It's beginning to read a lot like Christmas 2025: Author Interview with D.E. Malone

What made you decide to write a Christmas themed book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
Christmas is my favorite holiday so I'm always thinking about how I can let my series' characters enjoy this special season. Here's the synopsis for my upcoming release, Christmas in Port Chance: With the holidays approaching, Sadie Wendell fights the melancholy of experiencing another Christmas alone. She loves caring for injured animals at her wildlife rehab center, but it doesn’t fill the void she still feels years after a bitter divorce. Even taking on a new business partner to stave off money troubles isn’t the distraction she needs. Then her partner’s brother walks into the rescue in the midst of a squirrel catastrophe, turning Sadie’s dismal holiday season upside down.

Hayes Kelley vows to make the best of being laid off from his job, and working alongside Sadie at Furever Friends Rescue while helping his sister recuperate might be an unexpected gift this holiday season. Trouble is, he’s convinced Sadie feels his presence around the property is like finding coal in her stocking.

Hayes Kelley vows to make the best of being laid off from his job, and working alongside Sadie at Furever Friends Rescue while helping his sister recuperate might be an unexpected gift this holiday season. Trouble is, he’s convinced Sadie feels his presence around the property is like finding coal in her stocking.

When a patron proposes a fundraiser for the rehab center, Sadie reluctantly accepts Hayes’ help. Can he convince her that their temporary partnership might be a second chance at love to heal her heartbreak before his time runs out in Port Chance?

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
We've had ornament-making parties in years past, which I love, but sometimes our schedules don't sync so we don't do it every year. We love to attend Christmas Eve service then come back to our house for a potluck and gift exchange. We've also started taking short trips during the week after Christmas with our kids and grandkids to some place within a few hours' drive. It's a great way to unwind from the bustle of activities.

What’s next? 
I have one more book to write in the Port Chance series which will release sometime in the spring. Then I have two Christmas projects lined up for later in the year.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
That there's no such thing as writer's block. Maybe I'm stuck on a scene, but I can always skip to another part of the book to keep writing. I keep a loose outline within the manuscript so it's easy for me to jot down bits of dialogue or a setting description for a chapter farther along. It keeps the momentum going rather than sitting in front of my laptop struggling to make a scene work. When I do come back to the part where I stalled, I'm usually refreshed enough to pick up where I left off.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I wish I would have forged my own path sooner rather than pushing for the traditional publishing route. After ten years of indie publishing, I now know this was right one for me all along.

Any last words or tips?
Build your team of supportive and trusted people, and learn to accept constructive criticism about your writing.

That's all for today's interview. To learn more about Dawn's books, check out these links.

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/D.E.- Malone/author/B07GL6437G
Facebook: I have ongoing giveaways in my readers group on Facebook to celebrate the upcoming book release here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dmbks
And here's a bonus tip for my readers... Sign up for her newsletter and you'll get a free novella to start the Port Chance series. https://BookHip.com/ZGJDSLH I signed up and am enjoying reading this couple's story!

Pay Attention to your POV: Author Interview with Jacqueline Adam

Most everyone thinks they can write a novel. What made you decide to write your first one? 
From the time I was a kid, I have always loved reading. I loved the adventures that books would take me on, and often didn’t want them to end. So, I would find myself writing my own versions of what happened next. At a young age, I fell in love with writing, but I always looked at becoming an author like other kids looked at joining the NHL. It was a great dream, but it would never be more than that.

That changed when I was nearing 40 and chatting with another mom on the sidelines of my daughter's soccer game. I discovered that she was a published author and of course I had a million questions. She was amazing, answering everything, and it was through her encouragement that I attended my first writers' conference that fall. It was incredible. The information I learned, connections I made, well, there’s nothing quite like your first writing conference.

Through that conference, I discovered online resources, and at the time, Twitter was very popular for making connections in the publishing world. I began following an editor at Love Inspired Suspense and she announced that they were having an Author Search event. You had to submit your first chapter and a synopsis of your novel. I was hesitant, but my husband nudged me to go for it. So I buckled down and I wrote really hard and submitted.

