Author Answers ~ Catching Up with Cynthia Ruchti

What two or three things would you do differently if you were starting your publishing career today?

Since I was 58 when my debut novel was published, I’d have to say, “Start earlier!” But on the other hand, I can trace back through thirty-three years of ministry in radio—a good portion of my adulthood—and see that God prepared me, informed me, deepened me, worked on maturing me (that process will never end), created empathy in me, and accomplished untold other prep work in me before I ever signed my first contract.

I would apply myself to better and more efficient filing methods if I were starting now. Not only do we have greater access to tools that help us accomplish that goal these days, but I understand all too well what it’s like to have bins of material that need filing, scraps of paper with a brilliant idea buried under other scraps of paper, and what it’s like to waste time re-researching a bit of information I already have somewhere in the office. And this is coming from an author who has a “decent” filing system. I’m working toward becoming more streamlined now, uncluttering the paper jam of my life. That too, I wish I’d started sooner.

What one issue makes you struggle the most as an author? How do you handle it?

By necessity, because of the many facets that accompany publication—marketing, reader communication, research, development, editing, planning, interviews, conferences, speaking—and because, like many authors, I have a day job too, finding the sweet spot in time management is always an issue. What is most important for this moment? Some people have a word of the year. This year, I felt led to adopt a three-word phase that has often helped guide me in time management decision-making. My phrase for 2016 is “More of Less?” The question mark is there intentionally. Throughout the day, I ask, “Do I need more of this in my life or less of it?” It’s been an exercise that causes me to approach every assignment and every request with greater intentionality. And when I ask the question, I’m asking both myself and God…and listening for His answer.

What one issue ignites your passion? Does your passion fuel your writing? What would you do with your life if you didn't write?

My writing tagline, but also for my life, in its extended version (my tagline, although let’s say my extended life, too!) is “I can’t unravel. I’m hemmed in Hope.” Landing on that tagline was like coming home to harbor. It seems to fit what I believe, what I practice, what I write, and what I long to pour into others. The stories I’m compelled to write are not all happy-happy-joy-joy stories. They’re careful, intimate, sometimes raw peeks into the very real struggles humans face, and sometimes the ones we don’t want to admit—like the character who isn’t sure she wants to be around her husband that much in retirement (Song of Silence from Abingdon Press). But hope isn’t just the last paragraph of the final chapter. It is woven throughout the story, even in the tough parts, because that’s what God does. He hems us in hope so we can bear life’s ravages—emotional, financial, health-wise, spiritual—without unraveling.

If I didn’t write, I would find some outlet where I could continue to encourage people with the irresistible wonder that God has created hope for every situation we can face.

And I’d consider editing or coaching other communicators. Or…take on more speaking opportunities for women’s events.

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work, or struggle in a particular area such as writers block or angst driven head-banging against walls? Please share some helpful overcoming hints that you’ve discovered.

I’m just now getting serious about the benefits of setting a timer to create boundaries for writing and intentional breaks for moving and accomplishing the non-writing facets of this business. I’m finding my rhythm in about twenty-five or thirty-minute block of focused writing interspersed with ten-minute blocks (the recommendation is five, but ten works better for me) in which I keep myself from writing (unless in the last throes of a deadline) and force myself to walk around, unload the dishwasher, exercise, check email, put a stamp on an envelope, tidy the family room… Anything that is not actual writing. I implemented the plan—my home-tweaked version of the popular Pomodoro Technique—in the last two weeks of a very tight deadline. My productivity increased, and I felt as if I were still engaged in home life, rather than completely ignoring it. The body needs to move, but if I sat at my computer until the work was done, I never would move. The work is never “done.” And that is a natural frustration to my personality type. I’ve made it a regular practice now. It’s bringing a sense of energy to my writing, greater efficiency (although I had to DO it before I was convinced it could), keeps me from endless minutes or more staring at a blank screen because I’m eager to get back to the manuscript, manages distractions in a positive way, and also manages my guilt for what I in the past wasn’t accomplishing when in writer mode.

