Creating an Emotional Ride for your Reader: Author Interview with Cynthia Freeman Gibbs

One of your reviewers wrote that Reasonable Insanity, your debut novel, “had more drama than an episode of Empire, How to Get Away with Murder, and five soap operas combined? What drew you to write such a tumultuous story? 

I have to chuckle in regard to the reviewer's comparisons to the shows mentioned. It is an honor to have Reasonable Insanity in the same category of shows on TV.  I wrote this book after losing a friend to suicide. I reflected on how some people appear to have a wonderful life, but actually living a nightmare behind a mask.

I created Dr. Olivia C. Maxwell to be complex and multi-dimensional with a sense of adventure and a desire to be loved. Deep issues such as bulimia, colorism, mental health, and how unresolved issues impact relationships ended up on the pages of my book. I didn't realize how much my readers would connect with the topics and Olivia until after my book made it into circulation.

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

On the outside, clinical psychologist, Dr. Olivia C. Maxwell appears to live a life others only dream about. She is beautiful, tall, fit, and intelligent. But what people can't see is that inside, Olivia is living a nightmare. As the only dark-skinned member of her family, Olivia grew up hating the skin she’s in and she's spent her life desperately searching for acceptance. It's not long before those deep insecurities sabotage everything she loves. A whirlwind of crazy reactions is leading Olivia into a slow, out-of-control spiral. Destructive impulses may leave Olivia in the midst of mayhem and murder.

What do you hope readers will take away from reading your books? 

I hope they connect with Olivia and want to know more about her and her world. I want them to identify with her problems despite her success as a psychologist. I truly hope they don't make the same decisions Olivia makes because she doesn't consider how her actions will impact the people she loves.

How long did it take you to write your first book? 

I finished writing it in 4 months. 

How many rewrites did you do on it? 

Numerous rewrites. Too many to count. I have thrown out entire chapters when I thought I was finished with the book. 

Who helped you with the editing? 

Initially, I recruited friends and family to read and critique. The heavy lifting was graciously done by Dr. Williams who I volunteer with and Michelle De La Garza who lead the Tobin Writers Group. 

Who encouraged you along the way? 

So many people encouraged me which consisted of my husband, parents, siblings, friends, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and people at Resurrection Baptist Church. 

Are you active with any writing critique groups? 

I am a member of the Tobin Library Writers' Group, which is now known as the Tobin Library Writers' Circle. I received a valuable amount of support from this group along with meaningful critiques which helped to make my book better.

What is the hardest part of writing for you? 

The hardest part was avoiding getting lazy with adding in the dialog. I did more telling than showing in some scenes. My publisher made me add in additional dialog which made my book more interesting.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? 
To keep on writing.

We have all experienced rejection. Give me an example of one you’ve had, and how you learned to write past it. 
I began submitting my manuscript to publishers and literary agents in 2017. I remember the first rejection letter I received. Some companies didn't even respond. I realized they receive thousands of query letters and manuscripts from authors which is why it is important to grab their attention immediately with anything you submit. 

What has surprised or frustrated you the most in writing/publishing?

You can write an amazing book, but you have to know how to market it in order to sell it if you do not have a traditional publisher. You have to be the mouthpiece for your work and research events and opportunities to promote your book. It can be frustrating to look for events that fit your budget to participate in.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? 

After writing the book, I wish I knew more about being an entrepreneur. Overnight, I became a business owner and had to learn how to manage my writing career as a business.

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

Put your butt in a seat and write!

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? 

Get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Don't edit while you write. Just write and let your ideas and story flow. Writer's block is an excuse for procrastination.

What is the next book coming out? 

It is a sequel to Reasonable Insanity. I am only calling it Book #2 because I realized I can't come up with a title until it is finished. 

Can you give me a short synopsis? 

Olivia has new challenges in relationships after her actions previously resulted in turmoil and disaster. She must now rebuild bridges and avoid taking the same pathway of her destructive past.

That’s all for today’s interview. If you would like to learn more about Cynthia’s writing, here are a couple of links to get you started.

Website: https://www.cynthiafreemangibbs.com/

Amazon:https://amzn.to/2NcGVKC

First or Third POV? Author Interview with Amy Bearce

I recently participated in a local book fair and signing with 16 authors. Besides chatting with readers, I had the pleasure of meeting several authors and discussing the craft of writing. Today's interview is with one of the authors I met. I hope you will enjoy learning about her writing journey as much as I did. So read on and learn about her writing story.

