The Imperfect First Draft: Author Interview with Suzanne Kelman

You’ve now sold over 475,000 books. That’s quite an accomplishment. How many books did it take before you realized it could be a full time career?
As for when I realized writing could be a full-time career, it didn’t happen overnight. It took about seven to eight books before I saw its potential to become something sustainable. When I started building a solid connection with my readers and saw my audience grow, primarily through my newsletter and preorders, I realized this could be more than just a passion—it could be my full-time career. That said, it was a gradual process, and treating it like a full-time job from the start helped set me on that path.

How do you keep the writing fresh and create new characters that your readers can relate to after so many books? 
To keep my writing fresh and create characters readers can relate to, I immerse myself deeply in each character’s unique challenges and inner world. Sometimes, a character is clear to me right from the start, but other times, like in the book I'm working on now, it takes until the second or even third draft to understand who they are truly. 

I’m constantly asking myself how each woman, with her specific life choices, challenges, and flaws, would react to the events around her. It’s this focus on individuality—how each character responds to the extraordinary circumstances of their time—that keeps me engaged to hopefully create relatable characters, even after writing many books.

What drew you to write stories around WWII?

I’m drawn to writing stories set during WWII because of the incredible resilience and courage of everyday people under occupation. The period provides endless inspiration, with many unsung heroes—particularly women—who stepped up and did the unimaginable for freedom. I love exploring how ordinary people faced extraordinary choices during such a pivotal time in history. WWII provides a wealth of external conflict that I can weave into my characters' inner struggles.

Since many of your books revolve around WWII how do you go about doing the research? Do you do the research or do you have an assistant? 
I do some general research before starting a project, but I really immerse myself as I go along. I’m fortunate to have a research assistant who helps dig through historical documents, photographs, and other sources that are essential to bringing authenticity to my stories. I focus on the creative side and the bigger picture, while my assistant helps with the more detailed and sometimes dry aspects of research.

 Can you share an “aha” moment when something surprised you in doing your story research?

One of the things that constantly amazes me during my research is how incredibly clever WWII spies were at deceiving the enemy. The lengths they went to with such limited resources and technology is truly fascinating. There was one particular “aha” moment that struck me when I was researching methods of espionage. I stumbled upon a lesser-known story about how spies used coded knitting patterns to pass on information. The creativity and ingenuity they showed to outsmart the enemy sparked new ideas for my characters and made me rethink how I wanted to portray certain plot twists. It's these kinds of discoveries that not only surprise me but often lead to ideas for future books!

On your website, you have a link to the character profiles for your Bookseller of Paris novel. Each one is just a short description. Do you build a much longer character profile before you write your stories? 
When it comes to character development, I do have a general idea of my characters, particularly their flaws, but it’s not always fully formed at the start. Sometimes a character comes to me immediately, but other times it takes time—sometimes even until the second or third draft—to truly understand them. 

Are you a plotter or more of a pantser?

That said, I’m definitely more of a plotter than a pantser for my books and characters. I outline my books in detail, following a process inspired by my background in screenwriting. I start with 40 chapters on index cards, which often expand, but that structure gives me a clear foundation. I split the cards evenly between both stories for dual timelines, which helps me keep the narrative balanced. I approach each chapter by outlining the scene's opening, middle, and end and the character’s emotional journey throughout. So while I do give my characters room to evolve as I write, there’s a strong structure in place to guide the process.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best encouragement I’ve received in my writing is when readers tell me my stories made them cry. It might some strange but it means I’ve succeeded in connecting with them on a deep emotional level, which is always my goal. I aim to create characters and stories that resonate so strongly that readers feel the full range of emotions—joy, heartbreak, hope, and fear—alongside my characters. Knowing that my writing has moved someone reminds me why I write and keeps me motivated, knowing that my stories are making a personal impact.

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
One of the most effective marketing strategies I've used to generate actual sales rather than just clicks is building a strong email list. Having a direct line to readers allows me to engage with them personally, share updates, and offer exclusive content like behind-the-scenes insights and pre-order links. 

Additionally, linking the next book in a series at the back of the current one has been incredibly successful. I’ve had a book stay as a Hot New Release for nearly six months using this method. While social media and ads are important, nurturing a direct connection with readers through my newsletter has been the most reliable way to turn interest into sales. 