The editor gave me encouraging feedback, and while it wasn’t accepted, she said that if I was willing to make some changes, she would be interested in seeing my manuscript again. That book eventually became my debut novel, Targeted Witness. In all, it went through about nine rewrites. Each rejection stung, but the editor notes, helped strengthen the story. I began to see those rejections less as failures and more as creative challenges and in the end, I think the manuscript became stronger because of it.

How did you go about finding an agent/publisher? From the time you were signed by your agent/publisher how long did it take to get the publishing contract and the book published?
I actually found my publisher first, which is a bit unusual. Love Inspired Suspense has an open submission policy, so you don’t need to be agented to submit to them. This is great for first-time authors trying to break into the field. If you go to, https://harlequin.submittable.com/submit you’ll find their guidelines and submission policy.

While I was in the process of having my manuscript accepted by LIS, I was signed by the wonderful Tamala Hancock-Murray of the Steve Laube agency, who has been such a blessing in navigating the writing world.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Outside of family, because my family has been absolutely outstanding, I’d say the best encouragement has come from other authors and the readers. I’ve had authors reach out during those moments when I want to throw in the towel and cheer me on. I’ve had readers email me to tell me how much they enjoyed my story. Those moments mean everything, especially when you are new.

If you are a new writer, I highly recommend you plug into a community, whether that be attending a conference (some are even free), finding a local writers group, or meeting other authors online. Writing can be solitary, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.

What’s the hardest part about writing for you?  
The hardest part for me is the infamous saggy middle. I often know how I want things to start and where I want them to end, but that middle can feel like a maze. That natural journey of getting the characters from point A to point B while keeping the tension high, that’s where the real work begins.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?
Grammar. I finally caved and purchased Grammarly. I am the queen of dangling modifiers, starting sentences with gerunds, and all sorts of other grammatical infractions. My editor is a saint.

What did you learn in publishing your first book that helped you in writing your second book?
I learned a lot. One of the best tips is if a scene is falling flat, look at the POV.  Ask yourself, who is the person with the most to lose or gain in this scene? Is that person whose POV you are in? If not, try switching it and see what happens.

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?
 Do not compare anyone’s published and edited work with your first draft.

What is the best book you've ever read about the craft of writing?
Stein On Writing, by Sol Stein.

What is the best advice you’ve learned about writing that you would like to pass along?
There are no absolute rules. Yes, it is important to understand the craft, but you don’t need a MFA to write a book that connects with readers. Learn the rules, but then don’t be afraid to break them if it serves your story.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next book is Kidnapped For Ransom, coming out October 28, 2025.

After her husband’s murder, Dr. Chelsea Eidman discovers he wasn’t the man she thought he was. Behind the white-picket-fence life? A heist that leaves half a million dollars’ worth of diamonds unrecovered.

Now, the mobster he stole from—and an old accomplice—think Chelsea knows where the diamonds are hidden. (Spoiler: she doesn’t.)

But that’s not stopping them from hunting her and her four-year-old daughter, Lynelle, down.

With danger closing in and her daughter’s life at risk, Chelsea turns to the only person she can… the childhood friend she once almost loved.

Kidnapped for Ransom—where secrets are deadly, love is complicated, and every choice could cost everything.

That's all for today's interview. To learn more about her books, check out these links. 

Instagram: @authorjacquelineadam

Facebook: @jacquelineadamauthor

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jacqueline-Adam/author/B004N9T7A8
Website: https://www.jacquelineadam.com/

 

 

Be Teachable: Author Interview with Kathleen Robison

You write inspirational fiction. Romantic suspense, murder mysteries, and Holiday romance novels, which is quite a range of stories. What inspired you to write the first book? 

It was my adult children. Raising eight children, I rarely had time for hobbies, but when two of my boys were playing college ball, I had a two-hour drive to watch their games all spring season. I’m a daydreamer, always have been, so I started making up a story while driving. Two of my older boys liked to write and encouraged me to finish it! 

What keeps you writing? 

I love sharing God’s love and hope, and writing combines that purpose while fulfilling the creative need to develop a great story. Early on in my writing journey, a reader of Let Them Eat Fruitcake said she’d never thought of living her entire life for Christ the way my main character tried. It inspired her to pursue a deeper faith. That keeps me writing!

You have a 5 book historical mystery series.  How do you do your research for the books? Do you start with a specific era or event?

