PHOTO: Alison Ragsdale, bestselling author, draws inspiration from her Scottish roots to write poignant, character-driven novels filled with emotional truth and resilience.
Crafting Stories of Family, Love, Loss, and Resilience
Alison Ragsdale discusses her emotional storytelling, Scottish heritage, career shifts, and character inspiration, offering heartfelt insights into her creative process and practical advice for aspiring contemporary women’s fiction writers.
Alison Ragsdale has become a beloved voice in contemporary women’s fiction, known for her emotionally rich stories set against the stunning landscapes of Scotland. With eleven bestselling novels to her name, including the Kindle #1 hit An Impossible Choice, Ragsdale’s work delves deep into themes of family, resilience, love, and loss, all while maintaining a strong sense of place and emotional truth.
Born in Scotland and now living near Washington, D.C., Ragsdale channels her deep connection to her homeland into every novel she writes. Her stories, often set in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, capture the grit, humor, and beauty of the culture she holds dear. “All my books are set in the Highlands and islands of my homeland,” she shared in an interview with Reader’s House Magazine. “I’ve 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.”
Ragsdale is a masterful storyteller whose emotionally rich novels and authentic characters continue to touch hearts and inspire readers worldwide.
Her path to writing came through unexpected life changes. A former professional dancer, Ragsdale’s career was cut short by injury, leading her to work in marketing. But a serious health diagnosis in 2009 became a turning point that redirected her toward a long-held dream: writing. “That I can write every day now is a gift,” she said.
Ragsdale’s novels stand out for their emotional depth and authenticity. She writes with care and empathy, often tackling sensitive topics that require thoughtful handling. “I’m drawn in by emotionally charged stories, so it feels natural to write about them,” she explained. “I try to tread lightly while being accurate in my research and honest in my portrayal of emotions—writing from the heart.”
Among her many characters, Ailsa from The Art of Remembering holds special meaning. The novel follows a woman whose life is upended by illness just as she reaches the peak of her career. “Her story is not my story, but it’s as closely aligned to my experiences as I was comfortable writing,” Ragsdale said. “She is a complex character, strong and yet vulnerable… I want to be Ailsa when I grow up.”
Inspiration often strikes Ragsdale through real-life moments. Her novel Her Husband’s Child was inspired by a documentary about a young woman who received a cochlear implant after losing her hearing. “Her perspective on dealing with the effect that had on her life was fascinating,” Ragsdale noted. From there, she crafted a story that explores abandonment, adoption, and the love that forms between a mother and the children in her care, regardless of genetics.
For aspiring writers, Ragsdale offers practical and heartfelt advice: “Read as much of your chosen genre as you can, then start writing. Don’t be daunted by the dos and don’ts—they’ll only paralyze you. Join a writing group if you can. Developing your voice and connecting with a trusted network can be invaluable.”
Alison Ragsdale’s work continues to resonate with readers around the world. Through deeply personal storytelling and a vivid sense of place, she invites her audience into stories that feel both intimate and universal. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, emotional honesty, and the enduring magic of storytelling.
This article was adapted from an interview with Alison Ragsdale in the latest issue of Reader’s House.
