It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas 2025: Author Interview with Cathe Swanson

What made you decide to write a Christmas themed book?

Every year, I write a book for the Christmas Lights Collection, so I have quite a few Christmas books. For the past three years, I have written books set in Golden Valley, Montana: Hashtag Hitched at Christmas, A Gold-Fashioned Christmas, and A Christmas Glow-Up. This year’s collection, Lovelight Gleams, is our 10th annual collection!

Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
When social media influencer Lindy Sutton loses her job in Seattle, the last place she expects to land is Golden Valley, Montana—population 500 and shrinking fast. Her great-aunt Clara has recruited her to promote a brand-new conference center as the ultimate destination wedding venue, complete with ghost town backdrops and Rocky Mountain sunsets. It's a quirky gig with a tight deadline: document a New Year's Eve wedding that will save a dying town. But between the bride's questionable choice in grooms, a banana-yellow rental car that won't go uphill, and a frustratingly handsome sheriff who keeps pulling her over, Lindy's Montana adventure is nothing like her carefully curated Instagram feed.

Sheriff Wyatt West has his hands full keeping the peace in Gold River County, especially with his father waging a one-man war against the very conference center that represents the town's last hope for survival. The last thing Wyatt needs is a glamorous city girl with a ring light and a sports car disrupting his orderly world. Yet somehow Lindy's enthusiasm is contagious, her laughter is irresistible, and those sunset-amber eyes make him forget every reason he should keep his distance. When vandalism threatens the town's dreams and family secrets come to light, Wyatt must choose between loyalty to his father and his growing feelings for a woman who might not stay past New Year's.

As Christmas approaches and wedding plans unravel, Lindy discovers that Golden Valley isn't just a backdrop for her videos—it's becoming home. But can a small-town sheriff and a big-city influencer find common ground when their worlds are hashtag-incompatible? In a season of hope and second chances, two hearts will learn that the best gifts can't be wrapped, the truest love stories aren't scripted, and sometimes God's greatest blessings come in the most unexpected packages.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I love to decorate my home for Christmas with things that are special to me -- family heirloom decorations and many that are handmade by me or friends and family. I have a lot of framed photos from family Christmas celebrations over the past fifty or sixty years, and I hang them up only at Christmastime, covering most of one wall. They get packed away after the holiday, so it’s fun to see them “fresh” each Christmas. The grandchildren enjoy seeing the pictures of their parents and grandparents celebrating Christmas as children.

What’s next in writing for you?
I’m currently working on a series set in the late 1960s to early 1970s. My generation experienced dramatic political, cultural, economic, and spiritual changes in our lifetime! These books will have some romance, but they are primarily mystery/suspense. And Jesus People!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Maintain a “series bible” with all the details for each book, to stay consistent. Otherwise, I forget things from one book to the next. I recently had a man inherit property from an aunt he’d never met, because he was her only living relative. But I had initially introduced him as having parents and siblings! (Younger authors might not have this problem.😉)

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Prepare to treat it like a business from the start, with separate bank and Amazon accounts. Track expenses and income closely and learn to read the data, making practical decisions based on accurate information. And keep up to date on it all year, to make tax returns less stressful.

Any last words or tips?
Write at your own “spiritual comfort level” for each story. Don’t downplay the Christianity because you’re afraid you might turn people off, and don’t try to shoehorn religion into a story just because you want to write Christian fiction. Keep it natural. My books tend to be heavy in Christian content because they are usually set in Christian ministries and communities. Scripture is quoted. Sermons are discussed. Prayer is offered aloud. The books that are set in more secular environments still have Christian characters, and they behave like Christians (you know… sinners saved by grace!), but the stories are less “saturated” in daily Christian life.

What’s your newest release that you’d like to tell my readers about?
Don’t miss this year’s Christmas Lights Collection: Lovelight Gleams

It includes contemporary Christian romance novels from Chautona Havig, Jaycee Weaver, Laina Turner, and me, Cathe Swanson!

That's all for today's interview. I love the plot for Cathe's latest Christmas book. It's a fresh and creative idea. Hope you like it, too. Here are some links to find out about this books and all the others Cathe has written. 

https://catheswanson.com/books/
https://www.facebook.com/CatheSwanson/

And here's a bonus for my readers... Get a free eBook copy of Potato Flake Christmas by signing up for her newsletter. Just click on the link below. I did it and I'm looking forward to reading this story! https://catheswanson.com/newsletter/

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas 2025: Author Interview with Heidi Gray McGill

What made you decide to write a Christmas-themed book?

