Interview with Pat Durham, Image Coach

When you enter the profession of writing, you enter a business world. You'll be called upon for interviews, book signings and public speaking. You'll want to give your very best in both appearance and carriage. For some writers the social aspect is easy. For others, it is nothing short of torture. But it doesn't have to be. Whether someone is fashion handicapped or just needs a coach to guide them through public speaking, there is help.

Meet Pat Durham from Diversity Unlimited. She's an image coach, who has assisted clients for over thirteen years with appearance, voice, presentation and social etiquette.


She has graciously agreed to be interviewed by Novel Journey.

To learn more about Diversity Unlimited [click here.]
To learn more about Ms. Durham [click here.]



Tell me a bit about what an image consultant does and why authors seek their help?

Well, an image consultant or an image coach is a person that helps someone discover their image. Image doesn't necessarily just involve the way someone looks. We all have an image, and it's made up of everything that has happened to us from the time of our birth until the present time. It can have to do with our ethnic background, our gender, our birth order, or any other number of things. An image coach will help a person discover who they are and how to relate to their audience.

Why would an author want my services? Well, an author, or anyone, has to have some knowledge that they could use some improvement. Perhaps there are areas in their life that are challenges. It can have to do with physical appearance. It can have to do with voice. It can have to do with body language, or just relating to the people around them. Perhaps they don’t have a good understanding about their personality and need to know how to relate to someone who has a different personality.

It sounds like you don't change their image, but rather you find who they are, and bring that to the fullest potential.

That is absolutely correct.

I like that description. When I prepared for this interview, it sounded like an image coach might come in and say "You need to change your hair, clothing, and talk this way," changing who the person was.

I tell people this all this time, I'm not trying to create another Pat Durham. The world has one and that's quite enough—thank you. What we want to do is find out the essence of who you are, and then together, we can bring that essence to its very fullest potential. I have worked with people who have come to me seeking help. I meet my clients where they are, and we start at the point where they feel they have a challenge, and we work at that. What I see happening is that they open up just like this wonderful flower. I see them just blossoming, and they start to ask me questions about other things. That's exciting because then we can start to work on the appearance, for instance, because that's the first thing that people see.

We have six seconds to make an impression. It can be a good one. It can be a bad one. It can be one where no one remembers you at all. We have to make the most of those first six seconds.

For authors, their reader's first impression will most likely be the author's photograph. What should they be concerned about with this?

With photography, just like live interviews, you should first of all choose colors that are becoming to you. For instance, if you have a wonderful, white-haired lady, when that photographer photographs her, there should be a background that compliments the white hair, so she doesn't fade into the background.

Wear something that is very light, because the camera just can't make the adjustment, like the human eye can. Wear things that compliment skin tone and you feel comfortable in. No plaids. No checks. Cameras, especially digital cameras, have a very difficult time with them. No big prints. Bad! Keep it simple. Less is more. Keep the jewelry at a minimum. The jewelry should compliment the face.

I would always suggest—although I hate to say always—but an open collar is best. When you have a lot of stuff up around the face, you tend to appear closed off. It's like saying to people you can't come any closer. But if we have an open neckline, then that means we're approachable. We just see it that way.

Does an image coach help you choose the colors that compliment you?

Absolutely.

What about hair and makeup?

Yes. Hairstyle and makeup are very important. I would suggest if you are not comfortable with wearing makeup—as some women aren't, there's a whole generation that just lost the art of using makeup on a day-to-day basis—I suggest getting professional help.

When I do a complete makeover, whether it is an author or any profession, we look at color, the shape of the face, the neck. I have to take into consideration whether a woman is underweight, or overweight, whether she has lots of hair, or doesn’t have much. You want to make the most of all of that. It's so important. The camera . . . it just doesn’t lie. It just doesn’t. You have to create some illusions sometimes. For example, if a person has a very full face, as I do, I'm of German decent, I have to figure out how to make that face look less full.

Tell me about wardrobe.

Wardrobe is extremely important. People do judge us by what we wear. We are in a real pickle right now because we have a whole generation of people who have no clue as to what is appropriate to wear in certain situations. It's a problem. Women do not realize they need to think in terms of 'what are you selling' and they need to dress appropriately.

Speaking of what you're selling, what do you think about authors looking like their genre? For example, a suspense author, looking suspenseful? Or a romance author, looking very feminine.


[Continued next week]

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Author Interview ~ Patricia Davids

Pat was born in the farming and ranching country of central Kansas. As the only girl with four brothers, it was inevitable that she grew up to be a tomboy. Her love of books began early in life. In 1996, Pat’s love of reading evolved into a serious desire to write, and she began work on her first novel. After seven years of writing and three completed, revised, and revised again manuscripts, all she had to show for her efforts was a pile of rejection letters. In the summer of 2002, Pat revised her third book for yet another time and the rest is history. To read Pat's very interesting complete bio, click here.

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


Prodigal Daughter is a November 2006 release from Steeple Hill. Melissa Hamiton has returned to Davis Landing broke, pregnant and embroiled in a serious family crisis. Attorney Richard McNeil is determined to help the troubled young woman find the courage and faith she needs to face her past mistakes and make a new life for herself. The problem is - he soon finds his interest in her is more than professional.
I'd love to tell you about the ms I just finished, only I haven't finished it yet. I'm struggling with a story that I thought I was in love with. As it turns out, the idea was good but an idea does not a novel make. The book is called, The Color of Courage, and it is about a woman soldier in the mounted color guard at Fort Riley, Kansas. When I get it done, it will be an August 2007 release from Steeple Hill.

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 have always wanted to write. I’m a born storyteller, but being a wife, mother and full time NICU nurse didn't leave much time for hobbies. It wasn't until my daughter left home that I began to think seriously about writing a book. My husband was very supportive. He happily read the first chapter of my novel and said , "This is good." Boy, was I thrilled. I wrote and wrote and gave him the second chapter. He read it and said, "This is filler."

NOT the response I was hoping for. In researching how to write a romance novel, I discovered RWA. Everything I know about writing I learned from my local chapter, The Wichita Area Romance Authors, and Romance Writers of America. I finished my first novel, landed an agent with it and thought I had it made. WRONG. After six years of collecting rejection letters for my contemporary romances I began to think it wasn't going to happen for me. Then, Deborah Raney came to speak at my writer's group.

What a blessing she is! I had no idea that there was a market for inspirational romances. Since my stories already had a strong element of faith, I made the revisions easily to my third manuscript and within a few months I got "the call" from my agent that Steeple Hill wanted to buy His Bundle of Love. My thoughts? Whoopee! Whoopee! It can't be true. It is! Whoopee!

Then, I realized that God had only been waiting for me to find the right direction for my talent.

Do you still have self-doubts about your writing?

People who know me will tell you that I have an overabundance of self confidence. I think everything I write is wonderful. Thankfully, I have critique partners who will tell me when what I write is missing the mark.

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

Sure, the thought crossed my mind more than once, but I’m a very stubborn person. I wanted to make sure that every editor who ever rejected my work would one day regret it. I bad. [A.M.: Nah, just human.]

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

None, really. That is the beauty of organizations like ACFW and RWA. They can teach you about the pitfalls of the business and how to improve your craft. They are wonderful groups.

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

Put your behind in the chair and put your fingers on the keyboard. That is the only way your book will get written.

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

Add more sex to your books and they’ll sell.

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

I hate it when someone says that romance novels are smut but they’ve never read one. Or when they say, “Inspirational romance? Isn’t that an oxymoron?”

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?

I might wish that I had learned about inspirational romances sooner, but in truth, I believe things happen for reason. Rejections were good for me. I had to walk the path I was given in order to become a better person as well as a better writer.

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

This year my husband became very ill and nearly died. I couldn’t write for almost three months and that placed me really behind on my current contract. But now I’m going to finish this book on time. I can do it. I can do it. I have faith.

What are a few of your favorite books?

Ah, my deep, dark secret. I know this sounds terrible, but I don’t read romances, inspirational or otherwise. I’m currently reading The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It is the most beautifully written work I have ever seen.

I will read anything by Elizabeth Peters and I loved all the medieval mysteries by Ellis Peters.

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

I’m very proud of my career as a neonatal intensive care nurse. Those babies are truly the least of God’s children and I have been blessed to help heal hundreds and hundreds of them. I have also been there to lay dying children in their mother’s arms and weep with them when no amount of high tech, modern medicine can help. You might not think that is a blessing, but I know that it is.

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

Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
This is my favorite and I think upon it often.