Many of my ideas come from places where I’ve actually lived or visited, as is the case with the Bay Town Series, so research stems from my memories. As for events, it’s the same, but I’ve also discovered some while reading missionary magazines and stumbling across events on the internet.  I search the internet like crazy! I also contact family, friends, and strangers for authenticity. I have two sons who are missionaries in Japan, married to Japanese sisters, which was a big help in The Cross at Morioka Castle. Likewise, I’ve visited there as well. I have a son who is a Deputy Sheriff, and a son-in-law who is a firefighter, so they’re excellent sources for the suspense aspects as well. 

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

Oh, yes! Too much so, and the most recent, The Cross at Morioka Castle. When I visited my sons in Japan years ago, they took me there and I fell in love with the quiet eeriness. My imagination went wild, and they took me back, on another trip. Years later, a story was born!

Likewise, I have a son who lives in Lynden, Washington. It's a quaint little Dutch town near the Canadian border. I love Lynden, so I’m writing a sweet holiday romance series set in the Pacific Northwest as well as a Romantic Suspense stand alone.

Your bio says you take inspiration from your large extended family for your books. Has anyone ever complained about something you wrote that they seem to think was pointing to them?

Only my husband! He helped me with Ransomed Peace, Bay Town Book Four, and the antagonist was very athletic, like my husband. I took a scene from my husband’s pre-Christian days at a bar playing darts, and he thought I portrayed the evil character as him! Not at all. I totally fabricated him, but my husband thought some elements of the dart playing were spot on.

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

I won a contest! I’m thick-skinned and welcome criticism, which helps me improve my writing. However, I tend to discount the accolades, but I do appreciate a kind word. My author friends and readers have been nothing but encouraging. I’ve been blessed that way. Only once did an editor rip me apart. She didn’t like my story at all. I took the craft elements and changed my story, but not the plot or characters (which she also intensely disliked). After it was published, I won first place in a National Excellence in Story Telling Contest. That was quite encouraging!

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?

That’s difficult to say as I don’t monitor my sales, and I have so much to learn in marketing. But I seriously think FB has been the biggest key for me. I don’t run ads, but I post regularly and try to share other authors’ posts. Perhaps my monthly email newsletter as well. I hope to improve in the area of marketing.

 

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

The craft of writing itself. I knew absolutely nothing when I started. The first critique group I joined was so kind. I didn’t even know what a POV was, and they graciously chuckled and taught me. But they loved my stories and encouraged me to keep writing, never discouraging me with the writing process. Through their recommendation, I checked out library books about writing. I read voraciously and learned from those authors. In the meantime, my editors (except for one) loved my plots and characters, and encouraged me that I had a good grasp on story.

 

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

Join a critique group. I belong to two in-person groups and one online group. Keep searching until you find the one that fits. Don’t go it alone! Write every day, and finish that first draft, then worry about the next step.

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

Be teachable and receive constructive criticism thoughtfully and through prayer. I have a good friend who is an award-winning author signed with a large publisher, and she said teachability is one of my best traits as an author. Never, never stop learning how to write.

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

I’m glad you asked! Christmas Cookie Connections, A Holiday Romance. 

She thought her future was in Haiti. But God may be calling her somewhere unexpected… Andrea’s dream of serving at a Haitian orphanage was put on hold by real life. Now, she’s pouring love and faith into her small-town cookie shop in the Pacific Northwest. 

But when Eliam—a charming, headstrong soccer coach with his own complicated path—walks into her life, everything changes.

Just as their connection deepens, Andrea’s former mentor offers her a chance to return to Haiti for a Christmas outreach. The only catch? Eliam is being considered for the same role. With her heart pulled in two directions, Andrea must choose between a long-held dream and a new calling she never saw coming.

A sweet, inspiring story of faith, second chances, and unexpected love.

That's all for this week's interview. I hope you got some good tips about writing, and her stories tweaked your interest to learn more. Here's how you can do that.

https://www.kathleenjrobison.com/

https://www.subscribepage.com/essentialingredients

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3108667785916519

https://www.instagram.com/kathleenjrobison/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathleen-j-robison

And here's a tip for my readers... click on the subscribe link and sign up for her newsletter, and you'll get a free eBook. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading the story.