What is your favorite source for finding story ideas?

Life. More specifically, listening to life.

The kind of stories I’m compelled to write are inspired by listening to people’s heartaches, the story of their struggles, and watching for where that intersects with God’s story.

I find ideas—whether for fiction, nonfiction, or devotions—by staying alert and looking for the story in any small incident or observation.

One of my first fiction instructors had us create a paragraph in fifteen minutes centered on something in that room. “What item?” He said, “Pick one. It doesn’t matter. There’s a story everywhere you look.” I’ve taken that to heart and found it not only true but empathy-building.

What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why? (Doesn't have to be one of your books or even published.)

I don’t look the type, don’t fit the profile, but I was challenged to write a Spoken Word piece for a specific sermon our pastor intended to preach the following Sunday. He wanted a Spoken Word on the Old Testament Joseph and the story of his going from a literal pit, thrown there by his brothers, to a place of prominence where the salvation of his nation depended on his forgiving his brothers. I had a heavy schedule at the time and told him, “I’ll try. But if it doesn’t come quickly, I’ll have to say no.” Within an hour, I emailed the piece to him, and reread it as if seeing it for the first time. An “in the zone” experience.

Since then I’ve done two other Spoken Word pieces—one for Christmas and one for Easter. I can’t say I’m “proud” of them, but that I am blessed to have been given the challenge, and stirred by how God poured His thoughts into me when I approached as an empty vessel ready to be filled.

It also reminded me of the power of poetry, and its importance in communicating deep truths. Sometimes when I’m in a rut in my writing, I’ll stop and read poetry. It restores my infatuation with the beauty and musicality of writing, the love of language, and the power of story.

What is the first thing you do when you begin a new book?

I’m one of those writers who needs a title to inspire me as I write. It’s so much more difficult for me to create chapters, plots, characters, if I don’t have a title in mind, even if it isn’t the final title the publisher and I agree on.

What gives you the greatest writer buzz, makes the trip worth the hassles (besides coffee or other substances, or course)?

My heart swells with joy when I read a note from a reader or a reviewer that shows they “got” what I attempted to communicate through story. But more thrilling than that is a reader whose life was enriched, comforted, encouraged, or newly hemmed in hope because of their connection with something I’ve written. It means I got out of the way so God could say what He wanted to say.

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Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through her novels, novellas, nonfiction books, articles, and devotionals, drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry. Ruchti has 17 books in print, and her books have received numerous awards and nominations.

One of Ruchti’s greatest joys is helping other writers grow in their craft. To that end, she has served as worship and devotions staff and faculty for the Write-to-Publish conference and teaches at other writers’ conferences across the country and internationally as opportunities arise. She also serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.

To keep up with Cynthia Ruchti, visit www.cynthiaruchti.com. You can also follow her on Facebook (Cynthia Ruchti), Twitter (@cynthiaruchti), and Pinterest (cynthiaruchti).

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Tudors, Jakes and Shag Lessons

Posted by Michelle Griep

Recently I pulled off my TBR pile a gorgeous looking book called Queen Elizabeth's Daughter. Want to see?

Yummy, right? Well so is the story. Which made me curious about the author. You know where this is headed, don't you? Yep. Sit back and enjoy an interview with a tale of Tudor intrigue, Anne Clinard Barnhill.

You write historical fiction, which begs the question... how do you research? 

The Tudors have been my secret (now, not so secret) obsession for many years.  Over time, I’ve collected close to 300 nonfiction books about the era.  I’m always on the lookout for new information, so I tune in via internet so websites like The Anne Boleyn Files, On the Tudor Trail, Being Bess, and other great sites for info. I also scout the web for primary sources as can be found in the Gutenberg Project.

What's one quirky fact you uncovered during the process?

Oh, there are so many!  Just the toilet habits alone are fascinating!  You have laws against urinating in the cook ovens in the great kitchens of the castle—you have the king’s private ‘stool’ which is covered in velvet and ornately carved, you have the public ‘jakes’ for the rest of the court to use—all of which dumps directly into the Thames.  Since I have a Tudor dress, complete with hooped petticoat, I wonder how the women managed those big dresses in what must have been small quarters. I haven’t figured out how to sit down in mine, yet!

