Letting Go of the Fear of Writing: Author Interview with Tara Johnson

My interview today is with an author who has published three novels and has been a finalist in the Carol and Christy Awards. She has articles published in Plain Truth Magazine and Live It Loud Magazine and has been a featured guest on Voice of Truth radio, Enduring Word radio, television and podcasts. Now read on to learn about her books.

Four years ago, you published your first novel. What drew you to writing that story? 

The spark of the idea for Engraved on the Heart began when our family visited Savannah, Georgia several years ago. I was entranced with the history and charm of the town. Secrets seemed to ooze out of every corner. My family had opted to take a historic riding tour of the city. I was especially intrigued by a fact rattled off by our tour guide. “Many of the older homes and buildings in and around the outskirts of Savannah were built by slaves. In fact, if you look closely, you can find some of their fingerprints in the bricks.”

Later that day, we walked down the cobblestone streets, admiring the elaborate homes guarded by moss-draped weeping willows. As I passed a house, a darkened impression molded into the crumbling brick snagged my attention. I sucked in a surprised breath over the precious detail. There it was, staring back at me. The fingerprint of a slave.

I ran my finger over the scarred impression, marveling that such a small mark could tell such an exquisite story. I wondered whose hands had formed the old brick. What was his name? What were his dreams? Running my fingers over that precious print linked me inextricably to the past, binding an invisible cord between the nameless slave and me.

The next day, we visited the Georgia State Railroad Museum where I found several books in the gift shop about famous women of the Civil War. Courageous heroes like Elizabeth Van Lew who fought against the norms of her culture to give freedom and hope to those trapped in darkness. I devoured their stories, many of whom I'd never heard of in school or otherwise. God slowly unfurled a story in my heart...the tale of a girl who battled epilepsy as a child, just as I did, but grew to understand her worth in the eyes of a loving God.

Who encouraged you along the way?
I had so many encouragers...family, friends, writing buddies. ACFW Arkansas and two dear writing friends, Savanna Kaiser and Cara Grandle, were special sources of prayer and inspiration.

Who helped you with the editing?
Shaina Turner and Danika King, my editors at Tyndale, were invaluable treasures as we worked to craft the story into the image embedded in my mind.

How did you go about finding an agent / publisher?
After I had spent several years working to learn the craft of writing, I began toying around with the idea of querying agents. A dear friend of mine, who is a successful writer, suggested I start by talking with hers. I was so green, I actually did everything I wasn't supposed to do! HA!

I contacted the agent through Facebook instead of emailing her, accidentally sent her my rough draft instead of the polished version I had slaved over, but she was incredibly gracious and kind. After several emails and a couple phone conversations, Janet Grant of Books & Such signed me as her client.

From the point you were offered a contract on that first book, how long did it take it to make it to print?
From the time Tyndale House offered me a contract, I believe it took around a year and three months to see it in print.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?
For me, the hardest part is writing the first fourth of the rough draft. It's all about getting the flow started. Even though I know my characters' wounds and fears, some of them don't like to give up their secrets until halfway through the first draft. Feeling my way through those first few chapters are exciting but a slow process.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?
Writers are a very insecure lot. I'm continually worrying that my next story will bomb. My editor just laughs and reminds me that it's normal to feel that way. I just need to keep creating and let go of fear.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best encouragement comes from readers. Emails and letters telling me that a character's struggle helped them with their own. I've lost count of the times I've opened Instagram or Facebook to find a message from a reader who felt hopeless in a situation only to discover hope and renewed determination through a story. That's the greatest gift anyone of us can receive. People need to know they are not alone. That compassion, peace, mercy and redemption are still alive and within reach.

We have all experienced rejection. How have you learned to write past it?
I don't read reviews. Reading only the glowing ones will over-inflate the ego and obsessing over the negative ones will plunge a writer into darkness and depression.

What I have to remind myself often is that when this life is over, I won't stand before a jury of my peers. I'll stand before God. He won't ask me how many books I sold or if I made a best sellers list. It will be how well I loved Him and how well I loved people. Pleasing Him is all that matters.

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing?
The overwhelming support for fellow authors is incredible within inspirational writing circles. There are very few egos and the willingness of established authors to reach out and mentor those who are new to the craft is heart-warming.

What has frustrated you the most?
As far as things that are frustrating, I suppose the trends of the market can be disheartening at times. Instead of publishers acquiring a steady stream of diverse genres, preferences seem to swing like pendulums...romantic suspense is hot one year, then it's historical romance, then it's Amish. It creates a breeding ground of writing to the market instead of writing what is 'true'. Writing as art. Writing as innovation and wonder.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I assumed knowledge of the craft would provide more ease with writing. It doesn't. It makes you thirsty to learn more. Each story I write is harder than the one before it.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
There are three great pieces of advice I received early on that meant a lot to me. First, your stories are not your babies. They are a product. They are special to you, but they do not define who you are. If you can separate yourself from your story, it will make the rejection process, and the editing process, much less painful.

Second, every character thinks they are the hero in their own story. Villains always think they are the good guy. Remembering this will help prevent you from writing flat, one dimensional characters.

Third, write what is true. Don't write what you think people want to hear, or what's been said a million times before. Dig deep into your own shadowed places. Write from your own hurts. Write truth. That's what people will connect to.

Your bio says you are also a songwriter. What’s that process like?
Songwriting is similar to writing a story, but it's much more compact. It's like putting together an intricate puzzle. Each piece has to fit just so. Meter, rhyme, assonance...all of those things add another layer into the complexity of the puzzle. The idea is the same though. You're trying to express a single profound thought that speaks truth and tugs on the emotions. You're just trying to do it in four minutes instead of 400 pages. HAHA!