That’s such a fun question. Everyone loves Christmas, don’t they? There’s just something about the season that makes everything feel a little more urgent. Emotions deepen, miracles seem closer, and stories move faster. For me, Christmas is the perfect setting for redemption and second chances, which are at the heart of every book I write. I love exploring how God meets us in our most ordinary moments… even when those moments are wrapped in tinsel and snow.

Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
Of course! A Place to Belong follows Josephine Blake, a woman carrying more baggage than a Christmas sleigh. She’s alone, pregnant, and desperate for a fresh start when she arrives in Shumard Oak Bend. There she meets Jeremiah Remington, a war veteran missing an arm and carrying emotional scars of his own. What I love most about their story is that it’s not about perfection; it’s about grace. Josephine and Jeremiah both learn that belonging isn’t something you earn; it’s something God freely gives.

If that sounds like the kind of story that warms your heart, now’s the perfect time to purchase A Place to Belong. During the month of November, the eBook is just $0.99 — a little early Christmas gift from me to you. I hope readers will not only enjoy the story but also be reminded that no one is beyond God’s grace and that we all have a place in His plan.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Confession time: I do not enjoy decorating. I know that’s strange, but all that extra “stuff” feels like clutter to me. Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing other people’s beautiful displays and how much joy it brings them. But for me, the candlelight service on Christmas Eve is what fills my heart. There’s something sacred about singing those old hymns surrounded by your church family. When the house lights go down and the sanctuary glows with candles, I’m reminded that Jesus truly is the Light of the world.

What’s your next book project?

I'm glad you asked! I have a special Christmas surprise coming soon, exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. There’s still time to join in the fun at heidigraymcgill.com/free_book.
I’m also hard at work on Book 6 in my Discerning God’s Best series, Keeper of My Heart. I’ve known Cecelia Shankel since she was a little girl in Book 1, and now she’s all grown up and more than ready for her own story. She’s strong-willed, capable, and just might meet her match in Jimmy Reeves, a book-smart pharmacist who’s learning life lessons that can’t be found in any textbook.

And if your readers are near the Carolinas, I’d love to meet them in person! I’m coordinating the Carolinas Christian Book Event on April 18 in Fort Mill, South Carolina. We’ll have special guests like Misty Beller, Amy Clipston, and Vincent Davis, plus a host of wonderful authors… including yours truly!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given?
This one’s easy: Know your why. Writing is not for the faint of heart. Reviews can make your day or ruin it. Publishing, traditional or indie, requires patience, perseverance, and prayer. If you don’t know why you’re writing, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. My “why” has never been about numbers or recognition; it’s about Jesus. I write so readers can see Him more clearly, feel His love more deeply, and maybe encounter Him in a way they never have before. That purpose steadies me when everything else feels uncertain.

What do you know now about writing and publishing that you wish you’d learned sooner?
Great question. I wish I’d known how much more there is to this than just writing a good story. You can have the most beautiful book in the world, but if you don’t understand the business side (marketing, metadata, audience, and presentation) it won’t reach the readers who need it most. Even if your heart views writing as a ministry, your mind must treat it as a business. Learn from others, attend conferences, find a critique partner, read loads of craft books, and read widely in your genre. It’s the best education you’ll ever get.

Any last words or tips?
If God has called you, He will equip you. I didn’t start out as a writer. I was the founder and director of an English as a Second Language program. My degree wasn’t in English, and I barely scraped through college writing courses. But when God planted the desire in my heart to share Jesus through story, I simply said yes. He supplied the rest. Your obedience is what He blesses.

What’s your newest release that you’d like to tell my readers about?
Thank you for asking! Keeper of My Heart is coming soon, and it’s one I’m especially excited about. It’s set in 1877 Missouri and follows Cecelia Shankel, who’s been part of my series since childhood. She’s a fiery, capable frontier woman—strong enough to break a horse and stubborn enough to think she doesn’t need anyone’s help. Enter Jimmy Reeves, a thoughtful, slightly awkward pharmacist learning herbal medicine on the frontier. Their worlds collide in unexpected ways, and together they’ll face both physical and spiritual challenges that test their courage and faith.

