Author Interview: Anita Higman

Plug time. What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

The Perfect Blend is a novella that’s due out December 1st as a part of a Barbour anthology entitled, Fresh Brewed Love. One fun side note about this novella is that the setting is a café where I sometimes write. (I did change the name of the café though.)


How long had you been writing seriously before you got “the call” that you were going to be published? Tell us how you heard and what went through your head.

I’m not sure; it was so long ago. But when I heard the news, I must have felt a sparkling mix of exhilaration and grateful relief since it took me a number of years to finally get published.


Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Sometimes. I believe this emotion is common among writers. Even Christian writers go through this gauntlet of self-doubt at times. They may question their "call" to write.

For me these emotions intensify when there is a low spot in my career. Meaning when I don't have any contracts coming in. And that has happened to me.

Years ago I got published mostly in nonfiction, but once I decided to make the break into inspirational romance, there was a definite break in my flow of contracts. Because nonfiction and fiction are truly different animals and there was so much for me to learn, it was like starting over. But with much writing and rewriting, (and some generous help from mentors).

I was finally able to see what contracts looked like again. During that time, however, self-doubt did try to wiggle itself into my daily writing routine, and every day I had to choose to believe God's "call" and forge ahead.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

I've been a fan of the playwright, Horton Foote, for a long time. When my career was in its infancy, I asked him if he had any writing tips. Mr. Foote said, "Write what you know about and never give up." I've followed his simple advice over the years, and it has proved to be true.


What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever heard?

When I was just starting out, a friend told me, "Maybe it's not God's will for you to get published".That comment was hard to take, because I knew in my heart God had called me to write, and I felt that if I followed His lead and worked hard, God would reward my efforts. And He has. I am so glad I didn't allow that negative proclamation to discourage me.


What’s something you wish you’d known earlier on that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

It's so easy to get caught up in feelings of envy when focusing on someone else's skyrocketing success. Envy can paralyze a career.

I always remind myself that God has a journey for me. My writing and publishing path may look quite different from my author friends. And that's okay. Once I took my own advice to heart, I was fine And now I can celebrate with my author friends when they get contracts, and I can mean it!


Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?

I love the Scriptures that remind me to be anxious for nothing. I’ve learned through personal experience that not only does an anxious spirit go against Scripture, but it greatly inhibits my creativity.


Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?

I’ve had so many setbacks over my twenty years of writing, I’m not sure where to begin! Some of the setbacks included piles of rejection letters. I have enough to wallpaper a wall in my office. But if I hadn’t had any setbacks or disappointments, I’m not sure I would have ever grown as a writer.

What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)

To Kill a Mockingbird and Pride and Prejudice.


What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

A book of one-act plays entitled, The Celestial Helix. I think the plays have an authentic feel to them, which I hope audiences appreciate.


Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?

The waiting part is sometimes hard to deal with. The antidote is to get busy with a new project. Working on a new manuscript won't take the antsy, holding-your-breath, finger-drumming fretting away 100%, but it can help you keep from driving your family and friends crazy.


Can you give us a view into a typical day of your writing life?

Sometimes I write at my favorite café in the morning. Then the rest of the day I write at home on my computer or I'm out promoting my work. In the midst of it all, I also run errands. My family likes to eat.


If you could choose to have one strength of another writer, what would it be and from whom?

In my nonfiction writing, it would be great to have the brilliant flair of Max Lucado. In my fiction work, having the sharp wit of Kristen Billerbeck would be most welcome.


Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

Since I love to take in a good movie, naturally one dream would be to see my stories up on the silver screen. However, I’m sure most authors have had that fantasy flit through their minds. I have books of one-act plays, and so sometimes I do get to see my work up on stage.

That's been a lot of fun, but seeing my plays acted out can be a bit scary too, since everything is so immediate. There is no lag time for the audience's response. You hope and pray they laugh at all the right places.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

The one time I did quit for six months, I came back to it. God called me to write, and so it’s impossible to truly walk away.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

When a project is finished, and I know it reads well, I think, “Wow, how did that happen?” I love that moment. On the least favorite part, sometimes the rewrites can get a bit tedious, but I still find a way to enjoy it. When I'm doing rewrites, I break the work down into increments, and so it appears doable instead of overwhelming.


Parting words?

Persistence, practice, and patience will make all the difference.