Will we be hearing any of your songs on the radio?
Yes, several of my songs have been featured on radio stations in the south.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
I'm currently working on two new stories. One is based on the life of Dr. Mary Walker, who was a surgeon for the Union Army. She was the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor.

The second story is based on the Irish slave trade. The main character, Avalina, is taken from her home and sold into slavery in Barbados. After the trauma of her childhood, she suffers from mutism. The hero in this story is loosely based on John Newton, the man who was transformed from slave trader to freedom fighter.

Wow. I’m sorry to say that’s all there is for today’s interview. Tara’s stories sound intriguing and inspiring. Hope you will look into them with these links.

Website: www.TaraJohnsonStories.com

Amazon buy link for All Through the Night: All Through the Night: Johnson, Tara: 9781496428394: Amazon.com: Books

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058188301011

Twitter: @TaraMinistry

Instagram: Tara Johnson (@tarajohnsonministry)

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tarajohnsonauthor

The Christmas Project: Author Interview with Amanda Hamm

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?

The Christmas Project is the fourth book in a series.  Though each book is a standalone story, they’re all set in the same fictional town and pick up the timeline where the last book left off.  The third book ends in November.  It made sense for the fourth to take place during the Christmas season.

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas themed book?

Once I decided that the fourth book in my Stories From Hartford series was going to happen in December, I knew the small town was going to have a lot of Christmas traditions.  Then I imagined the main character as an eager participant in those traditions.

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers?

All four of the Hartford books are clean romances.  In this one, Gaby is trying to get her friend and next-door neighbor, Owen, involved in the Christmas festivities.  He resists only because he knows how much Gaby enjoys the friendly struggle.  Meanwhile, Owen is trying to figure out how to put a romantic spin on their relationship.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

I was raised Catholic and always loved going to Midnight Mass.  We lived close enough to walk to church.  There was something magical about passing all the lights and decorations in the stillness of that late hour.  I still enjoy it.  Getting out of bed after being up so late is harder now than it was when I was younger though. 

Last year, we were visiting my parents, and their pastor scheduled “Midnight Mass” for 10 pm.  My kids were not impressed.  I thought it was a wonderful idea.  I also get some German Christmas bread called stollen from my aunt each year.  My grandmother used to bake it and pass it out to the family and my great-grandmother before her.  I think my favorite traditions are the ones with deep roots.  And this one is delicious.

What’s next?

My next book is coming out in January.  They See a Family is a light Christian romance, like most of my books.  I’ll be passing out review copies starting in the middle of November.  Anyone interested can contact me through Goodreads to ask for one.  Though this book is not part of a series, I am writing a short story that precedes it on my blog.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

The first book in the Hartford series, Andrew’s Key, was given the CWG Seal of Approval.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given that you’d like to share?

I guess I would say that there is always room for improvement.  It’s easier to avoid being defensive if you’ve accepted that principle.  Not all criticism means ‘You’re a terrible writer.’  It might mean ‘The smile I got from that paragraph could be an outright laugh if you tweak the delivery.’  Of course, that doesn’t mean you always have to take advice, just be open to it.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?

It’s worth it.  I went into this with a fairly realistic (or pessimistic, depending on how you look at it) view.  I expected it to be hard.  I expected to make very little money.  And I expected that not every review/reaction would be positive.  I was stubborn enough to call myself a writer anyway. 

It has been hard.  I do feel underpaid.  And at least one review made me cry.  That’s my reality.  But I’ve been writing and publishing for more than ten years now.  When I look back on my experiences, it’s the good things that stand out.  I remember the thoughtful reviews, the readers who thanked me for entertaining them, and the satisfaction I get from calling another book finished.  Some of the obstacles along the way might have been easier if I’d known how they’d be overshadowed by the joys.

That's all for today's interview. If you would like to learn more about Amanda’s books, excerpts, and short stories, visit her website: 
http://amandahammbooks.com/

Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/929579.Amanda_Hamm

Writing and Publishing: Author Interview with Michael Hicks Thompson

Let's start with some details about your current novel. You originally released it as a novella. Why the re-release as a full novel?
After publishing The Parchman Preacher (a novella), I realized I'd made a mistake. I should have written and finished the entire allegory of Christ's ministry. I'm encouraging people to NOT buy that book because a lot of it is in The Rector. So, I decided a full-length re-do of The Parchman Preacher needed a new title, hence, The Rector. 

How long did it take to write your first draft of the novella? Was the rewrite quicker?

It took 3 months to write the novella. (I'm a binge writer.) And, no, The Rector took longer. I made lots of changes to the novella and completed the story. It took another 3 months + new editor, + rewrites + +.

What made you choose the suspense genre? What type of research did you do for this book?
Why suspense? Well, what's a good mystery without suspense? Research? I've been involved in prison ministry, so I already knew about "men in prison." I also know a lot about the Delta, so that came natural for me--the people, the drinking, the small town life with quirky characters. Most of my research centered around finding the right theological questions Martha or Oneeda or Mary might ask the rector. What Biblical wisdom would fit in which scene? It had to be woven in undetected by my reader. i.e., not contrived.

Are you active with any writer’s critique groups? If so, how have they helped you?
Yes, once a month, I attend the Collierville Christian Writer's Group. There are about 30 of us. We have a great leader in Susan Reichert. She gives us writing exercises, presents topics that help make us better writers, and there's a small feedback group afterward. Susan won't let us use the term critique group. She prefers "feedback." 

I've also been in two Media Bistro Master Novel Writing online courses. There are usually eight writers, from all over the globe, and an awesome instructor, Caitlin Alexander, former editor with Random for eleven years.