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I wish I'd known sooner the importance of embracing the first draft as a creative playground, free from the worry of reader reception. Fretting over how my work might be perceived, can really stifled my creativity. I've discovered that allowing myself to freely explore ideas in the first draft—writing solely for my own enjoyment and without fear of judgment—leads to richer, more genuine storytelling. This approach not only enhances the quality of the work but also deepens my connection to it, making the writing process more fulfilling and the stories more resonant with readers. This is my favorite quote about this, "Every first draft is perfect because all a first draft has to do is exist." - Jane Smiley 

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
The best writing advice I’ve received—and what I always share with others—is to treat writing like a job long before you ever see success. Consistency is key. I write five days a week for 4-6 hours, and I’ve always stuck to that routine, even before I was published. Another piece of advice I’d give is to outline your story, especially if you’re writing something complex like a dual timeline. Having a clear structure in place helps guide the process and gives you the freedom to dive deeper into your characters and plot without losing your way. Writing is both a craft and a discipline and treating it as such from the start will help you succeed in the long run.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Another important point about writing is the value of persistence. Writing is often a long, solitary journey, and there will be moments of doubt or creative blocks. However, pushing through those tough times is what separates a finished manuscript from an idea that never makes it to the page. Writing isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about showing up consistently, even when the words don’t flow easily. Sometimes, the breakthroughs come in the middle of a difficult writing day, and those small steps forward eventually build into something remarkable. I love Stephen King's quote, "Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work."

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
The next book will be in the spring, and it is the third book in the Paris Sisters Series, 

Though it is very much in the creation stage right now, here is a short synopsis of where we are heading.

The third installment in the Paris Sisters series unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II Paris. When Antoinette Valette's husband is arrested by the Nazis, she delves deep into the perilous world of the French Resistance to help save him. Her mission leads her undercover at the Majestic Hotel, which has been commandeered by the enemy, where she must obtain crucial documents. However, her task becomes complicated when a member of the Gestapo, desiring her for himself, forces her to navigate a new and dangerous world filled with espionage and moral dilemmas. 

 

Wow, that sounds like a lot of twists and turns will be found in that book. If you'd like to learn more about Suzanne's books, here are some links to get you started.

https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.kelman.5

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Suzanne-Kelman/author/B00JH1V3HW

And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of Suzanne's eBook, The Last Day in Paris. It's the first book of her current series So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Friday!

Going Around Writer's Block: Author Interview with Susan Reiss

You’ve now published two book series. One deals with love that transcends time and the other is murder mysteries. Which genre is easier for you to write?

The St. Michaels Silver series is firmly in the mystery genre with a few historical tidbits tossed in for flavoring. These tidbits make the stories unique because they are set in a real place, a small town on the Maryland Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. This area where I now live full-time is rich in history and "quirky" characters (though the characters are based on real people, living or dead.) Discovering that silver and silversmiths played some key roles in the life of the county and the state made the writing process exciting.

The In Time series won the Bookfest Gold Medal for Best Historical Fiction Series in 2023. It.is more historical fiction plus mystery (with a dash of romance). It began when I bought a massive antique desk, the kind with cubby holes and secret compartments. I started to wonder who had sat at the desk and wrote letters...to whom? about what? Then the name Daniel popped into my head. The next day, I visited a friend in her "new" house dating back to the early 1800s and told her about my musings. Next thing I knew, she produced a portrait dated 1840 of a young man. No one knew him. The painting was not signed. She declared it was Daniel. She sent me home with him to write the story. 

With my librarian's help, I pulled together some random historical facts and wrote the book. I thought it would be a standalone. "NO!" declared the readers. "We want the next book." That was when the historical research became vital. Of course, research takes time and effort. Then there was the creative time and effort to weave the story in the past, the story in the present, and the connections.

With that said, I think writing is not about which genre is easier. I think the author has to go where the story and characters lead...and most importantly, where the author's imagination blossoms.

How do you go about doing research for your time travel novels?

My first stop is the St. Michaels library and a chat with the knowledgeable librarians there. They have a solid understanding of the historical materials about this area in the collection. At one time, I had more than 50 books checked out! Fortunately, the Maryland library system has digitized many resources so I can take advantage of 100+ year old copies of publications like the Baltimore Sun. I have even done research at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

How do you choose a time period? What’s one of the most unique facts you’ve discovered in doing your research?

