Author Interview ~ Nancy Farrier

NANCY J. FARRIER is an award-winning author from Arizona. Apart from family activities, she pours her heart into writing vivid stories.





What new book or project would you like to tell us about?

Most recently Tuscon, part of the Sonoran Secret series was released in hardback, large print edition.













Tell us about your publishing journey. How long had you been writing before you got a contract? How did you find out and what went through your mind?

I always loved stories, reading them and writing them. In my early twenties, I started several books, but never tried to publish anything. When I became a Christian, I was such an awful person that I gave up everything associated with my former life, including writing. I wanted to live only for Jesus. I thought that meant giving up my writing too.

About twelve years ago, I began to have a growing desire to write again. Since I still associated this with my former self, I fought the desire. It came to the point where I would wake up crying in the night. I was a mess. I prayed that God would take this from me, but he didn’t. Finally, I prayed that if this was His will that I write for Him, He would show me by allowing me to have something accepted for publication that year. I submitted three short articles and stories that whole year. On December 11th, I received payment for a children’s devotional. I knew then that God was calling me to write; that this wasn’t a selfish desire.

That same week I started writing a children’s book. I completed it in a couple of months, but didn’t have a clue what to do with it. When I happened to see an ad for a Christian Writer’s conference near where I lived, I attended and found out I didn’t know anything about writing. That started the learning process.

This was in 1995 and my first book was published in 2000. I have to say that my first book was for Heartsong. I sent them the proposal. When I got the manila envelope in the mail, I almost didn’t open it, because I was sure it was a rejection. In fact, I think I left it sitting for a couple of days. When I did open the envelope, I found a request for a complete manuscript. I was thrilled.

Do you still have self-doubts about your writing?

Daily. I think Satan delights in whispering doubts in my ear. Doubts about my Christianity, my being a good mother or wife, and doubts about my writing abilities and call. It’s an ongoing battle, but I try to cling to God’s promises. I love Romans 8:1, “There is therefore, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

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

Writing is full of discouragements. Editors, readers, critics, while meaning well can be harsh. Yes, I have thought of quitting. I usually have some chocolate and get back to it the next day.

What mistakes did you make while seeking a publisher or agent?

Tough question. Being prideful. Being too assertive. Not being assertive enough. I don’t know. Even when I think I’ve learned a lesson, I still make mistakes. I’m not sure I can point to any certain one.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve heard?

To write. I know you’ve all heard that a million times, but it’s true. When I look back at earlier pieces I wrote, I cringe. Everything you write makes you a little better. If you think about the practice it makes sense. A pianist doesn’t sit around waiting for a concert to be scheduled and then try to learn the music. The pianist practices and learns for years before being accomplished enough to play a concert. Writers, too, need to practice their craft.

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

Yes, it’s those editors who are calling me day and night begging me to write for their publishing house. Oops! That was supposed to be…those editors who AREN’T calling me day and night…

What do you wish you’d known early in your career that might have saved you some time and/or frustration in writing? In publishing?

Being a writer doesn’t mean you have to be published immediately. Take the time to learn the craft. I didn’t like to tell people I was a writer because then they wanted to know what I’d published. I can still see some of the smirks when I said I wasn’t published yet, or only had a couple of articles published. There isn’t a lot of respect out there for pre-published authors, and I don’t think that’s fair.

Was there ever a difficult set back that you went through in your writing career?

I think I am still going through a setback. A few years ago I began a time of difficulty emotionally and spiritually. I won’t go into detail, but that “thorn in my flesh” is still there. God has done an amazing work through this in tendering my heart towards others. I believe my lack of success in gaining writing contracts has to do with this spiritual journey.

The main lesson I’ve learned is that God is calling me to be faithful to write for Him. That doesn’t mean He wants me to be a great, published author. Being successful to God, and successful in the eyes of the world, even the world of Christian publishing is very different. I believe, because of my faithfulness, I am a success in God’s eyes and that is what counts. That said, I do have to admit to a human failing in myself, and a desire to be able to publish more books.

What are a few of your favorite books?

It’s hard to just name a few when I like so many. Breaking Point by Karen Ball, Arena or the Legend of the Guardian King series by Karen Hancock, The Ruby Taylor series by Sharon Dunn are all books I often recommend to others.

What work have you done that you’re especially proud of and why?

I can’t think of any one book that stands out above the others. Each book I write has a message in it for me from God. He always uses the writing process to teach me some truth about Him.

Do you have a scripture or quote that has spoken to you lately in regards to your writing?

My favorite writing verse is Habakkuk 2:2 “Then the Lord replied: Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets…” I try to write to encourage people in their faith; to make it plain how much God loves us.

Can you give us a look into a typical day for you?

I’m usually up by 6:30am. I get my college age daughter up so she can be ready to go by 7:30 when I take her to work. I come home, have breakfast, and get school work ready for my other two daughters. They start school by 8:15 to 8:30. We do school until around 2pm. I get to write then with a minimum of three million interruptions, including 20 to 30 minutes for piano practice. On good days, I write until 4:20 when my husband gets home. Then I have to work on supper, pick my daughter up from college and do family stuff until 9pm when my husband goes to bed. Then I have until 10:30 to finish any writing, get my daughters to bed, and take a few minutes for myself.

Do you have a word or page goal you set for each day?

I try to write about 2000 to 2500 words per day, four to five days per week.

Are you an SOTP (seat of the pants) writer or a plotter?

I am more an SOTP writer. I do know where the story is going, but I like to allow for changes and surprises on the way. I plot more than I used to, but I find that when I write too detailed a plot I tend to stress as I’m writing. I feel like I have to stay with the script and can’t allow for creativity. It’s stifling.

What author do you especially admire and why?

I admire Karen Ball so much. She is a great writer, editor and Christian. She has such passion for her work, and compassion for those she works with that I can’t help but be encouraged by her.

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

I love the creative process. Getting new story ideas is so exciting. I also love reading the galleys when I haven’t seen the story in months and finding a place that speaks to me. I can see how God has used that part of the story, and that is a thrill. My least favorite part would be the stress of wanting to write and not having the time. I know God called me to be a wife and mother first, but sometimes that’s frustrating for me as a writer. (Most of the time I’m fine with it.)

How much marketing do you do? What's your favorite part of marketing?

I don’t do a lot of marketing at this point. I do enjoy talking with groups about writing and books. I’ve done that a few times, and have loved the opportunity to meet my readers.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Do what the Lord calls you to do. Be faithful to Him no matter how hard your call is and no matter what other people say to you. The rewards of serving Him are worth any sacrifice.