An Interview with Edie Goodwin
Edie Goodwin worked as a pediatric physical therapist for forty-four years, serving children in their homes, schools, and institutions. She has a passion for anything related to kids and fun! Edie is a mom, step-mom, grandma, and great-grandma who started this novel in her late sixties. She has had one full-length play and one one-act play on stage. Edie is a church pianist. She has spent her life accompanying individual musicians and playing for community musicals. She loves to cook, bake, dig in the dirt, and read. Edie loves the good Lord, her family and many friends, and books with slightly flawed characters and happy endings!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I spent many years working in special education and general education classrooms with children with disabilities. During those years, I witnessed many remarkable teachers. I knew that I had to find a way to celebrate these men and women and their creativity with these students.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I worked as a pediatric physical therapist for forty-four years and loved every minute of it! I’ve also taught motor skills to daycare providers and developed a program (along with a dietician) for kids with weight issues. What readers wouldn’t know? A secret? I dreamed of being a Rockette, but at five foot four it just wasn’t in the cards…and then there was my dancing ability…let’s just say I would have needed a LOT of practice!!
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
Bertie’s Place is the name of the boardinghouse where my main character, Molly, finds housing and a second home after losing her roommate. I’ve had the title and the premise of the story in mind for years. As it often happens, life got in the way of writing.
What part of publishing your book made it feel real for the first time?
When Westbow sent me their final copy for my review, I thought, “Wow!! My words in book format! This is really happening!”
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head and If They Could See Me Now!
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
That all of life is a learning process…we all make our share of bonehead mistakes along the way that hurt ourselves and/or hurt others. We have to practice forgiveness and learn to move on. Life is bumpy, but it’s a much easier journey with faith, friends, and a positive outlook helping you along.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
I want to share good stories with others. I’m a believer that all of us are redeemable, and I hope that comes through in my writing. And there has to be a happy ending!
What creative projects are you currently working on?
The sequel to Bertie’s Place, simply called Molly, is nearing completion and hopefully is ready to send off to Westbow within the month.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
