Kimbra Drake

Kimbra Drake is a fiction writer who is also a certified book coach and developmental editor. She lives and writes in Virginia and Ireland. When not crafting stories, some of her passions include traveling, hiking in nature, photography, and attending gigs and readings at indie bookstores. Where the Heart Meets the Sea is inspired by her time living in Lyngør, Norway.
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What first drew you to set this story in Norway, particularly on the remote island of Lyngør? The setting feels so vivid and alive; was there something about that landscape that sparked the story?
I found inspiration and passion in the wild beauty of the Lyngør landscape: small islands blooming in the sea; toffee-eyed seals; heather-carpeted rocks; nautical, white, wooden cottages that hug the shore; traditional wooden boats with deep roots in Viking history; and the lovely Lyngør community, rich in Norwegian culture.
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What inspired the initial idea for Where the Heart Meets the Sea? Was there a moment, image, or question that became the seed of the novel?
Having spent summers in Lyngør and a large amount of time boating in the southern Norwegian archipelago, I learned through one misadventure or another that the sea demands respect or the situation might turn dangerous, and that inspired some of my story.

Ella’s journey intertwines loss, family secrets, and love in a very human way. How did your own life or experiences influence the emotional core of this story, if at all?
When I was growing up, my family was very small, and I was often lonely as a child. Luckily, I came to understand over the years that friends can become family, and this inspired one of my story’s themes: chosen family.
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This novel explores how discovering the truth can reshape one’s sense of self. What was most important to you when portraying that shift in perspective for both Ella and Leif?
Perhaps it’s the idea that someone else’s truth might not be your own truth. Or maybe it’s that sometimes the things people are told about themselves and/or their histories can keep them stuck in life. Through my characters, I explored the possibility that if a person decides to rewrite their own story, it might be possible to change their own perspective and maybe even find contentment in moving forward.

Many readers will connect with Ella’s complicated relationship with her grandmother Hilda. What was it like to write that dynamic? Did any particular relationships in your life inform their bond?
Likely most people have experienced a complicated relationship in their lives, and I guess I was exploring how the bonds of love can still be present despite conflict.

The chemistry between Ella and Leif develops amid grief and mystery. How did you
balance their romance with the deeper emotional and generational themes of the novel?
This was a tricky line to walk because it’s possible that chemistry and desire can blur a person’s view of the world. I wanted Leif and Ella to remain compassionate about each other’s pain and problems, and also to be aware of the difficulties around them, even as their undeniable chemistry grows into deeper romantic feelings for each other.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Was there a specific scene, character, or research detail that you found especially rewarding?
My novel has traces of Norse mythology, Scandinavian folklore, Norwegian culture and customs, and Viking history. I enjoyed researching and writing those parts.

As a writer, do you have a favorite place or ritual that helps you tap into the right mood for storytelling?
In my experience, writing consistently creates inspiration. Even if life is super busy, I find that carving out short blocks of time to work on certain days of the week is helpful— versus not writing at all and waiting for mood to strike.

Who are some of your favorite romance or contemporary fiction authors right now?
I have many favorites. To this end, I usually read multiple books at once and switch between genres based on my mood at the time.

What are you working on next? Will it explore similar themes of legacy and belonging, or are you headed somewhere entirely new?
My work-in-progress is set in Ireland. Similar themes are going to remerge but hopefully in a fresh way.

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Website: https://kimbradrake.com/​
Instagram: @kimberly_engebrigtsen
Facebook: @kimberlyengebrigtsen

Purchase the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Heart-Meets-Sea-Novel-ebook/dp/B0FTKHZHJD/​