An Interview with Author Kathleen Ernst
I had a great time with Kathleen Ernst at the Historical Novel Society Conference where we sat together on a panel. I was so pleased she agreed to be interviewed. Her latest book is Hearts of Stone, set during the Civil War. The New York Public Library has selected it among their Books for the Teen Age list and it has received many other honors. I'm not sure if we choose our stories or if they choose us. What was the case with Hearts of Stone? Hmmn, a very interesting question! I think Hearts of Stone chose me. I'm never short of ideas; I have so many story ideas swirling in my head that I'll never have time to write them all. But somehow, certain stories wriggle up to the top of my subconscious, nudging until I take the time to write this particular story. Sometimes stories simmer for years before I feel compelled to write them. Other times it happens more quickly, and this was the case with Hearts of Stone . As soon as I started reading and thinking about homeless refug...