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

Do I have to? You’ll think I’m weird. Okay, Monday through Thursday I rise early by 10:00 or 10:30 am. I drink my coffee on the front porch and feed the cat. Then, I’m off to the YMCA for my Arthritis Water Aerobics class and ten minutes in the hot tub. After that, I fix lunch for my husband if he is up, read and write e-mails and think about getting started on my manuscript.

I do as little housework as I possibly can and think about getting started on my manuscript. I’ll run a few errands and waste enough time until 7:00 pm or so then I’ll make supper. After supper I watch TV with my hubby until 10:00 pm and then I get to work on my book. I write from 10:00 until 2:00 am and then I go to bed. The last half of the week I work 12 hrs night shifts in the NICU, eat and sleep and that’s it. No writing on work nights.

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

I try for 5 pages a day. With my current deadline looming, it is up to 10 and may hit 20 in a few weeks.

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

Both. I plot, but the stories sometimes take on a life of their own and I let them.

What author do you especially admire and why?

I’ve been scolded by one fan who said that I shouldn’t admire Nora Roberts because she writes explicit sex scenes and as a Christian I need to be more careful how I witness. Truthfully, I haven’t read any of Nora’s books, but the woman writes eight hours a day, and turns out five to six books a year. I admire her success, but even more, I admire her dedication to her work.

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

I love making everything turn out all right in my stories. I love happily ever after endings.
The least favorite part of being a writer is facing a blank page and wondering where to start.

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

I’m proud to say that I’ve done three book signings because they scare me to death. I great at talking to people, but I’m terrible, terrible, terrible at remembering names. I make everyone spell their name for me before I write it in their book. I have a website and I’ve spoken to nearly a dozen varied groups about writing and my career. I love doing that. I’ve given interviews to two local papers and they were fun to do. I guess you could say I just love to talk about myself.
Steeple Hill has been doing a wonderful job of promoting my next book, Prodigal Daughter, as part of the Davis Landing series.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

If you want to be a writer, put your behind in the chair and put your hands on the keyboard. That’s the only way the book of your heart will see the light of day.

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Author Interview ~ Donn Taylor

Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in Korea, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. Afterwards, he completed a PhD degree at The University of Texas and taught English literature at two liberal arts colleges. He and his wife live near Houston, Texas, where he writes fiction, poetry, and articles on current topics.

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

Something new for me after writing suspense: a light-hearted mystery set on the campus of a small denominational college. It’s also the first time I’ve used first-person point of view. The narrator is a reclusive professor reluctantly forced into the role of amateur sleuth. He has a lot to learn. The story capitalizes on my years as faculty at two such liberal arts colleges, but I’m certainly not describing any actual college or actual person in the novel. I also have an allegorical poem gradually working into shape.

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?


My only contract thus far is with a regional trade-paperback publisher, Panther Creek Press. I’d published individual poems in various journals, of course, but I spent about four years teaching myself to write a novel and collecting rejections from ABA publishers. The president of Panther Creek Press, Guida Jackson, had heard me read two chapters of The Lazarus File to a critique group. She contacted me about publishing it, explained the details, and I said “yes!” before she could change her mind. I think I was too busy trying to grasp the contract details to think about anything else. Lazarus, by the way, was planned as an ABA suspense novel, but in the writing it took a distinctly Christian direction. I suppose a novel will always reflect the author’s worldview.

For those interested in spies, airplanes, and characters who keep their promises, Lazarus is still available through Amazon.com.

I’m still looking for my first contract with a national publisher.

Do you still have self-doubts about your writing?

Constantly. W.H. Auden wrote that when a poet finishes a poem, he never knows if there will be a next one: he never knows if he’s a poet or an ex-poet. The same has been true with all my writing as far back as graduate school. My first thought is always the enormity of the task and my inability to get my mind wrapped around it. I’ve learned to begin with prayer—not for success, but (after I’ve covered all the people and issues I can think of that need prayer) to do my best on the project. Then I get to work, and things eventually fall into place. I’m always skeptical of writers and composers who say, “The Lord gave me this.” Yet I know I’ve never written anything significant without Him.

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

I’ve never considered not writing, but I’ve often considered leaving the big projects (novels) alone and concentrating on writing poetry for my own pleasure. But somehow, another significant idea always comes up and I’m back to novel writing. A year ago I’d never thought I’d write a mystery or a first-person POV.

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

When I first started writing fiction, I underestimated the amount I’d have to learn to convert from technical writing and academic writing to fiction. It took me several years to work into it. With national publishers and agents, I’m apparently still making mistakes. My last two rejections of a suspense novel complimented “good writing…professionally done,” but they didn’t think they could market it successfully from a new author. Those rejections tell me I’m on the right track, so I’ll keep knocking on the door until someone opens it.

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

1. Craftsmanship, craftsmanship, craftsmanship.

2. From the poet James Dickey: “You never finish a poem. You only abandon it.” The same applies to other writing projects.

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

To write very short sentences in order to make it easy for the reader to understand. Following this advice leads to a literary world without necessary transitional relationships (like and, but, because, however, consequently). Better advice is to vary sentence lengths according to the complexity of the ideas expressed and the reading level of the intended audience. If we dumb everything down into very short sentences, we’ll reach a point where. Each. Sentence. Consists. Of. Only. One. Word. Or. L.E.S.S.

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

Actually, I have two. The first is novels with supposedly adult characters who respond like junior-high students to members of the opposite sex. Don’t they ever grow up? The second is the attempt to solve rhetorical problems with ersatz grammatical rules like “Don’t end a sentence with a preposition.” (The rhetorical principle is to end with a strong word, not a weak one.)

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?

Then, now, and always: efficient ways of targeting the market.

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

I don’t think so. This may be because I’m not yet far enough into it, or it may be that I’m old enough to know you have to work through a lot of no’s in order to find a yes.

What are a few of your favorite books?

First and always, the classics: Homer, Sophocles, Virgil, Dante, Ariosto, Spenser, Shakespeare, Donne, Milton, George Herbert, Tennyson. From the Bible: Ecclesiastes and Hebrews. In modern books: Woolf’s To the Lighthouse, Forster’s, A Passage to India. In commercial fiction: Anything by the Western writer Ernest Haycox. Gavin Lyall’s The Wrong Side of the Sky. T. Davis Bunn’s The Book of Hours. Georgette Heyer’s The Unknown Ajax. Carol Umberger’s Scottish Crown Series, especially The Mark of Salvation.

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

Outside of writing, I’m proud to have served my country in two wars. In writing: 1. The poem “Married Love,” which portrays the grandeur and holiness of marriage through symbol and image without direct statement. 2. Scenes in Lazarus in which hero and heroine are tempted by sexual desire but reject it in favor of keeping faith with their responsibilities. One reviewer, an ex-Marine, wrote: ”Taylor … displays the rare ability to convey emotion without resorting to profanity and to convey passion without specifying body parts.” I consider that high praise.

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

“Unless the Lord build the house, They labour in vain that build it….” (Psalm 127:1)

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

I’m not sure there is one. Mildred and I are usually up by six and like to enjoy a three-mile walk through our community’s hike and bike trails. We talk about a lot of things, often about my current writing project. Then we have a light but leisurely breakfast over newspapers, to include discussion of what we’ve read. I open the computer and check for e-mails (important because we manage our church’s e-mail prayer chain). That done, I get down to writing while Mildred takes care of the phone and other distractions. We get reacquainted over lunch and check in briefly on Fox News. Then more writing and miscellany until supper. I wish I could say we do all this efficiently, but life seems to hold an inexhaustible supply of interruptions.

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

I set a minimum of 1000 words, but I usually get a good bit more. Unfortunately, I sometimes throw half of it back the next day.

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

A bit of both. I have the major plot points and major character trajectories firmly in mind before I start. Before writing each scene I know where it will end, but I don’t know the route it will travel until I start writing. Sometimes a character takes on a life of his own and I have to revise the plot. This happened with the character Ramon in Lazarus. He began as a hijacker whom I planned to use only to get hero and heroine together. But then Ramon said he didn’t want to murder the hero because he’d have to confess it to a priest who already had enough troubles, so why would the hero add to the priest’s troubles by getting himself murdered?


After that speech (see the original in the excerpt on my Web site, www.donntaylor.com), I had to find ways to keep him in the story. He ended up as a key player, a cross between Shakespeare’s Falstaff and Walker Percy’s moviegoer. Readers say he’s the best character in the book. So much for elaborate plans before writing!

What author do you especially admire and why?