What drew you to writing in the fantasy genre for kids?

I have always been drawn to fantasy.  As a child, the first book I ever bought with my own money was a beautifully illustrated book of fairy tales, and I always loved mermaids, unicorns, and dragons. I became an avid reader thanks to authors such as Mercedes Lackey, Anne McCaffery, and Madeleine L’Engle.  

How did your writing journey begin?

I didn’t start writing books until I had spent close to 10 years writing short passages and articles for test assessment companies—but I could never include magic for those.  So I started writing a story for myself and realized that there are some big differences between writing short fiction and a novel.

I joined SCBWI and finished that manuscript, which remains unpublished (for good reasons.)  I wrote three other manuscripts before I found a home for FAIRY KEEPER, which was my first published book. 

What was your inspiration for creating for your magical creatures in your World of Alluvia?

Prior to writing that book, I had written a short fiction piece about a young beekeeper trying to save her bee colonies, based on articles at the time about the mystery of Colony Collapse Disorder. Soon, though, my thoughts turned to, “What if, in a world with magic, fairies had gone missing and no one knew why?”  And that was the beginning of my book. 

How long did it take to complete the book?

It took me about two years to complete, in part because I was in graduate school at the time and I also paused mid-way to write a different book before finally returning and completing this one. My world is fairly low in magic compared to some fantasy worlds. I looked to science for ideas as I pondered what the magical creatures might be like.  For example, for my merfolk, I gave them bioluminescent skin after studying deep-sea marine life.  It was a lot of fun to research.

FAIRY KEEPER went through several revisions. It began more as YA urban fantasy, but my editor suggested making the setting a fully separate fantasy world and also recommended aging it down to an upper middle grade/lower YA age-group.  It had also been drafted in first person-present tense, and we changed it to third person-past tense. That took a lot of effort, but it was worth it in the end.

How did you go about finding an agent/publisher? Did you go to conference  Send out queries?

I do attend SCBWI conferences, but I found a small publisher for my first book before I found an agent because of a Twitter pitch contest. I recently signed with agent Alice Sutherland-Hawes, and I’m thrilled!  I connected with Alice by regular querying, but I paid close attention to the information available on Manuscript Wish List and reached out to her specifically because she was looking for stories for tweens, which is what I was querying.  

What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Dialog? 

For me, drafting the first draft tends to be fun because I write without worrying too much about what’s coming out.  But going back and revising that mess into a coherent story is the hardest part.   I prefer to work from an outline because that helps smooth the whole process, but even with an outline, revision usually takes me longer than drafting it in the first place.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?

I’m too wordy! I always have plenty I can trim from scenes, but it can be hard for me to see those parts that are unnecessary at first.  

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

Just get something on the page.  You can’t improve what’s not there.

We have all experienced writing rejection. How have you learned to write past it?

Early on in the days when I began writing manuscript-length works, I went to a writing workshop event. I don’t remember all the details anymore, but I do remember that there was a small panel of editors and agents and a room full of 50 writers. Participants were to stand up and read our first page out loud, and then the panel critiqued us, in front of everyone. 

I don’t know if every participant did this, but I know I did because I remember that none of the people on the panel liked anything from my first page!  The writing was choppy, the characterization was flat, the pacing was too slow—and these things were all true.  It was my first completed manuscript, and the public break-down of its failures was painful.  We had a break right after I was finished, and I just wanted to melt into the floor instead of speaking to anyone.

A few lovely writers told me they had liked my story. An author I admired came over and encouraged me to keep going, that she saw something in my writing. Those words meant the world to me, and I decided to work even harder to improve. That conference was a turning point for me, and despite the painful experience, I’m thankful for that workshop.  And many times since then, I have experienced the value of a writing community you can lean on when things are hard.  That kind of support can make all the difference.

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing? What frustrated you the most?

The answer to both of these is the same, which is the slow speed of the process.  Everything takes so long in publishing, and I’m a very impatient person! I try to distract myself with other projects while I’m waiting on news about another.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

Writing a book is just one part of being a published author.  There are so many other things involved, such as marketing and author visits/speaking events, and those skills need to be taken seriously, as well.

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

 Read a lot and write a lot.  It’s advice that’s often given, so I can’t claim it as my own, but it’s true.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?

 It’s never too late to begin writing! I hear from a lot of people that they’ve always wanted to write a book, and I always encourage them to go for it.

