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

Writing and Publishing Take work: Author Interview with Jessica Parker

You have now published 20 books, but what inspired you to write that first book?
Each book has their own spark of inspiration, but my first one.... that one was born as I sat on my couch. The TV had a commercial for The Bachelor playing, while I read The Hunger Games, and I wondered. What would happen if the women had to fight for a chance to marry a prince? I had to add magic because magic is awesome. I love and hate that book now. I love the idea behind it, but I hate that I was so inexperienced when I wrote it. The story is still so much grander in my head, and it didn't come out on paper the way I wanted it to.

Confession it doesn't feel like twenty books because I got the marketing wrong on a few of them. So I had to unpublish and redo the covers, titles, etc. to fit better, but they still show up online under the old covers and titles. I also explored shorter and longer stories before deciding which direction I wanted to take.

You currently have a 3 book series that is a hockey romance. What drew you to writing a series around hockey. Will there be more books in that series?
I love romance, give me a good happily ever after and I'll be happy. When I went to my first hockey game I knew as I sat in my hard plastic stadium seat that I needed at least one book with a hockey player. Then as I wrote that story, I fell in love with the other characters too. Those characters needed their stories told as well. There are still characters I want to write about in Glacier Bay. I will absolutely write more books in the Hockey Book Club series.

You also have written several reimagined fairy tales for adults. Why did you pick the stories you did?
Fairytales were my favorites as a kid. Starting with the picture books, I'd look over the pictures and then as I got older read those books over and over again. I love the fight between good and evil, the magic, the variety of people and places and things. The lessons learned and how everything comes together.

Snow White & Rose Red is not as well known but it's my favorite which is why I chose it as one of the stories I wanted to retell in my book, Rose Red. I took some liberties to make the characters older than in the original fairytale, and of course more romance. A judgemental village, magical curses, mystery, unrequited love, and a happily ever after in jeopardy.

My Sea Princesses of Eventyr fairytales were not something I planned on writing. The ocean was scary to me for a long time thanks to movies like Jaws. It took a long time getting over that. Part of that journey was learning to scuba dive and I fell in love with the water. So much so, I became a scuba instructor to better understand it. Diving in the ocean feels like being on another planet sometimes, and it keeps giving me ideas for mermaids. The Little Mermaid and her sisters needed their stories told.

Snow White's Witch is a story where I wanted to explore how villains are the "Hero of their own story". It's a quote I heard a lot at a writer's conference and what better way to challenge that than with a classic villain? So I asked myself, what if Snow White lied?

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?
Hire: editor and cover designer.

Me: Social media, newsletters, writing, answering emails, arranging book signings, figuring out this business thing. That's just me and I do sometimes have to pause the marketing side while I write, etc. so I can make sure I spend time with my family and get my day job stuff taken care of. As my business grows I would like to hire out some of the other things, but I'm not to that point yet.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Every author has their own process. Figure out what works for you and your readers, and take it one page at a time.

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 figuring out marketing. I've been experimenting with posting to various social media sites and some are better than others. I like analyzing data and it's been interesting to see how some of my books do better on TikTok vs Facebook. I decided a couple of years ago that I would put more effort into getting more books out so I'd have a bigger backlist to make marketing more cost-effective. Then along the way I also decided that I'd just do one thing better than before. One more post a week, then a day, etc.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
There's no magic answer. Writing and publishing takes work just like any other job. However, I find this work more rewarding.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Keep going, and back up your files.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
There will be a million reasons not to write, not to publish. Write because you love it. Each author I've met has had their own journey and process. There is no "one way" to do it, just your way.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next book is a short story, The Mistletoe Goal and it comes out November 24th.

This is a hockey romance between Dan and Alexis. They're best friends, and Dan is stuck in the friend zone even though he'd like to be much more. He convinces Alexis to spend the hockey team's Christmas Break with him in a small town. He has one goal in mind, catch her under the mistletoe, and prove they should be more than friends.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Jessica's books, here are some links to get you started.
https://jessicaparkerstories.com/
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jessica-Parker/author/B01DQZYR4K

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  Jessica'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 Friday!

Celebrating Romance Awareness Month!

Since August is romance awareness month, I'd like to and my thoughts on romance writing. I just finished reading a book where the main character belittles another for writing romance saying there's nothing to writing romance. This is a theme that's often repeated in romance books and in Hallmark movies.

However, to write a romance that keeps your reader turning the pages rather than toss the book aside, takes skill and a lot of hard work.The key to writing a successful romance is bringing the reader into the emotional side of the story by adding conflicts that could pull them apart until the couple realizes their relationship is important and they're willing to overcome obstacles to be together.

Romance genres regularly outsell all other types of fiction. Last year’s statistics show romance books accounted for over 39 million books sold. There's definitely a demand for this type of writing. Reading romance is opening your heart to the thought that love indeed does conquer all.