Commercial author? The mid-twentieth-century Western writer Ernest Haycox. He infused the standard Western and slick-magazine plots with reasonably well-rounded characters (vice the usual flat characters). He also wrote concise dialogue that revealed characters’ motivations while implying the complete worldview on which they were based. (Haycox’s philosophy was naturalism, but he portrayed it well.)

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

Favorite: Teaching other writers how to write poetry, including teaching classes at writers’ conferences and working with new poets one-on-one. Least favorite: The fact that most of my friends, including those in my church, have no clue as to what I actually do. Maybe that’s a good thing: it sure keeps me humble.

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

In my present state, the best answer I can give is “as much as I can.” Favorite part? Learning new things and meeting interesting people.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Advice to myself as well as others: For life: “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found,” and don’t waste time on anything trivial. For writing: Keep improving your craft and don’t expect good results to happen quickly.

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Author Interview ~ Tracey Bateman

Tracey Bateman has sold more than 450,000 books since her first novel in 2001, including her more recent anthologies, A Stitch in Time and Kansas Home (which has sold over 120,000 copies). Her novels have been presented with such honors as three 2004 American Christian Writer’s Awards, two 2002 American Christian Writer’s Awards, and several Heartsong Present Reader Awards. In 2004, an anthology Bateman coauthored occupied the CBA bestseller list for several months. She is currently the President of American Christian Fiction Writers. Bateman, along with her husband and four children, makes her home in Missouri.





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

So many books so little space…

My second Claire Everett book was just released June 15. My second Penbrook Diaries book will be out with Barbour in December Called THE FREEDOM OF THE SOUL, and the (and this is so sad) last of the Claire books I LOVE CLAIRE will be released in January.

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.

I started writing as a kid like most of us do, and just stopped. When I was 26 I went back to college, because with three kids at home I needed to get out of the house for sanity’s sake, and getting a real job was out of the question. So I took this writing class—the one all college Freshes have to take, and fell in love with writing.

My first long paper turned out to be a “short” story that my ten-year-old grad student teacher gave me two grades for and let me forego my next paper since this one was twice the length the paper was supposed to be.

I only got a B on it but I was HOOKED on storytelling. I ended up dropping out my junior year when I got pregnancy (yes, number four was on the way—I failed biology), induced migraines. But between headaches and throwing up, I found some online information, critique groups, etc. And started learning to write.

I targeted Heartsong (so there, Chip MacGregor!!) and did everything I could to fit their line. It eventually worked and after about a year I submitted my first thing, got a nice rejection from Tracie Peterson, quickly submitted book number two, and eighteen months later At about 6 pm, I got the CALL from Becky Germany that they loved the book(okay, I embellished that one—I don’t think they ever actually said “love”) , wanted to publish it and rush it into publication to fill a hole in their schedule.

The thought that went through my mind was…holy crap, she called the wrong number. Second thing was, how quick can I get off this phone so I can go celebrate eat—if it had been a rejection I would have mourn ate. Pizza—the food for all occasions.

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Oh man. All the time. I still can’t believe anyone would be dumb enough to pay me for the crap I write. OUCH. Okay. So my publisher doesn’t kill me for saying that… I think as writers we have this love/hate relationships with ourselves. We are ultra critical but know we have what it takes, because if we didn’t, we never would have stuck it out this long—if we could just find that right storyline, the right words, and really, what does Francine have that I don’t (besides a few million adoring fans? ).

Self doubt creeps in and makes me cringe, cry, study, work harder, cover my head and dream of quitting, and lastly but the most important, during particularly rough times, it sends me to the couch to watch—yes I do—lifetime movies. I’ve finally adopted Joyce Meyers’ philosophy regarding this business….do it afraid. Do it when you don’t feel like you can, Do it when it stinks, do it when you’re tired, arms ache, kids are yelling, etc. Self-doubt can and will paralyze you.

So my advice to anyone experiencing the sudden urge to pack it in and forget the whole thing (and I won’t mention any names that start with a T and end with a N), take a couple of days to regroup and then get your BE-hind back in the chair and knock out your wordcount for the day.

What mistakes have you made while seeking publication?

None when it came to the business side…on the PERSONAL side, I’ve spent too much time in the chair and not enough time playing with the kids—now they’re big kids and I missed out on a lot of fun with them. I missed church to meet deadlines (still do but I’m determined to STOP IT).

I’ve dropped all of my service to my local church because I’m too busy to stay committed to it. So there is a definite price to pay when those contracts start coming in. I need to learn better balance.

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

From Bodie Thoene’s book about writing (and I can’t remember the title it was AGES ago), she introduced me to The Writer’s Market Guide and said find the publisher who takes at least 25% of their books from new authors and target them. So that’s why I went with Heartsong when my dream was to write for Bethany (who rejects me on a regular basis I might add—but I’m not bitter).

Sometimes God gives you what you need instead of what you want. Six years after I first started writing for Heartsong, I’m still partnering with the Barbour company in addition to a couple of others.

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

Anyone can get published if they work hard enough. It’s just not true. You have to pursue this business with intelligence and do it right. There are only so many slots available. Sometimes you can look at certain writers and just KNOW they’re going to make it big—Camy Tang comes to mind.

Others might get one or two small books published and it’s easy to see that’s all that will ever come of it. Work hard, yes. But work smart. Get to know people, and work your behind off getting better. Find a niche no one else fills or fill the same one better than the ones filling it at present.

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

I was pretty methodic in my approach, so I think I had a real natural progression. I wrote for Heartsong until I felt it was time to try for an agent. With fifteen books and a couple of great recommendations, I got my agent, (Steve Laube—yes I’m a name dropper), the best in the business as far as I’m concerned. And sidebar…I think it’s a HUGE mistake to find an agent when you don’t need one. If you are only writing sweet romances for a company with a standard contract, why would you share your dough?

Wait until you’re ready to branch out into the broader market THEN it’ll be worth their time and your money for the good agents to take you on. After Steve made me sweat it out for FOUR freakin’ months, he agreed to represent me and has placed everything we’ve submitted over the last three years with the exception of one proposal that could have been revised or sent elsewhere, but I decided to submit something else and that one sold.

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

The one setback I had was more of a retreat. The summer of 1999, God spoke to me that I had been striving for something that He was going to bring to me anyway and that he wanted me to enter a season of rest and let him work. So He instructed me to stay offline and stop writing for an undisclosed amount of time. I was just to trust. It was HARD. But God was clear and the one thing I can say I’m good at is obedience. I spent the summer and first part of the fall relearning to clean house and reconnecting with my family.

The season ended the night Rebecca Germany called me about buying my first Heartsong.

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

Tisha, Gone with the Wind, A Tale of Two Cities, Little Pilgrim’s Progress (because the big one makes my eyes cross), newer books: All three of the Mark of the Lion books by Francine Rivers. I think they’re better than Redeeming Love even. I read them at least once, usually twice a year. Anything by Lisa Samson.

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

The Color of the Soul—the first of the Penbrook Diaries with Barbour. Because it delves into race issues and women’s issues and Barbour allowed me to be honest. It was so challenging to write and having finished it, even though it’s not the biggest seller out there, I feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s a book that could make a difference.


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

I think my biggest pet peeve is that the people who win the awards like the Christys don’t sell books!!! Come on people. BUY books that say something. Books that are written with a deft hand and mega talent like Athol Dickson’s River Rising, or ANYTHING by Lisa Samson who is, in my opinion, THE best writer in the CBA.

We are going to lose these major talents to the ABA if we don’t start giving them their due. When I read their books, I read for two reasons…first because the story won’t let me go. Next for the purpose of studying the craft. Books on craft bore me, but if I can read a well-written novel, I can learn scads. And I do from writers like this. But these writers will either jump ship to the ABA or compromise the very qualities that make them so unique and start writing what is selling (and who needs more of that?) if the reading public doesn’t start flocking to stores and buying their books. GO BUY A BOOK BY LISA SAMSON. (and no, I don’t hang out with her nor is she paying me for advertisement. ) Oh yeah, buy CLAIRE KNOWS BEST too.

How many books on average do you write a year?

Four or five. They range from 70 to 85K words. I’m just a hot commodity right now and trying to find a good place to settle in. I’m busy with three publishers. I have a heart love for one, a sense of feeling like a celebrity with one, and an optimistic feeling that one will be where I land and stay and build my career, but that remains to be seen. I’d like to slow down, write for one publisher and build my career within that company. I know which one *I* want, but I have to pay the bills, so it’s not an option at the moment. In a couple of years….Please God?

How do you accomplish that? Extensive plotting? Long hours? Forgoing the bathroom and food?