Taking up the Challenge to Write: Author Interview with Malissa Chapin

You've now published several books, but what inspired you to write that first one? 
I write Christian women's fiction as well as cozy mysteries. I always wanted to write stories and wrote many epic tales when I was young. Life happened and I never pursued writing until my mom passed away in 2020. She had always cheered me on when I wrote as a child and losing my cheerleader reminded me of the brevity of life.

I decided if I didn't get busy writing, I'd never write anything. My first novel, The Road Home, is a dual-timeline redemption story dedicated to my momma.

How do you go about plotting your murder? Do you pick the victim or the
murderer first? 
I have to know who did it and why before I start. I think I picked the victim and the perpetrator together.

What do you think makes for a perfect murder mystery?
A perfect cozy mystery is an entertaining story with puzzle pieces to figure out so I don't get bored before the ending.

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

A friend told me she didn't want to read my book because she was
concerned she'd have to hurt my feelings. To her relief (and my joy) she
loved it.

I also love when readers say my books made them laugh or cry.

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produces more sales rather than just clicks?
Marketing is always a work in progress. I have a newsletter, a book lover group, an author page, and a website. I enjoy hearing from my readers and working to build relationships.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
After the first book, it's a lot of work! I said your first book is like your first baby. You have time to hope, dream, and plan. Everything is so special and you can't wait to hold that baby. But when you write more books, you have to juggle everything--write more, market, and get out the newsletter. No more time for naps on the couch in the afternoon while you dream about the future. 🥰

What is the best writing advice you've received or could give?
Be willing to take feedback and criticism without getting my feelings hurt. Listening to input only makes my writing better.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Learning to write takes time and effort, but it's worth it. If God allows you to share stories, you need to do it but learn to do your very best.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
I made a promise to my newsletter subscribers that they hear my news first. I haven't released that information yet. So, check out my blog and newsletter for upcoming details. 

That's all for today's interview. To discover more about Malissa's writing, artwork, and more, check out the links below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malissachapinwrites/

Books and more: https://shopmalissachapin.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Malissa-Chapin/author/B09L7RLYQJ

Book Club Resources: Check out her freebies

https://malissachapin.com/category/bookclubresourcesandfreebies/

The Joy of Getting Published: Author Interview with Angie Dickinson

Most everyone thinks they can write a novel. What made you decide to write one? 
I have always been an avid reader, and always in awe of the people whose imaginations created the stories that I love. It sounded like an unattainably difficult task, and yet the most satisfying sort of creativity that I could imagine. I put a lot of thought into the idea of breaking down the process bit by bit until a story emerged, and it eventually sounded like something that I might actually be able to do. I knew that I wouldn’t really know until I tried.

What do you expect readers to take away from your book? 
In Truth Cursed, my main character struggles to understand her own worth and to place trust in others. I would love for readers to take away the truth that none of us have to face our trials on our own, and that no matter how badly we think we’ve messed up, we can be forgiven and keep moving upward.

What writing experience/credits did you have prior to publishing your book?
Prior to writing Truth Cursed, I studied English Literature in college and honed my craft on a variety of projects. I also had a couple of short fairy tales published in an online magazine.

How long did it take you to write that book? How many rewrites did you do on it?
The first draft only took a few short months, but the revision process took place on and off over the course of a few years. After about two years of revising, I took a break to work on other writing projects, then came back to it again a couple of years later. The entire process from conception to publication day (including breaks) probably took about a dozen drafts over the course of nine to ten years!

Who encouraged you along the way?
I was blessed with multiple teachers from grade school through college who helped me feel validated and encouraged in my love for reading and writing. I am so thankful for them. During the many years of learning how to write and revise, my husband was my primary sounding board and encourager, the one who had to live with the ongoing angst of my writerly woes. :) I also have been blessed by a very encouraging family, and friends who have offered a listening ear and advice countless times. There are many people in my life who would not let me give up and I thank God for them!

Are you active with any writer’s critique groups?
Not formally, no. Over the years I have swapped writing with friends to offer and receive feedback, which has been wonderfully supportive and helpful.

