Kristin
von Kreisler is a well-known voice for animals. Her books, articles, and
journalistic skills have shared her passion with readers around the globe. She
has also traveled the country advocating for the welfare of the creatures, both
furred and feathered, with whom we share this planet. To interject, how we
treat the world around us is a reflection of how we treat, or mistreat,
ourselves, and a barometer for our own future.
Her
novel “For Bea,” the memoir of her beloved beagle once rescued from a medical
laboratory and who became Kristin’s personal inspiration for helping animals,
captivated readers. Betty White and Mary Tyler Moore both acknowledged the
poignant story. Her work has appeared in numerous periodicals including the Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor,
and Reader’s Digest, to name a few.
Her articles have found homes in anthologies and textbooks. Yes, textbooks.
She’s taught English and Journalism, and currently resides with her husband in
Bainbridge Island, Washington.
In
her latest novel “An Unexpected Grace,” Kristin has shifted her focus to
fiction in order to tell the story of two survivors who won’t get past what has
brought them together, unless they can uncomplicated the unimaginable. Lila
Elliot survived a shooting rampage that left many of her coworkers dead. What
she left in the bloody office was her ability to trust and live without fear.
Grace survived abuse, but the Golden Retriever can’t seem to find the key to
wanting to recover. Both need courage, both need to move on, both need to learn
to trust all over again. One of them will have to make the first move, and I
promise that move won’t come from where or how readers think it will.
Yes,
keep the tissues close when reading this book. It’s good. Really good. And, the
ending is so very worth the journey.
Q)
The obvious question: You are so well known for your nonfiction work, why jump
into the fiction
A)
Deep and dangerous water, yes. But very pleasurable! I’m so glad I dove right
in, though making the change several years ago was complicated. A publisher had
offered me a contract to write another animal nonfiction book, and I kept
trying to get myself to sign on the dotted line. But something was stopping me,
though I wasn’t sure exactly what. One day as I was walking along a street in
Seattle and brooding about the contract, a question suddenly came to me: If you don’t want to write nonfiction, why
not write fiction? How about a novel
about an animal? In that instant, I knew I’d found what I was meant to do.
The freedom was delicious. There was nothing to do but dive into the unknown
fiction pool, and I’ve never regretted it.
Q)
I have to ask, what was the inspiration behind Lila and Grace? The insight/life
you give them is incredible.
A)
I knew I wanted to write an animal novel, but I wasn’t sure what it should be
about. Then one afternoon after picking up my mail at the post office, I saw a
bumper sticker that said, “Grace happens.” I have always loved the idea of
grace, which I define as the unsought, undeserved good that comes to us. And I
thought, Grace! What a great idea for a
story! I decided to write about a dog named Grace, who would become a grace
in someone’s life. From that simple beginning, the story evolved. It’s not just
about the grace of Grace the dog, but also about the grace of healing.
Q)
Your love, appreciation, and knowledge of animals cover many species. Why did
you choose a dog for your first fiction story when you could have gone a more
exotic or unexpected route?
A)
I chose a dog because I adore dogs. It’s as simple as that. I’ve had dogs since
childhood, and I can’t imagine life without them. I also believe that dogs have
much to teach us if we only open our eyes and see. I’ve learned important
lessons from my dogs about loyalty, kindness, patience, and courage. Grace
teaches all those things to Lila, the woman who adopts her in my novel. I hope
readers will learn from Grace, too.
Q)
So many questions, so little space. Will you continue in the fiction genre,
and, if so, what’s next?
A)
Absolutely, I will continue writing fiction. It’s hard work, but I love it.
And, of course, I will keep writing about animals because showing their
importance in our lives is my personal mission. I’ve started another novel
about a dog who helps people forgive each other and reconcile. I’ve already
fallen in love with that dog. I love him as if he were sitting at my feet right
this minute.
Q)
I almost sense a desire to expand into romance. The location you reside, the
scenes around your home life (living on an island, the ocean, ferries, seals,
etc) scream for it. Has that thought, along with incorporating animals as key
components, crossed your mind?
A)
Yes, it’s crossed my mind. I suppose that romance will come into some of my
stories because it’s a beautiful thing – and you’re right about my island being
a special place. But romance won’t be the major purpose of my books because my
interest is always in the animals and their ability to heal us and influence
our lives. If the animal’s story fits in the context of romance, then I welcome
it. Animals first, romance second.
Q)
With this new venture, are you stepping away from, or at least slowing down,
your work in animal welfare?
A)
I am committed for life to helping animals in any way I can. That means being
open to whatever comes my way in the form of a needy creature or of a request
for me to serve in some capacity. I feed birds and squirrels and rescue lost
dogs and kitties. When invited, I give talks on writing about animals and on
animal compassion and emotion. I’ve served on boards of animal welfare groups,
organized an animal photo exhibit for our local wildlife shelter, and “manned”
booths for animal charities at fairs. Certainly, I am committed to answering
all the calls for help that I can manage. That’s part of my vocation.
Q)
Any parting comments for fans and new readers?
A)
Be kind to animals! If you come upon a starving squirrel or a desperate kitty,
stop and help. You’ll
Thank
you for this interview! I appreciate your interest!
DA Kentner is an award-winning author www.kevad.net
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