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

Weaving Scotland’s Beauty and Emotion into Bestselling Fiction

Alison Ragsdale, a bestselling author, discusses her Scottish heritage, emotional storytelling, and career transition from ballet and marketing to writing. She shares insights into her creative process and advice for aspiring authors.

Alison Ragsdale, the acclaimed author of eleven bestselling contemporary women’s fiction novels, has captivated readers worldwide with her emotionally resonant stories set against the stunning landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. Known for exploring themes of family, resilience, love, and loss, her works, including the Kindle #1 bestseller An Impossible Choice, offer deep and poignant narratives that leave a lasting impact.

Born in Scotland and now residing near Washington, D.C., Ragsdale’s path to becoming a full-time author was shaped by an extraordinary journey. A former professional dancer and marketing executive, she turned to writing after a life-altering health diagnosis in 2009. This transition allowed her to channel personal experiences into storytelling that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Despite decades abroad, her connection to Scotland remains strong, inspiring the richly detailed settings and cultural elements in her novels.

Alison Ragsdale masterfully blends emotional depth with Scottish landscapes, creating poignant, powerful fiction that resonates with readers worldwide. A truly exceptional storyteller.

A Deep Connection to Scotland

Ragsdale’s Scottish roots profoundly influence her storytelling. “All my books are set in the Highlands and islands of my homeland,” she shares. “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.” Her ability to weave Scotland’s breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and distinctive dry wit into her narratives allows readers to experience the heart of her homeland through her stories.

From Dance and Marketing to Writing

Transitioning between careers was not always easy. An injury abruptly ended her dance career, leading her into marketing—a field she entered unexpectedly but embraced with the help of a mentor. Writing, however, was different. “Moving from dance to marketing was challenging because it was from necessity rather than choice,” she explains. “But transitioning to writing was much easier because it fulfilled a lifelong dream.” Now, as a full-time author, she cherishes the ability to write every day, calling it “a gift.”

The Emotional Depth of Her Stories

Ragsdale’s novels are known for their profound emotional impact. She approaches her storytelling with careful research and deep empathy. “I am drawn in by emotionally charged stories, so it feels natural to write about them,” she says. Aware of the sensitive themes she explores, she strives to balance authenticity with sensitivity, ensuring that readers can engage with the material while feeling supported through the journey.

Characters That Resonate

Every character Ragsdale creates feels like family, but one holds a special place in her heart—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 reveals. Ailsa’s journey, marked by strength and vulnerability in the face of life-changing illness, mirrors some of Ragsdale’s personal challenges. “I want to be Ailsa when I grow up,” she adds with a smile.

The Inspiration Behind Her Husband’s Child

Ragsdale’s novel Her Husband’s Child was sparked by a real-life story. After watching a documentary about a young woman who received a cochlear implant following sudden hearing loss, she became fascinated by the impact of such experiences. This curiosity led her to craft a novel exploring themes of abandonment, adoption, and the deep bonds that form between parents and children, regardless of genetics.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

For those looking to break into contemporary fiction, Ragsdale offers practical and encouraging advice: “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 potential obstacles or the dos and don’ts of technique, because that will paralyze you.” She also emphasizes the importance of joining writing groups and building a supportive network, which can be invaluable in the publishing world.

Alison Ragsdale’s journey from dancer to bestselling author is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of storytelling. As she continues to craft deeply moving narratives, her stories remain a beacon of emotional truth and cultural heritage, touching the hearts of readers around the world.

“Read as much of your chosen genre as you can, read some more, then start writing, whatever form it takes.” – Alison Ragsdale

Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.