Interview with Kirsten Pursell, Author of The Unabridged Life of Missy Kinkaid

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Unabridged Life of Missy Kinkaid?

Readers were first introduced to Missy in my last book, Finding Scarlet. I received comments from readers that they wanted to know her story. Missy is a firebrand, but behind every woman who rises is a story of how she got there. Missy’s story is messy and complicated, but simultaneously bold and beautiful. She is unapologetic. It’s what I loved most about telling her story.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Unabridged Life of Missy Kinkaid, what would they be?

I love this. I created a whole playlist for this book. The theme song would have to be “Love’s a Hard Game to Play” by Stevie Nicks. The playlist is on YouTube

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I tend to like contemporary fiction and historical fiction. I always love stories with romance. My two favorite books to read this year have been The Wedding People by Alison Espach and Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall. I write about women’s domestic issues, which I think many books tackle on some level. I try to avoid my genre too much, as it becomes too easy to compare and self-criticize.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m finishing The Thursday Murder Club on audio. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout and The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros are atop my TBR.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved the cemetery scene (Chapter 28) and the dress scene (Chapter 24). They were funny, poignant, and big moments. But honestly, this whole book challenged me as a writer, and I loved the entire process.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I wish I did; it would be so much more interesting.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Be true to yourself by being unapologetically you. Life’s too short to be anything else.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Everyone has a story. Some are more complicated than others. At the end of the day, we have to remember to be kind and to listen.