Grace Helena Walz
Author Interview - Grace Helena Walz
Author of Good Hair Days
Two sisters, a failing family business, and a whole lot of hairspray--Good Hair Days is a modern twist on Steel Magnolias with a little extra Dolly Parton flare.
"I've really messed it all up, Georgia," Junie says. "And this time it's the shop. June's is in trouble."
June's Beauty Shop is a staple in Whitetail, a small Southern town north of Atlanta. It may look like an outdated hole-in-the-wall slathered in Dolly Parton memorabilia, but to the women in town, it is a sacred space.
To Georgia and Junie Scott, it is their family legacy, particularly their late mother's. For generations, the shop has been passed to the oldest daughter, always named June. But Mama wanted more for her firstborn.
Now Georgia is living the life everyone expected, the life everyone wanted for her. Everyone, that is, except her. But what can a girl do when her mother's last wish was for Georgia to get out of Whitetail? So that's what she did. She lives in Atlanta, has a swanky job, drives a fancy car, and--as far as her family knows--makes the big bucks.
It should be no surprise then when Junie asks for fifty grand to fix her latest mess. But Georgia's never had that kind of money. Dad and the aunts don't have it either. To save June's, they'll have to get creative.
Bursting with energy, heart, and sass, Good Hair Days is about a family pulling together for a common purpose, finding healing from the past, and moving forward courageously as they encounter their hardest trial yet.
Author Interview - Grace Helena Walz
Author I draw inspiration from:
I have to give the late Dorothea Benton Frank the title of the author who has inspired me most because finishing her books inspired me to start writing. I adore her voice, the immersive Southern settings, and the lively characters she creates. However, regardless of the book I’m reading, I always find myself inspired by my favorite parts of each book.
Author Interview - Grace Helena Walz | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
I love to curl up and read in the reading chair in my bedroom. My runner-up option is in bed, but there I’m far more likely to fall asleep—even when the book has my full attention.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
I would love to be stuck in an elevator with Finlay Donovan from the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano. I adore these books, and Finlay’s character is such a key part. She’s a mom and a writer like me, and I would absolutely ply her with questions about her sleuthing escapades. I imagine she wouldn’t mind unloading on a fellow mom for a hot minute—if she was certain I wasn’t associated with the criminals she’s been dodging, that is.
Author Interview - Grace Helena Walz | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
This is a tough one! Pretty quickly after I started writing fiction as an adult I knew I wanted to keep writing. I absolutely fell in love with the experience of creating a world and story with words. However, I knew the path to publishing isn’t an easy one to take, and I wasn’t sure what opportunities I would be afforded. In general it’s a tough industry, and I count myself lucky to have the chance to be doing what I’m doing right now.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
My favorite reading mode is paperback. I love a hardcopy, and paperback is easy to carry. I don’t mind hardback, but it feels a tad bulkier in hand, and more than once I’ve accidentally dropped one on my face while reading in bed. I read ebooks, but typically only if I don’t have access to a hard copy. I have tried to become an audiobook reader, but that’s still a work in progress! I struggle to keep my mind focused when receiving the information auditorily and tend to multi-task which furthermore splits my attention. When I’m reading with my eyes, I always feel more transported into the story and overall enjoy it more.
The last book I read:
Bees in June by Elizabeth Bass Parman. I loved the book! Elizabeth and I are doing an event together which allowed me to get access to an advanced copy. I loved her debut, and this sophomore novel has all the hallmarks of her historical southern stories plus a little magical realism.
Author Interview - Grace Helena Walz | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
I always draft and rewrite on a computer, but I use pen and paper overwhelmingly for brainstorming and working through ideas. When I’m building characters I like to give them each a sheet of paper and list out their traits, the challenges they will encounter in the story, their relation to others, and how they see the world. Something about this mode helps it to gel for my mind. When I’m editing on more of a line level I also like to read those drafts on paper and mark them up.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
Any Katherine Center female lead! I adore the characters she creates. Well, the books in general. The female leads are down to earth and funny, women who you’d enjoy grabbing coffee with, and I could see myself being best friends with any of them.
Author Interview - Grace Helena Walz | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
An artist. I have always loved to make and create, and although I would need some serious training before becoming a professional artist, it’s certainly at the top of my dream job list (assuming the skills required don’t yet need to be in place!).
Favorite decade in fashion history:
The 70s had a ton of fun styles that were bright and adventurous. The 20s were also very glitzy, though I’m not sure I’d be able to keep up with the glam for an everyday look.
Place I’d most like to travel:
I would love to travel to New Zealand. It has a wide variety of natural landscapes to explore, beach locations for relaxation, and vibrant cities to explore the culture. I’ve always wanted to visit, but it’s definitely a trek!
My signature drink:
I have recently rediscovered Fresca (yes, the same one from the 90’s), and I’m loving it. It lands somewhere between a soda and a fruity sparkling water, and I’m not sure there’s anything else that hits the same notes!
Favorite artist:
I love C. Brooke Ring whose painting became the cover art for my debut, Southern by Design. In a fun twist I had followed her online for years, and when her familiar style showed up in a cover mockup for the book, it was such a cool coincidence. She paints in a contemporary style with bright colors. Florals are probably her signature, but her other works are equally as beautiful.
Number one on my bucket list:
Taking a pastels class as well as a pottery class has been on my list for a while now, and I’m looking forward to the day my schedule can accommodate it! I love making things, and I know I would love the chance to try out these art modes.
Find more from the author:
https://www.instagram.com/gracehelenabooks
https://www.facebook.com/gracewalzauthor
About Grace Helena Walz:
Grace Helena Walz
Grace Helena Walz received a master’s in social work at the University of Houston and worked with children in foster care, as a medical social worker, and in a mental health capacity. She currently resides outside of Atlanta, GA, with her husband and two young children. She writes women’s fiction in the moments between sticking Band-Aids on scraped knees and coordinating pint-sized social engagements. Connect with her online at gracehelenawalz.com; Facebook: @gracewalzauthor; Instagram: @gracehelenabooks; X: @gracehelenawalz; Pinterest: @gracewalzauthor