Forego food? What are you on? Procrastinate, procrastinate, procrastinate,….Oh my gosh!!! Two weeks to deadline…MOM will you keep the kids this week??????? WRITE WRITE WRITE. That’s my world.
Can you give us a view into a typical day of your writing life?

I just did. Seriously, I don’t have a set schedule. Schedules make my ears bleed. I have a certain word count I would LIKE to get done each day. I like to sleep, so during the summer I sleep in and stay up late. If I can’t concentrate to write during the day, I take a nap and work after everyone’s in bed. Most days I’d rather watch TV. I learned from Debbi Bedford that twenty minutes of walking is for my mind, forty for my body. So if I’m feeling really sluggish, I’ll think about walking and four hours later, if I actually go do it, I DO feel more alert. I live a life of organized chaos.

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

From Susan May Warren (writer extraordinaire with Tyndale and Steeple Hill Café). I would adopt her brilliant mind for plotting. It is so hard for me and comes so naturally to her. I hate brainstorming with her when I’m stumped on my books because our conversations go something like this:

Susie: What’s this character’s GOALS you have to know what she’s working for before you can figure out how to get her there.

Tracey: Goals Shmoals--How should I know what her goals are? I hoped You’d tell ME. If you’re not going to plot my book for me, I’m hanging up.
Seriously, I’ve never been strong on plotting. But I’m even worse now that I’ve been writing mom lit and chicklit. You can have a basic idea and then let the characters run away with the story and it’s GREAT. Susie plots her shopping list. I’d love to think more that way. I take a shopping list to the store and never look at it. That’s sort of how I plot. Write a few things down, and never look at it again.

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

I want to write to women’s hearts. And eventually have a speaking ministry to go along with it. I have endured and overcome a lot of junk in my life. And learned tons along the way. Surely God has a reason for not taking me out early on when I deserved it. If I can serve Him by serving his precious jewels, I would love to do that.

I’d also like to be an agent some day (Don’t Laugh Steve—I’m eyeing a few of your clients!)

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

Not really. There have been times I wished for some time off. But I haven’t reached the point where I’m willing to sacrifice financially in order to take a break.

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

Favorite…on the lowest, most shallow level…getting paid and not having to work outside my home (I’m really lazy but I gotta feed and clothe my kids).

But on a higher plane, my favorite part is being in a position to be a voice in a world where it’s hard to rise above the other voices out there. If three people get the takeaway message from my book, then I’ve done my job. God has blessed me so much, I won’t take that for granted.
My least favorite part of the job is (sorry Jeane) radio interviews. I just feel like such a social bottom dweller and get really nervous about talking interviews. I don’t think fast on my feet unless I’m kidding around.


How much marketing do you do? Any advice in this area?

I think utilizing the power of the internet is going to be key. I was talking to my publisher about this during CBA, and he said to get it figured out. So I’m trying. But I’m not very good at it. I don’t do a lot of marketing personally unless someone makes me because I just don’t know what I’m doing. That’s why I work for houses that have strong marketing departments.

I’m going to start working on better blog habits and doing online interviews etc. I’m revamping my website and plan to start a newsletter this summer. That’s the best I can do for now.


Parting words?

Boy I’m trying to be wise, but I got nothing.

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Author Interview ~ Ramona Cecil

Ramona K. Cecil is a wife, mother, grandmother, free-lance poet, and inspirational romance writer. Now empty-nesters, she and her husband of thirty-three years make their home in Seymour, Indiana. Although she’s been published in poetry for over two decades, Larkspur is her debut novel. When not writing, her hobbies include reading, gardening, and visiting places of historical interest. You can visit her at www.ramonakcecil.com






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


I’d like to tell you about my inspirational historical prairie romance, Larkspur, which will be coming out this November, 30th by Vintage Romance Publishing. The story, set in 1835 in a small, Indiana farming community I named Larkspur, was inspired by Conner Prairie, a living history museum near Indianapolis, Indiana. A young woman who’s lost all confidence in the medical elite of the time, practices and preaches Dr. Samuel Thomson’s botanical approach to healing. She has vowed, with God’s help, to save people from the harsh practitioners of conventional medicine. That vow becomes more resolute as well as more difficult to keep when a young doctor arrives fresh from the university and prepares to set up a medical practice in Larkspur.

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.

I have been writing poetry as far back as I can remember. Truly, I remember asking my mother to write down my poems because I hadn’t yet, learned to write. I’ve always been an avid reader. Story ideas were always running through my mind, but I’d stuck to my poetry and hadn’t pursued any of the stories. About twenty-three years ago, I decided I’d try to write a book. I love history, especially Indiana history. One of my favorite places to visit has always been Conner Prairie. Their perpetual year is 1836. On one of my visits there, the idea of Larkspur was planted in my brain. I had no notion how to write a book, so I just started with that grain of an idea and began pounding away at my electric typewriter. I did hours and hours of research (still knowing nothing about the craft of writing). To help with my research, I bought a wonderful, vintage Indiana history book, Historic Indiana by Julia Henderson Levering published in 1910. It is still one of my treasures and a resource I could not do without.

While helping my husband raise our two daughters and working different jobs outside the home, I set the manuscript aside. In the mid 1980’s, I began selling my Christian poetry to a publisher of inspirational gift items. Over the years, I’ve sold over eighty verses to them. I get a kick out of finding my poems on internet sites from time to time.

In 1999 I got a computer and decided to dust off my old manuscript of Larkspur. I rewrote it, and then began writing other stories; two contemporary novellas, another historical romance novel, and a historical novella. At this point, my only education in how to write came from reading inspirational romances and Penelope Stokes’ book, Writing & Selling the Christian Novel. In 2002 I entered Larkspur in the Northeast Indiana Romance Author’s Opening Gambit contest. It placed third and I was both elated and encouraged. About that same time, I found (actually, God led me to) American Christian Romance Writers (now American Christian Fiction Writers) and I joined the group. I wouldn’t be getting published now if it hadn’t been for that decision. I have learned so much from so many wonderful, generous, Christian writers.

I joined a great critique group, began taking online writing courses, and actually began seriously learning the craft. I submitted Larkspur to a publishing house and it was rejected. I wasn’t happy about it at the time, but now I realize it was another stone—okay, a rough stone—in my road to publication.

Last year, an ACFW member posted a notice about Vintage Romance Publishing’s Vintage Inspirations Contest for inspirational stories. Using some of the advice I’d received along with the rejection, I reworked Larkspur and sent it in. Here, I have to thank two wonderful writers, critique partners, and great friends, Staci Wilder and Kim Sawyer for setting aside their own work to critique the story for me. I never imagined I would win. I simply considered it an opportunity for Vintage Romance Publishing to see a sample of my work.

When I learned I was one of three finalists, I was bowled over! I remember going to the Vintage Romance Publishing web site and just sitting and staring at the computer screen. I could hardly believe I was reading my name and the name of my story. So you can imagine how amazed I was a few weeks later, when I received the call from Vintage Romance Publishing’s chief editor telling me I’d won! I was standing when I took the call and had to immediately sit down. I knew part of first place prize was a contract with Vintage Romance Publishing. At long last, I was going to be published! I just couldn’t get my mind around it. She was telling me what to expect but I was in such shock most of it didn’t register. Fortunately, she e-mailed me later with the same information.

Tell us about Vintage Romance Publishing.

Vintage Romance Publishing is a small, but rapidly growing publishing house based in Goose Creek South Carolina. They publish only historical fiction, which is one of the things that drew me to them. They publish both secular and inspirational romance. Visit them at www.vrpublishing.com

Are there benefits to working with a small press? (If so, what?)

I love the friendly, intimate feel. It’s like working with a group of friends, which is exactly what it is. Right from the start, I felt truly welcomed. The entire group of editors and writers are super-supportive and helpful. I’ve already learned so much about the publishing and marketing process.

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

All the time. There always seems to be that little insidious whisper in my ear saying, “Why do you think you can do this?” I don’t know how many times I’ve petitioned God saying, “If I’m not supposed to do this, please let me know.” After each of these petitions, He has always sent an encouragement. I just try to ignore the negative thoughts and remind myself that this work is for God. If He didn’t want me to be at this place, at this time in my writing life, I wouldn’t be here. I do think self-doubt is good in some ways. It keeps pushing me to strive to do better work. I keep the verse from Ephesians 3:20 beside my computer. “Glory be to God, who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare ask or even dream of. . .”

What mistakes have you made while seeking publication?

I once paid to submit Larkspur to a publication that periodically sends blurbs of stories to publishers. There are several of these floating around. For me, anyway, it was a waste of money.