You've also done two illustrated novels on the life of King David from the Old Testament. What drew

you to write his story?
Ahh, the DAVID novels. BTW, I call them novels because I added scenes that aren't in the Bible. However, those scenes don't interfere with Biblical teaching in any way. They're there to help the reader move from one scene to the next. As for what drew me to write the story, I was simply intrigued by the fact that David was the only man in the Bible whom God said was a man after His own heart. I first thought it'd be a 12-part TV mini-series. I wrote three episodes and outlined the other nine, took it to Hollywood in search of an agent or filmmaker. "We're not doing sand and sandals films right now," I was told. 

How did you go from a script to a graphic novel?  

On the flight back I decided to turn it into two graphic novels. I'd worked with artists my whole career (I owned an ad agency for 30+ years, as creative director and one of the copywriters). 

How did you go about replicating Goliath's armor and the Ark of the Covenant?

The Goliath suit of armor I had made by a metalworker here in Memphis. It's nine feet, six inches tall, not including his intimidator helmet--another eight inches. I then had another artist build a replica of the ark of the covenant, covered in faux gold leaf. I rented a U-Haul and traveled from bookstore to bookstore, signing books. To my surprise, the Goliath suit of armor made a bigger impression on people than the ark. 

Goliath stands next to me in my vaulted studio. I donated the Ark to Third Millenium Ministries in Orlando. Richard Pratt, Th.D., founder of IIIM, vetted my DAVID novels and even wrote the foreword to each.

Each of your books are under your own imprint. Did you first try the query route with agents and publishers?
In 2011, after publishing the novella through WestBow Press, I thought it would be better to have an agent for The Rector. Granted, I had published the DAVID novels under my own imprint, Shepherd King Publishing, knowing no publisher would ever spend the kind of money I spent on those two illustrated novels. But, for a full-blown murder mystery, I thought it would be good to have an agent and a publisher. I hired Mark Malatesta to help me find an agent. He doesn't actually query, but he helped spruce up my query letter and synopsis; and he provided a spreadsheet of all the potential agents handling my genre--Religious Fiction. 

A year later, I signed up with an agent and a year after that he secured a small publisher. The contract? I would receive twelve percent royalties, but do all the marketing myself. That didn't make sense, so I published The Rector under my Shepherd King Publishing imprint (and released the agent). This way, I'd receive seventy percent, not twelve. Made sense to me. I hired an editor and had six Beta readers provide me with straight and narrow suggestions. I published through CreateSpace for paperbacks, had a New Jersey printer handle the hardbacks, and went with Draft2Digital for all the e-Books, e-Pubs, etc.

Other than completing your novels, what was the most difficult aspect of publishing for you?
By far, the most difficult aspect was uploading all the different formats to CreateSpace, the hardback printer, and digital portals. Each had different requirements, some of them too complicated for a sixty-six-year-old man.
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What has surprised you the most about getting published?
That I must compete with 300,000 new books a year--so many of them from CreateSpace by first-time writers who didn't spend the money to have them edited. These writers persuade their family and friends to read the novel, only to discover mistake after mistake. (Hire an editor!) What those books do is turn readers back to the celebrity novelists, leaving only a small window of new writers to break through. For me, that means I have to work harder to build a fan base.
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What do you know now about publishing that you wish you knew sooner?
The cost to self-publish and do it professionally: cost of an editor, professional book cover design, purchasing the hardbacks and paperback books from CreateSpace for book signings, conferences to attend, etc. All in, about $7,000 per book, but a mere pittance compared to the two DAVID novels. Still, I keep doing it. Doing it because I love the writing, the re-writing, studying each and every word ("Is there another word that would work better?"), polishing and polishing ... about twenty-five read-throughs for each novel. I do it for the love of writing, and hopefully, if only a dozen readers are entertained and take away just one theological thought they'd never considered, I'll be happy.

What’s been your best promotion for selling books?
Traveling to book signing tours--bookstores. Second, building an opt-in list of subscribers for my monthly newsletter, "Stay Up With Mystery." It's on my site.
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What advice would you give someone who wants to indie-publish? What is the best advice you’ve been given or learned?
Be prepared to spend $5,000 to $7,000 if you want to do it right. And, set up an LLC, for your own protection. Do not use gmail.com as your email address. Use your author site's URL. Oh, and don't worry about getting into libraries until you've become famous. I spent far too much time, effort, and money to set up a wholesaler for library distribution.

Best advice I've been given? Hmm, hire a great editor!
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What other works do you have in the process?
The Actress, sequel to The Rector, will release in January. Then, another in the series will follow. Plus, I'm negotiating with a Hollywood film company to option The Rector. And, I have a re-write of a sci-fi thriller I want to polish and find a major publisher for in 2017.

Any last words you’d like to add?

Yes, read The Rector. It's already won four major awards. It entertains and informs, but first and foremost, the characters are unforgettable. (At least that's what the reviewers say. And, "It's not preachy.")
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That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Michael's current and future books, here are some options.

http://www.michaelthompsonauthor.com. 

Follow this link for his monthly mystery-lovers eNewsletter, "Stay Up With Mystery." If you don't like what you receive, you can unsubscribe in five seconds. 

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Book trailer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehb0cDbeozE

Writing with a Passion for the Old West: Author Interview with Karen Witemeyer

In doing research on your books, it looks like you've published 8 novels and 3 novellas, with the first one being published in 2010. Tell me what the process was like in getting a publishing contract with Bethany House? 
I wrote for about six years before I signed that first contract, learning the craft of writing fiction and publishing short pieces for magazines to gain experience. Getting that first contract was such a validation of all the years of hard work I'd put in, but it was also terrifying because now I had to write under deadline and learn the fine act of juggling edits and marketing while still continuing to write the next book. Not an easy task for a newbie!

Were you active with writing groups during that time?