Why the interest in Henry VIII?

He’s larger than life—physically bigger than most men of the time, brilliant and extremely well-educated, a lover and composer of music and verse, a visionary architect, a dancer and athlete—you name it, Henry could do it.  Yet, in spite of all his accomplishments, he had a romantic and passionate heart which led him into trouble.  He wanted to marry for love, much like his grandfather, Edward IV.  At first, love could move him, but later, power became his mistress.  He was a tyrant in the latter half of his reign—I think he died not fully satisfied with what he had done.  But, he’d left a son, Edward, so that must have brought him peace.

Tell us about your publishing journey.

I’ve always wanted to write, even back in junior high school where I wrote the world’s worst love poetry.  I majored in English literature in college and taught high school for about fifteen years—I had my family at a young age, so I was very busy raising three sons and working full-time.  Then, in 1989, I knew I had to try to write, or I’d lose my mind.  So, I started with small articles for a local magazine.  I moved on to writing for the newspapers in the area, then on to writing for a state-wide magazine.  All the while, I wrote short stories and poetry, even tried my hand at a novel, which is still hiding beneath my bed.  It was a very slow building process. 

Then, in 2007, almost twenty years after I started, I published my first book, a memoir: AT HOME IN THE LAND OF OZ: Autism, My Sister and Me.  Two years later, my short story collection came out, WHAT YOU LONG FOR.  Then, in 2010, I landed an agent and a 2-book deal with St. Martin’s Press. AT THE MERCY OF THE QUEEN came out in 2012, along with a poetry chapbook, COAL, BABY.  Now, QUEEN ELIZABETH’S DAUGHTER is out.  I’m thrilled that all those years of hard work are paying off.

What advice would you give a newbie writer?

READ, READ, READ!  Read everything!  Go to the classics and try to figure out why or how they have stood the test of time.  Go to graphic novels, romances, thrillers, contemporary, just all of it.  Study how these things are done.

WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!  Write as much as you can—try to improve.  Read your work aloud to see how it flows.  Get a trusted reader to give you feedback.  And NEVER GIVE UP!!

I heard a rumor that you dance. That true? What type? Do you purposely incorporate dance into your stories?

I LOVE to dance!  I just like moving to music.  My husband and I took shag lessons (a beach dance) but we never actually made it to a dance.  We’ve also done contra-dancing—I’d love to learn ballroom dancing and I just might do it!

Share a blurb about your latest release.

Mary is Elizabeth’s favorite ward and a darling of the court. With a guileless nature and enchanting looks that call to mind the queen’s infamous mother, Anne Boleyn, Mary enjoys every privilege—receiving the queen’s silks and jewels as hand-me-downs; picnicking with the queen and her lover, Sir Robert Dudley; as well as entertaining the prospect of several eager suitors. Like any good mother, Elizabeth hopes to make Mary a powerful match, be it a noble courtier or even a foreign prince. The most likely prospect: Edward de Vere, the clever, polished, and wealthy Earl of Oxford, whom Mary knows to be lecherous, cruel, and deceitful.

But Mary has plans of her own. Boldly defying Elizabeth’s choice, Mary instead strikes up a friendship with Sir John Skydemore, a widower of five children. Though John is only a minor knight with little money, he is gallant, deeply thoughtful, and handsome. He is also a Catholic at a time when Catholic plots against the queen are rampant. When Mary and John’s friendship blossoms into something more, they find their very lives in danger as Elizabeth’s wrath knows no bound.

ANNE CLINARD BARNHILL has published short stories, poetry, a memoir, and hundreds of articles and book reviews over the past twenty years. She has taught writing in a variety of venues and has been a keynote speaker for numerous events. Her first novel, At the Mercy of the Queen, was published by St. Martin's Press in 2012. She lives in North Carolina with her husband. 

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Author Interview ~ Beth Wiseman

Tell us a bit about your current project. 

