J.M. Kirkley

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

Hi! My name is J.M. Kirkley and I'm an award-winning author of my debut novel, A Writing Upon the Sand. I write Christian historical romance fiction. Though I'm originally from Southern California, I've grown deep roots in Texas for almost 50 years. I attended college here at Stephen F. Austin State University where I earned a Master's degree in Counseling. I now practice faith-based therapy. I'm blessed to call my spouse my best friend, and he and my kids and grandkids are among my favorite people. Our expanding circle includes those we choose to care about, whom we call family as well. Add to this mix, our granddog, Rey, who is a mini sheepadoodle, and a three-legged adopted stray cat named Stockings, and it makes for lively gatherings. As for interests, I'm not sure at what point history became relevant and compelling to me, but I enjoy researching history for my historical fiction. I also enjoy bringing new life to old antique furniture that we find at flea markets, and going to art festivals and museums.

When and why did you start writing books?

Unlike so many authors who discover their love for words early in life, I began writing after the intense season of raising kids was winding down. Writing helped me through that transition and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor, I love writing for pleasure. It's my therapy. One of the perks of being an Indie author is that I can do both without being under contracts and deadlines.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

I enjoyed getting to know Emily Cleburne, from A Writing Upon the Sand. As a new author, I envisioned a clean slate on which to create my main character. But as I put her in various situations, she emerged on the page with a mind of her own, full of grit, conviction, and spunk.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

A Writing Upon the Sand presented me with a number of challenges. For one, the historical event I wrote about remains the deadliest natural disaster in American history; the 1900 Great Storm of Galveston, where over 8,000 people perished on the island alone. Because I sought to remain true to history, it required a massive amount of research to realistically portray that level the devastation and the relief effort that followed. It also meant that a number of my beloved characters had to die. I grew emotionally attached to them, and I grieved their passing. I also wanted to end the book with a message of hope, and my romantic heart insisted on a happily-ever-after ending for my main character.

Who is your favourite author and book?

It's ever-changing, depending on my mood. Among the classics, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is my favorite. My favorite author and book thus far for 2024 is Nicole Deese, author of The Words We Lost. You know a book is really good when you finish the last line and turn back to page 1 and reread it! My favorite genre is Christian historical fiction. Other favorite authors include Roseanna White (A Portrait of Loyalty), Lisa Wingate (The Story Keeper), Laura Frantz (The Colonel's Lady), Michelle Griep (The Noble Guardian), and Tamera Alexander (A Note Yet Unsung).

What book are you reading right now?

Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

The seeds of inspiration come from history itself. In my debut novel, I viewed a 1900 chromolithograph entitled 1900 Galveston Hurricane and Tidal Wave. The scene depicted waves the size of houses crashing, timber piling between toppled houses, people being pulled up onto rooftops, bodies tossed in the waves. I was spellbound, wondering how I had lived in Texas for more than a decade at the time and knew nothing about the Storm. I'm drawn to writing stories that have resilient main characters who not only survive the worst of times, but then go on to lead meaningful lives despite their circumstances.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I'm an introvert, so reading fiction is among my most favorite things. Reading and writing are like bookends of my life.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I am currently doing research for my next historical novel set in Galveston, Texas, in 1947. It's the year of the greatest industrial disaster in US history. It happened right across the Bay from Galveston: The Texas City Disaster. It will be a sequel to A Writing Upon the Sand.