Yes, I joined a local writing group that met once a month in my hometown. I also joined two online groups: Romance Writers of America (RWA) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). I learned so much from being involved in these groups. Not only did they help me hone my craft, but they taught me everything I didn't know (which was EVERYTHING) about the publishing industry and helped me network with other authors and industry professionals.

Did you go to writing conferences? 

Yes. I have attended every ACFW conference since 2005. I credit the ACFW conference for connecting me with my publisher. I met both my agent and my editor at the 2008 conference and signed that first contract in January of 2009.

What do you think is the best way for an attendee to prepare before attending a conference to make the most out of it?

If you are planning to pitch your book to editors and agents while at the conference, be sure to research them ahead of time. Make sure you select people who would be a good fit for your manuscript. Don't just read their short blurb on the conference website -- visit their professional sites, read their blogs, get to know their pet peeves so you can avoid them. Other than that, come with realistic expectations.

We all hope to sign a book deal while we're there, but realistically, it's probably not going to happen. What can happen are marvelous God-led appointments with other writers and even agents or editors that might pave the way for future open doors. I first met my editor by volunteering to stuff envelopes during pre-conference set up in 2007. We both still remember that connection even though I didn't pitch to her until later. Open yourself to what God can do and give him room to work.

What made you chose writing historical romance set in the west? 
Historical romance is my favorite genre to read. In fact I rarely read anything else for pleasure. I've been hooked on historical stories since Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables. When I decided to try my hand at writing, there was never any doubt as to what genre I would pick. Writing what you love to read makes the process much more fun.

How do you go about researching your stories time periods? 

I do a lot of research online, but I also purchase books to have on hand. I keep books on fashion and transportation handy as well as books that deal specifically with certain occupations, but the resource I reach for most often is my 1895 Montgomery Ward Catalog reprint. There's no better source for the look and functionality of everyday items.

How do you keep the writing fresh and contemporary after so many books?

That is the hardest part of this job. And truthfully what scares me the most when I look down the road into my publishing future. Often times I find inspiration by reading other authors' works, watching movies, and television. Any story art form that allows me to soak in creativity can be a source of ideas. I'll take something I liked from one area, mix it with something from another area, then turn it on its head to make it my own. Of course, the ultimate source of creativity is the Creator himself. Daily prayer over my writing is the most important ingredient.

You've also published novellas with other authors. How do you compact your story down to around 100 pages?

I actually really like the shorter length stories. By necessity, I have to keep the plot simple and direct. No need for subplots and extensive secondary characters. And because all of my novellas to date tie into a previously written novel, I'm already familiar with the main character(s). This allows the story to flow more easily than when I write a full novel from scratch. The key is to still keep proper pacing even with a shorter word count. Too many novellas start at the same pace as a full-length novel then rush through all the main action in order to finish. The beginning needs to be pared down just as much as the middle, so you must come up with creative ways to introduce your characters and set up the story more quickly.

Books that are Christian themed are growing in demand. Why do you think that is occurring? 

The Christian market has been hit just as hard as the general market with decreasing profits, but people still hunger for a story that resonates truth. And with more and more Inspirational authors writing high quality fiction, readers are finding stories that uplift and give hope, perhaps even stories that challenge them to a place of deeper faith. That is my prayer.

One of my weaknesses is writing the short 200 word blurb on a book and I know many others feel the same way. Could you give us some advice as to how to successfully put it together? 

The book blurb is one of the hardest things to write because it must compel a reader to buy your story with so few words. I write romance, so I typically have three short paragraphs.

Paragraph 1: Who is the hero; what does he want; what stands in his way.

Paragraph 2: Who is the heroine; what does she want; what stands in her way. (And play their goals off each other as much as possible so the reader feels the tension between them already.)

Paragraph 3: Tie in the romance angle and hint at the big danger that threatens to tear them apart. Then the hard part - Do all of this in your voice and style to make it unique. Inject humor or suspense. Sprinkle in short, punchy sentences. Don't just slap something together. Work on it for hours. Days, weeks, maybe. Run it by critique partners. Make it sing.
Thanks for your great tips. If you would like to learn more about Karen and her books, here's how you can so just that...

Now Available: With This Ring? ~ Romantic Times Top Pick! 
A Worthy Pursuit ~ "One of the best western romances of 2015" - True West Magazine
Karen's Website       Inspired by Life and Fiction Blog       Petticoats & Pistols Blog

Christmas in Texas: Author Interview with Jolene Navarro

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas themed book?
I have to admit when I first proposed this story it was set in the spring. My editor came back and said they had an October opening and thought this might be a great Christmas story. With family traditions, finding a home and overcoming loss I agreed. As I dove into the rewrites I realized this story is so much deeper because of the Christmas theme I was able to work with. The holidays can be the toughest times of year when dealing with grief. All the traditions and memories come to the surface. On the other hand I had a single mother that never had a true Christmas so bringing them together, well it was wonderful for me to watch the love develop.

Give me a short synopsis on the story for my readers?
Homeless, single mother Karly Kalakona has a new job on the Childress ranch. It is the perfect Christmas gift she and her son needed for their future. The single mom just never counted on dealing with not only a stubborn patient, but also his prodigal son.

Pilot Tyler Childress, has spent his adulthood exploring the world, avoiding the grief and regret he left on his family Texas ranch. He returns home due to his father’s illness. The chemistry he shares with his father’s nurse is undeniable – and has him thinking of sticking around past the holiday season. Can Tyler’s need for wings and her desire for roots make a perfect home full of love in time for Christmas?