The discovery of "Daniel's portrait" helped narrow down the time period along with the discovery of a political thread that continues to exist today. Though Maryland remained in the Union during the Civil War, the Eastern Shore with its plantations and slaves like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman in this county, the split among the residents was extreme. Even today, as you know Maryland is a blue state BUT the Eastern Shore has had a staunch Republican in the House for more than 20 years.

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

My editor from the beginning, Kristen Weber, gently educated me in the nuances of writing mysteries and taught me how to nurture my own creativity. Even though I had written for TV for many years, I still had to study and learn new things since I wanted to write books. And that was okay! Her gentle encouragement showed me I could be my worst enemy but why should I do that to myself? If I wanted to do something, study, practice, edit, edit, edit...and above all, be honest with myself. If it doesn't feel like the manuscript isn't ready, it's not. Make another cup of tea and dive in again to figure out why!

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?

I have a marketing background and I know how unreliable advertising is. Trying to understand the metrics can make you crazy. That's why I don't advertise. Yes, it's important to test any marketing product and message you develop for your books and your brand, but doing what you should to produce a strong message that resonates can eat up your time and money. I like talking to readers. Getting out of the writing study is important, making presentations, appearing on panels, doing signings while talking to the people. I work hard to build my email list and then try to make the messages interesting and somewhat unique. I've found making connections with people brings them to the first book and read-through sells the rest of the books in the series.

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

How to tell my negative internal editor to Shut Up! Not every line in the first or second draft is brilliant, but I'm learning everyday how to make each line better! As long as I have that commitment, a good editor, and honest advance readers, I think I can be proud of my books.

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

It's about writer's block. Sometimes, life throws you so many curves, it is just hard to write. When it happened to me, I was stunned. Working in television for many years, it was not something I or my colleagues faced. When we had a deadline, the show had to be ready. There was no such thing as dead air, if you wanted to keep your job. When I began writing books and life was full of bumps I told a friend I couldn't work. He set up a lunch with Stewart Greene, creative director of the amazing advertising agency Wells, Rich & Greene. I had been in awe of this man for years. Sitting across the table from him, I felt so embarrassed when he said,"I understand you have writer's block." I quickly assured him I was working through it and committed to... He stopped me. "Why are you working through it? That takes a lot of energy. Just go around it and keep going. It will all work itself out."

I never had a problem again.

Give me a short synopsis of your latest book.

My most recent book, Devoted in Time, came out in April. Here's a little synopsis:

Emma once more delves into the mysteries of Waterwood Plantation’s past. A chilling discovery of a skull catapults TJ and Emma into a web of secrets surrounding the Man-in-the-Field, known as Gideon. Who was he? Why was he laid to rest in an unmarked grave more than a century ago? As Emma seeks answers, she uncovers a labyrinth of betrayal spanning from the Civil War era to the present day. She grapples with the shadows of the past that threaten the present, but as she inches closer to the truth, she realizes some secrets are best left buried—as they may hold the power to unravel lives.

Sounds intriguing! If you'd like to learn more about Susan's books, here's how to get started.

https://susanreiss.com/st-michaels-silver-series

https://susanreiss.com/in-time-historical-series
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Susan-Reiss/author/B00J7A2YF8

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7772853.Susan_Reiss

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick two readers who will receive their choice of  an eBook copy of Letters in Time or Tarnished Silver. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Tuesday!

Writing Niches in Time: Author Interview with Anne Perreault

You’ve now published several books, but what inspired you to write that first one? How long did it take you to write your first book that was published? You write both historical and contemporary romance? Which is easier or more enjoyable to write?
My first book was a story that had been part of my life for about 30 years, give or take. I had used it to escape reality when things were tough. Since I'm a Christian, I thoroughly believe in the power of God and hearing His voice in our heart. I was sitting in the library, finishing a book I had written for my daughter. That had taken 12 years to write and it won't be published. It was practice. I recall thinking how much fun it was to write this story and I asked, kind of in a prayer, Now what, God? 

I certainly didn't expect to hear back. And when the response came, it was to my heart. The response was, Write the story. Since I knew exactly which story was implicated I pretended I hadn't heard or that it was a mistake. But I couldn't get over it. So, over the next few months, I really made sure that I had heard correctly and that it wasn't something I was making up on my own. 

