Interview with Barb Malek, author

1. Your name, What is the title(s) of your book(s)? My name is Barb Malek and the title of my book is "Soft Like Steel" (hopefully just the first of many.)

 2. What is your genre and why did you choose to write in this genre? The genre is a mix of narrative non-fiction and biography. I chose this because I wanted to tell my grandmother's story, but in order to bring it more alive I used a mix of narrative and historical fact. This way the reader sees the events through her eyes against a backdrop of the history of the times.

3. Is there a particular message you wish to transfer to your readers? I desire to inspire my readers with the message that there is always hope, even in the midst of the darkest situation. My grandfather came from a long line of families in which the fathers abandoned their children. By choosing to reject anger and bitterness and to cling to her faith, my grandmother broke that pattern with her family. I would love for her example to inspire others.

4. Did you find yourself researching information during the writing process? Yes, I did a lot of research for this book. First, I had to do a lot of digging into my family's history. We knew a lot about my grandmother's side, but not much about my grandfather. Fortunately, his extended family was able and willing to share key information with me. Secondly, I wanted to help my readers to understand the times in which my grandparents were living. I read a lot about the Dust Bowl, particularly in southern Nebraska; the sometimes dark history of my own community, Omaha, NE; and about life in the midwest during World War II.

5. Do you see yourself writing other types of books in the future? I loved the formula of taking one character in history and writing in a blend of narrative about their thoughts and emotions, placed against a background of historical facts. So, yes, I plan to do others. At present, I am researching my Mennonite history in France and Germany.

6. Do you speak to groups? If so, do you enjoy it? I have always loved speaking. I went to college on a speech scholarship, so it is one of my first loves. If I am passionate about the topic, it is a pure joy!

 7. What have you found surprising since becoming a published author? I have been surprised by how much marketing I am expected to do, and how hard it is. I am not a pushy person, and resent others being pushy. So, I am trying to balance a low key approach with being effective.

8.Can you describe the day that you saw the first book you authored in your hands? It was amazing! It was the reality of a dream that I had, frankly, given up on. I will never forget it.

 9. Is there any particular thing that you wish you had known before getting the book in your hands? Hmm... well maybe the difficult marketing road that lay ahead. I would have liked to have gotten more of a headstart than I got. However, maybe it was best I didn't know.

10. What was your favorite childhood toy? It was a box of paper dolls I made myself. I had a whole community, and I made up stories for them to act out. It was like my very own soap opera! What amazing adventures we had.