I broke into the publishing world writing Amish fiction.  I think that after fourteen books in one genre, it was just natural for me to want to spread my wings.  I’m fortunate that my publisher has allowed me to do that.  The House that Love Built is a romance, but it’s so much more than just ‘boy meets girl, and they live happily ever after’.  I write the way I like to read, which means a story that touches on all of the emotions, that’s real, character driven, and with a few twists and turns.  I love how God puts people in our paths for a reason, although we seldom see His reasoning at the time.  In The House that Love built, it is a community of people—some with little in common—who find their way to each other in some unlikely instances.  It’s a love story filled with strong secondary characters, redemption, forgiveness, and hope.  The locale is the quaint Texas town of Smithville—where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed.  Without a doubt, I feel like this is my best book.   
 
We are all about journeys...unique ones at that. How convoluted was your path to your first published book? Share some highlights or lowlights from your path to publication.

Many years ago, I knew I had the writing bug, but I didn’t spend the time necessary to develop the craft.  I thought that a good enough story would be snapped up by an editor or agent, then they’d work with me to whip it into shape.  Wrong.  Editors and agents expect you to have a basic understanding about writing for publication.  So, I lost a lot of years not doing my homework.  But a couple of years before my agent sold my first series, I set out to learn about the craft.  I was busy learning and writing when my then 15-year-old son became very ill.  I spent a month at Texas Children’s Hospital with him, fearing the worst since he was diagnosed with a rare tumor in his adrenal gland.  I was a broken woman, and I prayed like I’d never prayed in my life.  I offered God everything I had to give—my life, my dreams, hopes of ever being published, and anything else I could think of.  I am quite sure that the Lord looked down on me and said, “Now you are ready to work for Me.”  My son made a complete recovery, and no one in the medical field could explain to me what happened to the tumor.  “Medicine is not an exact science,” they’d said.  But the tumor was gone, and the power of prayer gets the credit.  

At that time in my life, I had never considered writing Christian fiction.  But my very first Christian story sold to Thomas Nelson Publishing (now HarperCollins Christian Fiction) from only the first three chapters.  I was in a different place spiritually, and since then, God keeps blessing me with stories to tell. And a lot of them are based on life experiences, things that happened in my past that I could have never foreseen the purpose. 

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work, or struggle in a particular area such as writers block or angst driven head-banging against walls? Please share some helpful overcoming hints that you’ve discovered. 

I’ve never had one single day of writers block, nor have I ever done any head-banging, lol.  But I am often consumed with self-doubt.  And for that…I pray a whole lot!

What mistakes have you made while seeking publication? Or to narrow it down further what’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business? 

I could paper my walls with rejection letters from the early days, and as I stated earlier—I didn’t take the time to learn the craft. 
What is your favorite source for finding story ideas?

In that regard, I’m truly blessed.  The stories find me.  They come in my dreams, while I’m driving, and sometimes in the most unlikely of places, lol. J

With the clarity of experience what advice would you offer up to the wet-behind-the-ears you if  beginning this writing journey today?

Learn the craft.  Take care of yourself.  Know when it’s important to say no, and when it’s important to say yes. 

What event/person has most changed you as a writer? How? 

Every single book I write ministers to my own soul, so it’s always my hope that my stories will minister to others as well.  The event that changed me as a writer and as a person was when my son was sick in the hospital (see comments above).  The person who most changed me was my very first editor who rode with me on the ride for five years.  Natalie Hanemann.   
What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why? (Doesn't have to be one of your books or even published.)

That would have to be my current release—The House that Love Built.  It encompasses everything I love in a story, and I feel blessed to have been able to pull that off.   
Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?

I can’t think of a one.  J 
Share a dream or something you'd love to accomplish through your writing career.

I’m blessed to be living my dream.  I wanted to write one book that would change one life.  I’ve received an incredible amount of emails and letters from readers who say that my books changed their lives.  And that’s what it’s all about.
  What gives you the greatest writer buzz, makes the trip worth the hassles (besides coffee or other substances, or course)?

