It finally came to me when I was living overseas—listening to young people wanting their dreams to come true but not knowing how to make it happen or even if it was possible. Then it hit me to share my grandmother’s story.

Diane Floyd Boehm – 20 October 2021

The Back Flap

Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More is an old-fashioned, historical family drama–a sweet, yet edgy, coming of age story. Set in the 1920s, it is based on the life of the author’s grandmother.

The main character, Ruby Pearl, is mature beyond her years, born at least a decade too soon. Growing up in a family of nine children in Oilton, Oklahoma, with her nose constantly in a book, she’s the girl who would rather read than can tomatoes.

Ruby studies hard to make good grades, while her parents humor her. They encourage the courtship with her beau, Arthur, who they expect will be their son-in-law when the two graduate from high school. Ruby has loftier goals than that. She admires her momma and big sister, Rilla, the “CEOs of the household,” and hopes to have children and a home of her own to manage someday, but first things first!

Ruby’s story unfolds amidst the backdrop of a horse and buggy town welcoming its first motor cars. She becomes a pioneer for girls her age, following the inspiration of the suffrage movement, breaking all norms, defying tradition—and her parents—to become a truly independent woman.

About the book

What is the book about? 

Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More, is basically the story of my grandmother’s life, fictionalized in some places, but inspired by the stories she told me. When I heard some of the incredible stories of her life, I just knew I had to write about her. She had watched her brothers go off to college and when she asked her parents if she could go too, they told her she should get married. That didn’t sit well with her. She felt she was just as smart, maybe smarter, than her brothers. The story is about her determination to get an education and break free of tradition—and the norms of the day—to become an independent business woman…in a man’s world!

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book six years ago, but my mom has been telling my brothers, me, and my children family stories my whole life. This book would not have happened were it not for both my mom and my grandma being such great story-tellers. Often, Grandma would tell a tale as a way for us to understand why we need to think about our choices. Most times it was simply to entertain.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took six years to write. There was a lot of research involved to make sure I had the history correct. My mom became my research partner and we traveled together, visiting museums in my grandmother’s hometowns and interviewing the curators, and even following the train tracks from Tulsa to Chillicothe, where Grandma went to business college. I am not sure if this was the actual route she took, but following the tracks gave me a feel for the open country and the small towns where the train depots were and still are.

Where did you get the idea from?

It was a process over time. It finally came to me when I was living overseas—listening to young people wanting their dreams to come true but not knowing how to make it happen or even if it was possible.  Then it hit me to share my grandmother’s story. I spoke to my mom about the various family stories, and she agreed a historical fiction based on Grandma’s dreams would be inspirational to young adults.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes. First, to find my voice. . .so, there were lots of rewrites.

Second, I started writing, and then I realized I needed to research my great-grandparents’ lives before they knew each other, to get a feel for the times they lived in. I felt the need to better understand their voice, how they came to be, and how they worked together in those times as parents. I wanted to make sure my writing was as authentic as possible. It was an eye-opener, and I feel I did find my voice while doing the research.

What came easily?

Writing the football chapter came easily. Not the game so much, but what happened at half-time. It was fun researching and writing it, especially remembering my grandma recounting the way the community was so gripped by the drama of the sport, which is not so different today in many towns.  My mom got a kick out of that chapter as well. I also enjoyed writing the first chapter, where the sisters have a squabble over plucking chickens. I do not have any sisters, but I had a close childhood friend, and I imagined it was the two of us.

Are your characters entirely fictitious, or have you borrowed from real-world people you know?

Let’s say it is a combination. I made up the names but made sure Ruby in the book had the same brothers and sisters. Other than that, it is mostly fictitious. Actually, my mom would tell me stories, and I would weave them in with a few changes. So, for example, my mom did have an uncle whose nickname was Monk. She treasured him.

Do you have a target reader?

I have a target reader, young adults to adults who enjoy adventure and are curious how a young woman born in 1905 could make her dreams come true.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so, can you please describe it?

It varies. For this book, I outlined where I wanted the story to go. From there, I just began writing. I wrote all of it and then from there went to the rewrites. It was easier for me. It was too frustrating to do a chapter at a time and do a rewrite, as it interfered with the flow of how the story would come to me.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do not outline. I just design the arc.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I do not edit till I am finished.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, it is the only way to go.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I usually have it quiet. But depending on the chapter, I would listen to the songs from that time to help get me in the zone.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No. I worked with my publisher. First, I sounded out the story idea. Then, once approved, I began developing the arc and started researching and writing.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I wanted my stories out there. I enjoy the hybrid self-publishing world. The publisher works closely with me. As an indie author, I have more control over how and when my books are seen.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I used a professional for the cover design.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I work closely with my publisher in the marketing and promotions of my books. There is a launch plan, but for ongoing marketing, I am constantly researching and testing out new ideas to get my books more exposure.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

If you decide to write a story for publication, realize that once the book is published does not mean the world will read your book. You have to hit the social media and marketing world hard, so be prepared. It is a BEAST.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Deer Park, Texas.

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Austin, Texas but I have been in 49 of the 50 states and traveled to many countries around the world. I have also lived in Dubai and the Philippines.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I want the readers to know there are many chapters in life, and I have been blessed to go from teaching to training teachers to humanitarian work and now an author.

A few things I like to do: gardening, birding, genealogy, quilting, singing, acting, and traveling.

What are you working on now?

I am always working on my next book and have several children’s books in development, while simultaneously studying social media, and interviewing authors to be on the Story Garden, my YouTube Channel. I am also proud to say I am a cohost for the Dr. Jacalyn show, Fashion, Fitness, Travel and Leisure.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Rise! from Amazon US or Amazon UK.