In Hope Always Rises, a woman who takes her own life awakens in a heavenly community for souls like hers—where, through humor, art, and the guidance of Virginia Woolf, she discovers forgiveness, friendship, and the healing grace of the afterlife. Author Kathie Giorgio talks to Book Glow about the novel.

Describe the book in one sentence.

Hope never expected to find herself in Heaven, not after choosing to end her life and leave her family behind.

What led you to write it?

As a writer and writing instructor, I am surrounded by creatives, and I’ve experienced the loss of several due to suicide. It seems to be more common among creatives. One day, I was having lunch in a coffee shop, and I overheard a conversation behind me. Two women were ripping apart a “friend” who had apparently chosen to end her life. I became quite upset, stood up, and said to them, “You’re asking the right question…How could she do this? But you need to add to that, How much pain was she in that this became a reasonable solution?” And then I left and went home to start the book.

Which authors or books most influenced your voice and why?

John Irving, because he is just the king of the quirky character. Despite their quirkiness, you believe fully in them. And Ellen Gilchrist, because she was a brave woman writer who dared to say things that others wouldn’t. She wasn’t scared of any topic, and she wasn’t afraid to tell the truth.

How do you organize your writing day—do you have rituals or routines?

I meet with clients in the morning, then write in the afternoon, then start in with clients and classes again in the early evening. With my novels, I assign a song to each one. I listen to that song when I sit down to write, and that trains me to get quickly back into the world of that particular novel. For Hope Always Rises, the song was “Shallow” by Lady Gaga.

What does your research process look like (for historical settings, technical details, etc.)?

Mostly, I have to look up things that affect my characters. Suicide for this book was a lot of research. I spoke with several therapists and with groups where suicidal ideation was being discussed and dealt with. I try to go to those who are actually experiencing what I’m writing about.

Which character in your book was the most fun (or challenging) to write, and what made them so?

God. Ohmygosh, he was so much fun to write. I built off the belief that God made man in his own image, and I ran with it from there. He is an absolute joy. He was also challenging, because I knew some people would not like the way I portrayed him. But ultimately…my book, my choice.

What themes or questions are you most interested in exploring through your work?

I write a lot about women’s issues and challenges that we all face in our lives. I want my work to have a reach…readers should recognize the characters, possibly in themselves or in those that they know.

Is there any one thing that especially frustrates you about the writing process?

No, not really. I love the whole thing. I always have.

What’s the toughest hurdle you’ve faced during your writing career, and how did you overcome it?

Traditionally publishing books. I became well-known as a short story writer, but getting that first novel out was a bear. I did not want to self-publish; anyone can self-publish. I didn’t want to be just anyone. I wanted to be selected and supported. I love knowing that I am backed by someone who believes in me and believes in my work, enough that they’re willing to put their publishing house’s name on it. And now…16^th book just released. 17^th due out next year. 18^th almost ready to be submitted.

Any advice for novice writers?

Don’t quit. And really stick with whatever it is you want. Don’t settle for less.

What do you hope readers take away from your book?

There are always at least two sides to every story: the story of the observer, and the story of the one who is actually living the situation. Listen to those who know.

What’s next?

I had a novel published after Hope Always Rises, called Don’t Let Me Keep You. It came out in October of 2024. Just a couple weeks ago, my poetry collection, Let Me Tell You, Let Me Sing!, was released. In the winter of 2026, my next poetry collection, The Birth Of A Widow, which are poems written during the first year after my husband was killed, will be released. And I’m hard at work on the next novel.

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