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

To remember that this is about God, not about me. The most important thing is the journey, not the destination. As difficult as it is sometimes, this is the work God has given me to do. A second piece of advice was to keep working, never quit learning your craft, and never, never, never give up!

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

That’s a tough one. I have been immersed in such wonderful writing advice since I joined ACFW, it’s hard to remember back to when I might have heard a piece of bad advice. Because I’d reworked this story so many times, someone once told me to give up on it. I’m glad I didn’t take that advice.

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

I wish I had found ACFW sooner. A writer needs support—at least I do. I don’t see how anyone can do this alone. Find a good writers’ support group, get into a good critique group, and take advantage of all the free advice and writing courses offered by groups like ACFW. It is a well-spring of invaluable writing information, freely and lovingly shared.

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

I suppose it would have to have been the rejection of Larkspur. But despite all the tears I cried at the time, I don’t see it as a negative now. The story was not ready to be published at that time. I learned so much from that experience, and the great advice I got helped me to make Larkspur a much better story.

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

I’ve read so many great ones it’s hard to pin down. As a young person in Indiana, I loved all the Gene Stratton Porter books. Laddie was my favorite. Drums Along the Mohawk by Walter D. Edmonds is another book that springs to mind. Lately, Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love; Louise Gouge’s Ahab’s Legacy series; anything by Lauraine Snelling, Janette Oke, and two of my critique partners, Kim Sawyer, and Staci Wilder. Truly, besides thoroughly enjoying their writing, just reading their work has helped improve my own writing by leaps and bounds.

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

I like a poem I wrote called “If” for a Christian. It was published by Dicksons, Inc. and is written in the same style as Rudyard Kippling’s poem,“If.” I feel I did a credible job of capturing the style of Kippling’s original poem, while giving my poem a Christian bent. Also, I’m always most in love with my current work-in-progress. Right now, it’s a piece of romantic women’s fiction entitled, The Heritage. It takes place in my county in Indiana in 1812. I think the conflicts in this story are particularly compelling.

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

I suppose it would be writing query letters. I’m not sure how good I am at it, and it’s so important that an author present their work in an attention-grabbing and compelling way.

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

My husband works a late shift, so we are both night owls. I usually get up around 10:00 in the morning and turn on my computer and check e-mails and blogs. I don’t really get down to writing business until after my husband leaves for work at 4:30 PM. Between then and 2:00 AM, I work on writing, editing, research, critiques—whatever happens to be on the docket for the evening. I like to spend at least four hours just writing new material.

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

I wish I could write as fast as Kim Sawyer and with such breath-taking attention to details.

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

I would like all the stories I’ve written—and will write in the future—to be published. But that is up to God. Mostly, I would just like to feel I’ve used the talents and opportunities God has given me in a way that most pleases Him.

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

At least once or twice a month. I think how much easier it might be to simply do a nine-to-five job. But I love writing too much. The stories won’t let me be and God keeps dragging me back to the computer screen. It’s like a comment made by a character in one of my short stories. “I’m not looking for easy. I’m looking for worthwhile.”

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

My favorite part is the writing and the research. I love both. I even enjoy the rewrites. I’m not as fond of writing a synopsis.

How much marketing do you do? Any advice in this area?

I plan to do huge amounts of marketing. I’ve put together a web site—something I never thought I’d be able to do. Aside from some hair-pulling moments, I find myself actually enjoying the work, and am planning some promotional contests on my site. I had postcards made with the cover of my book on one side and a blurb about the book and my contact information on the other. I never leave home without at least a half-dozen of these cards. I have given them to both friends and total strangers, and have received very positive responses. I’ve even been approached by the district manager of the merchandising company that stocks our Wal-Mart with inspirational books. I might have an opportunity to do a book signing, there. Already, I’ve been promised book signings at my church and local library.

Besides sending out multiple press notices about my book’s release, I will be visiting bookstores with a gift basket containing my book and other goodies. I plan to approach Christian radio stations and let them know I’m available for interviews. I love talking about my work, so I’ll be making myself available to speak to various church groups and possibly, historical societies. I’m presently working toward securing a book signing appointment at Conner Prairie. My advice concerning marketing would be to never pass up an opportunity to market your book.

Parting words?

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to talk about Larkspur and the writing journey God has set me upon. I truly feel humbled and blessed that He has chosen me for this work. With His help, I can do all things, but without Him, I can do nothing. I pray that God will continue to bless my work and use it as a true ministry for Him. I leave you with John 15:16. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

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Link to iTunes Podcast

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Pod Cast with Maggie Anton

Maggie Anton is the award-winning author of Rashi's Daughters—a series that explores the world of the great Talmud scholar Rabbi Shlomo Yizhaki through the eyes of his three daughters.

When I first invited Maggie to come on Novel Journey for a podcast interview, it was her prestigious awards that piqued my interest. That changed, however, when Book One—Joheved arrived and I started to read.

Maggie Anton offers her readers an amazing look at Jewish worldview all the while transporting her readers back to medieval France.

Interviewed by Jessica Dotta

Rashi's Daughters is a novel of historical fiction by Maggie Anton chronicling the lives and loves of Rashi's three daughters, Joheved, Miriam, and Rachel. Rashi, the great medieval Jewish scholar, had no sons, but his grandsons became the greatest scholars of their generation. This book explores the lives of the ignored generation - Rashi's daughters.

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Author Interview ~ Terry Fowler

Tarheel born and bred, TERRY FOWLER makes her home in Wilmington, North Carolina where she works for the city government. Besides writing, her interests include reading, gardening, genealogical research and serving in her church. She currently has an anthology entitled NORTH CAROLINA in the stores. You can learn more about Terry at www.terryfowler.net

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

Currently I’m working on the idea I hope will be book three of what I've called my Cornerstone series. All the books are based on members of Cornerstone Community Church and it's been great fun getting to know all these new characters.

Heartsong Presents will publish the first book, Christmas Mommy, later this year and the second, Except for Grace, in 2007.

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?

My journey took twenty years. My first submission was rejected in October 1978 and Heartsong Presents published my first book in October 1998. I never got the call. A snail mail letter had me crying tears of joy and praising the Lord as I called my family and friends.

Do you still have self-doubts about your writing?

I think any author would have to be incredibly self-confident never to have doubts when it comes to their writing. There are times when what I’ve written strikes me as total garbage and others when I can’t believe I wrote what I’m reading. Then there’s always rejection no matter what the source.

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

After accepting Christ as my Savior in 1992, I knew I could no longer write secular romance. I asked God for a market and then one day I opened a packet of advertising cards and found Heartsong Presents.

What mistakes did you make while seeking an editor or agent?

I hope the fact that I’ve always been a rule player when it comes to submissions has kept me from making mistakes. I read in the lines and get tip sheets to be sure I stay on track. I haven’t gone the agent route yet so I can’t say about that.

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

Write. I firmly believe that the only way any writer can get published is to keep writing and get their work to the editors. They can’t buy what they don’t have.

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

All advice has its place. What we may consider bad advice at the time can actually become some of the best we’ve ever received if we take time to listen.

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

I don’t really have any pet peeves. I know giving control of my writing to God helps me maintain a positive attitude.

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?

I wish I’d had access to the internet back when I started writing. I think it’s one of the most valuable assets available to today’s writers. And preparing a manuscript on a computer rather than a typewriter is so much better.

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

I suppose the years of rejection were the worst set back I suffered. I got some form letters but I felt blessed when an editor took time to comment in a way that helped me improve. There were times when I threatened to quit but as my sister often told me I could stop breathing easier than I could give up writing.

What are a few of your favorite books?

Dee Henderson’s O’Malley series
Gail Gaymer Martin's The Christmas Kite
Several of my fellow Heartsong Presents authors

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

I’m equally proud of every book I’ve written, published or unpublished. So many times unpublished writers think they've not accomplished anything because they wrote a book that wasn't published but in truth the great accomplishment was finishing the book.

Right now, my anthology, North Carolina, is in the stores and it’s been great hearing from friends and readers who have seen it on the shelves.

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

Every book I write has its own specially chosen scripture that serves as my theme for the book.

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

I work a full time job Monday through Friday so I write over lunch breaks, in traffic, evenings, weekends, and any other time I find an opportunity.

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

The only time I’ve ever set writing goals was recently when I had a short deadline to meet. I wasn’t sure I could write a book that fast but I was able to figure out how many words I needed to write each week and completed the book in plenty of time.

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

I’ve always been seat of the pants. I have a tendency to write scenes as they come to me. A snippet of an idea starts to grow and I create. However, Heartsong Presents asks for chapter by chapter breakdowns and I’m finding those are a great tool.