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I love Christmas, from decorating the tree to gathering with my mom’s family on Christmas Eve and eating tamales. It’s all the little things like spending time with family, drinking hot chocolate, baking cookies and singing songs. I love Christmas music. I have a large collection of Nativity scenes that I set out each year.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
I’m about to turn in book four in Clear Water Texas. A marine that is now a Texas State Trooper finds out his ex-wife had his son and never told him. Overnight he becomes a father to a four year old son and that son’s nine month old sister. It is Garrett Kincaid and Anjelica Ortega’s story. I should be getting a title soon. It will be out in September.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
A Texas Christmas Wish was on the Publisher Weekly top 25 for two weeks. It was very exciting to see my book up there with Nora Roberts.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given that you’d like to share?
To keep writing. To sit in the chair and write and once you finish your story don’t be afraid of digging deep and revising. Then move on to another story. Write, rewrite, finish and start over.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
To sell or market your story well - you need to know your hooks. What will make an editor or reader know pick up your story over all the other books out there?

Any last words or tips?
Don’t forget to keep reading the best in the field. Once you start writing, finding reading time can be difficult. But like any field you have to keep an eye on what is going on with the ones that are most successful. But don’t confuse that with following trends.

If you'd like to learn more about Jolene and her writing, here's some options to do that.

Website: http://jolenenavarrowriter.com/
Amazon page: http://amzn.to/1kmRgSX

Researching for Historical Fiction: Author Interview with Sandra M. Hart

You have a background in writing short pieces for multiple publications. What made you decide to expand your writing to a novel?
I started out writing novels because that has always been my goal. Other authors told me that they had to publish articles, devotions, or short stories first. That's what finally worked for me, too. Publishing short pieces can also earn recognition from publishers and editors.

When did you actually start writing your first book?
I've always wanted to be a writer. In fact I wrote my first book in the sixth grade! I've now written a dozen novels. I believe I started writing my debut novella, A Stranger On My Land, in 2012. It is a Civil War romance, set on Lookout Mountain, the location of the Battle Above the Clouds. I began researching for the story and then traveled to Chattanooga/Lookout Mountain to enhance my understanding. I also visited the Chickamauga Battlefield. I learned so much about this wonderful area. I find it very valuable to visit the location.

Most Christian publishers will not review unsolicited manuscripts from new writers unless they come from the Guild or similar sources. How did you go about finding a publisher?
You're absolutely right. Most publishers don't accept unsolicited manuscripts. Writers conferences are a great way to meet with editors and hopefully receive an invitation to send in your manuscript. I've pitched different stories over the past few years. This particular story ended up being published by the one I originally pitched it to. I have an agent who sends my proposals to editors.

 Are you active with any writer’s critique groups?
I belong to writers groups, but only one of them critiques at every meeting. It's very helpful to receive this feedback.

How do you write? Outline first? Individual character development?
I outlined my novels when I first began writing but noticed the story often wanted to take other twists and turns not in my outline. I finally began to write without an outline. I like my stories much better now. They flow better when I allow the characters to show me the story. I always do character sketches on the main characters before I begin.

What type of publicity do you do to promote your book? What has worked best for you in generating sales?
I did a Facebook Book Launch. That didn't seem to generate many sales. I've been a guest on multiple blogs to promote A Stranger On My Land. I've written interviews, writing articles, top ten lists, devotions, and other articles for the blogs. Goodreads giveaways also stimulate a lot of interest and may be the best promotion I've tried so far.

What do you know now about writing/publishing now that you wished you had known sooner?
Everything! Publishing a book was unchartered territory for me. I relied on the wisdom of other authors and things I'd learned at writers conferences, but it was all a huge learning experience. My publisher is a small publisher so I'm sure there are differences with publishing with larger houses, too.

 Is this a stand alone book or are you planning a sequel or prequel for any of your characters?
A Stranger On My Land is the first book in a Civil War Romance series. I'm not the only author writing for this series. In keeping with the requirements for the series, I'm going to write another Civil War novel but it won't be the same location or characters.

Many of my readers have requested a sequel to the story. I'm thinking of writing a story that takes place after the war about Carrie's brother, Jay.

What is the best advice you’ve been given about writing or that you’ve learned that you would like to pass along?
Writing is like any other skill. The more you do it, the better you will become. Honing your skills as a writer comes with much practice. Become an avid reader. Read books on the craft of writing. Attend writers conferences and then sit down in front of the computer and apply what you've learned. It's one continuous learning process.

What other books do you have in the works?
I had an idea for a romantic suspense novel, a genre I enjoy reading but never thought I'd write. I pitched it to an editor in the fall who asked to see it. I'm waiting to hear if she likes it.

I've written a three-book historical romance series set in the Smoky Mountains. I'm polishing the first book in the series in readiness to send it to an editor who has requested it.

My next project will be to write another Civil War Romance novel for the same                            series as A Stranger On My Land. That one will be set in a little town in Pennsylvania called Gettysburg. It will require more research but I'm very excited about the story. The name of my novel is The Seamstress and the Soldier.
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Sandra's writing and her books, here's some options for you.

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas: http://store.lpcbooks.com/product/a-stranger-on-my-land/
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/SandraMHart

DevoKids: http://devokids.com/category/stories/
The Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8445068.Sandra_Merville_Hart

Considering the "What ifs" in Creating a Novel: Author Interview with Marissa Shrock

What made you decide to write a YA dystopian novel that has a Christian theme?
I teach middle school English. One day while grading persuasive essays, I discovered many of my students held passionate pro-life views. I asked myself, What if a society required teenage girls to have abortions simply because they're underage? Would all of the girls comply? From there I created a society that would support such a law, and a dystopian society seemed the most logical choice.

How many rewrites did you do on it? Who helped you with the editing?
I did about four rewrites and four rounds of edits. I hired Dr. Dennis E. Hensley to do editing. Of course, the publisher did editorial work as well.

