Alison Ragsdale on Crafting Heartfelt Stories Rooted in Scottish Heritage and Emotional Truths

PHOTO: Renowned author Alison Ragsdale channels heartfelt emotions and the beauty of Scotland into her best-selling poignant and powerful tales.

Exploring Family, Resilience, And The Power Of Storytelling

Alison Ragsdale discusses her Scottish-inspired novels, career transitions, and the emotional depth of her writing, offering insights into her creative process and advice for aspiring authors.

Alison Ragsdale, the acclaimed author of eleven bestselling contemporary women’s fiction novels, has carved a unique niche in the literary world with her emotionally resonant stories set against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. Her works, celebrated for their exploration of family dynamics, love, loss, and resilience, have garnered international acclaim and a devoted readership. From her debut novel, Tuesday’s Socks, to her latest Kindle #1 bestseller, An Impossible Choice, Ragsdale’s storytelling continues to captivate audiences with its depth and authenticity.

Born in Scotland and now residing near Washington D.C., Ragsdale’s journey to authorship is as compelling as her novels. A former professional dancer and marketing executive, she turned to writing after a life-altering health diagnosis in 2009, using her experiences to craft narratives that resonate with raw emotion and universal truths. Her ability to weave the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and landscapes into her stories reflects her enduring connection to her homeland, even after decades living abroad.

In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Ragsdale opens up about the influences behind her evocative novels, the challenges of transitioning careers, and the deeply personal connections she shares with her characters. She also offers invaluable advice to aspiring writers, encouraging them to embrace their voice and persevere in the face of obstacles. For fans of contemporary fiction and those curious about the creative process, this conversation with Alison Ragsdale is a heartfelt and inspiring read.

How has your Scottish heritage influenced the themes and settings of your novels?

Completely. All my books are set in the Highlands and islands of my homeland. I have lived overseas for over forty years, but my connection to Scotland has never waned. If anything, the separation has heightened my motivation to write about it. Weaving the culture, the stunning scenery, and the grit and dry wit of the Scots into my books helps me feel close to home, regardless of where I am in the world.

“Weaving the culture, the stunning scenery, and the grit and dry wit of the Scots into my books helps me feel close to home.” – Alison Ragsdale

What was the most challenging part of transitioning from a career in ballet and marketing to becoming a full-time author?

Moving from dance to marketing was challenging because it was from necessity rather than choice. An injury put paid to my dance career before I was ready to give it up. Marketing happened almost by chance, thanks to a wonderful mentor who guided me to something he felt I could do well. From there, transitioning to writing was much easier because it fulfilled a life-long dream. That I can write every day now is a gift.

Your novels often explore deep emotional themes—how do you approach writing such poignant and heartfelt stories?

I approach it with care and lots of research. I am drawn in by emotionally charged stories, so it feels natural to write about them. I am acutely aware, however, of the sensitive nature of many of the subjects I tackle and how they might trigger or affect readers. I try to tread lightly while being accurate in my research and honest in my portrayal of emotions – writing from the heart.

“Ailsa from The Art of Remembering is a complex character, strong yet vulnerable, and inspired by my own experiences.” – Alison Ragsdale

Which of your characters do you feel the strongest connection to, and why?

This is a tough question because they all become like family to me. If I had to choose, I’d say Ailsa from The Art of Remembering. While her story is not my story it is as closely aligned to my experiences as I was comfortable writing. She is a complex character, strong and yet vulnerable, and it was fun to explore and develop her as she faced the ultimate challenge, when illness tears her away from a successful career that she has worked for all her life. I want to be Ailsa when I grow up.

What inspired the storyline of Her Husband’s Child, and did you draw from any real-life experiences while writing it?

This story was inspired by a young woman I saw in a documentary. She had received a cochlear implant after an illness as a teenager caused her to lose her hearing, and her perspective on dealing with the effect that had on her life was fascinating. From there, I crafted my main character and wove the tale around her, adding elements of abandonment, adoption, and ultimately, the love that grows between a mother and the children in her care, regardless of genetics.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to break into the world of contemporary fiction?

Read as much of your chosen genre as you can, read some more, then start writing, whatever form it takes. Don’t be daunted by all the potential obstacles, or dos and don’ts of technique or process, because that will paralyze you. Join a writing group if you can and begin to develop your voice. Connecting with other writers is always helpful, as the support of a trusted network can be invaluable in this business.