We had the good fortune of connecting with Kirsten Pursell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kirsten, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think risk is essential. If I never did things outside of my comfort zone, I’d never push myself to see what I’m capable of, especially as an author. I have always loved writing, but I was so busy in the day to day of life, first with my career in the corporate world, then as a stay-at-home mom that I dabbled more than focused. I wrote a screenplay, then two books over ten years before deciding that the new iteration of me wanted to write on a more consistent basis. There’s always a risk when you write something. So far, I have been very fortunate that my books have done well and Long Enough to Love You has won several awards. Makes the risk worth it.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I say that I am on version 3.0 of myself. Version 1.0 was corporate me. Version 2.0`was mom me. Version 3.0 is whatever I want it to be! Since writing is my passion and my books are being enthusiastically received, I’m going with author!
It has taken me a while to get comfortable with the author label. As an indie author, I have published four novels as well as a book of poetry. I am not limited in the genres I write. I have written romance, satirical fiction, my memoir, and, most recently, a coming-of-middle-age novel that challenges the assumptions that we’re never too old to start fresh.
I have always loved writing. It was my escape as a teenager. In fact, my memoir is a compilation of all my diaries, journals, letters, and poetry. On Becoming Me: Memoir of an 80’s Teenager has been number one on Amazon several times in the women’s biographies and memoirs category. I struggled to find my place as a teenager and the memoir captures so much of those emotions.
Long Enough to Love You is my most recent novel. It is the book I am most proud of. I had always wanted to tell the story of a 50ish woman struggling with her place in her marriage once her kids left home. It was very real for me. I think it’s why the story resonates: so many women see themselves in those pages. I like the women’s divorce fiction category as well as later in life romance. As we age, we don’t roll over and die. We want to live and be seen. My characters bring life to that. My next book, The Scarlet D, will continue the divorce fiction and seasoned romance genre.
The most challenging part of writing is continuing to believe in myself; that I have stories to tell. With hundreds of books being released nearly daily, it can be disheartening. I remind myself constantly that I write because it’s something I’m passionate about and I tell stories that resonate with readers. Having thick skin and being resilient are prerequisites no doubt! But I love getting lost in the pages as I write and hope that my readers do too.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Anyone visiting me would be treated to a day of coastal activities. I am originally from Oceanside but live in Ocean Beach now. There are so many outdoor activities to do between there and here! First, I would say come in August or September when beach friendly weather is likely. A day in Oceanside would involve a walk on the pier and a stop at the Top Gun house for a photo opportunity. Lunch at Craft Tacos is a must. Of course, hours of beach time as well. Ending the day with a nice sunset stand-up paddle board ride at Oceanside Harbor is a must, too. The water is calm, and the seals are entertaining. I’d finish a day in Oceanside with drinks and dinner at The Lab.
Most people I know want the coastal experience, so I’d make sure friends headed south. Carlsbad is quaint for a quick cup of coffee at Lofty or breakfast at Swami’s. A walk along the seawall is always delightful. Driving along the coast is a nice alternative to the freeways. Park the car at Torrey Pines and walk up the hill. It’s a beautiful, challenging walk. La Jolla is a must stop as well. The walk along the cove is perfect and there are quaint places throughout to grab a coffee, gelato, or meal.
I would finish a trip with a stop in Ocean Beach, where the sunsets are spectacular, and the crowds of people are entertaining. Dinner at one of the quaint local restaurants like Ulivo or La Dona is the perfect end to a day of fresh air, coastal breezes, and warmer waters. It’s all about sharing the simple things that make San Diego living so ideal.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicated my last book to my dad, Lee Hegberg. More than any other person, he has always encouraged and believed in me. I know I have written things that make him uncomfortable, but his support is unwavering. He will be 92 and is still so sharp. I have a small group of friends who are the first to read what I write and offer support and encouragement as well.
Website: www.kirstenpursell.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenpursell/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-pursell-40851910/
Twitter: @kirsten_pursell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KirstenPursellAuthor
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDhJdBlVORZ2EznKRR48Cg (@kirstenpursell)
Image Credits
Marcy Browe