It became pretty clear that I was to write this story that had been with me for most of my life and so I finally relented. It only took me a month to write book 1. The rest of this 5 book series took another two month. Rewriting and editing and waiting for it to be published took about three years. My first book, Skating for Grace, was published in 2015.

I write anything that comes to my attention. I enjoy writing historical fiction. I love history. I find it is super hard to write. You really need to do a ton of research and things might not fit well with how you had envisioned the story going. My favorite historical fiction book to write was Defending My Father's House, a WWII fiction based on my family history.

How do you choose a time period? 
I don't chose a time period per se. The story finds me and I fit it into a setting that is appropriate for the characters and the challenges they face. I do enjoy doing the research for the historical fiction books. I am a very visual learner and have found YouTube to be a treasure trove of information.

What’s one of the most unique facts you’ve discovered in doing your research?
The most interesting story I came across while researching for Defending My Father's House was the story of Operation Cowboy. I didn't end up using it for this book because it didn't quite fit in the way the story unfolded. Operation Cowboy was basically the operation that rescued the famous Lipizzaner horses from being eradicated by the Russian army at the end of WWII, during the last days of fighting. 

Patton's army managed to help get the invaluable mares, foals, and stallions that had been sent to the country for protection during the war, out of the grasps of the Red Army as they came into the town of Hochstau where the herd had been hidden during the war. It was a daring and dangerous adventure. It was a collaboration between the defeated German forces in the area and the Americans. As a horse lover, I was completely taken in by it. I'm kind of sad it never made it into the book or didn't become part of the story.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
I've been so blessed to have a group of amazing authors and readers surround me. I couldn't do this without them keeping me from dipping down into despair that comes with the territory. Being an author is probably the most difficult endeavor I have undertaken. So, I would say that the most valuable advice anyone has ever given me is to find my support group with other authors. It's incredibly important for my own mental health.

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
I struggle with marketing. I haven't found that sweet spot yet. I find that even when I think I might have found something, it isn't a sure thing. I've run paid promos that have worked beautifully. And then suddenly, out of the blue, they stop working. It's super frustrating and I have no idea what to do about it.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
It's not about going it alone, doing all the work myself. Yes, I have to do most of the work myself because I can't afford to pay for services. But... gather I've gathered a team around me and it works like clockwork. It's beautiful and powerful and humbling. I'm not the end-all of that team. It's all of us, working toward the goal.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
I think the best advice I've received is to be encouraging to others. It's not about me. It's always about the reader and about the story. Yes, I write how I want the story to go, but in the end, the reader has to be willing to read it. And if I keep in mind that I'm going to bless that readers with the words I write, that I'll build them up by writing certain things, it's another humbling process.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
Dare to Dream, book 2 in Arabian Nights, just came out May 31.

Tradition will destroy her future.
The past threatens their dreams.
Until they are willing to surrender all.

Fatima Sayeed’s troubled, dark past is now firmly behind her, and new challenges are on the horizon. Soon, she and her best friend Amira will graduate from university and pursue their careers. And Zahir, the good and kind man she has come to love with all her heart, seems to be on the verge of proposing marriage. But all of these new changes are overshadowed by old doubts and fears. Is she enough to be Zahir’s wife? She’s failed once already. What if moving forward ruins everything they’ve built?

Smart, successful, and determined, Amira is one of only a handful of women to ever graduate with a degree in her field. That alone ought to be enough for her, but somehow, it isn’t. She admires the tender affection between her friend Fatima and her brother Zahir, but that sort of thing isn’t something an independent woman like her needs. Or . . . is it?

Zahir is set on proposing to Fatima and eager to start their married life together. He dreams of having children and growing old with her, but a nagging dark feeling has him on edge. When he finds himself between a rock and a hard place, he is forced to make a choice with devastating consequences.

In this time of change and upheaval, relationships will be tested, and hearts will be put on the line, hard questions will demand answers. Will bitterness keep Amira from seeing the truth about herself? Is Fatima strong enough to face her fears? Can Zahir accept that not all his dreams will come true?

Sounds intriguing! If you'd like to learn more about Anne's many books, here's a link that will give you all her details from current and upcoming books, facebook updates, newsletters, and much more. https://linktr.ee/anneperreault

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of one of  Anne's eBook, Defending My Father's House.  So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner a week from today!

