Donna Fleisher, like her father and brother, is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She loves writing novels, her dog Mario, Margaret Becker’s music, and the Oregon Ducks. She lives on the Oregon Coast across the street from an agate beach, but travels north and south every chance she gets in a never-ending search for sand dollars.
Visit her website at www.donnafleisher.com.
Plug time. What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?
My first and only project (so far, Lord willing) now sits on bookstore shelves (Lord willing). : ) The Homeland Heroes Series, published by Zondervan, includes Wounded Healer (released in July),
Plug time. What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?
My first and only project (so far, Lord willing) now sits on bookstore shelves (Lord willing). : ) The Homeland Heroes Series, published by Zondervan, includes Wounded Healer (released in July),
Warrior’s Heart (released this month), and Valiant Hope (to be released in May 2006). These are contemporary stories geared mainly for women, officially falling under the new genre of “relational drama.” A bit of military action is interspersed throughout—the two main characters are U.S. Army and Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) veterans.
Tell us about your journey to publication. How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head.
My journey to publication is very close to being one of those stories no one would believe if it were written into a novel. I never set out to be a novelist, never asked for it or sought it out. It found me one day in 1996. For four years I peddled two novels across the Christian fiction industry, only to see everything (except one hard copy of each novel) literally go up in flames in 2000. But God brought it all back in 2003. I’m so grateful
Tell us about your journey to publication. How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head.
My journey to publication is very close to being one of those stories no one would believe if it were written into a novel. I never set out to be a novelist, never asked for it or sought it out. It found me one day in 1996. For four years I peddled two novels across the Christian fiction industry, only to see everything (except one hard copy of each novel) literally go up in flames in 2000. But God brought it all back in 2003. I’m so grateful
He orchestrated everything, including my second novel’s total rewrite over that winter, because in January 2004, when I received the brochure for the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, after pulling it back out of the garbage, I signed up and went. Five hours after arriving at the conference, I sat on a bench talking to Karen Ball, the Senior Acquisitions Editor for Fiction at Zondervan. Five months after that, my second novel became Wounded Healer.
When Karen first told me she wanted to publish my stuff, she told me it would take years (four, to be exact) before the book would be printed. Zondervan was that fully acquired that far ahead. I said okay, very much looking forward to spending four years working on the rest of the series. I received a call from my agent five weeks later, and this is what he said: “They don’t want to wait. Can you have book two done by October, and book three done by next May?” I said, “Okay.” Hah! Of course I said okay!
That was quite a moment. The day I received “the call.” I’ll never forget it. But, by now, it’s just one of a bazillion equally terrific moments I’ve experienced over the past eighteen months. God has been good, but, then again, when isn’t God good? : )
Of course, you know I’m gonna say this. I’ve chronicled My Mount Hermon Adventures along with My Entire Adventures on my blog: www.donnafleisher.typepad.com. It’s quite a story, but all non-fiction, I assure you.
Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?
This is a great question, because I know we all experience self-doubts, almost all the time. But here it is for me on this subject: I believe my existence as a novelist is to tell a story about two women who met during Operation Desert Storm. I love this story, I love those two women, and I love the fact their story is now in beautiful book form. I love my Lord who made it happen, all the way down to the tiniest detail. So. Self? No. Self-confidence, self-realization, self-control … none of it. Self-doubts? Certainly. There is no way I could have made any of this happen on my own.
When Karen first told me she wanted to publish my stuff, she told me it would take years (four, to be exact) before the book would be printed. Zondervan was that fully acquired that far ahead. I said okay, very much looking forward to spending four years working on the rest of the series. I received a call from my agent five weeks later, and this is what he said: “They don’t want to wait. Can you have book two done by October, and book three done by next May?” I said, “Okay.” Hah! Of course I said okay!
