"BEHIND THE PEN - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GINA CHARLES": DE MODE OF LITERATURE

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE APR V2 2024 VOL VII. ISSUE XLVI | LITERATURE

Article Published on: 18TH JULY 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com

"LIFE'S LOVE SONG" - BY AUTHOR GINA CHARLES

"Life’s Love Song" is a narrative tailored for the Young Adult audience, weaving together suspense, everyday struggles, and moments of profound joy within the tapestry of the Trestin family's journey. Despite being marketed towards 15 to 17-year-olds, its universal themes and relatable characters make it accessible to readers as young as 10, fostering an ideal platform for intergenerational dialogue within parent-daughter book clubs.

At its core, the story revolves around the Trestin family, whose outward appearance of affluence and social standing belies the challenges lurking beneath the surface. Residing in a palatial home with all the trappings of success, they embody the epitome of aspiration. However, this facade begins to crack as a succession of adversities tests the family's resilience and forces them to confront the fragility of their seemingly perfect existence.

Maddie and Duncan, the focal points of the narrative, initially revel in the admiration of their peers, relishing their status as the school's elite. Yet, their charmed lives are disrupted by a relentless barrage of trials—ranging from illness and injury to the complexities of teenage romance—that threaten to unravel the fabric of their familial bond. Despite the mounting challenges, the Trestins draw strength from each other, navigating the tempest of life with unwavering determination.

Through their collective struggles, the family embarks on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering profound truths about love, resilience, and the intrinsic value of human connection. As they confront adversity head-on, they learn to cherish the moments of joy and solidarity that punctuate their tumultuous existence, realizing that true fulfillment lies not in material wealth or societal acclaim, but in the embrace of those we hold dear.

"Life’s Love Song" transcends its classification as a mere work of fiction, serving as a poignant reminder of the beauty inherent in life's trials and triumphs. It resonates with readers of all ages, imparting timeless lessons on the importance of resilience, compassion, and the enduring power of familial love. Ultimately, the Trestins' journey encapsulates the essence of life itself—a melodic symphony of joy, sorrow, and everything in between, harmonizing to create a poignant ode to the human experience.

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JOURNEY OF THE AUTHOR GINA CHARLES

GINA CHARLES

Gina Charles embarked on a lengthy journey to fulfill her dream of becoming an author, a journey marked by perseverance, setbacks, and eventual triumph. Her passion for writing ignited during her youth when she was recognized at the Young Authors Conference in 8th grade, planting the seed for her future aspirations.

Despite her early ambitions, Gina pursued various professions and furthered her education, all while grappling with self-doubt and the demands of life. It wasn't until 2009 that she made a concerted effort to write her novel, spurred by a pact with a friend to write daily. However, her progress was stymied, and the project lay dormant for 11 years due to the pressures of life.

In March 2020, with her children away and life less demanding, Gina resurrected her old manuscript, only to be interrupted once again as her family returned home amidst pandemic-related restrictions. Yet, as the world slowly reopened in the fall, Gina found renewed inspiration and began writing once more.

Despite facing the challenges of daily life, Gina Charles found inspiration for her novel amidst her routines, leading to the completion of her manuscript. However, daunting tasks like titling her work and finding a publisher posed significant obstacles. With the encouragement of her daughter and a friend, Gina settled on the title "Life’s Love Song" and secured a publishing deal with Austin Macauley Publishers.

This achievement underscores Gina's unwavering determination and resilience in realizing her dream of becoming an author. Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication, showcasing that even in the face of adversity, pursuing one's passions can lead to success. "Life’s Love Song" serves as a testament to Gina's perseverance and the transformative power of following one's dreams despite the challenges encountered along the way.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF AUTHOR GINA CHARLES WITH DE MODE

Q: How did you develop the storyline of your book 'Life's Love Song'?

A. I first developed the idea for the story back in 2009. My kids were young, and I wanted them to focus on the things that are most important in life. I felt that too many people, both young and old, including my own family, did not always appreciate what they had and only wanted more.

Q: The Trestin family faces a series of misfortunes that test their strength and unity. What themes did you aim to explore through these challenges?

A. As each member of the Trestin family struggles through his or her own misfortunes, they each have empathy for what the others are fighting to overcome. We can often become so absorbed with our own issues and problems that we forget to empathize with others and look at things from others’ perspectives.

Q: How did your background in English and Communication influence your approach to writing and storytelling?

A. My degrees in English actually dissuaded me from writing. Through school and beyond, I read many books by great authors. I set my standards too high. My favorite author is John Irving—I knew I couldn’t compare! Finally, I realized I don’t need to measure up to the greats; I can write a simple story that young adults can enjoy.

Q: The novel explores the complexities of high school romance. What aspects of this theme did you find most intriguing to explore?

A. I have known my husband for 32 years and have been happily married for 25 years; however, I will never forget the joys and complete agony of high school romance. Teenage heartbreak can feel like the end of the world, but with the help of loved ones and friends, other distractions, and of course, time, the pain will pass.

Q: As a former television news producer and print editor, how did your professional experiences shape your writing process?

A. My professional writing as a news producer was very different and many years ago, and I had never written much fiction, so this process was brand new for me. I did not know what to expect, but when I sat down to write, the story appeared on the screen before me.

Q: The Trestin family is portrayed as an epitome of aspiration. Can you discuss the significance of this portrayal and its relevance to the overarching narrative?

A. I wanted to show that no matter how perfect someone’s life is from the outside looking in, nothing is ever perfect. We all encounter many struggles through our lives, some much more significant than others. It isn’t how much money we have that heals our wounds but love and support from others.

Q: What message or lessons do you hope readers will take away from 'Life's Love Song' after reading it?

A. Life’s Love Song has many lessons, some of which have already been discussed; however, I tried to make them subtle but obvious, if that makes sense. I want readers to enjoy the story without thinking they have lessons shoved in their faces. A few key takeaways include empathy, understanding, perseverance, risk-taking, support, and love.

Q: Can you describe your journey from being an empty nester to deciding to pursue your dream of writing a book?

A. My life went from having every second of every day packed with something to do to have a good amount of free time. Moms who stay home with kids can feel a lack of purpose once their kids are gone. I found a way to fill the void by writing and pulling tiny pieces of our lives into the story.

Q: How do you balance the various roles in your life, including being a wife, mother, volunteer, and now an author?

A. My roles as mother and volunteer were closely tied because much of that volunteering was for my kids’ schools, their sports teams, or places we volunteered together, whether it be a shelter or a food bank. It wasn’t an easy balance—I was exhausted! I’ve also always tried to be the best wife I can be. Therefore, the book waited.

Q: Were there any challenges you encountered while writing 'Life's Love Song', and how did you overcome them?

A. The biggest challenge was probably finding the confidence to write it. It’s a very vulnerable process, and once I finished the book, I was afraid to let anyone read it. Since I had never really tackled fiction writing, I was afraid people wouldn’t like my novel. I definitely had imposter’s syndrome. Finally, I decided to just go for it!

Q: Can you discuss the importance of family and unity as portrayed in the novel, and how it reflects your values and experiences?

A. My parents instilled in me the importance of family. Even though our children are now adults, my husband and I provide any support they need. Nothing is more important than family, and we can count on each other. It’s fun now to enjoy our kids as adults and like them, not as our kids, but as the people they’ve become.

Q: What are your future writing plans or projects?

A. I left unanswered questions at the end of Life’s Love Song because I have every intention of writing one or two more books to further develop the story of the Trestin family. Those unanswered questions will be addressed in subsequent novels. Also, I think it would be fun to try to adapt the book into a screenplay.