Discoveries as You Write: Author interview with Rebecca Velez

Your first three novels were historical fiction set in Old Testament times. Since then you’ve written books outside of Biblical times. What made you decide to switch genres?
Esperanza Ranch is a contemporary fiction novel about a group of young women recovering from PTSD. It began as a writer’s prompt and took on a life of its own.

My favorite genre to read is historical fiction, so other than Esperanza Ranch, I’ve written in that genre. The idea for my new series was sparked when I lived in New Braunfels, Texas, which was foun, ded by a German prince, the only American town to be founded by European nobility.

How do you go about doing research for your books? What’s one of the most unique facts you’ve discovered in doing your research?
I do a lot of research online. It’s much easier to research now than when I started in the mid-1990s. Email makes it easy to reach out to potential sources, too. Of course, I still learn a lot from books. My favorite way to research is in-person. I visited the living museums of Hessenpark in Germany and Heritage Village in New Braunfels to see how people lived in the 1840s.

One funny tidbit I learned was that doctors thought the speed of train travel—up to 30 mph in the mid-1800s—would be bad for your health.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
A reader wrote on FB that my first novel Such a Time as This was one of her favorite books. 

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
Interacting on the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction FB group has brought in the most sales for me.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I was a journalism major in college. I wish I’d been taught about contracts, taxes, and marketing your books, the business side of writing. 

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
 “Butt in the chair,” or as Nike would say, “Just do it!”

I’m a planner, so I try to plot out my books, but they never go the way I originally imagine. Sometimes I have to glue myself to the chair and push through.

 Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
In a nod to my heritage, I’ve gifted Annika’s family with a two-hundred-year-old antique passed down through my family. It’s a cabbage-shaped sugar bowl that traveled from Virginia to Missouri by wagon and has the scars to prove it. My mother would have liked its inclusion in my latest novel, but like Annika’s Mutter, mine has passed away. She died in 2022 while I was writing this book. An avid reader, she always supported my writing and read my drafts. I miss her and dedicate A Place for Annika to her. 

 

You just released A Place for Annika. Can you give me a short synopsis?
Since her mother died, Annika’s life in Hesse has deteriorated. At seventeen, she’s nearly old enough to marry and establish a happy home of her own, but her plan to marry the farmer next door is dashed.

Nursing a broken heart and bruised ego, Annika takes a job as a seamstress in the city. Professional success and a suitor make her dreams seem within grasp. But Annika comes to realize she needs more than a handsome husband to fill the void in her life. 

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Rebecca's books, here are some links to get you started.

https://www.amazon.com/Place-Annika-Rebecca-Velez-ebook/dp/B0CSF7R63K
https://rebeccalvelez.wixsite.com/rebecca-velez-books
https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-velez-53392036/
https://www.instagram.com/rebeccalynnvelez/

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post with your name and we'll pick one reader who'll receive an eBook of A Place for Annika. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Friday!

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like an International Christmas: Author Interview with Anna Jensen

What made you decide to write Christmas themed books? Could you give a short synopsis on the books for my readers?
I wanted to offer readers something from me at Christmas. I wondered about an advent or Christmas devotional, similar to others I have written, but then I got an idea for a fictional story.

I’d published an historical fiction novel earlier in 2021, and I fancied trying my hand at something more contemporary. Growing up in the UK, I was a member of an Anglican church. It was lively and fun but also centred on tradition, especially at times of the year like Christmas.

I decided to create a fictional church parish somewhere in London with a Christmas-loving vicar. In A Candle for Christmas, the first in the St. Saviours Seasonal Stories series, I wove four inter-related stories together around the four candles of advent – one for each of the Sundays in advent.

It was such fun to write, and enjoyed by readers, so I followed it in 2022 with The Nine Readings of Christmas, based on the service of Nine Lessons and Carols. I released a third novella, One Passing Easter, in the series this April. 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I find Christmas a tough time of year, to be honest! I moved from the UK to South Africa twenty-six years ago, and still struggle to get my head around the concept of a summer Christmas. So many of the traditions I loved growing up – dark evenings with candles and fairy lights; singing carols around our village; a long slow lunch, with mince pies and Christmas pudding; an afternoon winter walk on the beach – just don’t apply here. I think I wrote A Candle for Christmas out of my nostalgia for the familiar!

What’s next for you? 
I am currently writing my third historical fiction novel. Remembered Lives is a dual timeline story about the Anglo-Boer War and Liverpool Football Club (you’ll have to read it to understand the connection!).

