Paula Baysinger Morhardt

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

I’m a 63 year old widow, grandmother to five. I love to read, garden, sew, quilt, craft and write. Did I mention I like to read?

When and why did you start writing books?

When my husband died, I wrote a journal about my discoveries of being a widow- and of living on my own for the first time ever. Then came some poetry, which I have always loved to write. Then a children’s book or three or so, and now, cookbooks as well!

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I’ve always loved to write, but I never put myself forward. I was rocketed on the writing stage when my husband passed away.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Oh, that is easy. I love Wise Crone in the book Best Magic of All. There is a lot of me in her.

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

My first one, my journal about becoming a widow.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Anne McCaffrey, with whom I share a birthday, and I love most of her books.

What book are you reading right now?

The Cat Who books, by Lillian Jackson Braun.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

All over. While in the hospital recently, I paid attention to every little thing, because it might become useful in the future!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Sewing. Gardening. Cooking. Sawing. Crafting. Reading. Writing.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I have a new book coming out in June, about some children going to visit grandma in the hospital. The title is Is This My Grandma?. I also have one coming out in July, the third in the cookbook series. And there is one just being edited now, and one waiting for an illustrator. I’m being busy!