I love your initial line on your book blurb… If inalienable rights begin with life itself, will Vivica have the courage to defend them, no matter what it takes? That’s a pretty heady subject to cover. What made you choose it?
As a writer, I always think about the story first and how I can entertain the reader. But I find it impossible to separate my Biblical worldview from my stories. I also believe we're blessed to live in a country founded upon important principles that allow us to have freedom. These principles must be preserved and defended.

The story of this girl in a society that was forcing abortions on teenagers just wouldn't go away, and I knew it was a chance to shed a different light on this controversial issue, so I tackled it.


Have other books been started and stopped along the way?
I started one about ten years ago before I really decided to get serious and learn the craft of writing.

You’ve really made a commitment to your writing through Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild with their Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman courses. What made you continue through all the courses?
When I started taking the courses and learning to write, I felt for the first time that I was doing something I loved and was passionate about. I'd always been a voracious reader, so I think learning to write was the next step. Reading was certainly excellent preparation!

Most Christian publishers will not review unsolicited manuscripts from new writers unless they come from the Guild or similar sources. Did you pitch any agents?
I pitched to two agents, and the second one accepted me as a client. My agent pitched to one publisher, and they took it.

How do you write? Did you do an outline first? Did you do individual character development before doing the full plot?
I write organically and discover the story as I write. This means I must do several rewrites to make sure the story escalates properly.

What type of publicity do you do to promote your book? What has worked best for you in generating sales?
This is my first book, and since it was just released, I'm learning what helps to generate sales. I use social media, I'm working on building my email newsletter subscription list, and I'm planning a Facebook party in a few weeks to celebrate/promote my book.

What do you know now about writing/publishing now that you wished you had known sooner?I wish I'd started learning more about marketing and promotion sooner than I did.

Is this a stand alone book or are you planning a sequel or prequel for any of your characters?
Right now I'm planning to write two sequels. I left the door open for a sequel in the first book, and readers are already telling me they want one.

What is the best advice you’ve been given about writing or that you’ve learned that you would like to pass along?
I believe it is important for each of us to find God's will for our lives, follow it, and not worry about comparing ourselves to other writers.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Marissa's writing or buy her book, here's the best way to do that:
                                                              Marissa Shrock - Young Adult Fiction

A Pre-qual to the Bible? Author Interview with Donovan M. Neal

My interview today is with suspense novelist,Donovan Neal. He is an ordained ministry as well as a prolific songwriter and singer having written over 50 different songs of praise and worship for his local church, and has performed in various schools and churches in the Ministry of Christian rap. Let's learn about his intriguing story

The title of your book, The Third Heaven: The Rise of Fallen Stars caught my attention. What drew you to writing this story?
When I conceived of the book it was after reading Frank Peretti’s, This Present Darkness. I wanted to read more fiction about angels and their work. When I looked at the time all the books and TV shows really didn’t portray what I imagined was a serious look at the subject of the fall of Lucifer. After thinking more about it, I really thought this story was a powerful one that serves as the back drop and also the context of a lot of what has happened in the Bible. There is betrayal, innocence, war, corruption, sin did not originate on Earth is originated with Lucifer’s desire for power. It was such a compelling story to me so I decided that in my audacity I would write about it myself.

Some might be shocked in hearing you call it a prequel to the Bible. Do you consider yourself like one of the great prophets from the Old Testament?
Me? A prophet? Lol...hardly. But when I did think about the phrase, ‘prequel to the Bible’, there seemed to be a ring of truth to it. Lucifer’s fall predates Adam and Eve. If the serpent is the Devil as many in Christendom believe. How then did he come to be in the garden? How is It that such a malevolent creature would even have access to humanity right at the very beginning of its creation? The story about the fall of Lucifer seemed pretty “prequelish” to me. I thought the moniker fitting. I’m just a story teller who hopes those who read the novel enjoy it for what it is: good Christian fiction.

What do you hope readers will learn in reading your book?
I don’t pretend to have written the book to expound or preach some moral truths. That was not my intent, Undoubtedly, many readers will and can devise them from my work. One of the few lessons is that God is sovereign. He’s in control. Our actions are not surprises to him, and that even in the best of circumstances evil lies ready to rear its head. But good will ultimately triumph, and that there is always a cost to subdue evil.

How long did it take you to write that book? How many rewrites did you do on it?
It took me seven years of off and on writing to finish the first draft. The first draft was finished July 4th 2012. Afterwards I had some beta readers read it, which had me revise some things. I did editing myself, and then I paid an editor. All in all it had about 4 to 7 rewrites. And if the resources were there I would have done another edit. But there comes a time when you have to release your work into the world. I felt that I had done the best work that I could and felt the release in my spirit to make it public.

This is your second book. Your first book was the Gospel Explained. What did you learn from writing your first book that helped you with this one?
I think the biggest thing I took away from that first small book was that it was possible. I learned that there was more to publishing that writing the actual book. There was the cover design, the layout, finding a printer. It helped me to realize that fiction was far more intense and difficult in my opinion to write than a non fiction book. I found it also gave me the realization of how much it would take for me personally to complete it.

How did you go through the process of finding a publisher?
Well, I struggled to determine if I wanted to self-publish vs trying to traditionally publish it. But when I seriously looked at the Christian fiction houses that were out there, and looked at the book stores. I didn't get the impression my work was something the gatekeepers would want. Speculative Christian Fiction is not a large portion of the work that I see on book shelves in stores. Marcher Lord Press recognizes this trend, and seems to “get it”. 

Most Christian publishers cater to the predilections of the standard “CBA reader” (mainly: females who like romances and female-oriented thrillers). I happen to agree with them and that the audience described isn't typically the one who reads the Lord of the Rings, or similar types of books. I realize I am generalizing, of course, but when I go to the bookstore, the offerings seem to bear me out. My book doesn't really cater to that audience. 