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

My next book is SHORTCUTS, and it comes out April 9th in ebook and hardcover, with the paperback following about a month later. 

Here’s the blurb:

When psychic powers and secrets collide, no one is safe.

Parker Mills has it all.  She's the two-time winner of the Miss Divine Pecan Pageant, head of the 8th-grade dance committee, and a secret psychic empath. Since she absorbs strong emotions from those around her, Parker has committed herself to finding shortcuts to happiness.  Whether acting as a tutor, coach, or matchmaker, Parker knows that when others are happy, she's happy.   Granted, all that fixing other people's drama means her own crush has no idea how she feels, but it's still a win-win so long as her psychic method remains a mystery.

At least, that's how it always worked until Mia came to town.   With her mysterious past and dark cloud of depression, Mia's moods threaten to rain on Parker’s happiness parade.  After Parker's usual shortcuts fail-- even after bringing gorgeous Josh on the scene--she's forced to kick things up a notch, or two.  But when Parker's psychic power goes haywire, dangerous secrets unravel... starting with her own. 

Sounds like a potential clash of powers! If you’d like to learn more about Amy’s writing and books, here are some links to get you started.

Website: www.amybearce.com     

Amy’s webpage for SHORTCUTS.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amybearce

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AmyBearce

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyBearce/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13020518.Amy_Bearce

The Long Journey to Publishing: An Author Interview with Rebekah Millet

Most everyone thinks they can write a novel and Hallmark movies make it look like there’s nothing to it. What motivated you to write your first novel?

You’re so right about people making that assumption! What motivated me to write my first book, Under Southern Stars, were two characters that kept popping up in my head. When I was driving, washing dishes, snapping green beans, different scenes with them would play out. I decided to write them down and continued going until an entire story had unfolded. It took me about two years to get that first draft completely written (I also have a full-time job and family). Since I was a total novice, I spent the next few years learning all I could on the craft and how to self-edit. I also read a lot in my genre. With my newfound knowledge, I set off to fix the mistakes in my book with a major rewrite.

You’ve since written two more novels without that first one being published. What kept you motivated to keep writing? Who encouraged you along the way? 

I haven’t actually finished the next two novels in my series. My second book is close to completion, and my third novel is outlined and in the character development phase. For me, my motivation comes from my faith. Whenever I’ve had doubts about writing, God has spoken to me. Sometimes it’s been through scripture, a devotional, or an encouraging post by Melissa Tagg (a fellow Christian romance author). Most recently the Lord’s message has been for me to be patient and wait. And so I am. And while I wait, I write.

You’re a member of both RWA and ACFW. Are you active with both of their critique groups? Can you give me an example of something in particular that you’ve learned from each group that has helped you in your writing?

When I first became a member of ACFW, I participated in their Scribes email critique group. It was a wonderful experience for me as a new writer and the place where I met my critique partner and dear friend, Rachel Scott McDaniel.

Through RWA I joined Faith, Hope, and Love (their Christian sub-chapter). Faith, Hope, and Love is an extremely supportive community of writers and they also have a fabulous webinar each month. I’m really looking forward to their line-up for 2019!

Since 2016, you’ve either been a finalist or an award winner of eight writing contests. How many other contests have you entered? 

One of the first things I started doing when I began writing was entering contests. I entered any and every contest I could find. I was an amateur and in desperate need of unbiased, professional feedback. After a few years, I began making it to the finals on some contests and eventually received several wins.

How do you deal with writing rejection?

Prayer and chocolate. ;) Each rejection I’ve received has been easier to handle because I know at the end of the day that I’m writing for the Lord and He has me. I’m grateful for the doors He’s closed. And I’m also grateful for brownies.

Your website shows an agent from the Steve Laube firm is representing you. How did that come about?

I’d reached a point where I felt I was ready to switch from writing as a hobby to writing as a career. I researched traditional and independent publishing and decided traditional made the most sense for me. Since a literary agent is needed to publish traditionally, I began researching them. Extensively. Several writer-friends had attended conferences where they’d met my agent, Bob Hostetler. Everyone I spoke to about Bob had great things to say. I also followed him on social media and his weekly blog to ensure we’d be a good fit. His wittiness was very appealing. I queried him and the rest is history.

What is the best advice you’ve been given about writing or that you’ve learned that you would like to pass along?