Next year, I plan to continue the St Saviours series with a summer story – hopefully in collaboration with a friend to make it even more exciting!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Allen Arnold talks a lot about writing with God, rather than for him. It has revolutionised my writing, encouraging me to find the stories Jesus wants to tell rather than just conjuring up my own. It’s also a whole lot more fun! When I get stuck, I can just ask for help. I always come unstuck with great ideas or phrases which I know didn’t come from me.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I wish I’d realised that when we do it all with Jesus – the writing, the marketing, the hard work – it is so much more enjoyable and effective than when I thought of most things as something I had to hustle. His burden is light and his yoke is easy!

 Any last words or tips?
Connect with other authors and readers as much as possible! The upside of the global pandemic was that we all learnt new ways of connecting and building relationships. Journeying together makes the writing life so special.

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
I mentioned the historical fiction novels I write. I love exploring how ordinary people can do extraordinary things which impact into the future when our Creator God is involved – like when a stone is thrown into water, and the ripples seem endless. My series, The Ripples Through Time explores this concept.

Given Lives tells of a small village in the north of England impacted by the plague in 1665-6, and the decisions the community took to protect their neighbours. 300 years later, we are still talking about them. 

Secret Lives is a WW2/present day story of young women volunteers working for the British Special Operations Executive as cryptanalysts and code breakers. Sworn to secrecy about their war work, many lived their entire lives without even family knowing of their contribution.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Anna's books, here are some links to get you started.

Website : https://www.annajensen.co.uk/

Amazon: https://www.annajensen.co.uk/shop This gives you options for UK, USA, and South Africa

And here's tip for my readers... Sign up for her newsletter and a receive a free ebook, Seeking Light – a novella set in Poldark’s Cornwall. https://www.annajensen.co.uk/news-social 

Surprises from History: Author Interview with Jonita Mullins

Amazon shows you’ve published 11 multiple books, but what inspired you to write that first one? What made you choose historical fiction?
I always enjoyed history and historical fiction is a genre that I enjoy reading, but my early writing was focused on daily devotionals. I knew I wanted to write a novel one day so it remained on my “bucket list" for many years.
 
Then over twenty years ago, I went to work at a small history museum. This museum was approached by the local newspaper looking for someone to write a weekly column on area history. I was tapped for this responsibility and I have been writing my column for twenty years now and have produced over a thousand articles for the Muskogee Phoenix.
 
Naturally that many articles required a great deal of research and I decided to use that to find a subject for my first novel, Journey to an Untamed Land. It is the story of the first schoolteacher in Oklahoma (then a part of Arkansas Territory). I found her inspiring story in a book about missions to the American Indians. I had never heard of this woman and wondered why her life on the frontier had not been told. I decided I needed to tell it.
 
I have written four more novels since that first one, all set in early Oklahoma history and I am currently writing my sixth.

You do a lot of research for your books. Could you give me an example of something that surprised you in doing your research?
Like most writers, I enjoy reading so I always have reading material close at hand and it is usually history related. Every day I spend time looking for subject matter for my column and that often leads me to interesting finds for my books.
 
I read an article about a town that rioted in protest of someone’s marriage. It was an interracial marriage between a Cherokee man and Euromerican woman and their defiance of convention created an uproar.
 
 I was certainly aware of what social confines existed in 1825, but was surprised at the vehemence community members displayed to protest this young couple’s union. They actually marched in the streets and burned the bride and groom in effigy! So, of course, I knew I had to tell that story and it was the basis of my fourth novel called The Marital Scandal.
 
Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
I have found Facebook, Twitter and to a lesser degree even LinkedIn to be effective ways to mention my book and stir interest. But my best sales usually come with public interactions such as speaking engagements, arts and craft shows, and teaching continuing education classes.
 

I also send out a e-newsletter to folks who have purchased a book or signed up to receive the newsletter. I always have a sign-up sheet with me when I am at a public event. As soon as I announce a new book is coming out, many of my e-news readers reach out to me to learn how they can buy it.
 
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I have learned not to demand perfection of myself. I no longer struggle to create the perfect sentence and focus instead on simply telling the story well. Once I get the story down “on paper,” I can go back and strengthen the writing with stronger verbs or tighter sentences. I think of it as first creating a black and white drawing then going back to add color.
 