What author do you especially admire and why?

Dee Henderson. Her O’Malley series has been a keeper for me. I enjoyed the way she took this group of characters and made me care about them so much.

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

I love writing. That 'what if' seed of an idea takes on a life of its own and we're taken on the ride of our life. When someone asks how did you come up with that? it's hard to explain. The actual business of being a writer – edits and such – is the hard part.

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

Marketing is a weakness for me. I need to focus more attention on getting my work out there. I have a website at present.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

When those rejections arrive, allow yourself a short pity party and then get back to work. Study the market, take advantage of every opportunity to improve your writing, and persevere.

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Author Interview ~ Susan Wales

Susan Wales is the author of several books including Standing on the Promises, Social Graces, The Pleasure of Your Company, Faith in Gods and Generals, and The Chase, which she co-wrote with Robin Shope. Susan is married to Hollywood producer Ken Wales. They live in Pacific Palisades, California, with their daughter, Megan.

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


The Replacement, a political thriller that delves into the pharmaceutical industry, is the sequel to my first novel The Chase co-authored with Robin Shope in 2004. Jill Lewis, a top investigative political reporter, in Washington D. C., is the heroine of these intriguing tales of suspense intricately woven with a touch of romance.

The Replacement is a stand-alone, but you will enjoy so much more if you first read The Chase. Jill Lewis is at the height of her career with a hunky fiancé, also an up and comer in the political world when The Chase opens. But as you turn the pages, Jill’s life unravels when her source is proved a phony. Her life becomes even more complicated when she discovers that her father who recently died in a car accident was possibly involved in the political scandal she is investigating . . . not to mention, threatened!

I can say no more because I’ll spoil the story for my cherished readers! The Replacement takes up where The Chase left off, but it’s also full of intrigue, and yes, a surprising romance . . . but most of all—DANGER! One reader describes it as scary as Psycho! What a compliment!

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?

Author James Patterson said he was turned down several times on his first novel but he won the Edgar Prize for mystery for his first book, and since then he’s sold a zillion books, so believe me, I’d much rather have had his problem, but truthfully, my journey was easy . . . I had a non-stop flight to publishing. I was too naïve to know it was supposed to be difficult. As single women, my writing partner Ann Platz and I prayed for husbands and collected miraculous love stories from magazines and books to read whenever we became discouraged. I’m sure many of you can relate!

Ann miraculously met her husband John, and several years later, I met my husband Ken in a miraculous circumstance. As a result, Ann and I were called into a ministry to pray and encourage singles. “One day we’ll do a book,” we promised! Years later when my daughter Megan went away to college, Ken asked me what plans I had for my life as an empty nester. I knew my time to write had come at last! I called up a publisher with the idea, and by the second sentence, he was sold. Ann and I published our first book, A Match Made in Heaven!

Do you still have self-doubts about your writing?

Not about writing per se, but my doubts come from— will the books I spend months writing and putting my whole heart into make it into the hands of the reader? Ann and I naively believed our first book would sell a million copies. Go ahead laugh! Although our book sold less than a million, a divorcee who had plans to kill herself one Christmas night, faxed me a letter that explained how she hesitated before taking the pills to pick up our book that her mother had stuffed in her stocking Christmas morning. It was a last minute gift she’d bought on Christmas Eve as she stood in line at Wal-Mart. The book gave the divorcee such hope that she chose life instead. That was huge for me!

God spoke to my heart through that incident. I learned never to be concerned about the sales because when he calls you to write a book, it may be for just one person. Helping to save that one life made all those years spent writing Match Made in Heaven worth every moment of hard work! I’m not sure the publishers will be happy with my one reader philosophy . . . but after that letter, it was easy for me to relinquish my book sales to God. Now I just pray that the books get to the people who need to hear the message.

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

Writing never, but after my first novel, I considered specializing in writing only gift books. My agent convinced me that I was a great storyteller and should stick with novels. I probably couldn’t have quit anyway . . . it’s an addiction you know!

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

Believe me, I’ve made zillions of mistakes in every area of my life, but this is one area in which I’ve been very blessed.

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

Our school librarian Mrs. Awbrey gave me the stellar advice to read every book I could if I wanted to write, so I emerged upon a serious bookworm phase in junior high. My parents grew concerned, and told me if I wanted to have something to write about, I had to live life too and not keep my nose in a book all the time, so I began going out a lot!

Later they regretted their advice, but they were right. Ha! I have tons of experiences to write about. Today when I’m writing and I’m tempted to slip into my hermit phase, I force myself to socialize. My husband Ken also shared with me the great advice Walt Disney gave him, “Bambi’s mother had to die because every story must have jeopardy.” Thanks Walt and Ken . . . It’s the jeopardy in our books that makes them work!

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

To write a movie script. It is so difficult to go between scripts and books because it’s the actor and not the dialogue in a script that shows the character’s reaction, but in books, you have to describe it. I have adapted books to a screenplay for top screenwriters, but my work is technical, and it’s their rich dialogue that really makes the script soar.

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

I love this business, and I honestly can’t think of a pet peeve at the moment.

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?

I wish I had taken some refresher courses in creative writing courses and read some how-to books before I dove into writing. Now I study, take courses, and really hone my craft striving for excellence in every aspect of my writing. In publishing, I wish I had realized publishers really are the experts and listened more during the process of my first couple of books. They’re not infallible, but they really do know what they’re talking about!

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

Absolutely! It’s humiliating and humbling, but I learned more about writing from my setback than anything I’ve ever experienced in my career. Everything in my writing career had gone fairly smoothly until then . . . I had never missed a deadline even if it killed me, so when the time arrived to turn in this particular book, I was super busy, but I just sent it in, even though I knew in my heart the book was far from what it should be. A part of me hoped I would luck out and they would love it anyway, and whatever was wrong could be fixed in the editing process, but when the editor read it, she said, “Sorry, this is not good enough.”

Yikes! Your whole world flashes before your eyes shattering your dreams shatter into itsy bitsy pieces, but I gained so much from that humiliating debacle. I learned a tough lesson . . . It’s the lesser of two evils to miss a deadline than to turn in a pathetic book. Deadlines are important so alert the publisher ahead of time if you sense you have a problem along the way. They don’t bite . . .promise! Most important is communication. Don’t make excuses for yourself, just apologize and swallow your pride admitting you have a problem. From someone who’s been there . . . it is a great lesson in humbleness and grace!

What are a few of your favorite books?

Thanks to my school librarian, I love the classics. To Kill A Mockingbird, Les Miserables, Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and The Count of Monte Cristo.

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

My first novel – The Chase. After Robin and I wrote it, Novelist T. Davis Bunn read a few pages and recommended that we live with it a year before trying to get it published! Although we were itching to have it published, I had an enormous amount of respect for Davis, so we took his advice. For the next year I pulled it apart word-by-word, and then I had a friend read it, and share with me her thoughts. I sent the manuscript to Robin and together, we “fixed” it. It was a long haul, but it was such a wonderful feeling when my agent called to tell me Baker wanted to publish it, and the enthusiasm the acquisitions editor had for our work. If you haven’t been there, I hope all of you can know that feeling, one day!

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

I have this Scripture and this quote taped to my desk.

My teaching is not my own. It comes from Him who sent me . . . He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the One who sent him is a man of truth. John 7:16

I have this quote pasted on my desk:

The writer must be willing all else, to take chances, to risk making a fool of himself—
even risk revealing the fact that he is a fool. —Jessamyn West, author of Friendly Persuasion

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

I’m an early riser; sometimes up as early as five a.m. First I pray, and then I have my devotional, and then I go downstairs for breakfast. Instead of coffee, I have a Diet Coke with tons of crushed ice. I know, I know it’s unhealthy, but Southerners will understand my addiction. In California my husband warns me repeatedly not to confess that I’m addicted to Coke!

After breakfast, I work sixteen-hour days if I don’t have a real estate appointment, the career that supports my writing habit. I also produce the MOVIEGUIDE® Awards each year, and I have a meeting for that, and when it’s in production I can only write late at night. After Ken and I have dinner, I write, and then I exercise. My husband thinks it’s not good for you to exercise so late, but it’s just the way my body clock works.

I go to bed with my husband, and after he goes to sleep I slip out of bed and tiptoe downstairs to my office and write, sometimes until the wee hours of the morning. On those days I go to bed around four and sleep until nine. Occasionally, I take luxurious naps in the afternoon. My husband is very social so I force myself to go out a couple of times of week with him. Once I go it’s rare that I don’t hear something or see something wonderful that really adds to my writing so I’m grateful Ken’s a social butterfly!