Without a doubt, the best advice I’ve received is to write what you love. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your book worlds, so you’ll want to enjoy it.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to follow Rebekah's writing journey, here are some ways to do it. 

Website: www.rebekahmillet.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebekahMilletAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rebekahmillet

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebekahmillet/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dMne7g

Discovering the Mystery of Writing: An Interview with Sally Goldenbaum

Today's interview is with an author who had been publishing for decades and has learned what it takes to write a popular novel. So read on to learn about her writing journey.

You’ve definitely paid your dues as a writer. I see you started in the ’80s with romance novels racking up 10+ publications. Why did you drop that genre and move to cozy mysteries?

I guess I do have rather a checkered past. The switch was kind of serendipitous. I stopped writing romances to accept a job as editor of a healthcare ethics journal (my graduate work was in philosophy, so it was a nice fit.) But after a few years, I missed writing and had always wanted to write a family/women's fiction novel, so I left and went back to writing. 

About that same time, a good friend asked if I'd be interested in co-writing a mystery she was working on. She was kind and generous, knowing I had never written a mystery, and convinced me it would work. (She is a master mystery writer, which was the real reason it worked). 

After we finished that book a small local publisher of quilting books asked if we would be interested in doing a mystery series featuring quilters. Nancy had her own books under contract, but I had truly enjoyed writing the mystery (and had learned so much from her) so I said yes. I wrote three of them ~and the story continues with your next question.

At the time you made the switch in genres, did you have an agent? How long did it take for you to get published in the new genre? What did that process entail?

I had an agent for the romances but did not use an agent for the quilting mystery series (although the mystery I had written with Nancy Pickard was agented by her agent). But as I was debating about adding a 4th book to that earlier series, an agent I had worked with years earlier contacted me and suggested I write a similar series, one focusing on women's friendship and small-town living, but one she would take to a large publisher where it would get wider distribution and marketing. 

So, I happily left the small publisher. I began formulating the new series by writing long essays about the four women who became the seaside knitters, learning as I wrote what their backgrounds were, their personalities, their likes, and dislikes. We--the knitters and I —became friends through the process. I sent the essays, along with a brief synopsis of a mystery, to my wonderful agent, and she was able to find it a home. 

I don't deny or gloss over the fact that I was very, very, lucky in this journey. I think the publishing industry is filled with happenstance and luck. So many wonderful books don't find homes simply because they might land in the wrong hands at the wrong time.  I am grateful my stories have seen the light of day. They might well have sunk to the bottom of a slush pile.

Your books are about knitters in a seaside village who solve murders. What made you choose that locale and craft?

The locale came from my love of the sea and New England. But the deeper, heart-reason was that my first grandchild was about to be born, right along with that first seaside knitters mystery. And his mother (my daughter) and father lived on Cape Ann. where I have set the seaside knitters books. I could visit often, do some research while there, and spend a LOT of time cuddling this beautiful baby boy, soon to be followed by a sister and brother. 

The knitting theme came about because I needed a way for my four protagonists of very different ages to be pulled together over a common love. At the time, my agent's young assistant was an amazing knitter (she actually designed the pattern printed in Death by Cashmere) and she suggested the knitting. Grandchildren on the way provided an additional impetus.

What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Dialog? Tension?

The first chapter usually isn't difficult. I'm often inspired by something I've read or seen—a baby car seat abandoned on a beach, a story I read in the NY Times book of obituaries, a newspaper story about bullying.  But the next few can be very difficult. I begin each mystery with only a vague idea of what is going to happen. I usually know who the victim is but rarely know who the murderer is, and that sometimes makes for some difficult writing days.

I spend a lot of time begging my characters to tell me where we're headed. I love dialogue and creating scenes and a town, once the plot emerges from the shadows.  

What does your editor remind you to do most often?

 I write about a small town, and that means following around the people who live and work and love and play there. But my editor reminds me that the number of people can become confusing to readers, and she kindly requests I don't bring too many newcomers to town. Sometimes they sneak in anyway.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

The best encouragement comes from family and a dear friend who is also a writer--and who convinces me my books are wonderful even if I have had a writing day that argues strongly with her opinion.

We have all experienced rejection. Give me an example of one you’ve had, and how you learned to write past it.

The kinds of books we choose to read and love is such an objective thing. And that's what I remind myself when a reader or reviewer addresses something they dislike in one of my books. 

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing? 