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Writing is a craft that demands discipline and that is something most of us struggle with at times. Fortunately for me, I had to learn the discipline of writing every workday when I was on staff of a daily devotional magazine. Now that I produce a weekly newspaper column, I also am forced to discipline myself to meet that regular deadline.
 
I find that if I make myself sit down at the computer every workday even just to jot down some ideas or complete one sentence, I can maintain the discipline I need to complete a novel. 
 

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I remember an editor telling me once that she was suspicious of anyone who claimed that they “loved to write.” Her meaning was that writing is hard work and often not very fun at all. I know many people who have told me they want to write a book but when they actually try to do that, they discover how challenging it can be.

Sometimes writing is fun, when the muse is present and the words and ideas are flowing. But just as often the muse is missing and the blank canvas of your computer screen is daunting. When I’m struggling to fill that blank screen, I remind myself that writing is hard work and even though it isn’t very fun at the moment, it is still worth the effort. There are few things more satisfying than seeing your completed work in print.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
I am currently writing my sixth novel with a working title of The Long Trail. It will cover the dreadfully difficult journey the Choctaws made from Mississippi to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) in 1832. They were caught in a freak snowstorm that took many lives and they were forced to leave behind their beloved family pets to cross the Mississippi River. Life for the native people forced to move to a new land was hard, but they were resilient and their story is inspiring.

That's all for today's interview. I hope it inspires you to learn more about Jonita's writing. Here's how you can do that.
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jonita-Mullins/author/B00JUW1BJ8
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonita.mullins                                                      Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7568272.Jonita_Mullins

 And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post with your name and we'll pick one winner next week who will get a copy of her Christmas novella Love’s Perfect Gift. So what are you waiting for? Write a comment now!

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas: Featuring Lynn Dean and Gail Kittleson

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
I met Gail Kittleson when she was researching for her novel Land That I Love, which she set in the Texas Hill Country. We had so much fun as I drove her to the various places mentioned in her book, and she was able to make many contacts for that book's launch. And so, last September, she came again, and we had more fun. :) At each presentation, readers would tell us stories from their parents' and grandparents' eras. Talking as we drove, we thought how much fun it would be to work on a Christmas collection set in various Hill Country towns in various eras of history. We acquired three new members for our team, and 11 months later...voila!

Here's how we summarized our book on the back cover:
"A Hill Country Christmas - Hope for Hardscrabble Times is a collection of 18 holiday stories from every corner of the Texas Hill Country. Five different authors make history come alive in these multi-cultural narratives about life and death, humor and sadness, heartache and romance, the blessings of Christmas and the triumph of the human spirit.
The holiday season isn’t always easy, but these stories are filled with inspiration from Christmas Past and hope for the difficult times we live in today."

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
That can be an interesting question in Texas! Unlike the Hallmark Christmas Specials, it rarely snows here. Christmas may or may not even be cold. In addition, we have such a unique blend of cultures that families tend to mix and mingle traditions from several heritages. My own family blends the traditions of our Scot, English, German, and Hispanic experiences. Our decorations include plaid accents, German candles on the tree, and a cactus wreath in the courtyard. Most of the Christmas cookies I bake are family recipes from my husband's German side, but on Christmas Eve we always eat tamales to honor the years we lived in the Rio Grande Valley...and a Coastal Boil of shrimp, crab, new potatoes, and corn on the cob just because.

What’s next in writing for you? 
Gail returned for a third visit when we launched A Hill Country Christmas on October 1. We've maxed out every available opportunity to visit libraries, historical societies, and book stores during the week-long launch, AND we'll be together again when we lead our Deep in the Heart Indie Writers' Retreat February 27-March 1, 2023. There are plenty of interesting towns and history in the Texas Hill Country! We intend to create a second edition of A Hill Country Christmas for the 2023 holiday season and are considering several series concepts with stories set in the same area.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Don't be afraid to experiment! There's really no such thing as a great writer...just great editors and REwriters. You never know what might work until you try it, and if you aren't sure you like it, you can always try again.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I've learned SO much about marketing in the last year or two! I'm very glad to have discovered many new ways to help people find a book they'll love.

Any last words or tips?
It really is true that we do best when we "write what we know." No two people have exactly the same history, experiences, or perspectives. That's what makes life interesting...and that's what makes WRITING interesting!

