Interview with Shelley Kassian, Author of A Mountain Leads Home

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Mountain Leads Home, Their True Love Story?

My daughter and son-in-law inspired the holiday romance, A Mountain Leads Home. If not for a snowboarding accident and my daughter’s role as a trauma nurse, two people would never have met. While the relationship developed quickly, there have been many challenges and gratefully, one happily-ever-after.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Mountain Leads Home, Their True Love Story, what would they be?

The song “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros was chosen early in the writing process, which is why ‘home’ is a strong theme in the story. Home is wherever you are.

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

I read books in several genres. Royalty influences my fantasy novels, but romantic stories where people find their one true love will always motivate new love stories.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Jane Porter: Flirting with Forty & Jennifer Snow: A Lot like Christmas

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Chapter One: A man against the elements, excited to explore snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies. It was important to get it right, to reveal my son-in-law’s excitement prior to hurting himself. He’s still nervous about that run after the Strawberry Express Lift…

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

An hourglass or a lit candle. Lots of objects in my writing space, picked up from my travels, to inspire my imagination.

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

I’m a tragic romantic. Love lives at the heart of my being. This is my favorite quote: Where there is love, there is life. -Mahatma Gandhi

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

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In order to find love or anything else in life, it’s important to take chances and reach for what you really want. Take that first all-important step.