That was quite a moment. The day I received “the call.” I’ll never forget it. But, by now, it’s just one of a bazillion equally terrific moments I’ve experienced over the past eighteen months. God has been good, but, then again, when isn’t God good? : )
Of course, you know I’m gonna say this. I’ve chronicled My Mount Hermon Adventures along with My Entire Adventures on my blog: www.donnafleisher.typepad.com. It’s quite a story, but all non-fiction, I assure you.
Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?
This is a great question, because I know we all experience self-doubts, almost all the time. But here it is for me on this subject: I believe my existence as a novelist is to tell a story about two women who met during Operation Desert Storm. I love this story, I love those two women, and I love the fact their story is now in beautiful book form. I love my Lord who made it happen, all the way down to the tiniest detail. So. Self? No. Self-confidence, self-realization, self-control … none of it. Self-doubts? Certainly. There is no way I could have made any of this happen on my own.
At first I didn’t even know enough to try. Then I did try. And it all went away in a cloud of smoke. But He brought it all back out because He had a story to tell and I was the one He wanted to tell it. Even as I read the finished products—the beautiful books Zondervan created—I love the story. My writing is another story. Oh my, I have much to learn about writing a novel. But my work right now is to tell this particular story, and I don’t feel anything but wonder, joy, and gratitude that it has been turned into three gorgeous books—a trilogy of faith and hope. A tool God can use to further His kingdom. What’s not to love about that? : )
What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?
“Quit being stubborn, Donna, and do what they tell you to do in Self Editing for Fiction Writers.” That probably ranks right up there as some of the best advice. Along with, “Less is more.” My content editor (waving a hello to Diane Noble!) has drilled those words into my head. And since I’m hearing now from readers that my characters are “emotional women” and that they “cry a LOT,” I guess I still have a ways to go with that advice.
What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve heard?
“If you don’t write every day, you’re not a writer.” That’s a hard statement, a blanket statement that places undue pressure on writers across the board. God does not ask us to “write everyday.” He asks us to express the message (or story) by the means He’s given us to express it—the written word. He expects us to learn craft and explore the artistry around our craft. He expects us to practice (rewrite) and practice some more. He expects us to offer back to Him our best efforts. But He never pushes deadlines upon us. Deadlines are the industry’s tool, as they should be to ensure things get done. God works on a different timeline than our twelve-month calendar or the watch-thingee we wear around our wrists.
But, the intent of this advice is sound. Work at your craft. Learn it, live it, do it. But I’d also add: give it. Give it all back to Him and, as Moses said when the Egyptians were closing in, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you.”
What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?
Everything happens via e-mail—don’t expect them to call you. Don’t apply your measly common sense to what goes on in the industry. Realize you have no clue as to how the industry works, and accept that. Don’t expect them to explain it to you.
The two things I did know going in I held on to tightly (and still do). Trust. Trust them and trust God. Wonder. But don’t worry. I have refused to allow myself to worry about anything. But I have wondered on occasion … you better believe it.
Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?
Over the past few weeks, Margaret Becker’s music and Oswald Chambers’s words in My Utmost for His Highest have hit home like piercing lights. Truth does that. Truth we already know validated and compounded by that spoken (or sung beautifully) by our brothers and sisters who also know. Truth is something I’m really funneling my focus down on—Truth with a capital T. In Truth, we are free, and we are His.
Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?
This is all still so new and exciting and wonderful and totally awesome … no. Nothing particularly difficult. However, what I am facing right now is particularly … interesting. With my first contract complete, Zondervan is ready to sign me to another. However, there’s one slight problem: I have no idea what to write about. None. Nada. Not even a hint. Not an inking. Not even a breath of a whisper of an inkling. Interesting, huh? And, of course, this is something I’m trying to chronicle on my blog, though it’s so hard to explain and share, I’m having a rough time doing either with anyone.