Love is not just for romance novels, it's found in children's books as well. Here's a good example..."How do you spell love?’ asked Piglet. ‘You don’t spell it, you feel it,’ said Pooh.” —Winnie-the-Pooh, A.A. Milne

And here's a quote from one of the few books that I've read twice... “You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.” —Gone With The Wind, Margaret Mitchell

Here's a read quote from an author that you wouldn't expect would talk about love... “You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.” —The White Company, Arthur Conan Doyle

“We’re all a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love — true love.”  Robert Fulghum, True Love Stories

“True love is rare, and it’s the only thing that gives life real meaning.” Nicholas Sparks, Message in a Bottle

Romance movies have the opportunity to show the emotional connections visually, but they also need great lines to grab your heart. Here's one of my favorite movie quotes from When Harry met Sally… “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

As you celebrate the romantic side of life this month, pick up a sweet romance novel or two to read. Let the genre give you an escape from everyday life and make you smile and feel happy about happy ever after endings even when you know there will still be challenges along the way. Ready for a romance story? Pick up one or more of my new releases whose covers you see on this post, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Here's the link to my Amazon page to learn more about these books and others as well. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-L.-Henderson/author/B09L2Y7XNP

Rules for a Mystery: Author Interview with Joan Hetzler

You’ve now published 4 different books, but what inspired you to write that first one? How many rewrites did you do on it?

I grew up with a love of writing and of mysteries. One quiet summer, I decided to write a mystery novel I had in my mind. Writing was easy. Editing was hard. Although I had a background in English literature and worked as a technical writer, writing genre fiction required different skills. I started attending a yearly writer's conference in Georgia in St. Simons Island where I could learn and network with other writers. Leaving out the times I had to set it aside for various reasons, it was about ten years before the book was published. I had dozens of rewrites but I don't remember a specific number.

 I see that you changed out your original covers to ones that pop more with color. How do you go about finding a new cover designer?

The colorful designs with the bloody dagger and gun wielding man were created by my publisher. I just recently took back my copyrights and re-published with the beige covers. My books have suspense and drama but also humor and friendship in solving mysteries. I wanted covers that reflect that lighter tone rather than a thriller. Most of the cover designers I talked to were on a waiting list, and I wanted to move forward so I did the covers myself. I may redo them again later. I'm looking for feedback so appreciate comments and ideas. The first book in my new series, A Cold Case in July: A Megan and Derek Mystery, has a more traditional cover with colors.

How do you go about plotting your mystery? Do you pick the victim or the murderer first? What do you think makes for a perfect murder mystery?

I usually start with a setting and characters who can interact in a way that could lead to murder. To me a good mystery is all about who is "involved" and not just the physical activity of a chase scene, although that is important for keeping interest. During the Golden Age of mysteries (1930s) a group of popular authors formed a club and decided on the "rules" for a mystery. One rule is that there must be clues scattered throughout the story that the reader can figure out who did it on their own. I try to include those clues without giving away the ending. To me the perfect mystery is to get to the last page and say, "Of course he (or she) did it. That makes perfect sense given the characters and motivation, but why didn't I figure it out myself?"

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

Keep writing. If it's God's will, it will work out. I think praying before writing and taking time to listen to God's direction is important. Although it's not a Christian book, The Artist's Way by Julie Cameron was very helpful for me when I first thought of publishing. She has some practical tips on how to take away our inner critic that says writing is not a real job and we are wasting our time. She has exercises on journaling and other activities to be more creative. 

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?

My previous publisher chose to make books only available through Kindle Unlimited so I'm just now opening up to all retailers for my books. It's hard to compare. I have found mailer lists such as Book Cave and the Fussy Librarian the most helpful. I had the least success with Amazon ads.

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

Editing is as important as the writing to really look professional. I always knew editing was important, but in fiction it can be the difference between keeping a reader's interest or not.  Poor editing can result in wordy and redundant sentences that slow down a reader. Misspellings can jar us out of the story into the real world if we notice them.

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

 For fiction, it's the often repeated, "show don't tell." Taking a reader through the same experiences as the hero or heroine is more engrossing that just a long description of what happened.

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

I try to remember that my readers interpret my writing through their own experiences. They may not have lived in the same city as my character or had the same type of job. So, I try to include extra background in a few words or paint a word picture of what my characters see to make the story clearer. Also, I limit slang because that changes from generation to generation and also areas of the country. And as a Christian, I try to make sure my characters act as a Christian would even during stressful times.

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

Two books are now re-published. One is a mystery that starts a new series after the Megan books. It is A Cold Case in July: A Megan and Derek Mystery.  Derek has left his job as a homicide detective to go to law school and during his summer break, a sheriff in a small North Georgia town hires him to find out who killed a well-known citizen four years earlier. Derek interviews the usual suspects only to find out that the case is more complicated than anyone thought. Megan and her computer savvy friends also lend a hand.

The other book is a poetry chapbook called Water Ways and God's Ways on St. Simons Island. For ten years, I lived on Saint Simons Island, a barrier island off the coast of Georgia. I printed and sold this chapbook in the local bookstores. Many people liked it and made positive comments as the poems are soothing and reveal God's grace in the island scenery and activities. For those who can't go to the beach this summer, they may enjoy these poems that take them for a soothing stroll along the quaint village streets or sit in an Adirondack chair on the shore's edge. From warm sandy beaches to shady oak trees with branches draped in hanging grey moss, the poems speak of God's gift of peace and beauty. 

That's all for today's interview. Hope you'll check out Joan's books. I just signed up for her newsltter to get her poetry book. I visited St. Simons years ago and still remember the peace and serenity I discovered there. Here are the links to learn more about her other books.

Website: https://www.joanhetzler.com 

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/joanhetzler 

Book Cave: https://mybookcave.com/profile/joan-hetzler

And here's a special bonus... Click on her website and sign up for her newsletter. In return you'll get a PDF of Water Ways and God's Ways on St. Simons Island  https://www.joanhetzler.com.