One of the things that's surprised me is the personal element, getting to know the editors, the people in PR, etc. And especially the fact that readers become friends, people I know and whose lives sometimes become intertwined with my own. I never wrote a writer after reading one of that writer's books. Not ever. But I love it when I hear from the people who read my books.

What frustrated you the most?
The thing that frustrates me is the need to be a part of social media. And it's not because it's bad; it's because I'm not very good at it!

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

I keep a quote from Nora Roberts on my computer that addresses writing as a habit. Even if you're writing gibberish, at least you have something to work on, you're strengthening the habit. If you don't write at all, the habit quickly wanes. And, of course, no story is told. 

And as far as giving advice, I think reading is vital to writing. Anything. Everything. I rarely read a book that doesn't teach me something about writing. I'm almost always inspired by what I'm reading to be a better writer. Also—and writers differ on this—I always have a book or two that I am reading while I'm in the process of writing a new book. When I get stuck writing, I will pick it up and read a few pages, and the author's sheer use of language (not plot) inspires me to want to get back to writing.

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

My most recent book, How to Knit a Murder, was released the end of November, and the next in the series, A Murderous Tangle, will be out November 2019. Here's a snippet from the publisher's copy:

Ivy Bean—a bright-eyed environmental activist with a way of charming both animals and humans alike is teaching part-time at the Sea Harbor Community Day School. Birdie’s granddaughter Gabby is mesmerized by ethereal Ivy’s passion for saving the earth and ocean, and even Izzy’s old Irish setter becomes attached to the young woman’s gentle touch.

But not everyone is a fan of Ivy and her strong opinions, especially after she starts questioning the “clean” practices of small-business owners. So, when a popular bar owner whom Ivy publicly calls out for bad practices is found dead from a fall off his club’s deck, it’s not long before she tops the suspect list for murder. 

   

But all is not what it seems. And in addition to a murderer walking their streets, the knitters are grappling with an unusual wave of thefts up and down Harbor Road, troubling—and very personal.

As Birdie’s 12-yr-old granddaughter struggles to protect her mentor’s reputation, the Seaside Knitters must solve a dangerous mystery that not only threatens to unravel the fabric of their community and the approaching holiday, but also the lives of those they care about the most.

Sounds intriguing! If you’d like to learn more about Sally’s books, here are some options to get you connected.

Website:   sallygoldenbaum.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsallygoldenbaum?ref=hl

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/search/authors?search=sally%20goldenbuam%20author%20page

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/191267.Sally_Goldenbaum

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsallygoldenbaum?ref=hl

Let your Life Fuel Your Writing: An Interview with Jolina Petersheim

Library Journal called Jolina Petersheim’s writing, “outstanding . . . fresh and inspirational” and named her first book one of the best books of 2013. That book also became an ECPA, CBA, and Amazon bestseller.

Her second and third books also achieved best-seller status, with the third book coming in as a finalist for Christian publishing’s 2017 Christy Award. Her nonfiction writing has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Writer’s Digest, Today’s Christian Woman, and Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Now let’s move on to finding out how she started writing. 

Your first novel tells the story of your husband’s Mennonite heritage. Why did you choose that background for your story?

I wrote my debut novel, The Outcast, after hearing a true story about my husband’s extended Mennonite family, and the cost of desire that was left unchecked and how it trickled down through this generation, also affecting the generations that came after it. The details of this story reminded me of The Scarlet Letter (infidelity, a child born out of wedlock, hiding the parentage, etc.). The Amish and Old Order Mennonites are the closest we have to that puritanical world, so that is why I chose to set it there.

Tell me about the process of writing that first novel.

Well, The Outcast wasn’t my first novel, but it was my first one that got published. 😉 I wrote two other novels before that one, and I doubt they will ever see the light of day. However, I am still glad I wrote them. The best thing about any creative process is that nothing is ever lost. I was not in a critique group when I wrote The Outcast. I just wrote on my own while expecting my firstborn daughter (who’s now six).

Did you start writing it as part of your college courses?

I did take creative writing classes in college, under the tutelage of my wonderful professor, Nancy Jensen, but this story didn’t germinate until three years after I graduated.

Who helped you with the editing?

My agent helped me with some light editing before we submitted it to publication, and my Tyndale editor, Kathy Olson, helped me from there. She is wonderful at seeing the small details and helping me strengthen themes. My husband also helps read my manuscripts. His viewpoint was especially crucial while creating the voice of Moses in The Alliance series. Before him, Moses sounded like a girl.