How did you go about finding an agent/publisher?
Using various online databases and resources to find agencies and peruse wish-lists, I cold-queried agents on and off with multiple projects over the course of a few years. I received some occasional feedback but few responses overall. I started looking closely at Enclave Publishing when I discovered their books and felt that mine would fit in well. They are a traditional press that accepts unsolicited submissions, so I sent in my work, following the submission guidelines on their website. A few months later, I received the publication offer.

From the time you were signed by your agent/publisher how long did it take to get the publishing contract and the book published?
Contract discussions took place over a matter of weeks, and then the publication process took just over a year.

What has surprised you the most about getting published other than the joy of seeing your book in print?
I think what has surprised me the most is just how much goes on behind the scenes. From edits to design to marketing, there is a lot of work that goes into making sure the book is well-produced and ready for readers.

What is the best advice you’ve been given that has helped you in your writing?
When you are creating, filled with purpose, and giving it your all, nothing is ever wasted. Not your time, not your efforts, and certainly not your ideas…even the discarded ones. Everything you put into your writing will serve a purpose. Perhaps the purpose is simply to hone your craft or to prepare you for some other task or calling, or perhaps an idea that you chucked years ago will return with new purpose and clarity. Do not give up, and do not be discouraged.

I wish I could credit a specific person for this advice; it is wisdom that I have gleaned here and there over the years.

Are there other books in the works?
Yes, I am writing as often as I can and excited for what the future holds.

That's all for today's interview. Here are the best links to learn more about her writing.

Website: angiedickinsonbooks.com 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Sq5KEs

Enclave Publishing (get 20% off by buying direct): https://www.enclavepublishingstore.com/ya/epad001h-truth-cursed-hb-88605-1742

Instagram: www.instagram.com/angiedickinsonbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556496787590

Looking Back and Looking Forward With Writing and Publishing

Looking Back, last year was a productive year for my writing. My devotional articles were published in five magazines; in a Christmas devotional book with other authors, included in a Sweet Romance box set with 11 other authors, published a standalone sweet romance, and one children's picture book based on Psalm 139. As with most authors, my main complaint is wishing the results were more sales. But that's a continuing learning process as all writers know.

Now it’s time to look forward to what I hope to accomplish in 2025. First off, my goals have to be realistic and something I can stick with -- unlike New Year's resolutions to lose weight or exercise more that disappear within the first 30 days. January is a hard start for me in those areas because I have a birthday this month and like to celebrate for several days.

So here are my tips for achieving success and maintaining productivity in writing. I hope that they will help you as well.

Creating Effective Writing Goals

Be Specific: Don’t say, “I want to write more,” set a target like, “I will write 2,000 words weekly.” Then determine how you can achieve that goal on a daily basis. Some days the writing will flow like a gusher. Other times the words will fall on a page like intermittent droplets of water. Don't beat yourself up. Just keep working at it.

A first draft is not a finished product: When you're starting a new story don't try to make it perfect with each paragraph. Instead let the story flow and only go back to it once you’ve finished the chapter, but only go back if you want to add a scene to that chapter. Do not rewrite it! That's for when the book is complete.

Keep a notebook handy to jot down ideas: When you're out and about and not writing, let your mind be attuned to conversations around you. They might just spur your brain into ways those conversation tidbits can be used in your story. Often times when I'm watching a movie or reading a book I get ideas for new ways for my characters to react to one another.

Keep the big goal in mind but focus on the interlocking parts: Completing a book is a large goal and may be overwhelming. Focus on completing chapters instead. That way the project will provide a sense of accomplishment as you complete each smaller task. Think of it like sewing a dress or building a table. It takes several steps before the project becomes the right shape and design.

There will be bumps in the road: Life can be unpredictable, and writing can be affected by unexpected events. While it’s important to set goals, it’s equally important to stay flexible. If you miss a goal, reassess and adjust your plan without losing momentum. Watch one of those baking competitions on TV with people who bake for a living successfully. They sometimes come up short in their goals as well, but they keep trying.

Celebrate Mini-Successes: Remember when you were a young child and your teacher would put a gold star on a chart for doing a good job? Do a chart for yourself to show what you've accomplished. Or give yourself a treat or a break to maintain enthusiasm.

Find a writing support group to keep you accountable to your goals: Get involved with online or local writing communities and forums to network with other authors. They can be great sounding boards for when you have writers block, need help with a book blurb, or tips on adding more oomph to a scene.