So I only pitched it to one agency, they rejected me, and I just said I’ll do the first book myself. I created my own publishing company, Theoneustos Ministries(Theoneustos means "god breathed") and then I asked myself did I want my book in stores? The answer was yes so Lightningsource was my printer of choice because of their association with Ingram. I also decided to use Createspace as it provided me another avenue to sell directly on Amazon, and I also found their process much easier than Lightningsource.

How do you write? Did you do an outline first? Did you do individual character development before doing the full plot?
Wow, that’s a great question. You know, I think I’m still figuring that out. I think I do a bit of both. I actually lay out the order of the scenes I see in my head on an excel spreadsheet. It's easy to move the cells around that way. Again it's not so much something that’s done chronologically (i.e. outline first then character development.) it's connected I think, organically. When doing the character development, I might think of something that should be in the plot. Or as I’m writing certain aspects of the character's development, it's fleshed out more. It’s like a seed that is planted, then sprouts leaves, and grows upward in various directions until you have fruit that someone can pick from and say “oh wow that tastes good” or “ugh that fruit it too tart”. That’s kind of how I see the writing process; as an organic growth that happens over time.

How much does social media play in your promotion of your books? What suggestions do you have for enhancing a writer’s social media platform? What type of publicity do you do to promote your book? What has worked best for you in generating sales?
For the author its all about exposure. You can’t create that if you’re not on social media. So to me that’s a given. My route is to increase my presence on social media, and using certain networks until traditional media takes notice. Then exposure will kick into promotion, which is really different than advertisement. I have been featured on the Christian author show, An article written about me will be coming out in February on Hibu.com 

Currently I am doing a lot of giveaways to promote reviews and am starting a month long blog tour on the Virtual Book Tour Café. I’d encourage new authors to do things like Goodreads and Librarything giveaways. Email lists are still king, and authors that can take advantage of building that list to send information blasts out to prospective buyers will go a long way. What’s worked best? Good ole fashioned word of mouth, and the excitement from such.

I understand that you also are a songwriter. Which artistic expression do you prefer the most – writing music or writing stories?
Oh that is so not a fair question! Lol. I enjoy both, it’s not an either or to me it’s more like a both and. They are the same in many respects to me. A song is simply a lyrical story. Songs are easier for me to write. But I have several stores I want to tell. And I think I look forward to telling those stories more than I look forward to writing songs at the moment.

What do you know now about writing/publishing now that you wished you had known sooner?
I wish I knew more then about the importance of establishing a platform when I first started. I also wish I had put a bit more away to help my work further as editing is probably the most costly portion for me of the whole publishing process. I’d encourage people to never skimp in this area.

What is the best advice you've been given about writing or that you've learned that you would like

to pass along?
There are two things I've learned. One is that reading is not writing, studying is not writing, outlining is not writing. Only writing is writing. You don’t finish a novel by not writing. You only finish by writing. Secondly, some authors say they hate promoting. But I say that writing a novel without wanting to promote it is like wanting a child without wanting to raise it!

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Donovan's writing and his thoughts. If you would like to buy his book or learn more about his next book, you can check out his website or his blog

 

Writing for all Ages: Author Interview with Colleen Coble

My interview today is with Colleen Coble who is the author of multiple series including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and other books as well. To date she has sold more than 2 million books in print. Let's see what she's learned from her experiences with writing.

I am in awe at the number of books you have written and how you can easily move between different fiction styles. When did you publish your first book? At that time did you think you could make a career at it?
My first book came out in 1998 after working at it for 7 years. My initial dream was just to have a book in the library. After Without a Trace sold to Thomas Nelson, I realized I might actually become a career novelist. It was at that time I quit my job as a church secretary and went full time into writing.

Your writing includes different facets of the romance genre. Do you prefer one genre to write in more than another?
If I HAD to pick, I'd pick contemporary. But I really enjoy the historicals. It's fun to research and find out more about history.

Do you have one time period that you especially like to write in?

My favorite historical time period is the early 1900s. I love all the new technology coming out, things like early telephones and cars. Women were beginning to realize who they were separate from their roles as wives and mothers.

How do you keep the writing fresh and contemporary after so many books?
I'm always researching and finding new things that interest me. I hope that if I'm interested, my readers will be too!

When you do research for your books do you ever actually visit them or is the research mostly internet or book researched?
I always try to travel to the spot where I'm setting the story. Internet research can't substitute for actually BEING there, smelling the air, visiting the local hangouts, listening to the dialect. My husband travels with me and is a great help with research. He often notices things that go right over my head.

Have you ever gone somewhere and thought this would be a great location to use as a backdrop to a story?

Right now, the place I've visited where I'd love to set a book is the Adirondacks. Someday. . .

Do you think there will always be print books? Or do you think it will all go digital?
I think there will always be print books. At least I hope so. I love the feel and smell of a new book in my hands! I like reading digitally too but nothing is quite the same as a print book. I think digital books are a help to authors. More people are reading and that's a good thing! There are more books being sold. I know I am reading and buying even more books that I used to. It's so easy to click that buy button and have the book go to my Kindle or Nook!

You’ve received numerous awards for your writing over the years. Is there one that stands out with special meaning for you?
I'm especially delighted with winning the Best Books of Indiana award for Anathema. I was smiling from ear to ear when got to put a copy in the Indiana State Library. I mentioned I just wanted a book in the library when I first started writing so libraries have always been important to me.

I see one of your current books is a lovely children’s picture book. Will you be doing more children’s stories?
I'm not sure. I would love to, but we'll see. It's especially important to me since it's for my granddaughter!

You are currently CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). How long have you been a part of this organization?
I'm not sure exactly how long, probably 10 years at least. I love ACFW. When I first started writing, I didn't even know another writer. It's a lonely place to be when you feel like no one really understands your dream. The camaraderie and fellowship as we strive towards a common goal is so important. Luckily ACFW has Robin Miller as our director and she and her staff do a bang up job of handling the day to day issues.