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
In addition to the Discover Texas History curriculum which was my first foray into professional writing, I have two historical fiction novels--More Precious Than Gold and Stronger Than Mountains--set in New Mexico Territory in the tumultuous gold rush during the Reconstruction Era.

That's all for today's interview. I hope you check out these books. Having lived in the Texas Hill Country myself, I can tell you the history is amazing. Though I now live in Florida, I still have tamales at Christmas and enjoy reading stories from this area. 

Here's your opportunity to score FREE eBook, Lynn will choose one winner from all those who sign up for her Inner Circle of readers in the next 5 days. Sign up here

A Hill Country Christmas - Hope for Hardscrapple Times

Land That I Love by Gail Kittleson

More Precious Than Gold by Lynn Dean
Stronger Than Mountains by Lynn Dean

The Joy of Writing Historical Fiction: Author Interview with Madeline Martin

Today's interview is with a New York Times and International Bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. Read on to learn her writing journey.

You’ve now published almost 40 novels with several series, but what inspired you to write that first novel?

While I was on maternity leave with my first daughter, I started reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I’ve always been a huge reader and started writing short stories when I was in school. After falling in love with Scotland through her storytelling, I decided to take the plunge and try my hand at writing my own Highlander romance.

How many books in did it take before writing became your full-time career?

I was actually laid off from my job as a Business Analyst just before the pandemic due to a slowdown of incoming work. When that happened, I decided to try writing full-time. At that time, I had around 28 books under my belt. I've been writing full-time for the last two years and it's been an absolute dream come true

Your three most current books cover stories set during WWII, but your previous books were of lords and ladies in castles from centuries in the past. Why the change in genre? 

I've actually always wanted to write a historical fiction and decided 2020 was the year I was going to do it. I really enjoy digging deep into the research and losing myself in non-fiction books about the time period I'm writing. With romance, the focus of the story in on the love developing between the characters, but with historical fiction, the historical detail is as important as the protagonist.

Getting to add in so much of the amazing facts and historical backstory necessary for historical fiction is something I have found I absolutely enjoy. As far as the time period goes, WWII is something that means a lot to me after having spent more than 12 years of my life living in Germany. I grew up going to museums that were designed to not only share what happened during WWII, but also ensure such atrocities never occur again. 

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

I have to say it's the plotting. I’m a very Type A writer and need to have all of the character charts and plot completely done before I can start the book. It is very hard to hold off on writing when I have to sit there and narrow down the chapter-by-chapter details. But if I start too much before my plot is done, I find myself in a hole that is very hard to get out of.

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

 My friends! When I first started writing, I had somebody very important in my life who did not support me at all - in fact, they were very disparaging about my work. It was through my friends’ encouragement that I entered several writing contests. I then won first place in those contests and that is what gave me the confidence to find an agent and put my writing out there for publication. I would never be where I am today without the love and support of my friends.  

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

I wish I would've had a little bit more confidence in myself from the start. In my earlier books, I never felt like I could push back with edits because I didn’t feel worthy of speaking up for myself. Now that I’ve written so many books, I’m comfortable with politely standing up for what I think should remain in my books if I don’t agree with the edits. I think that confidence is definitely something that comes with time though. 

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

When you have to stop writing, take a few seconds to jot down at least a sentence about what you plan to have come next. It can be as simple as “He says no, she gets mad and goes to see her neighbor” – whatever – anything that can help jog your thoughts to pick up where you left off the next time you sit down in front of the computer. 

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

Two very important things to always continue as a writer: 1. Read! In your genre, out of your genre, classics, contemporaries, best sellers…all of it. Keep your well full or it will go dry. 2. Never stop learning. Nobody knows everything - and if they think they do, they haven’t been digging deep enough.  

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

The Librarian Spy is my next upcoming book that comes out July 26, 2022. This was a really incredible book to write, not only because I had to research three different countries during World War II (Portugal, France, and the USA) but also because I was able to travel to each of the locations.

Ava thought her job as a librarian at the Library of Congress would mean a quiet, routine existence. But an unexpected offer from the US military has brought her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence.

Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It’s a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them.

As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope in the face of war.

 Sounds intriguing! If you’d like to learn more about Madeline’s books here is the link to her website which also features all her social media links!

Website: https://madelinemartin.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Madeline-Martin/e/B00R8OGFN2
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/madeline-martin

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12062937.Madeline_Martin