Does that make this time for me difficult? Not in the least. It’s the most amazing and wonderful and exciting and totally awesome time of my life. Still. With or without another story idea, I’ll always cherish what has happened so far, and I’ll always pursue the industry, either as a writer or an editor. Unless God asks me to take on another task. To which I’d quickly say, “Okay.” Lead on, Lord.
Interesting stuff, indeed. : )
What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)
The only general market author I read is Nevada Barr. I love her Anna Pigeon mysteries. Other than that—and I’m really gonna hang myself out to dry here—I don’t read much. Oh, I read-to-analyze every Christian novel I can find. I have a ton of favorite Christian novelists, but would be extremely hard-pressed to come up with a favorite book. Wait. If I had to chose one? Probably The Negotiator by Dee Henderson. That book played a huge role in God’s plan for me as a novelist.
So, yep, you’re right. If the first three rules of writing fiction are read, read, read, I’ve broken all three. And I don’t write every day, which means I’ve broken that rule too. Which, actually, may validate what I’ve been trying to explain about myself and that label: “writer.” I’m not one. Not in the typical sense.
If your authorial self was a character from The Wizard of Oz, which one would you be and why?
Toto. Oh, yeah. I’m just riding in the basket, along for the adventure, wagging my tail joyously, and seeing what new yellow brick road my Master is gonna take me down next. And I love it when He says, “Girl, we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?
Writing the blog has been great fun. Sharing my journey with everyone (or maybe not everyone—just how many people read it anyway?) has been incredible. Mainly because God has been incredible. I’m so proud of Him in proving once again how He can take a blob of clay and mold it into a tool He can use. Very cool. Just like God.
Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?
Yeah, but it’s much ado about nutin’. : )
Can you give us a view into a typical day of your writing life?
Let’s clarify my “writing life.” When I’m on deadline to produce a 95,000 word novel in weeks, I’m definitely living that “writing life.” Fourteen or more hours a day, usually, of constant writing/praying/editing. I edit as I go, which flies against most advice you’ll hear, but the editing came along as a big part of the gift in 1996. That attention to detail. That, and the fact I’m sure I’ve got a hint of obsessive compulsiveness. Just a hint.
What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?
“Quit being stubborn, Donna, and do what they tell you to do in Self Editing for Fiction Writers.” That probably ranks right up there as some of the best advice. Along with, “Less is more.” My content editor (waving a hello to Diane Noble!) has drilled those words into my head. And since I’m hearing now from readers that my characters are “emotional women” and that they “cry a LOT,” I guess I still have a ways to go with that advice.
What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve heard?
“If you don’t write every day, you’re not a writer.” That’s a hard statement, a blanket statement that places undue pressure on writers across the board. God does not ask us to “write everyday.” He asks us to express the message (or story) by the means He’s given us to express it—the written word. He expects us to learn craft and explore the artistry around our craft. He expects us to practice (rewrite) and practice some more. He expects us to offer back to Him our best efforts. But He never pushes deadlines upon us. Deadlines are the industry’s tool, as they should be to ensure things get done. God works on a different timeline than our twelve-month calendar or the watch-thingee we wear around our wrists.
But, the intent of this advice is sound. Work at your craft. Learn it, live it, do it. But I’d also add: give it. Give it all back to Him and, as Moses said when the Egyptians were closing in, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you.”
What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?
Everything happens via e-mail—don’t expect them to call you. Don’t apply your measly common sense to what goes on in the industry. Realize you have no clue as to how the industry works, and accept that. Don’t expect them to explain it to you.
The two things I did know going in I held on to tightly (and still do). Trust. Trust them and trust God. Wonder. But don’t worry. I have refused to allow myself to worry about anything. But I have wondered on occasion … you better believe it.
Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?
Over the past few weeks, Margaret Becker’s music and Oswald Chambers’s words in My Utmost for His Highest have hit home like piercing lights. Truth does that. Truth we already know validated and compounded by that spoken (or sung beautifully) by our brothers and sisters who also know. Truth is something I’m really funneling my focus down on—Truth with a capital T. In Truth, we are free, and we are His.
Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?
This is all still so new and exciting and wonderful and totally awesome … no. Nothing particularly difficult. However, what I am facing right now is particularly … interesting. With my first contract complete, Zondervan is ready to sign me to another. However, there’s one slight problem: I have no idea what to write about. None. Nada. Not even a hint. Not an inking. Not even a breath of a whisper of an inkling. Interesting, huh? And, of course, this is something I’m trying to chronicle on my blog, though it’s so hard to explain and share, I’m having a rough time doing either with anyone.
Does that make this time for me difficult? Not in the least. It’s the most amazing and wonderful and exciting and totally awesome time of my life. Still. With or without another story idea, I’ll always cherish what has happened so far, and I’ll always pursue the industry, either as a writer or an editor. Unless God asks me to take on another task. To which I’d quickly say, “Okay.” Lead on, Lord.
Interesting stuff, indeed. : )
What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)
The only general market author I read is Nevada Barr. I love her Anna Pigeon mysteries. Other than that—and I’m really gonna hang myself out to dry here—I don’t read much. Oh, I read-to-analyze every Christian novel I can find. I have a ton of favorite Christian novelists, but would be extremely hard-pressed to come up with a favorite book. Wait. If I had to chose one? Probably The Negotiator by Dee Henderson. That book played a huge role in God’s plan for me as a novelist.
So, yep, you’re right. If the first three rules of writing fiction are read, read, read, I’ve broken all three. And I don’t write every day, which means I’ve broken that rule too. Which, actually, may validate what I’ve been trying to explain about myself and that label: “writer.” I’m not one. Not in the typical sense.
If your authorial self was a character from The Wizard of Oz, which one would you be and why?
Toto. Oh, yeah. I’m just riding in the basket, along for the adventure, wagging my tail joyously, and seeing what new yellow brick road my Master is gonna take me down next. And I love it when He says, “Girl, we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?
Writing the blog has been great fun. Sharing my journey with everyone (or maybe not everyone—just how many people read it anyway?) has been incredible. Mainly because God has been incredible. I’m so proud of Him in proving once again how He can take a blob of clay and mold it into a tool He can use. Very cool. Just like God.
Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?
Yeah, but it’s much ado about nutin’. : )
Can you give us a view into a typical day of your writing life?
Let’s clarify my “writing life.” When I’m on deadline to produce a 95,000 word novel in weeks, I’m definitely living that “writing life.” Fourteen or more hours a day, usually, of constant writing/praying/editing. I edit as I go, which flies against most advice you’ll hear, but the editing came along as a big part of the gift in 1996. That attention to detail. That, and the fact I’m sure I’ve got a hint of obsessive compulsiveness. Just a hint.
Otherwise, when I’m not on deadline, my life is still pretty much fourteen hours a day of being a novelist. Answering e-mails, working on the blog, the Website, editing, trying to read : ) , sending stuff out, trying to read : ) , listening to workshops … okay, let’s be honest. I spend a lot of time sitting in my recliner watching the waves crash against my rock. I spend a lot of time being still and knowing. Somehow, I know it’s in the “being still and knowing” that everything falls into place.
If you could choose to have one strength of another writer, what would it be and from whom?
Oooooooo … I would love to have Dee Henderson’s ability and tenacity to research; Francine Rivers’s Christ-likeness; Karen Ball’s energy; and Nevada Barr’s artistry.
Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?
Nope. Only to continue being a big clay pot, just sitting here, available, for whatever the Lord wants to pour out through me. Nothing particularly spiritual here. Just the simple truth.
Oh, on the editing side of it, I’d love to build up my freelance editing business to have that pay my bills. And to be able to go to every conference on the list. Maybe that would be my “editing life.” Just as much fun as the writing side of it.
Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?
