An Interview with Natalie Musgrave Dossett

Natalie Musgrave Dossett grew up in San Antonio, spending a great deal of time on family ranches in deep South Texas, a place her great-grandmother referred to as ‘an acquired taste’. A seventh-generation Texan, Natalie was raised on tales (most of them tall) of the Wild Horse Desert. Her love of history and writing was nurtured by wonderful high school teachers and strengthened while earning a BA in History at Vanderbilt University. She lives in Dallas and enjoys a large, growing family with her husband.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

From the beginning the protagonist was named Sarita, so I called the book that thinking I’d change it at some point. However, by the time I published, I knew there was no other fitting title. It’s her story!

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

Surreal. A package arrived, and I thought, “What book did I order?” Then I opened it and, yes, cried.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I’ve always written in some form. I had fabulous English and Lit teachers in high school who nurtured the desire to communicate through writing. I’ve been an avid reader since childhood, and loved the feeling of being immersed in another world. I gravitated toward historical fiction as a way to learn about other time periods and cultures.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Fundraising for not-for-profit organizations, like The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

People have been so supportive – it has surprised me. You know you need community when something bad happens; this has reminded me of how meaningful it is to be embraced by a community when something good happens.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book?

I hope they learn about a time period they might not have known much about. I hope their interest in the strong women who came before us is piqued. I hope my book appeals to a diverse audience.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I’m working on a sequel, and I have a screenplay I started years ago that I’d like to circle back to.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Atmosphere Press has been great. Everyone there has been friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, responsive, and organized. Find a way to publish that works for you; don’t get stuck in “the way it’s supposed to be.”

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.