I’m so grateful to you, Christine, for giving me the chance to share about my stories and my heart for writing. It’s always a joy to connect with readers who love faith-filled fiction as much as I do.

That's all for today's interview. If you’d like to keep up with Heidi's latest books, devotionals, and behind-the-scenes fun, here's how you can connect with her.
https://heidigraymcgill.com/
https://Store.heidigraymcgill.com/
https://www.amazon.com/author/heidigraymcgill
https://www.instagram.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851872.Heidi_Gray_McGill
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-gray-mcgill?follow=true
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill
https://twitter.com/HeidiGrayMcGill

And here's a special bonus for my readers... Sign up for her newsletter which you'll find on the top left once you open https://heidigraymcgill.com/ I just did that and look forward to reading that story.
  
Audiobook fans can enjoy her stories on all major retailers and subscription platforms, borrow them through your local library, or listen free on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@authorheidigraymcgill/?sub_confirmation=1

Finding Your Starting Point to Write: Author Interview with Michelle Romano

What inspired you to write your first novel?
I've always loved to write. My novels come from a place of emotion, as a starting point. Finding Faith was written after the ending of a relationship, and the story evolved from there. The idea that inspired me to write Theo's Heart was a combination of experiences with love and loss. When I have a plot idea and a direction, I wait until the emotional pull of the story captures me and then the story creates itself. 

How long did it take to prep your first book for publication?
My books have taken me one to two years to complete for publication. There is a lot of work behind the scenes, like editing, cover designs, author bio, book introduction, marketing, etc.

Who had encouraged you along the way?
I get positive feedback about my writing from my parents, boyfriend, and a couple close friends. They usually read my stories in the early stages, and then others read it when closer to publication. Along the way, I've befriended authors, and they regularly give me encouraging words which have kept me engaged and moving forward!

Are you active in any critique groups?
I love critiquecircle.com. An author friend referred me to this group. It's been a Godsend. It's so helpful to hear what others think of my work, and I've grown so much because of their insights. I also love to return the favor.

You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do?
Yes, being an indie author is a lot of work! I write my own stories, bio and book introductions. I use Fiverr.com when I need editors, beta readers, and cover designers. These are day-to-day gifted people from around the world. It's reasonably priced, and I can find people in my genre. I try to keep costs low though, I've had to learn a lot.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
That I write well and that my writing is engaging. I've been told it's deep, real and beautiful.

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'm still learning! I've tried a variety of avenues including Amazon Ads and other promotional programs. However, I stand by Facebook and LinkedIn. But not without daily engagement on my part. My motto is that we have the power to be impactful when we develop connections. So, this is what I try to do on social media. I belong to at least 90 groups for authors and readers. I am constantly liking posts, responding to questions, asking questions, and offering to help authors by reading/reviewing their work. I am trying to get seen. 

Weekly, I post my books on these websites. This approach has increased the number of people reading/reviewing my books. It's hard to sell books, but I am happy with the direction I'm heading. It takes time, and I am hoping that with reviews, more sales will eventually come.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I wished someone told me that marketing is like a full-time job, and to wait until summer to publish so that I would have more time since I don't work in the summer months. I also love to research and network. If I knew how much of this I needed to do, I would've started a lot sooner.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
The best advice is to use the five senses when writing and to show emotion, to bring the reader into the story. There is a great book that helps with this called "The Emotion Thesaurus." My advice is to not give up. Sometimes, I feel as if my head is going to explode - there's so much information to learn. But through spreadsheets and daily organization of emails and Facebook notifications, I am able to stay afloat. I'd also tell new authors that there are zillions of new books being published every single day, so it's important to find their niche.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I love to write. It takes courage to write a story, and I admire the people who have that courage. Because they take that risk, phenomenal books are available.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
Theo's Heart will be published on May 17. Here's the book introduction: Hushed cries and unexplained vibrations fill the empty corridors of Serenity hospital. Fifty-six-year-old Mari clings to her best friend Theo after a devastating car accident. But as prayers beckon for a miracle, Mari senses a presence, a connection to the Other Side. Guided by enigmatic messages from Theo’s doctor, Matteo, Mari embarks on a spiritual trek where the ordinary intersects with the extraordinary. And as her journey unfolds, she delves deeper into the mysteries of the unconscious mind, and discovers a love that transcends time.

