetry books and inspirational books. As a teen, I remember loving Sci-fi, and undersea adventures, like Sea Hunt.

Q: Prior to penning novels, where were you submitting your work for publication and what sort of success did you find?

A: Wish I could brag, but I was nine years old when I sent a poem to McCall’s Magazine and received my first rejection letter. After that, I began collecting rejection letters, sort of like normal people collect stamps.

My first poems were published in my high school yearbook and college newspaper. I also did my internship Writing for our company newspaper, which was called The Berry Vine, at Knott’s Berry Farm, where I was a tour guide and information specialist.  My articles were feature articles about the Haunted Shack and The Rock Shop, etc.

Q: How many years have you been writing?

A: Over 50 years. (Maybe we should say that I’ve been writing since high school, because I don’t want to sound ancient.)

Q: Plotter or pantser? And why does this method work well for you?

A: I’m a pantser but I have dabbled in the world of outlines. When I create an outline, I veer off course anyway. All books should have a clear beginning, middle and end. I try to create a bit of drama, confusion, or tension in each section, with an arc of change that lingers and ties things together for the reader. 

Q: Like many creatives, a day job is often necessary to keep the lights on and put food on the table. To that end, what type of employment best suited your talents and what are the three most important things you learned and took with you when you made the transition to full-time wordsmith?

A: I was a copywriter in the advertising department for many large newspapers. Sometimes, I had to write what they termed, “advertorials” and though I was never quite happy with this type of a job, it paid the bills. I also did advertising sales, where I could “sell” my ideas to clients who were searching for immediate results. In sales, one learns perseverance, determination, and decisiveness. 

Q: The Happy War embraces an ambitious theme of “world peace through chemistry.” What was the inspiration behind this inventive plot and the two main characters who seek to bring about universal tranquility through pharmaceutical hijinks?

A: Ambitious is an understatement! Basically, I was motivated by the news reports of war. I shouldn’t watch the news because it makes me cry. Bottom line, I want world peace. Honestly, I couldn’t believe what I had decided to write, and it surprised me, too.

Q: What influenced your particular title choice?

A: My parents and husband lived through actual war, and yes, they all have/had PTSD. War is a horrible reality, especially for children. It must stop. That being said, I understand that Prozac is termed the happy pill. It’s easy to wish everyone was happy. Sadly, even with medication, there is no way to make everyone happy. My book can be called a fairy tale for grownups.

Q: What prompted the romantic set-up to be a blind date?

A: I didn’t think Linda would meet anyone as established as Eric, unless it was set up by someone else. I think of Eric as very wealthy. He works hard, and doesn’t move in the same circles as a marketing expert—middle income—apartment dwelling lady.

Q: How did you go about finding a publisher?

A: My publisher was recommended to me by a bestselling author from the 80s, Norma Beishir, who wrote wonderful intriguing novels, in the vein of Sidney Sheldon. 

Q: If Hollywood came calling, who would you envision playing Linda and Eric?

A: I’ve never given that any thought. Maybe Sandra Bullock and Brad Pitt? Ryan Reynolds and Jennifer Lawrence?

Q: The Happy War takes place all over the world. I assume you have travelled a lot?

A: Yes, all my travel experiences have embellished my novels. I wrote a novella set in Panama because of a cruise through the canal, a book about Vegas, and another one is set in Hawaii. The Happy War takes place all over the world, but I haven’t visited every single place mentioned.

Q: Describe your workspace.

A: I have two places. One is for answering emails, doing my freelance writing, or sending out submissions. The other is a nook in the laundry room, where I have a laptop that is not hooked up to the internet. I use that small, private space as my creative space for sewing, and crafts too. When writing the rough draft of a novel, I prefer absolute quiet, in fact, the white noise created by the washer and dryer are excellent for drowning out most unusual interruptions.

Q: I understand you have a pet. Does it distract you or stimulate your creativity?

A: We have a needy puppy right now and yes; she has distracted me for the entire year. Her overwhelming cuteness is impossible to deal with, and hinders creativity. At this moment she is sitting under my rolling office chair and I’m worried about squishing her long legs. Nearby, there’s a doggy bed and a blanket, but she’d rather be close to her mommy. 

Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not writing?

A: I like reading, crocheting, swimming, walking in nature, cooking, and playing with my puppy. I also enjoy singing, but nowadays only as part of the congregation at church.

Q: What’s next on your plate?

A: Sheesh, I’m overwhelmed. Maybe I need to train the dog to go outside. Finish three novels, and my Intangible Hearts, motivational, nonfiction book, filled with uplifting and inspirational items from my blog. Attempt a memoir, try for a chapbook, and continue to freelance. My favorite freelance “jobs” last year were writing wedding vows, and I hope to fulfill a niche. I also dabble in stage plays, song lyrics and short stories. Two of my stories won awards last year! Though never diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, it seems, as I grow older, maybe due to more interests, I get distracted easier than ever. Is this normal? I need to focus.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: Thank you, Christina, for the interview. My website is evegaal.com