People tend to think of Amish and Mennonite women as only wearing long plain dresses and caps, but you dress in clothes that would fit any community. Do you consider yourself a Modern Mennonite?

Our family is no longer Amish or Mennonite, but we still adhere to some of the same themes found in our heritage: faith, community, simplicity, and a hard work ethic.

What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about the Amish and Mennonite communities?

The biggest misconception about the Amish and Mennonite communities is that they are somehow above any of the hardships the rest of us face. They are just people, and therefore they struggle just like the rest of us do. However, their faith and their community help to ease those burdens.

Your bio says your agent was a Mennonite. How did you happen to meet him?

I met my agent, Wes Yoder, at an author reading. It’s pretty rare to hear a Dutchy last name in downtown Nashville, so I squealed when I heard it and said I’m a Petersheim. Here, we’re probably related through my husband’s Stoltzfus family!

I didn’t know Wes was an agent when we met, but after I told him about my story, The Outcast, he asked me to send it to him. I Googled him when I got home (I didn’t have a smartphone back then) and realized he was very respected in the publishing world. It felt like a “God moment.” I am so grateful.

What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Tension?

The hardest part for me is finding the time. I have three young girls, and I am determined to be a present mom, so I write during dance class and naptime. I also get to go to town one day a week to work, which is where I am right now, working on this post. 😊

What does your editor remind you to do most often?

My editor, Kathy, often reminds me to strengthen my story’s spiritual themes. She is great at pulling out threads and then giving me the ideas to weave those threads together.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

A celebrated author once told me she would endorse anything I wrote. This challenged me to maintain the quality of my work and to continue mining for deep spiritual themes.

We have all experienced rejection. Give me an example of one you’ve had, and how you learned to write past it.

I started seriously pursuing publication while working in the outlet grocery story my husband founded. I would write in the office for two hours after lunch and polish and send out some short stories to various literary magazines, and then file all of my rejection slips into a little recipe box so I wouldn’t keep sending them the same stories. 

My debut, The Outcast, was also rejected by a few publishing houses because of the omniscient perspective of the deceased bishop, Amos King. But this unique perspective was also why Tyndale House accepted it. You just have to find your niche. And you will, if you don’t take rejection personally and continue to persevere.

What has surprised or frustrated you the most in writing/publishing?

I am the most surprised by the marketing side of things. I do marketing for an hour each day, and I only write for two hours each day, so it’s a balancing act to make sure that one doesn’t take over the other because marketing can promote books, but it cannot produce them. If I am not careful to balance, I can become frustrated that I am not fueling myself creatively. Reading quality literature and being outside always helps get me back on track. 😊

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

 I know now to pace myself. I must continue to fuel my creativity by reading, writing, and experiencing life instead of just writing about it. Life fuels my art, not social media. 😉

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

The best advice I received was from a very kind author who had just won a major award, which I had lost in another category. He told me that he knew that feeling because he had experienced it, and that display of empathy was such a gift. He also said to allow my busy, motherhood years to fuel my writing. It helped me relax and kind of ease into this season of young motherhood. I want to use these years well, in every capacity.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?

I am a firm believer in reading and writing every day to help hone your skills. A friend, who is artistic as well, once told me about a famous artist who would have a rose delivered to him in the morning, and he would draw that rose just to warm up his hands and mind. That showed discipline and dedication to his art. Writing doesn’t always produce warm fuzzies; we have to be committed to the craft and allow ourselves and our work to constantly evolve.

What is the next book coming out?

My next book is called How the Light Gets In, and it’s releasing March 5, 2019 through Tyndale House.

Can you give me a short synopsis?

It’s a creative retelling of Ruth set in a Mennonite cranberry farm in Wisconsin. 😊

That’s all for today’s interview. I hope you’ll take Jolina’s advice about balancing writing with reading. I would even suggest reading outside of your writing genre to open up your perspective.

If you’d like to learn more about Jolina’s books, here are some links to get you started.

http://www.jolinapetersheim.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jolinapetersheimauthor

Twitter: Jolina_Joy

Pinterest: JolinaPetershei

Instagram: jolinapetersheimauthor

Finding a Writing Community: An Interview with Susan Anne Mason

I see you write both contemporary and historical romance books. Do you prefer one genre or another?
I love both categories equally, though writing contemporary stories is much easier since it involves so much less research. For now, though, I’m loving historicals.

