Meet author Shirley Gould

I’m excited to have Shirley Gould on my blog! She writes contemporary romantic suspense set partially in Africa and partially in America, which I think is fascinating. She’s also a Scrivenings Press author!

Jen – Shirley, I’d love to know why you started writing.

Shirley – I’ve studied the craft of writing for 13 years, but I began to seriously write as a reprieve to my grief when my husband went to heaven 11 years ago. Focusing on my fictional family helped me weather the lonely hours of those first few years.

Jen – Ironically, I started seriously writing after my dad passed away, so I appreciate the help it gives. Tell me about your family.

Shirley – I’m a 70-year-old widow with three daughters, sons-in-law, and seven amazing grandchildren. Family has held me together during tough times.

Jen – Those grandkids! They’re amazing, aren’t they? How did you learn about Africa?

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Shirley’s time in Africa

Shirley – I served as an African missionary and took good notes and hundreds of pictures that I use as I write. I travel to Kenya yearly on mission assignments and add to my wealth of research on every trip.

Jen – I bet that’s amazing! My sister and brother-in-law were missionaries in Africa for five years. What do you like to read?

Shirley – I read books by Melissa Tagg, Denise Hunter, Susan May Warren, and Irene Hanna, who write in my genre. I study their work as I read to learn more about the craft of fiction writing.

The Sahar of Zanzibar, book 1

Escape From Timbuktu, book 2

Sunset Over Swaziland, book 3

More about Shirley Gould

Jen – I know you have a novella coming out soon. Tell us about that.

Shirley – My Christmas Novella, The Kissing Ball, releases on November 19th. It is the prequel to my next series set in Kenya. I enjoy bringing my love for Africa to the page for my readers. I want to portray vivid characters in my prose who battle real issues and find their answers in a relationship with Jesus.

Fun facts about Shirley

Shirley – As I’ve traveled the world doing mission work, I’ve tasted a variety of foods. Giraffe meat is similar to prime rib, the crocodile is rubbery and tastes like fishy chicken, and ostrich makes a great roast. But my favorite meat is camel meat dipped in salt while I’m drinking a cold Coca-Cola. 

Jen – Thanks for joining me on the blog!

Shirley – Thank you, Jen, for allowing me to be featured on your blog. You are a blessing to the writing community.

Shirley Gould is an inspirational speaker, an African missionary, and an author. She’s the founder of Kenya’s Kids Home for Street Children, an orphanage in Kenya. Her passion for missions drives her to share their stories and adventures to inspire others toward fulfilling the Great Commission. 

Shirley has written nonfiction for thirty years and is now writing Christian Fiction. Her debut novel, The Sahar of Zanzibar, was released in May 2021. Escape From Timbuktu was released on July 25, 2023. The sequel, Sunset Over Swaziland, hit the shelves on March 23, 2024. She lives in the Nashville, Tennessee area enjoying her seven amazing grandchildren and her sweet Yorkie, Zoey.

Connect with Shirley on Goodreads and Amazon.

Read A Guide to Setting SMART Goals for Writers, then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024 with Book #2 in the series on the way in 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)