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

No goals. My problem has never been writing enough . . . my problem is forcing myself to stop writing.

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

I am a plotter because that’s the way I’ve been taught, but I don’t particularly like it because as I’m writing, I’ll come up with a zillion better ideas. As a result, I end up throwing my outlines in the trash and writing another one. Fortunately, my agent and publisher like the better ideas.

What author do you especially admire and why?

The author of To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee from Monroeville, Alabama, not far from where I was born. After reading Lee’s book as a young person, I knew I had to write. Mockingbird is not only one of the best books I ever read, but I was awed by what it did for race relations in America. Lee hasn’t written a book since Mockingbird, but she assisted her childhood friend, Truman Capote, in writing his book, In Cold Blood. Capote is also thought to be the model for the character Dill in her book.

Another author I adore is Alabamian Rick Bragg, the New York Times journalist, who wrote Ava’s Man and All Over But the Shoutin’. Rick once started an article . . . "This is a place where grandmothers hold babies on their laps under the stars and whisper in their ears that the lights in the sky are holes in the floor of heaven. This is a place where the song 'Jesus Loves Me' has rocked generations to sleep, and heaven is not a concept, but a destination." It doesn’t get much better than this! I’ve been so inspired and moved by Bragg’s writing from his heart that when the last book of the Jill Lewis series is out in February, I plan to concentrate solely on Southern literature. I’ll still write thrillers with love stories woven through them, but they’ll have a southern flavor.

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

Creating characters. I just adore people! When writing my first novel The Chase, I developed a crush on Craig, one of the characters in the book. When I confessed this to my writing partner, she admitted that she had a crush on him too! Oh, I hope our husbands won’t read this . . . Ha! That’s the great thing about being writer creating the perfect man—romantic, handsome, and attentive! Not that my husband’s not, of course!

The sedentary lifestyle is my least favorite. As my four-year-old granddaughter Hailey said recently, “GaGa, your bumper just keeps getting bigger and bigger!” Out of the mouth of babes! I work hard on my treadmill, trying to walk those calories away, but I’ve gotten behind; no pun intended!

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

I’m lousy at self-promotion, but I love every other aspect of marketing. However, I’ve hardly done any on my fiction, because I haven’t figured out how to do it yet. Novelists don’t get the radio or TV interviews other authors get unless you’re famous. The Internet is fast becoming the best place to market books, so I’m terribly excited and humbled that you’ve invited me to do this interview! What a great service you have!

I’ve gone on a few book tours, and I loved dashing from city to city appearing on TV, and going to book-signings to meet the readers . . . there’s nothing more rewarding than this to an author . . . talking to readers about the story and hearing their take on your characters! Readers have helped me improve my writing by sharing their thoughts. Please email me, cherished readers - susanwales@gmail.com. I plan to become more attentive to my website in the future . . . susanwales.com.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

There are writers out there far better than I who remain unpublished. The difference between those writers and me is that I just sit down and do it. I want to encourage wannabe writers to find the time in your schedule to write. I can assure you that your passion for writing will supply all the time and energy you will need. Also, write what you know, not what you are told will sell. Write from your heart. Just sit down and do it, and send me an autographed copy of your book when you’re done! Blessings to all!

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Author Interview ~ Candice Speare

Candice lives in Maryland with her husband, Brad, and Winston, the African Grey parrot (who is really in charge). She has one daughter, a sailor in the U.S. Navy. With three books scheduled for release in 2007, Candice stays busy writing. In addition, she works part-time as a freelance content editor. She also volunteers one or two days a week at the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Police Academy where she uses her secretarial skills to help the staff, as well as participating in recruit training scenarios. Candice hopes that as people are entertained by her fiction, they will also catch a glimpse of God’s love for people, and His desire for people to grow and be whole.


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

The Trish Cunningham Mystery series, published by Heartsong Presents: Mysteries, Barbour’s new cozy mystery line. The first book, Murder in the Milk Case, is due out in January, 2007. The second book in the series, called Band Room Bash, is due out in June 2007.

Check out www.candicemillerspeare.com where you’ll find more details about the series, all the usual author stuff, and my blog.


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.

I’ve been seriously writing for seven years, but my journey started way before that. In the early nineties, while I home schooled my daughter, I took writing courses by mail through what was then called Christian Writer’s Institute. I wrote several books, which will never, ever see the light of day, but nothing came to fruition.

In 1999, I met some other inspirational writers via the internet. We began an online critique group. I started to participate in online chats and workshops. During that time, I heard about the formation of a new group called ACRW (now ACFW).

In 2000, my husband and I moved to Dallas, Texas so he could finish his pastoral degree. I joined ACRW. Soon after our move, I was invited by two ACRW authors to join a critique group. Despite rejections and disappointments, from that point on, I felt as if I was in a forward motion that I couldn’t stop even if I tried.

When we moved back to Maryland, I signed with an agent. Every time I thought about not pursuing publication, something happened to encourage me. Writing to be published was something I couldn’t escape.

The fact that Murder in the Milk Case was my first book sale is an irony in the truest sense of the word. In December 2004, a secular author took an interest in the book. This author wanted me to polish the manuscript and said if she loved it as much as she thought she would, she would open doors for my agent to contact her editor at Berkley Prime Crime.

Boy, that seemed like a dream come true. I finished the book, but I wasn’t comfortable. I wasn’t sure I wanted to change my focus from inspirational to secular fiction. Caveat here: Please understand that I have no problem with authors who do. I just wasn’t sure that was the direction I should take.

So, I prayed. One minute, I thought I should go one way; the next, I thought I should do the other. Then I got my answer the way God usually talks to me—with peace and clarity at five in the morning. (I always ask God why I can’t get my clarity of mind at, say, ten at night. I think it’s because the only time my brain is really still is when I first wake up.)

No, I didn’t hear a thundering voice coming through the bedroom ceiling or see a burning bathrobe and words etched upon my closet doors. I just woke with the realization that I’d spent six years building contacts in the CBA. I was familiar with the market and the editors. I had built relationships with CBA authors and fellow writers. To move over to the ABA meant starting over. Did I really want to give up years of hard work?

Well, duh. How practical was that? But, then, we do serve a practical God. However, lest you think everything was rose petals and chocolate dipped strawberries after that, it wasn’t. I continued to receive rejections. For Murder in the Milk Case, as well. I second-guessed myself many times. Hey, I’m human.

Then, almost a year to the month that I made the decision, my agent emailed me. Barbour wanted to see Murder in the Milk Case in whole. But I had to cut 50,000 words from the manuscript. Could I do that? Yes. Of course. Sure. Easy. Just cut out like three or four subplots. Yep. Give me three weeks. I did it, but it wasn’t easy.

We submitted it, and I waited, but not too long. I got the offer the Monday before Christmas. What a Christmas present that was! My husband woke me up that morning with a call from my agent. I was so sleepy, I kept wondering if it was all a dream. He grinned from ear to ear. The rest of my family was ecstatic. I think my mother and sister called everyone they knew within a few days. My good writing buddies were doing happy dances.

But here’s the weird part. I thought that when I finally got a contract, I would feel different. That somehow my confidence level would immediately increase, and I would feel like a real author. I might even feel like I knew more things. That didn’t happen. If anything, I initially felt less confident. Almost overwhelmed. Like I was naked on a stage and everyone was staring at me.

That feeling has passed and reality has set in, but still, when I’m asked to do things like this interview, I think, what? You want to interview me? You’re joking, right? Yes, I’m an author, but I’ve realized that I know even less than I thought I did. One book doesn’t guarantee anything. And the pressure has shifted. My focus is no longer finding an editor who believes in me. Now I need to make sure each book is better than the last. I need to learn to market myself. And I need to look ahead and plan where I want to go next.

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Everyday. Sometimes I sit at my computer and think, who am I? I don’t have a fancy degree, exciting resume, or an electrifying career that will impress everyone so much they’ll be knocking down my door to ask me to write books. I envy those who are doctors, cops, FBI agents, or something else really cool. I’m just a housewife whose career was secretarial and administrative work. That’s about as exciting as watching grass grow. But then God reminds me that He is the one in charge. I only need to be obedient.

What mistakes have you made while seeking publication?

Not many, really, because I’ve had good advice. Any mistakes were due to inexperience. Looking back, there’s little that I could have done differently given the circumstances and what I knew at the time.

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

Study, learn, and join the right critique group. Join writing organizations. Take classes. Be teachable. Be appreciative for help. Don’t talk badly about people—editors or fellow authors. Keep your word. Meet your deadlines. The world of publishing isn’t that big and a good reputation is a terrible thing to lose.