I did quit. Burned everything that could burn to ashes. Threw away everything that wouldn’t burn. Sold everything that could earn me a buck or two. After four years of writing and rewriting and submitting and collecting rejection letters, in 2000, it all went up in smoke. Not in despair. Not in tragedy. Just in the attitude of: “It’s time to let it go. Move on. What’s next, Lord?” Really. I had no plans of picking it up again. And no clue what lay ahead.
But God knew. : )
What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?
Favorite part? Conferences: meeting other novelists, readers, and believers.
Least favorite? Industry issues: waiting, not hearing, not knowing what’s going on, receiving e-mails that create more questions than they answer. You know. Stuff like that.
How much marketing do you do? Any advice in this area?
I’ve been smiling through this entire interview, but now I’m really smiling. I’m probably not the best novelist to give advice on marketing and promoting her stuff since I don’t exactly follow any advice in this area. I have yet to create a “tag” or make up a press release. I have no intention of creating a “brand.” Despite my pleadings, my hometown Christian bookstore still does not carry either of my books on its shelves. I’ll probably never get a newsletter going (or know what’s up with Zondervan’s AuthorTracker). Instead of spending money to purchase pens, postcards, flyers, and other marketing tools, I’ve spent money on my books … and given them away. Over 600 so far. And I’m serious about giving them away, especially to those who are serving or have served our country. If you know of a service member or veteran who would enjoy reading Wounded Healer, please let me know. I’d love to sign one and send it to them asap.
What’s the cost-effectiveness of my marketing plan? : ) 100 pens: $100. 5000 full-color postcards: $300. 1000 books delivered to my doorstep: $3800. 1000 books in the hands of those God created the story to reach: Priceless.
Parting words?
By now you’re probably ready for me to git off the box. Not much in my experience to learn from—not much to follow after. But maybe that’s a good thing, ’cause we all have experienced something totally unique when it comes to the task God has given us to do for Him. He uses us all differently, totally uniquely, lovingly, and purposefully. How’s that for gratuitous –ly adverbs? So I guess that’s where I’ll leave you, with these parting words: “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch what the LORD will do.” He’ll part that water so you can walk the path He’s given you on dry ground. No one, not even Him, I guess, likes muddy feet.
Thanks so much, Gina, for this opportunity to share a bit of what’s been going on in my world. And thanks to all of you reading this. If I don’t see you soon, I’ll see you on that other shore! : ) Love to you … His love, Donna
If you could choose to have one strength of another writer, what would it be and from whom?
Oooooooo … I would love to have Dee Henderson’s ability and tenacity to research; Francine Rivers’s Christ-likeness; Karen Ball’s energy; and Nevada Barr’s artistry.
Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?
Nope. Only to continue being a big clay pot, just sitting here, available, for whatever the Lord wants to pour out through me. Nothing particularly spiritual here. Just the simple truth.
Oh, on the editing side of it, I’d love to build up my freelance editing business to have that pay my bills. And to be able to go to every conference on the list. Maybe that would be my “editing life.” Just as much fun as the writing side of it.
Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?
I did quit. Burned everything that could burn to ashes. Threw away everything that wouldn’t burn. Sold everything that could earn me a buck or two. After four years of writing and rewriting and submitting and collecting rejection letters, in 2000, it all went up in smoke. Not in despair. Not in tragedy. Just in the attitude of: “It’s time to let it go. Move on. What’s next, Lord?” Really. I had no plans of picking it up again. And no clue what lay ahead.
But God knew. : )
What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?
Favorite part? Conferences: meeting other novelists, readers, and believers.
Least favorite? Industry issues: waiting, not hearing, not knowing what’s going on, receiving e-mails that create more questions than they answer. You know. Stuff like that.
How much marketing do you do? Any advice in this area?
