Exploring Transformation Through Compelling Stories of Historical and Personal Growth
Gail Olmsted discusses her novels, historical fiction, and the inspiration behind creating characters seeking second chances at happiness.
Gail Olmsted brings a dynamic blend of imagination, intellect and warmth to every story she tells. A former marketing executive and college professor, she now devotes herself entirely to writing, crafting stories of second chances and compelling women who refuse to settle. From the dusty trails of Sedona that inspired her debut Jeep Tour, to the meticulously researched lives of historical figures like Mary Olmsted and Katharine Prescott Wormeley, Olmsted’s work reveals a fascination with transformation—both personal and societal. In this exclusive interview, the author behind the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist trilogy shares the spark behind her fiction, her approach to biographical storytelling, and the quirky, resilient women who populate her novels. With passion, clarity, and a deep respect for history, Gail Olmsted invites readers to see the past through fresh eyes—and perhaps to reimagine their own stories along the way.
Olmsted’s storytelling weaves history and creativity into compelling narratives that resonate with readers seeking inspiring, fresh perspectives.
What inspired you to write about Katharine Prescott Wormeley’s 1907 journey in “Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip”?
While I was doing research for my first historical fiction title Landscape of a Marriage, I kept coming across Katharine’s name. She was a lifelong friend of Frederick Law Olmsted and the more I read, the more I knew she had to be featured in my next book. I found her quite fascinating.
How did you approach portraying the partnership between Mary and Frederick Law Olmsted in “Landscape of a Marriage”?
They were quite a team and I saw their personalities as very complementary. Olmsted was a dreamer, a visionary and not the most practical of men when it came to his work. On the other hand, Mary was very pragmatic with a low threshold for foolishness. She grounded him and he gave her a life of travel and excitement.
Can you share the experience that led you to write your debut novel, “Jeep Tour”?
My first trip to Sedona, AZ was with my husband and two kids. We did all the fun touristy things including a Jeep tour of the desert. I was chatting with the tour guide and he mentioned that he used to be a teacher, but gave it up after his first visit to Sedona. The hostess in the restaurant that night had an accounting background. The rest of the trip, I kept thinking that it you were looking for a do-over or a second chance at a happy ever after, this would be where you would go!
What challenges did you face while developing the “Miranda Quinn Legal Twist” series, particularly in “Miranda Fights”?
I never saw myself writing a series, even a trilogy but Miranda Quinn provided me with endless possibilities regarding her career ups and downs, family drama and marriage. In Miranda Fights, I introduced a new character, 18 year old Lennon Gallagher, to provide Miranda with the opportunity to show off her maternal side. I had a lot of fun with Lennon.
How has your background as a marketing executive and college professor influenced your writing?
I am very curious, outgoing and I ask a lot of questions, all traits that allowed me to be successful in my work. In marketing, I thought about the consumer and in teaching, about the student. As a writer, I attempt to think like a reader and ask myself what they are looking for and how I can provide them with the best possible story.
What draws you to write about “quirky, wonderful women in search of a second chance at a happy ever after”?
Nearly everyone I know and love has a story, an experience with a second career, or marriage or has attempted to seek their well-deserved ‘happy ever after’. Do-overs, fresh starts, second chances… all make for passionate and purposeful lives and great books too!
How did you balance historical accuracy with creative storytelling in your novels?
I tend to stick to the facts as much as possible and I try to be very clear in my Author’s Notes precisely where and how I took liberties, invented new characters or imagined dialogue. I feel we owe it to our readers to provide a proper blend of history and storytelling.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors looking to write compelling historical fiction?
Find a person, place or event that you’re passionate about and read everything you can find; articles, books, letters. Identify something from your reading that you could develop a story from. Maybe the individual’s childhood or an experience later in their life; what happened after the soldiers left the town or after the Peace Treaty was signed? Borrow interest from something or someone relatively well known and create something new. And do loads of research!!!