What’s the most difficult part of writing a romance novel?
The most difficult thing about writing romance is getting the pacing right. You want to build the emotional tension between the couple until they finally have their first kiss, then throw all kinds of obstacles at them to make them work for their ‘happily ever after’.

Many of your books are written as series. Did you start out with that idea in mind? Or was the story too big for one book?
Good question! Neither series actually began as one. My contemporary Rainbow Falls series branched out when a secondary character, Maxie North, became larger than life and I had to give Maxie her own story. Plus, I loved the fictional town I had created and wanted to play there a while longer!

My Courage to Dream series started with Irish Meadows, but when Bethany House showed interest in the book, they asked if I had any plans on writing any more about the O’Learys. I gave a hesitant “Well, I had thought about writing Adam’s story.” And they said, “Good! Do that!” So the series was born!

This newest series I’m writing now is the only one that I planned out from the beginning as a series. Quite a daunting task to do actually!

What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Plotting? Dialog? Tension?

Without a doubt, plotting is the hardest thing for me. I can come up with the characters, their backstories and goals, their personalities, what makes them tick — but figuring out what is actually going to happen in the book, that is so challenging for me. I need to have a basic outline of the plot and know where I’m going before I can begin writing, so that part takes me quite a while to get nailed down.

You’ve published 9 books since 2014 with two more in line to publish. How long does it take you to write a book?

Overall, it takes me about 6 months to write a book, and about another 2 months to edit it. My writing process has changed a lot since I’ve become a published author. I used to meander my way through a book without a plan, but now I have to give my editor a fairly detailed synopsis before I begin (which of course changes when you actually start writing! LOL!)

I usually begin with a basic idea (ex. What if you believed for your whole life that your father was dead and then discovered he was alive all along?) Then I create the characters, their backgrounds, and their goals for the story. I use Susan May Warren’s The Story Equation to do all this. Then I try to envision the events that will take place in the book and the turning points for the characters. Once I have a fairly good outline of the story, I start doing the necessary research, which can take weeks or months.

At some point, when my characters can’t take me procrastinating anymore, they shout at me to begin writing already!! I try to power through the first draft with as little editing as possible until I’ve got it finished. Then I go back and do all the editing.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best source of encouragement for me was when I finaled in the 2008 Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart contest. This came at a time when I was seriously doubting my writing ability and it gave me new hope. Through that contest, I developed a relationship with my fellow finalists, and then came into contact with a group of writers who ran the Seekerville blog. For the first time, I felt part of a community.

This was huge in finding resources to hone my writing skills, and eventually, it led me to join the American Christian Fiction Writers. I highly recommend any aspiring writers to find a community of support because writing can be a very solitary endeavor!  

We have all experienced rejection. How have you learned to write past it?
Oh, where to begin! I guess with my first published book. Betrayed Hearts was rejected many times until an editor from White Rose Publishing saw some merit in it, enough to give me some pointers on where the story was weak and how to strengthen it. I took about 6 months to revise the story and then re-submitted it. My first lesson in proper plotting!

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?
How hard it is to juggle multiple books. You have to be prepared to promote one book while finishing edits on another and begin writing another. There are always many balls in the air.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
As I’ve said before, perseverance is the best advice I can give. Take the time to really learn the craft of writing and just keep trying. If you really want to be published, you will accomplish it, if you dedicate your time and talents to pursuing it.

Are there any other points about writing that you would like to add? 
It’s important to get feedback on your writing. The best way to start doing this is to enter contests and really take the judges’ advice to heart. They generally know what they’re talking about and can give great insight into where your writing needs improvement. Also finding a wonderful critique partner (or two) is a fabulous way to get feedback and potentially develop friendships with people who know exactly what you’re going through!

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

My next book will be Book 2 in the Canadian Crossing series. “The Highest of Hopes” releases in the spring of 2019. It’s about Emmaline Moore, a girl who learns that the grandparents who raised her kept a secret from her all her life. That her father, who they told her died of a broken heart after her mother’s passing, is actually alive and living in Canada. Accompanied by her best friend, Jonathan, Emma travels to Toronto to meet the man she is sure will be thrilled to finally meet her. When her plans don’t go exactly as she hoped, Jonathan is there to help her decide her next move.

That’s all for today’s interview. If you’d like to meander through the towns and characters Susan has created, here are some links to get you started.

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/y6v7j2lt  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susan.anne.mason.333/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samason
Website: http://susanannemason.net/