Share. Learn. Inspire featured guest Gale Minchew

as I have promised you My readers , Am back with another inspiring interview with My wonderful friend Gale Minchew , let me tell you this I have not met her in person yet " wishing that one day i will " but she is the type of person who makes you feel that you knew her since forever! ..

to me Gale always writes a beautiful words that takes you away to different imaginary perfect world .. Am so delightful to have her as featured guest on my Blog :) Okay wont make this too long enjoy the interview please post your comments and questions 

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Gosh, three words to describe me…I guess I would have to say loving, motivational, and determined.

Tell us the story behind becoming a writer.

I didn’t originally set out to become an author.  Granted, I wrote several partial manuscripts earlier in my life, none of which I have an interest in completing now, but something changed in December 2008.  My husband gave me a Blackberry phone before we went on our family vacation.  During the long road trip, a story began formulating in my mind.  At first I thought it was simply due to the many hours on the road…daydreaming perhaps.  The story continued to unfold so I started typing it out on my phone using only my thumbs.  By the end of the vacation, I had 10,000 words.  I emailed it to myself when I returned home and completed the manuscript on my laptop over the next few months.  I fully believe the angels gave me the story.  That is why they were so persistent with me while I was on vacation, that is why I was able to see the project to fruition, and that is why the Shadows of Destiny Saga continues.

The best decision you have ever made was…

Life is full of decisions, some good, some bad, but all are a learning experience.  There are so many decisions to choose from that it’s difficult to narrow it down to one.  Probably the best decision I have ever made was the decision to further my education.  So many opportunities and events occurred as a result of that one decision, two of the most important being that I met my husband (in graduate school) and embarked on the career I dreamed of as a child (Psychologist).  

Best quote you always remember?

I remember being an entry level employee at a large US company when I was in my early twenties.  I had high aspirations for my future and was enrolled in graduate school at night.  My shift was in the wee hours of the morning and while I dressed no differently than other people at work, I came to the attention of the Controller of the division one morning.  He told me, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”  It seems he had high aspirations for me, as well.  While it isn’t the most beautiful quote I have ever heard, because of his encouragement, support and belief in me, I will never forget that quote and still rank it among the best because of the imprint it left on my soul.

Do you believe in luck?

I think people call luck by many different names…skill, experience, destiny…it doesn’t matter which name.  I prefer to call it Divine Intervention.

The best way to release stress is…

People react differently to stress.  I’ve found the best way for me to release stress is to do something I enjoy, something that makes me happy, like meditation/clearing my mind, just sitting and talking with my husband, reading a book, exercising, journaling, or listening to music, for example.  A little trial and error never hurt in finding the best stress relief possible!

What advice would you give to your 13 year old self?

Always believe in yourself and what you can do.

What motivates or inspires you?

I find that many things that inspire me also motivate me, and vice versa.  I’m motivated and inspired by so many things, most importantly by my family and friends, the beauty of the world around me, the kindness of others, and my own desire to help those in need.

When/Where do you usually write?

The most productive time of the day for me to write is night time into the wee hours of the morning.  I’m a bit of a night owl and love the quietude I find during these hours.  I prefer to write with no one around because I find I’m easily distracted…*smiles*…but if necessary, I can write anywhere I happen to be.  The trick is to have earbuds available so I can delve into the world I’ve created.  The music helps block out any external noise and allows me to “see” the story developing in my mind, much like a movie on the screen, from the wind in the trees to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon bread to the swish of fabric rustling across the dance floor as people waltz to the beautiful strings of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, for example.  But, if conditions were ideal, I would be in a room by myself with my laptop, an mp3 player, late at night, with no interruptions, a bottle of water and some M&Ms (shhh…don’t tell)!

Favorite movie and song…

I have so many favorites, it’s hard to choose.  I prefer action/adventure movies and really enjoyed the Bourne Trilogy and the Avengers, although I also love the movie Grease…I can’t help it!  I don’t care so much for sappy movies and drama’s. 

As for my favorite song, I love many genres of music so it’s hard to pick just one song to love!  But, my favorite song for the past few years has been Hanging by a Moment by Lifehouse.  I have a link to it on my website under the My Favorites tab.

Tips for writing…

If you are interested in writing Nouf, my greatest advice to you would be…just do it!  Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough or you can’t do it.  If you find it difficult to find an agent or someone to publish your work, don’t get discouraged.  You can do all of it yourself.  If you have the determination, you can do anything!

Other information to share with my readers ?

My four book series, the Shadows of Destiny Saga begins with Analise’s senior year in high school.  For as long as she can remember, she has been able to see and hear things that others cannot.  She travels to faraway places in her sleep.  She talks to angels and spirits.  But now, she’s being haunted.  With the help of a handsome stranger, she races to uncover what haunts her in her sleep and in waking hours and discovers a mysterious family legacy along the way.  I’m currently working on the fifth book in the series.

I would love to invite your readers to connect with me on my newly redesigned website www.galeminchew.com where they can get a glimpse of my world; on twitter http://www.twitter.com/galeminchew where they can read some of my quotes and interact directly with me; or on facebook http://www.facebook.com/galeminchew where they can read excerpts from the Shadows of Destiny Saga and learn more about the series.