In
college literature I had to write two short stories both received an
A. I have written patient literature for take-home pamphlets. And I
wrote a pamphlet for a Christian organization to hand out during their outreach
programs.
That’s a
stretch to go to a full-length book. What made you decide to write your first
novel?
The
Beach House
was actually planted in my heart many years ago when I was working in an
operating room. It was a pediatric case. The case was
going smoothly. As I looked around the room there where Disney
characters everywhere. I heard in my spirit: the children
know all about Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. But they don’t know
about Me and My Son Jesus. I thought then, someone should write
books about God and His Son that children could learn about them in their
everyday lives.
How long
did it take you to write your first book?
It took
me 5 + years to write my first book. With many rewrites along the
way.
Who
encouraged you to keep writing?
When I
told my husband, I was going to write a book. “He said it’s good to
put your thoughts down on paper.” Several years later when I shared
with him that my book was going to be published. He said, “what book?”
My real
inspiration and encouragement along the way was God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit.
How did
you go about finding a publisher to indie-publish your books? What has that
experience been like?
My book, The
Beach House was actually published by Life Rich Publishing. This
was by default. Westbow publishing was my original publisher,
however, they said I broke the “God Clause.” So, they turned me over
to one of the sister companies. I will never again use Westbow or
Life Rich Publishing.
It took
them forever to answer my questions and concerns. I was always
passed around from person to person. Their editing team was very
poor. They moved characters around to different
scenes. And they missed large spelling and grammar
errors. In fact, I had to have it edited again and
republished.
My book, Shell
Cove was published by Outskirts Publishing. This company was
chosen after much research. They were great. They
responded in a timely manner to all my questions. Their market team
was very helpful.
What is
the hardest part of writing for you?
The
hardest part for me in my writing is finding quiet time to write.
What does
your editor remind you to do most often?
My editor
reminds me most often about proper tense.
What’s
the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
My best
encouragement in my writing comes from my husband, Jesse. And from
my readers. They are great.
We have
all experienced rejection. Give me an example of one you’ve had, and how you
learned to write past it.
My first
and most unbelievable rejection was from Westbow Publishers.
God got
me past this. I was really hurt by their lack of understanding.
What has
surprised and frustrated you the most in writing/publishing?
What surprised
me the most is what it takes to actually go from writing your book to actually
seeing it in print. Navigating the indie publishing companies has
been the most frustrating.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
My best
advice I can give and also, I have received. Always write from the
heart.
What is
the next book coming out?
My next
book, Starfish Island, The Beginning. Hopefully, this will be
out this spring.
Can you
give me a short synopsis?
A battle
between good and evil is raging in the small village of Ramsgate, England. When
the orphanage moves from a tiny house to a large manor, the children of the
orphanage are placed right in the middle of the battle. Here, they will learn
angels and demons really do exist.
Jonathan Judge believes God to be a caring, loving, and forgiving God, unlike the God, Pastor Finley preaches; one of punishment and vengeance.
Twelve families leave Ramsgate for an unknown destination. God will reveal the destination in good time. Captain Mize has agreed to take them. If it wasn’t for the money, he would never have allowed women and children on his ship. His men, especially his cook feel he is making a big mistake.
Their new homeland has everything they could ever want. The adults are unaware of the inhabitants already on the island. The demons were sent to the island many years ago. Their mission is to stop the humans from succeeding in a battle against them. The demons aren’t aware that their battle will be between them and the children from the orphanage.
The children have been preparing and involved in spiritual warfare since they moved into the manor house. The spiritual battles there were only “child’s play” compared to the battles that lay ahead.
Sounds intriguing! If you’d like to learn more about Brenda’s books, here are some links to get you started.
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