Interview with Kathleen Bailey, Author of Where The Light Shines Through

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Where the Light Shines Through?

When I was a child, I visited a beach near a lighthouse every summer. At night, I would watch the beacon light spin around, thinking about ships far off the coast and how that flash of light in the darkness imparted a sense of direction. As long as you could see the light, you were never lost. This became the basis for one of the core themes in Where the Light Shines Through. Flash forward many years later through a life full of plot twists, and here I am, writing the types of stories I like to read … mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the cozy and traditional sides of crime. Cozies can be inspirational, aspirational, escapist, or just plain fun. They are stories you can curl up with, and know that in this space, while you’re with this story, everything is going to be okay.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Where the Light Shines Through, what would they be?

For Olivia, “Heart of a Hero” by Cathy Heller. For the father-daughter relationship between Olivia and her dad, “Forever Young” by Sophia Shorai (This isn’t the Bob Dylan song, more recently popularized by Rod Stewart, but you can’t go wrong with that one either.)

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Impossible to pick a favorite! I read widely, so it’s almost easier to list what I don’t fancy (horror, I’m looking at you). I gravitate towards mysteries, especially of the cozy/traditional sort. Small towns, yes please. Sweet romances, sign me up. Paranormal women’s fiction, I’ll go there. I’m all-in on any K9 mystery. I’ve already pre-ordered the books that Margaret Mizushima hasn’t even thought about writing yet. Poetry, too … David Whyte, Mary Oliver.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Still Possible by David Whyte, Signposts of the Spiritual Journey: A Practical Road Map to a Meaningful Life by John Siddique, The Shadow Wing by Sarah Painter

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The climax. This is where the story began for me. It was the first scene fully fleshed out, and it’s the inspiration behind the title.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Quirky habits … not really. I write either in silence or listening to instrumental music. When editing, I need to be in a cone of silence and have good lighting.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“The past is finished. Learn from it and let it go. The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it. Worrying is worthless. When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment. Then you will begin to experience joy in life.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The light always shines through.

Kathleen Bailey is the author of the new book Where the Light Shines Through

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