Most guys gravitate to writing action adventure or fantasy writing. What drew you to writing romance?
When I started writing fiction, I tried a
little bit of a few different genres -- fantasy, science fiction and then
ultimately Christian romance. Out of the
three genres I tried, I saw the most success in romance and so I went for it. Initially
the draw was romance sold books. Ultimately though I realized it was the
infusion of faith and God into the stories that drives the sales and is the
real draw to why I write what I write today.
What made you decide to write that first novel?
I am an entrepreneur at heart, and I saw
an opportunity to cut the ties from my 9-5 if I were able to write and sell
stories for a living. What started as just a way to make money and not had a
job eventually led me to writing stories that put Jesus Christ at the center
and showing how people can overcome anything when they’re in relationship with
their Creator.
Are you active with any writing critique groups?
No. What I did for critiques was use beta
readers and read the bad reviews on early titles to get ideas on how to
improve. I also have a developmental editor that helps critique my stories.
What made you decide to indie-publish?
I was seeking a way to replace my income
from a job more than anything else. As the years go on, I do think from time to
time about possibly seeking a traditional publisher for a story, but I haven’t decided
to launch into that.
Did you first seek out a traditional publisher?
Nope. I do have one title that is
technically traditionally published. It’s entitled, “If Only” and it’s
published by an Amazon imprint.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
The hardest part of writing is probably
just sitting down to write. I have two boys who are 7 and 8 and a 12-year-old
girl. They take a lot of time to parent efficiently and to invest in. I also
have an amazing wife who I love to spend time with. All four draw on that time
to write.
As for difficulties when it comes to the
actual mechanics of writing I would say it varies from book to book. If the
story isn’t what God wants me to write, I struggle with everything and
inevitably have to ditch it entirely. I just did that this past July. I had
rewritten it multiple times and it just was not working. Ultimately, it wasn’t
going to be a good story and wasn’t going to be one that honored God.
What does your editor remind you to do most often?
I have two editors. A developmental and a
line editor. My developmental editor reminds me that I’m writing romance.
Working in more romance is something that comes up more frequently than
anything else. As for my line editor, she doesn’t tell me much of anything. She
just does the line edit.
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The emails from readers. They seem to hit
the inbox at just the right time. Writing is a lonely job at times and when
someone drops a line from across the globe just to share with me the fact a
story touched their life it means a lot. God’s using these stories and that’s
the best feeling in the world to know.
Early on, and even still today, I’ll get
those fun one-star reviews that can sting a little. These rejections are minor,
but they are the only rejections I have dealt with for the most part. I think
it’s because I don’t get out much! Haha.
Anyways, some of the one-star reviews are
constructive criticism that helps me as a writer. Others, like a recent one I
got, are just a reminder I’m doing things right. The recent one-star I read
mentioned how forgiveness in the real world doesn’t happen immediately. While
this is true in the real world, in a Biblical sense, it’s exactly how it
happens. Forgiveness isn’t about being okay with what the person did, it’s not
even about trusting or allowing that person in your life. It’s about releasing
that individual from payment of that debt. Not because they deserve it, but
because God has forgiven us of so much. I won’t go on about forgiveness, but
the point is, keeping things in perspective is important in my ability to keep
writing.
The reality is it doesn’t matter if
someone doesn’t like a book I wrote. They could have a heart problem, or they
could not like the style of my writing, or something else! Whatever it is, it
doesn’t really matter. I write for God and I desire to please Him with the work
I do while spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. One-star reviews happen,
and I keep writing.
What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing?
What surprised me the most was with enough
practice, it gets easier. When I was first starting out writing novels it was a
complicated mess! I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster that both
excited me and terrified me at the same time. Trying to remember all of these
writing rules about tension, pace, beats, early in and early exit, and the list
goes on! Now that I’ve written over 50 titles, I don’t feel as overwhelmed in
the writing.
What frustrates you the most?
Consistency when it comes to income is a
little frustrating.
What do you
know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I would’ve appreciated knowing early
about how important it is to just write the first draft. I spent way too much
time rewriting entire chapters without finishing stories. It was a dumb cycle
that could’ve been avoided.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Exact same answer as previous.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I would recommend to anyone wanting to
write to be sure you’re writing what you’re passionate about and nothing less.
If you care about what you’re doing, you’ll go far. Your passion is what gets
you through the back-to-back 14-hour edit days and keeps you pushing through on
weekends and holidays.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short
synopsis?
The next book set to come out is One
Trusting Heart. It’s a story that starts out with Ashley, a divorcee, who
is relocating from Los Angeles to Lincoln City, Oregon. She’s tired of the fast-paced
city life and wants to take it easy for a while. A storm moves into the area
and the beach house she is staying in is damaged. This sets Ashley on a path to
rediscovering her faith in God and ultimately falling in love unexpectedly.
That’s all for today’s interview. Hope this interview encourages
you to reach out and try a new author. And to make it easier for you, he’s offering
you a free book. rthe link to get it. https://offer.tkchapin.com/
Website: www.tkchapin.com
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