Kim Hotzon is on Carly's View today. Kim is the
author of Hands Full of Ashes, a multi-cultural romance.
CJ: Thank you for joining
me, Kim.
KH: Thank you for having me, Carly.
CJ: Tell
us a little about yourself.
KH: I was born and
raised in British Columbia and have spent several years teaching
post-secondary for adults with learning disabilities at Kwantlen Polytechnic
University. I live with my husband, children and a cat and dog. I spend a lot
of time outdoors pursuing hiking, biking, skiing and kayaking. In my spare
time, I write, of course, and I have recently joined a local writers group. I
am also a member of the Canadian Authors Association and Romance Writers of
America.
CJ: You
spent some time living in Japan. Can you tell us what your most memorable
experience was?
KH: That's a tough
question. There were many memorable experiences. A few that stand out are
finding our furniture on the sidewalk (a peculiar behavior as viewed by the
Japanese where foreigners go 'gomi' hunting for new and used furniture);
visiting hospitals without the benefit of fluency in Japanese; getting my
bicycle finally and thereby reducing my commute considerably; getting hit seven
different times while riding the same bicycle (after the seventh time the
bicycle was destroyed, thankfully, I was not) and seeing Kyoto for the first
time. My life in Japan was difficult and beautiful and it provided me with the
inspiration to write my memoir.
CJ: How
did the idea for Hands Full of Ashes come about?
KH: From another
life-changing, far-flung trip. This time, I headed to Rwanda, to do some
humanitarian work. While I never planned to write a novel, the journey to
Africa had a lasting impact and the idea for Hands Full of Ashes was born.
CJ: Out
of the characters you have written, which one can you relate to the most?
KH: Olivia's inner
fortitude and her desire to not only survive, but thrive.
CJ: Do
you have any advice for others who find themselves living abroad due to work?
KH: It's important to
make connections with other expats, of course, but it's also important to make
friendships with locals. Learning to speak the language is critical, and trying
to adopt some of the local customs will go a long way to helping you adapt.
Also, give yourself time. Culture shock is not something that disappears
overnight, but if you have a positive attitude, things will improve with time.
The initial hurdle of being in a foreign land will melt away to reveal new
secrets, ideas, tastes, and a whole new approach to life. The last bit of advice
is that if you're a woman, you may not expect to find other parts of the world
as open-minded toward women's liberty. This may come as a shock, and you will
have to prepare yourself for such a challenge.
CJ: What
is your favorite book and why?
KH: I have so many
favorites! Right now, I would say it's The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara
Kingsolver. It is an epic story of an American missionary family who travel to
Africa in the fifties, with their three daughters. What befalls them is
unimaginable. Ultimately, it is a story of familial bonds, love and survival.
The exotic backdrop is also very appealing to me.
CJ: Do
you have a favorite author/s?
KH: Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, Harper Lee, Jon Krakauer, Nora Roberts, Ernest Hemingway, Gillian Flynn, Alan Brennert, Immaculee Ilibagiza. My taste in reading spans nearly every genre with a special focus on women's fiction, suspense, fantasy, thriller and romance.
CJ: Do
you have any hobbies? If so, what are they?
KH: Reading, writing, travelling,
kayaking, skiing, hiking and biking.
CJ: Where
do you see yourself in five years?
KH: Reading, writing,
travelling, kayaking, skiing, hiking and biking.
CJ: Is there anything else you want your readers to know about
you?
KH: Readers can sign up with the Contact Form on my website for a chance to win a free e-book copy of Hands Full of Ashes. http://kimhotzon.com/
CJ: Thank you for joining me, Kim.
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Thank you Carly for having me on your blog today! I love your site, by the way!
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