Q&A with Kathleen Kinsolving

Kathleen Kinsolving began her writing career in 2010 with her father’s biography, “Gadfly: The Life and Times of Les Kinsolving – White House Watchdog.” Her second book, “Dogs of War,” took her 13 years to research and write.  Kathleen currently teaches English at Centreville High School in Clifton, Va.  When she isn’t teaching or writing, she supports a variety of canine organizations, volunteers as a puppy socializer for Guide Dogs for the Blind, based in Marin County, Calif., and is often seen in her favorite “Dog is My Co-Pilot” t-shirt.

What are the best books you’ve read recently?
Right now I’m reading “The Richard Burton Diaries” — I consider it a “sequel” to “Furious Love,” which is the greatest biography I’ve ever read: superbly written,and fascinating; all about the love affair of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor — reading Burton’s diaries are like a writing lesson: he was a magnificent actor, but an even better writer — another great biography by another actor is “Drama” by the wonderful John Lithgow

What was your favorite book as a child?
“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White — so beautifully written, with captivating illustrations — it planted the first seeds of my lifelong commitment of compassion for animals.

Why do you enjoy attending book festivals, either as a presenter or audience member?
Book festivals are the ultimate venue in celebrating the written word!

Have you been to the D.C. area before? If so, what is your favorite thing about it?
I live in Northern Virginia (Reston) — it’s the only place where you can hear go-go music on the radio!

What is the most difficult, or challenging, aspect of being a writer?
Getting through the first draft of the first few paragraphs of a new story idea without feeling like a total failure — remembering that I choose to write about certain things because I have to; as my friend Jackson Taylor so wisely stated, “Writing is a calling, not a career.”