I’ve been smiling through this entire interview, but now I’m really smiling. I’m probably not the best novelist to give advice on marketing and promoting her stuff since I don’t exactly follow any advice in this area. I have yet to create a “tag” or make up a press release. I have no intention of creating a “brand.” Despite my pleadings, my hometown Christian bookstore still does not carry either of my books on its shelves. I’ll probably never get a newsletter going (or know what’s up with Zondervan’s AuthorTracker). Instead of spending money to purchase pens, postcards, flyers, and other marketing tools, I’ve spent money on my books … and given them away. Over 600 so far. And I’m serious about giving them away, especially to those who are serving or have served our country. If you know of a service member or veteran who would enjoy reading Wounded Healer, please let me know. I’d love to sign one and send it to them asap.
What’s the cost-effectiveness of my marketing plan? : ) 100 pens: $100. 5000 full-color postcards: $300. 1000 books delivered to my doorstep: $3800. 1000 books in the hands of those God created the story to reach: Priceless.
Parting words?
By now you’re probably ready for me to git off the box. Not much in my experience to learn from—not much to follow after. But maybe that’s a good thing, ’cause we all have experienced something totally unique when it comes to the task God has given us to do for Him. He uses us all differently, totally uniquely, lovingly, and purposefully. How’s that for gratuitous –ly adverbs? So I guess that’s where I’ll leave you, with these parting words: “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch what the LORD will do.” He’ll part that water so you can walk the path He’s given you on dry ground. No one, not even Him, I guess, likes muddy feet.
Thanks so much, Gina, for this opportunity to share a bit of what’s been going on in my world. And thanks to all of you reading this. If I don’t see you soon, I’ll see you on that other shore! : ) Love to you … His love, Donna
Donna, that interview brought tears to my eyes. You are so sweet. I'm a little flabbergasted at your attitude. Awesome. BTW, I'll be reviewing Wounded Healer in the weeks to come. Looks like an amazing book.
ReplyDeleteToto...that's my favorite answer on that question so far. Thanks Donna!
Thanks Donna!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you think. Toto - great analogy. Rule breaking, fire starting, empty pot. Thanks for the encouragement.
Donna, I don't read relational drama, but I live in several. Two immediate things I like about you: 1.) A dog named Mario. What type of dog would bear the name Mario? 2.) The Oregon Ducks. A close friend of the family, Aaron Gipson is starting cornerback for the Ducks. (My sympathies however, since USC rules the roost.) P.S. I have a story I'd like torched. Can you help me?
ReplyDeleteHey y'all!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool -- thanks again, Gina, for the opportunity to share a bit with your readers. And for the opportunity to learn so much about all my favorite novelists! I'm your reader too! : )
Thanks for what you said, Cara. I guess I do hold on a bit loosely to all the extra stuff, but I think it's cuz I've got both hands full in a white-knuckle grip on Truth. Sometimes it seems like I walk beside Him, but mostly He drags me along behind Him cuz I don't have the strength to stand and walk, but I simply refuse to let go! : ) (Maybe Toto should be a pit bull.) Ahh, but I love it when Christ picks me up and puts me in His basket. I love being along for this ride.
And thanks right back atcha, Kelly! Your note encourages me!
And hey, Mike? Five words for ya. Big bottle of lighter fluid.
Take care, y'all!
Enjoy the Christmas season!
love,
donna
Thanks for the interview, Donna and Gina!
ReplyDeleteHey Donna, you quoted me! Yahoo! That crying a LOT thing? Yup, that was me. Probably my closest thing to being in print yet. ;)
You have such a humble servant's heart. That makes you a great role model of a Christian novelist--I struggle to lay everything down like that, but then again, I'm a stubborn cuss.
Camy
Donna and Gina,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this. I'd never heard of these books before, but I'm definitely going to search them out now. I love Donna's attitude and her covers.
Blessings,
Marilynn Griffith
I'm late in reading this, but I wanted to thank you, Donna, for sharing your insights. I've tried to follow your story on your blog and got to hear that audio clip as well. Any folks who haven't should check out www.donnafleisher.com
ReplyDelete