That's all for today's interview. If you would like to learn more about Michelle's books, here are the links to get you started:

Finding Faith:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KNSNBDR 
Theo's Heart: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1BFKLP  
Website: https://www.michelle-romano.com/
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  Michelle's eBooks. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Wednesday!

Research and Deliver a Thought Provoking Story: An Interview with April Gardner

How would you describe your books? Informational non-fiction, historical fiction, or fiction?

My novels are inspirational historical romance, and my main series (Creek Country Saga) has a strong Native American theme. I usually pick a little-known setting or event to highlight in my stories, so my series is set during the 1813 Creek War and during the First Seminole War (1817).

What type of research do you do in writing a story with a historical base? Tell me about the process.

Because my stories are deeply historical, the research has to match, so there’s tons of it. My favorite method is to get books from the library.  If a book has a substantial amount of information I need, I’ll buy it from Amazon. I prefer to own books so I can mark them up with notes.

How much do you take “artistic” license do you employ with your research?

As far as artistic license, I prefer to keep the setting and events as close to history as possible, but I don’t mind straying a bit if necessary, then making mention of the deviation in my “author’s notes” at the end. Historical accuracy is very important to me, but the story always comes first.

So far, I haven’t had any complaints from readers about inaccuracy. Not because there isn’t any, I’m sure! But because my settings are so little-known there are very few who would recognize inaccuracies. It makes the writing easier, but in another sense, it increases the pressure because, for the most part, readers are trusting. They trust historical authors to feed them accurate information. If they can’t easily verify it for themselves, that trust increases, upping the pressure on the author to not lead them wrong.

What are some of the more difficult aspects of writing historical novel? 

Period and cultural voice is a difficult aspect of writing historical fiction. The characters’ dialogue (and to a lesser extent narrative) require a specific ring to it or readers don’t buy it. A single modern-sounding word can throw a reader straight out of the story.

Have other novels been started and stopped along the way?

No, I haven’t started any novels that I haven’t stopped. When I set my mind to something, I become a wee bit obsessive. There’s no quitting until it’s done.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?

My editor slaps my wrist for my overuse of “then” as a conjunction. I do so love my “thens”!

Yes, we all have our writing crutches! What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

Hearing from satisfied readers—women who have come away from my novels having learned something about our history and loved it.

In reviewing your Facebook page, I saw something about a "takeover" day. Can you explain

what that's about?

Sure! It’s new to me too. One of my favorite Facebook groups is called Christian Books—Connecting Readers and Authors. Becky, the woman who runs it, is all about—you guessed it—connecting readers with the authors they love. And with authors, they’ve never heard of. To that end, she does “takeover” days where an author is given two hours of control over the group to have a party of sorts. 

During my slot, I posted every 15 minutes with giveaways and info on my books, but mostly, I posted questions that got readers chatting. It was a complete blast. Here’s the link to the group for any who would like to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectingreadersandauthors/

Give me an example of how you learned to write past rejection.

I’m an indie author and have been for a while now, so I no longer receive rejections from publishing houses and agents. (It’s the life!) But a rejection I do get is from readers who reject the Christian message in my books. 

I realize this is a normal reaction from unbelievers, but it still makes me sad. Instead of discouraging me, though, it empowers me to write more. If the message of Christ is pinching a few consciences, then it’s working, and I should keep at it.

You publish your books through Amazon Digital Services. What tips could you give someone who wants to indie-publish?

I use Kindle Direct Publishing for my e-books and CreateSpace for my paperbacks. When I started out a couple years ago, I did not consider other options because I knew these were the go-to starting points for indie authors.

Recently, I’ve branched out into Ingram Spark, which is Ingram’s answer to CreateSpace for indie authors. It’s not simple or straightforward (at all!), but books in Ingram Spark have easier access to libraries and brick-and-mortar stores. It’s all-around good to be hooked up with Ingram.

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

I wish I’d known that I should purchase my own ISBNs instead of using Amazon’s free ones, and I wish I’d known to get a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) before publishing my paperbacks. 

I didn’t know this for my first three paperbacks, so when I realized I needed them to get into Ingram Spark, I had to go to the trouble of putting out new editions. Since then, I’ve put out an additional four paperbacks that have my ISBNs as well as LCCNs, and they are all in Ingram, which makes me smile!