ACFW has regular conferences for writers. What do you think is the best way for an attendee to prepare before attending a conference to make the most out of it.
Our conference is 2nd to none! Go to the conference prepared to meet new friends. Decide right up front that you won't hide out in your room but that you'll try to step out of your comfort zone and meet others.

Books that are Christian themed are growing in demand. Why do you think that is occurring?
Readers are tired of the graphic language and sex that fill so many of the books out there. They want a good story without having to wade through pages of things they need to skip. I'm that way myself. I read widely in the general market, but I don't want to feel like I need to take a bath when I'm finished with a book. And Christian books offer a hopeful ending which I love!

ACFW features a yearly contest for “First Impressions” contest which includes a short 200 word blurb on your book and the first five pages. I run into many writers who aren’t sure how to write that jacket back/inside flap piece. Could you give us some advice as to how to successfully put it together?
Figure out what your "hook" is. Always start your story knowing the conflict that will make your reader want to flip the pages. Never start a book with only your main character in the scene. That's a boring place to start. And don't start with backstory, not ever.

What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give?
Be an avid reader. Read extensively in the genre you are writing. Attend one good conference a year. I still do that even though I don't have to.

Are there any other points about writing that you would like to add?
Never give up. Building a career takes time and commitment. Always be reading a book on craft. You should see my bookshelves!

Fabulous questions, Chris, thanks so much!

That's it for today's interview. If you would like to learn more about the other books that Colleen has written here's the link to her website... http://colleencoble.com/

If you are interested in the "First Impressions" contest. Here are the details. The contest begins September 25, 2013. All contest entries must be received by 4:00 PM central time on November 1, 2013. For more details go to: http://www.acfw.com/first_impressions#sthash.BjeGY0nz.dpuf

Creating Meaningful Story Elements: An Interview with award-winning author, Susan May Warren

Today I am pleased to welcome to my blog Susan May Warren. She is a bestselling author of more than forty novels. Her books have been chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She also runs a writing community for authors. Yet somehow she found time to do this interview and I thank her for it.

I am in awe at the number of books you have written and how you can easily move from different fiction styles. When did you publish your first book? Did you have an agent?

I published my first novel while living and working as a missionary in Russia.  I did not have an agent – I looked for publishers who would take unagented authors and worked with them.  My first novel was published because I won a contest Tyndale was having to discover new authors.

As a writer, do you think the requirements in producing a novel have changed since your first book?

No. I think a great story is a great story.  You need to understand storytelling elements and how to put together a novel that brings the reader through an emotional experience with the character. This is the crux of all novels, throughout time.

Your writing covers the romance spectrum from contemporary to historical and suspense. Do you have one genre that you feel more comfortable writing?

I love writing contemporary because I enjoy bringing into the story elements that I see in my everyday life.  But I love the challenge of writing historicals because of the research. I’m a research junkie.

One of your early pieces was for Pockets Magazine for children. Was that a non-fiction story? Is this something you’d like to go back and do some more?

I had an epiphany for a children’s story based on something that happened to my son, and wrote the story with Pockets in mind.  I am not necessarily a children’s writer, so it hasn’t been something I’ve pursued. But, if I get another epiphany….!

Since you write historical fiction, do you do your own research or do you have an assistant who does that for you? Is there one particular piece of research that surprised you?

No, I do my own research. I remember thinking, as I researched and wrote DUCHESS, that I didn’t realize that actors and actresses signed onto a studio like employees, and were paid a weekly sum, regardless of how much the movie made. (this was in the 1930s).  They felt a little like cattle, and the studios put them in whatever movies they wanted.  This was why United Artists (studio) was formed.  Interesting!

In your bibliography, it shows you publish multiple books each year. How do you find the time to be so prolific with raising a family? 

I write a book in about 3-4 months, including research and edits. I usually write a very rough draft, then do rewrites, then edit it, then proof it before I hand it into my publisher.  As for the kids – I write when they are at school, and am with them when they come home. But I have been known to take my computer to basketball games!

Have there been any books that you’ve felt strongly about writing that haven’t passed the editorial stage?

I have one series that I’m hanging onto, trying to decide what to do about it.  I haven’t really put it out into the marketplace yet, waiting for the right timing. But no, for the most part, my publishers have been on board with my ideas – and me, theirs! That’s important – you both want to love the story ideas.

You’ve received numerous awards for your writing over the years. Is there one that stands out with special meaning for you?

Probably the Christy, which I won this year.  I’ve been up for it six times, so it was very special to me to win.

You’ve also published books on writing and have several writing courses. What made you decide to go that route? What has been the most rewarding aspect you’ve had in helping others improve their writing craft?

I am a teacher at heart, so I loved helping people write their novels. But I was also fed up with all the different writing methods out there – it seemed so confusing to so many.  My method is very organic and intuitive, so I began to teach it and it caught on.  I teach based on my methods, so I really enjoy it, and I learn something every time I teach. I love it when I see someone’s eyes light up and they say, “for the first time, I finally get it!”  Cool!! 

What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give?

Keep writing.  Seriously – don’t just finish a book and sit on it.  Find another story and write that. Dee Henderson gave me that advice. 

What is the next book that will be coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

It Had to Be You.  It’s the 2^nd in the Christiansen Family series, and it’s a Good Samaritan story about two strangers who find a John Doe and decide to look for his family.  When they do, they discover not only each other, but they end up saving lives.  It’s a story about looking more closely at the people in our world instead of walking by them.

If you would like to book this book or learn about her other ones, here's the link to her website. if you would like to improve your writing, here's a link to her writing courses.