Remember that Christian fiction is a business, not a ministry. Don’t expect editors to be like pastors. Editors and publishing committees make decisions based on the facts—what’s good for their publishing house. An author might have written the best story since the Chronicles of Narnia, but if it won’t work for the house, the editor won’t buy the book.

Bottom line? Publishing is a moneymaking business. Even in the Christian market. If they don’t make money, they don’t have jobs.

And the last, very best piece of advice I’ve heard: Writing is work. To be successful you must write and not just when you feel “inspired.” Once you’re published, writing is a job. If you don’t meet a deadline because you didn’t feel like writing, your editor won’t understand—and won’t buy another book from you. If you treat writing as a job early on, you’re ahead of the game. Just write. Often the feeling and inspiration come after you begin.

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

That I should quit my critique group because the members wrote inspirational romance. The person telling me that said that Christian romance is degrading and insulting to women. Instead, I should find some literary writers to hang around with. The foolishness of that advice speaks for itself. I won’t dignify it with further comment.

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

That I should develop my closest writing relationships with dependable, encouraging, stable people—those who will be there to lean against in the good times and the bad times. The life of an author is just too hard without adding the stress of constant close contact with people whose responses and behavior are erratic.

Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?
My life’s theme: James 3:2-18, Galatians 5:22-23, and 1 Corinthians 13. (Or, the fruit of the Spirit.)

I’ve been a Christian for thirty years. For much of that time, I served in leadership positions at church. I’ve seen a lot of good in people, but I’ve also seen a lot of bad. The bad boils down to one simple thing: A lack of the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Really, it’s simply the nature of Christ. As we grow in the Spirit, we become more like Him, and then begin to exhibit His characteristics. That is my life’s goal.

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

Yes. Two years ago, I received the worst rejection of my life. It went beyond professional and into personal. I took three months to recover from that. I was positive that everyone must feel about me the way that editor felt, and I was doomed to failure. I was wrong, but a rejection of that magnitude is very difficult to get over.

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

I don’t think I can answer that question. My favorite author is usually the one I’m reading at the present time. I read so many books I can’t possibly make a list. I read suspense and mystery almost exclusively, both ABA and CBA. If I begin to name titles and authors, I will fill one whole blog.

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

Since I don’t have a whole bunch of published books behind me, I don’t have much to look back on. Right now, each book that I complete is something of which I’m proud. And each book I finish is better than the last one I wrote. I’m always striving to become a better writer.

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

Oh, my, yes. I can’t turn my mind off. I think about writing all the time. Perhaps it’s my fault or just a personality trait. But because so much of what I do is inside my head, it’s hard to stop thinking. That kind of intensity can lead to burn out.

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

My husband says I’m terribly disciplined/hyper-focused—sometimes too much so. Unless I’m working outside the home at my volunteer job, I get up in the morning, eat my breakfast, then go to work. I take a lunch break then go back to work. Late afternoon, I exercise, make dinner, and afterwards do other writing related activities like critiques and working on my website. Then I go to bed and get up the next day and start over.

And I’d like to add something here. I firmly believe that we are stewards of our bodies. Unfortunately, I learned that the hard way--I got discouraged at a certain point in my life, then I got depressed and fat. That exacerbated health issues I already had. Over the last three years, I’ve been regaining the ground I lost and losing the pounds I gained (fifty pounds down and counting). If I don’t take care of me, everything in my life will be impacted negatively, including my writing. A quality diet and a good mix of exercise (aerobic, strength building, and stretches) is an essential part of my writing life. It clears my mind and strengthens my body for those inevitable writing marathons.

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

How can I answer that? I have to think about those of CBA published authors I know the best. And I can’t pick just one. How about the acceptance and love of Chris Lynxwiler. The discipline and graciousness of DiAnn Mills. The open arms of Lena Dooley. Wanda Dyson’s passion for God. Lisa Harris’s missionary heart. The commonsense and encouragement of Susan Downs. And that doesn’t even begin to include all the other people who have been kind to me and willing to answer the questions of a neophyte.

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

This is hard to answer because a dream for me is sort of nebulous. Something that may or not come to fruition. I don’t like to work toward something that I’m not sure is possible. I guess you could say I’m reality based and practical (which can sometimes be a real pain). I separate my dreams from my goals, which are solid and attainable by making a plan and taking definite steps toward them.

Let me give you a for instance. I could say that my dream is to become a top selling CBA mystery author whose books feature prominently on the shelves of stores. That’s not something I can take concrete steps to make happen because there are too many variables. However, I can have a realistic goal that could lead to the possible fulfillment of that dream—like, I will write the best stories I can and give my readers a great reading experience so they want to buy my next book. Then I will market my books for maximum exposure.

So, I guess in answer to what I think is your intent in the original question, I want to continue writing suspense and mystery for the Christian market. I’d like to publish suspense that appeals to a broad spectrum of people, as well as my fun, tongue-in-cheek mysteries. I want each book to be better than the last. (And seeing a book of mine prominently displayed for sale on a shelf in a store would be pretty cool.)

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

I laughed when I read this question. The short answer is, absolutely. The long answer is I wanted to quit trying to be published. I don’t think I could ever stop writing. That’s just who I am and how I express myself the best. I even enjoy writing emails. But the last two years were especially difficult. I was always so close yet so far.
Receiving requests from editors for full manuscripts then the ultimate (albeit mostly nice) rejections. However, each time I was ready to shoot my computer and say I’d had enough, God brought someone or something into my life to encourage me to continue.

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

The following, all of which are both good and bad:
I’m in charge. Good because I don’t have anyone telling me how I have to structure my time or my career. Bad because my career depends so much on me. I’m the creative, production, and marketing departments all wrapped up in one. Sometimes I wish for someone to tell me what to do and an inbox filled with chores that I don’t have to think up myself.

I don’t punch a time clock. Nobody tells me when to start or when to stop. Like, hey! You’ve been working for ten hours! Your eyes are bloodshot. You can’t see. You aren’t thinking anymore. It’s time to stop!

I’m alone a lot (except for the animals), and I live in my head. I’m an introvert, so being alone isn’t a chore most of the time, but sometimes I wish that I had somebody in a cubicle next to me at whom I could lob paper wads.

How much marketing do you do? Any advice in this area?

Since I’m only newly contracted, I’m just learning about marketing, but I can see that it’s essential. I recently took a class on marketing and learned that what an author should do depends upon personality, the types of books he/she writes, and the publisher for which he/she writes.

For instance, I’m writing for a book club, so my concentration will be building a relationship with my readers, paying particular attention to my website, blog, and other forms of interaction with them. Word of mouth is important—starting with mine. I talk about my books everywhere--the doctor’s office, my volunteer job, my hairdresser.

I’ve already contacted everyone I know in all the places I’ve ever lived to discuss publicity for my work. Network, network, network. I’m building a marketing plan for the future. Having a vision is a good thing.

In addition, I’m a co-founder of Keep Me In Suspense, a website and blog for the authors and readers of CBA suspense.

What do you think about the argument that CBA writing is substandard compared to ABA books?

For a time, I felt that the CBA was substandard to the ABA. But things are changing very quickly now. In fact, I recently examined how many ABA books I stopped reading after the second chapter. Then I did the same for CBA books. I’d say the two are equal. There are as many great/good/okay/bad books in the ABA as there are in the CBA. And the CBA is only getting better. However, I’d like to see more suspense and mystery in the CBA.

Parting words?

Very few other occupations offer so much opportunity for rejection and criticism. The old platitude, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, definitely applies to writing.

If you fold under a hard critique from a good friend, finally getting published will be difficult, as well. Editors often want changes, and they don’t like to work with someone who argues with them. Even harder, at some point, someone out there will make it their business to let you know they don’t like you, and/or they don’t like your work. We might write for the inspirational market, but like I said above, this is a business, and sometimes it’s cutthroat.

A calling and gift for writing makes room for itself—in God’s timing. Whether or not someone is called and gifted to write is something only they can determine. Some people are simply not meant to do what they’re trying to do—whether that’s writing or some other occupation. Some are meant to do what they’re doing, but aren’t willing to work hard or be flexible and learn, so they either aren’t successful, or aren’t as successful as they could be. They flounder, or get hurt, letting life happen to them, not sticking with commitments. They never finish anything.

I believe the world is full of a lot of very talented, unpublished writers. Some of those people are more talented than the ones whose books are published. The difference between them is tenacity, a willingness to be taught, and a burning desire to succeed that can’t be quenched.

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