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

I’ve learned so much in my ten-plus years of writing novels, but lately, God has impressed on me the need for balance. As I said, I easily become obsessed, but God wants us to live balanced lives. So lately, my motto is to strive to be a whole person (wife, mother, sister in Christ, daughter, neighbor), not just a writer.

What other books do you have in the works?

Right now, I’m editing a book I wrote five years ago, preparing it for publication in September. It’s a little detour from my Creek Country Saga. This one, Beautiful in His Sight, is set in 1917 Halifax, Nova Scotia. The setting in the WW1 Halifax Explosion and I can’t wait to share it with the world!

Could you give me a brief synopsis of the story?

Silas Quinn’s spirit died in the icy waters of the Atlantic along with the mighty Titanic. Now a pauper on the home front of the war to end all wars, he is overlooked by society and by God. He struggles through a hardscrabble existence until a defenseless prostitute reawakens his heart and gives him new purpose. Her invisible protector, he follows the Spirit’s prompting until the unthinkable obliterates their world.

Helen Fraser wakes from a devastating explosion to find herself blind and buried alive. Except for the crackle of flame and the cry of a child, the bustling Halifax streets have fallen silent. When all seems lost, a stranger calls her name. Warm and comforting, the voice penetrates the fear binding her in a blackened world and sets her on the path to experiencing unconditional love.

Rising from the scorched rubble, Helen seeks a handhold on God’s grace, while Silas discovers his heart can do more than beat—it can love.

Sounds intriguing especially since I’ve been to the Halifax museum that chronicled that tragic event. I hope my readers will be inspired as well to follow up on the book and your other ones. Here is how you can do that.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/april.gardner1/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/april-w-gardner