And here's a special bonus for my readers...💝 Starting January 3-15, my Christmas boxset will be priced at only 99 cents!!! That includes 12 sweet romance novellas, by 12 authors (including me) Buy it now before it's gone and archived!

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Love-Christmas-Heartwarming-Christian-ebook/dp/B0CVBDBNT5

What are your writing goals for 2025? Got any suggestions on how to achieve them? I’d love to hear your ideas.

Celebrating 1000 Blog Chats with Authors and Readers!

In 2008, I signed up for my first writers critique group. This was a wonderful group for children's writers led by Nancy I. Sanders – who at that time had probably published 30 to 40 books (now has 95 titles). As part of that group, I had the task of following publishing and marketing news for monthly reports to my group. This is also when I created a website to post blog interviews.

While still being a part of that group and a member of SCBWI, I joined a romance writers group and started my first romance novel. I also become a member of RWA. For this group, I had the duty of preparing monthly interviews with the members of the group focusing on their writing achievements. We had an ever growing group, so I never had to duplicate interviews with anyone. 

While I was a member of both of these groups, I continued to write stories in their genres and submit them to agents and publishers. At the point I decided to indie-publish my own books, my articles and stories had already been published in 40+ magazines and book anthologies - including Chicken Soup for the Soul.  To Date, I have personally published 10 books that include ones for childen, adults, and devotional guides. 

Before, I started marketing my own books, I had a lot more time to create multiple blog posts every week talking about market trends along with my author interviews. Now I mostly use that time for author interviews only with my writing updates. I still do those at least once weekly and sometimes more for promoting for special events. 

I truly enjoying doing my blog interview and getting to know the chart-topping authors and those just breaking into the field of writing. One of my favorite interviews was with Clyde Edgerton, who wrote Walking Across Egypt.  I have recommended that book to many friends. So I decided to track him down for an interview to thank him for writing such a funny and endearing book. I discovered that he was still a professor in college.

By this time, he had published a few more books and even had 4 of his books made into movies - including the one that I loved. I enjoyed the movie, but love more of the details and nuances that you find in a book that a movie can't add. I asked him about getting paid for the movies (No, I didn't ask how much did he make.) and if that allowed him to just write full-time. He informed me that he was still teaching writing at college full-time, but the movie money helped to pay for the college tuition for his kids. 

Another interview that has stuck with me was one with Colleen Coble, who is the author of 85+ books and has sold more than 2 million books in print and lots more in eBooks. These books have won numerous notable awards and she is the CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. In that interview, she told me it took her 7 years to write and edit her first book. However, that hard work paid off and Thomas Nelson publishers bought her book!

When I asked her which of the awards she has received meant the most to her. I was surprised that the answer was not the most prestigeous with national acclaim. Instead it was winning the Best Books of Indiana award for one of her books. She recounted how she smiled from ear to ear when she had the privelege of putting a copy of that book in the Indiana State Library.  When she first started writing she hoped that one day her book would be in her local library so this was achieving her dream.

One of my most inspiring interview was with Britt Menzies. Her unique business career began by creating two small paintings of her children, which led to friends asking her to do paintings of their children as well. From there she launched a group of six paintings that all had unique personalities. When she took them to a local children’s store, the manager wanted to know if Britt would be willing to sell the rights to her art for a line of T-shirts. Instead of selling her idea to someone else, she decided to grow the business as a brand. This went on to include t-shirts, plush dolls and a children’s book series and there’s even been a musical based on these characters.

I'm currently in the process of putting together a book highlighting my favorite notes from those 1,000 interviews I've done. I look forward to doing many more.  One of the questions I always ask in my interviews is what is their favorite writing advice. I've learned a lot of good ideas from their responses, but one of the most consistent replies I've received is the importance of treating it like a business if you want a career out of it.  You have to work at it and keep on polishing the book until it's the best it can be. Don't try to publish until the book is truly ready. If it isn't, publishers won't want to buy it and neither will readers.

If you're a regular reader of my posts, you know I like to end with an eBook giveaway. So I'm continuing that tradition with this post as well. Here's an assortment of free eBooks for one week from a group of authors. Check it out and get a new read...  https://books.bookfunnel.com/Books-from-the-heart-you-cannot-put-down