Interview with Kaira Rouda, Author of In the Mirror

Kaira Rouda is an award-winning and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction. Her books include: Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs; Here, Home, Hope; All the Difference; In the Mirror; and the short story, A Mother's Day.  She lives in Southern California with her husband and four children and is at work on her next novel.

For More Information:

• Visit Kaira Rouda’s website.
• Connect with Kaira on Facebook and Twitter.
• Follow her on Pinterest and connect on Goodreads.
• Visit Kaira’s blog.
• More books by Kaira Rouda.
• Contact Kaira.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a mom of four almost grown kids – three boys and one girl – who I adore. My husband and I have been married for 24 years and we are incredibly lucky to have all of our kids close by, and to live at the beach! We also have three dogs – one girl, two boys – and a fish named Phil.

Where did you grow up?

All over the place. I was born in Evanston, Illinois. Lived in Los Angeles, Austin, Boston and then, Columbus, Ohio. My dad was a professor – Northwestern, USC, UT Austin, Harvard and finally, Ohio State. So, I guess I grew up in a lot of places.

When did you begin writing?

Very early. I wrote a letter to Robert McCloskey (Make Room for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal) in third grade telling him I wanted to be an author just like him. He wrote back and told me he was an illustrator, not a writer, but to keep writing.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I’m a full-time writer now, but when I had a full-time career (up until four years ago) I snuck writing in whenever I could!

What is this book about?

IN THE MIRROR asks the question: What choices would you make if you knew you may die soon?

In the Mirror is the story of Jennifer Benson, a woman who seems to have it all. Diagnosed with cancer, she enters an experimental treatment facility to tackle her disease the same way she tackled her life - head on. But while she's busy fighting for a cure, running her business, planning a party, staying connected with her kids, and trying to keep her sanity, she ignores her own intuition and warnings from others and reignites an old relationship best left behind.

If you knew you might die, what choices would you make? How would it affect your marriage? How would you live each day? And how would you say no to the one who got away?

Here are some reviews:

"Kaira Rouda has created relatable characters you'll care deeply about. Emotionally gripping and heart-achingly beautiful, In the Mirror will make you think about what's truly important." 
~ Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author

“Balancing sadness and humor, the retrospective tone of this novel is both therapeutic and affecting. In the Mirror is an emotion-packed novel about a mother facing terminal cancer. It is a nostalgic tribute to the things that really matter: family and friends.” 
~ Foreword

"Rouda writes with a fluent, psychologically subtle realism that cuts Jennifer’s pathos (and occasional self-pity) with humor and irony, and she surrounds her with characters—doting dad; vain, shallow mom; mensch of a gay business partner; sarcastic gal pals—who are sharply etched and entertaining. Jennifer is a winning heroine, and readers will undoubtedly root for her as she reaches for a more mature, if achingly uncertain, future. An absorbing story of a woman grasping at life in the midst of death. 
~ Kirkus Reviews

What inspired you to write it?

Too many friends, too many young mothers, who have had to face the Emperor of All Maladies.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

My agent is Amanda Luedeke of MacGregor Literary

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

At their favorite bookstore, or online everywhere, including:

Amazon: http://ow.ly/vZHPb
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/vZHsC
Kobo: http://ow.ly/vZIGK
iTunes: http://ow.ly/vZKji

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

You can find it at: http://youtu.be/LSfhk48fKVU

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Don’t give up. And keep writing.

What is up next for you?

My next novel, LINES IN THE SAND, will be out in August!

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you for having me here!!