Website: http://www.aprilgardner.com/

Focus on your Query Letters: An Interview with Scarlett Dunn

What made you decide to write your first novel? Was there any particular author you read that made you think, I could write like that? From a very young age, I knew I would write novels one day. I read non-fiction and tons of history books.  When I read fiction, it was mysteries. I didn’t have much interest in romance novels, other than the classics. Once I started reading more romance, I loved the genre. I decided to combine my love of history with inspirational romance.  How long did it take you to write your first book? When I was writing my first published book I owned two businesses, and I didn’t have much free time. It took almost a year to write that one.  How many rewrites did you do on it? No rewrites, before or after I submitted the manuscript. Who helped you with the editing? My agent read through the manuscript of my first published book. While there were no content changes, she found a few mistakes. I don’t know if anyone else has this problem, but I see words that aren’t there! I’m confident I typed them, so I think my computer eats them!  Who encouraged you along the way? I walk every morning, and I call these my “God” walks. I always turn over any writing dilemmas to Him, and I feel He encourages me every morning. It’s a great way to start the day. I may not receive an answer at the moment, but if not, you can bet the answer will come to me in a dream rather quickly. I also have a good friend who encourages me with every project. I do want to urge those writers who may not have a cheering section, to persevere. I’m a big believer in having faith in yourself. If the desire is in your heart, then you have the talent to see it through. There are always a few naysayers, but your dream is not their dream. You are the only one that can keep your dream alive. How did you go about finding an agent/publisher? Did you go to conferences? Send out queries? Introduced to someone in the business? After researching the people who would be most likely to have an interest in what I write, I sent ten queries. I was fortunate to receive responses rather quickly. The agent who called me after receiving my query, read my manuscript in a few days and became my agent. It was only a matter of weeks after receiving my manuscript that she sold the trilogy. I was truly blessed.  What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Dialog? Tension, etc?  The hardest part for me is writing a romantic scene. It is important for me to be true to my beliefs, and I don’t think every romance novel requires explicit sexual scenes. There’s definitely a market for the more graphic scenes, but it doesn’t mean there is not an audience for something different.  I see romantic scenes as a delicate balance of creating sexual tension, yet leaving something to the imagination. Think about it — there was a time when a man saw a woman’s ankle, his imagination ran rampant! Less is oftentimes more. What does your editor remind you to do most often? I have a wonderful editor, John Scognamiglio with Kensington Books. Since my agent died last year, John is the first person who reads my complete manuscript. He is a talented professional, and he always offers great suggestions. If I haven’t expounded on feelings of a particular character in a scene, he will let me know.  What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? My initial agent was extremely encouraging. She always told me she loved my work. I’m encouraged when my editor likes my work. I am encouraged by my readers, and appreciate the kind messages they send.  I love hearing from women since they are voracious romance readers, and it’s a joy to hear their opinions. Lately, I’ve heard from several men who say they never picked up a romance novel, but they saw mine and gave it a try — and even better, they enjoyed it. That’s very encouraging! A few gentlemen have told me they teared up reading one of my novels, and I really loved that. We have all experienced rejection. Give me an example of one you’ve had, and how you learned to write past it. I know this is going against the norm, but I don’t even think about rejection. Agents and publishers are like your readers, some will like your work, and some won’t. Writers starting out should remember it’s not a rejection of you, but simply a project that may not be right for them at the time. Why waste mental energy feeling rejected? Buy a pair of shoes or cowboy boots and move on! What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing? It surprised me how excited I would be to see my first cover. What frustrated you the most? If I had to pick one thing, I guess it would be that after you’ve read your novel so many times, and it’s been read by many individuals before it is printed, there will occasionally be a mistake. It’s going to happen. In the final analysis, it’s really not that earth-shattering, and I know we all try hard to avoid the mistakes. What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?  How much fun it would be. I love everything about the process. What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give? My best advice is to set writing goals. If you don’t set daily/weekly benchmarks, you have a tendency to let other things keep you from writing. I also think it is important to have an outline. It doesn’t need to be lengthy, but an outline keeps you focused. Don’t panic when thinking about an outline — it’s not carved in stone, you can change it! Are there any other points about writing that you would like to add? I would probably stress the importance of character development. Once you know your characters inside and out, it’s amazing how the story falls in line. I would also encourage writers trying to get published not to send a ton of queries. Take the time to do your homework on the agents. Just like writing, you need to be laser focused when searching for an agent or a publisher. Your query is an important selling tool, so before you send it out, ask yourself if you would request the manuscript from your query letter. What is the next book that will be coming out? Give me a short synopsis? WHISPERING PINES is the first book in my new trilogy to be released July 25, 2017. ..After an absence of five years, Rose Langtry returns home to Whispering Pines to find her intimidating neighbor, Morgan LeMasters, is about to hang her brother for cattle rustling. After a tragic stagecoach accident, Morgan cares for Rose, and she discovers he’s not the terrifying man her brother has led her to believe. Both Rose and Morgan will be caught up in her outlaw brother’s evil schemes as they try to forge a life together. That’s all for today’s interview. If you would like to learn more about Scarlett’s upcoming works or buy her books, here are some links to get you started. www.scarlettdunn.com twitter@scarlettdunn2 friend me on Facebook If writers have questions, they can email me at authorscarlettdunn@gmail.com I try to respond to all questions, but if I'm not particularly timely, be patient.

Romance Southern Style: An Interview with Janet Ferguson

When did you start your first novel? 

I started my first novel Leaving Oxford in August of 2012. I'd had the idea for it for about seven years prior to that. I was working as a high school librarian, the mother of two teens, and the primary caregiver for my elderly parents. Both my parents plus my mother-in-law passed away in the spring of 2012, and I began to realize that life is short. I quit putting off trying to write the novel and got started.

What made you choose inspirational romance as your genre? 

This is funny about the romance part because I wasn't sure if my story was a romance until I rather accidentally attended a local RWA meeting. They assured me I had, indeed, written a romance. I knew the story was inspirational due to the content. I wanted to encourage people suffering from anxiety disorders, and somehow in my quirky brain, the encouragement came out in the form of an inspirational romantic comedy. 

Was there any particular author you read that made you think, I could write like that?

Not that I could write like her, but I enjoyed Karen Kingsbury's Redemption series. She wrote these with Gary Smalley. That series really connected you to the characters, and the secondary characters became main characters as it progressed. My Southern Hearts series is similar in that way.

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

The first draft of Leaving Oxford took me about four months. Of course, I had no idea about the craft of writing. My friends, family, and book club read my story, but that wasn't enough. 

How did you take your writing to the next level?

I joined a few writing groups, local and national. I attended my first writers' conference, the RWA national in Atlanta. I quickly learned how little I knew about the industry. I also joined ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) I began acquiring critique partners, and I became a bit of a critique partner addict. I'm not sure how many critiques I actually had overall, but consistently, I critiqued with about 12 authors. 

How many rewrites did you do on that first novel? 

I worked on improving Leaving Oxford for four years. I can't count how many rewrites I did. A lot! In the meantime, I wrote the rest of the series. 

Who encouraged you along the way?

Many authors and friends encouraged me, along with my book club. When I finally sent that book to be edited by a profession fiction editor, there were still an overwhelming amount of red marks/edits made. My editor is a well respected Inspirational fiction editor, and I know I needed every one of those comments and improvements. I'm so thankful for her.

What made you decide to go the indie route in publishing? 
The decision to go indie wasn't easy. I pitched like crazy at conferences, talked to an agent for a good while, and, like I said, worked hard to have a well-crafted novel, but the Inspirational market took a big hit with Family Christian reorganizing a few years ago, and now their closing. The spots for new authors at the large Christian publishers were cut back. 

One of my critique partners went indie and was doing really well, so I asked her if she would mentor me. I was still terrified, but she and other successful indies helped me. I formed my own publishing company according to my secretary of state guidelines, hired a great cover artist, a top fiction editor, and proofreader. My mentor helped me with the evil job of formatting, which was the worst part for me. I want my product to be as good and as professional as any other novel in the bookstores.

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

Getting started is hardest lately, ha! I seem to be busy with marketing. I love dialog. I still struggle to have external conflict, at times. My friend Lorraine Beatty who writes for Love Inspired always reminds me about the internal and external conflict. She's great with that, and I'm blessed to have met her!

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

Wow, so many, ha! I think it's harder when an agent or publisher doesn't tell you anything. That happened often.

I guess, just knowing other authors and that they had been rejected, too, creates a camaraderie. We pat each other on the back when we get a bad review. These things are just part of the industry. We must develop a thick skin.

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing? 

Writers help each other. That surprised me. I just had a blog hop sharing about how writing is a team sport. The author community really tries to give back for the most part.

What frustrated you the most?

The frustrating part? Hmmm, I think not having as much time, energy, or eye strength to read as much as I used to. I was always and avid reader, and I miss that.

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

There is a craft to writing. Study, learn, repeat. Take classes. It's not easy to write a quality story. I may not have had to rewrite Leaving Oxford so many times if I'd known anything before I started.

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

Don't publish too soon, and don't pay a company to publish your book. I'm met a lot of people who poured money into getting their book published with vanity presses. Not only did they lose money, but their story wasn't ready, and then they received bad reviews.

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

Speaking of reviews, I've learned to write nice reviews when I like a novel. Reviews help authors in many ways and they also encourage authors. I can't even leave reviews anymore if I don't like a book. I know someone has spilled their heart onto a page. Of course, I'm not saying everyone has to follow that as a rule. Just know that authors read those reviews and cry more than a few tears over them.

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

I'm writing a story set in Ocean Springs, Mississippi about a meteorologist and a ship pilot. The release date hasn't been set yet. Here's the blurb.

Maggie Marovich couldn’t save her father from Hurricane Katrina, but she’s dedicated her life to meteorology so she can warn others when the monster storms approach.  If only they would listen to her and come inland. Both her sister and the ship pilot Maggie loved are too stubborn. With a hurricane headed toward her childhood home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and her sister injured, Maggie has little choice but to head south into the storm.

The water and the tides flow through Josh Bergeron’s veins, and he could never imagine not piloting ships—even for the love of his life, the infuriating Magnolia Marovich. He’d tried to move on without her, marrying and having a child. But after his wife abandoned him and his little boy, his career choice is threatened. Moving in next door to Maggie’s sister so she can help with his son while he’s down the river seems like the perfect set-up.

Until Maggie blows back into town.

Sounds intriguing. If you would like to learn more about Janet's books, here is a link to the first book to start you along the way with the Southern Hearts series. 

https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Oxford-Southern-Hearts-Book-ebook/dp/B01DJJKRJM/

Breaking News!! For April 18th only--- Leaving Oxford is FREE on Kindle today.

For more on her writing: 

https://www.facebook.com/Janet.Ferguson.author

http://www.janetfergusonauthor.com/