Those letter/emails I just referred to. 

Describe your special or favorite writing spot or send a picture if you'd like.

I have a brand new office, and for the first time in five years, I seem to have found my spot. I’ve worked in a study, but it was too close to the kitchen.  I’ve tried to write in a small sun run, but it was too crowded.  Until my Hubby redid a downstairs bedroom and made it into the perfect office, I’d been writing in my recliner.  I love my new space.  I have a small recliner, which is where I like to write my first drafts.  Then, I do revisions and edits at my desk.  I always have a candle or some other smell-good device going, and I even have a television in there in case I want to watch the news at five o’clock.  It’s my perfect space.  And since it’s new, it’s organized.  We shall see how long it stays that way.  J

What aspect of writing was the most difficult for you to grasp/conquer? How did you overcome it?

I think that every author has heard at some point in their career, “Show, don’t tell.”  My editor drilled that into my head…even though I was a bit thick about it. 

What is the first thing you do when you begin a new book? 

I like my life to be in order—bills paid, house clean, food in the frig, and a general feeling that I’m caught up with other things. 

Writing rituals. Do you have to sit somewhere specific, complete a certain number of words, leave something undone to trigger creativity for the next session? Some other quirk you’d like to share? 

I have several writing rituals.  I like to sit in the small recliner in my office when I’m doing the first draft.  I sit at my desk for all revisions and edits.  And I never end a chapter without at least typing one sentence for the next chapter, so I don’t lose my thought.  That sentence isn’t necessarily going to be in the book.  It might be something like, “Start in John’s POV, have him thinking about what he’s done and yelling at Patty.” 

Plot, seat of pants or combination?

Seat of the pants…100%.

What is the most difficult part of pulling together a book? Ex. Do you have saggy middles, soggy characters, soupy plots during your first drafts…if so, how do you shape it up?

After seventeen novels/novellas, I’ve learned to recognize my weaknesses, so I keep notes about what I will have to go back and clean up.  It’s usually repetitive words or beats.  My characters smile WAY too much, for example.  I always have to go back and do a ‘search’ to fix words or phrases that are repeated. 
  Have you discovered any successful marketing/promo ideas that you'd share with us? 

There are so many social media sites available.  I think you should pick your largest platform and focus on that, as opposed to wearing yourself too thin by trying to do Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Shelfari, or any number of other sites and/or blogs.

Parting words? Anything you wish we would’ve asked because you’ve got the perfect answer? 

I guess I would like to mention my next project because it is so far out of the box from anything I’ve ever done.  It will take readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place across the world.  My next book was inspired by a true story, and while I can’t say too much yet, I can tell you that it is very close to my heart and will be a surprise to my readers.  And thank you for having me here.  J


Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series.  All of her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List.  She is a recipient of the prestigious Carol Award, two-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner.  Her first book in the Land of Canaan series—Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year.  Beth is contracted with Harpercollins Christian Publishing into the year 2015. 

Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas.  Her first non-Amish, contemporary—Need You Now—released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she’s chosen another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary—The House that Love Built—which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. This novel just released.  In between her contemporaries, she will be writing more Amish novellas. 

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Make an Editor Fall for Your Story ~ Wayne Thomas Batson

Wayne Thomas Batson is the Bestselling author of nine adventure novels including the fantasy epic Door Within Trilogy, the pirate duo Isle of Swords and Isle of Fire, and the epic Dark Sea Annals. A middle school Reading and English teacher for 22 years, Batson loves to challenge—and be challenged by—his students. So, when he began writing stories to supplement the school district’s curriculum, it was his students who taught their teacher a lesson. Batson’s students were so taken by one of the stories that, over a thirteen year span, they pushed him to make it into a full-length novel. You can find Wayne at:

• www.enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com
• www.heedtheprophecies.com
• www.swordinthestars.com 

Welcome, Wayne! First, tell us about your latest release, please.

On a grand scale, The Errant King is about a world that has lost its way, a place where too many have opened doors to evil and the global consequences. 

On the personal scale, The Errant King is about a boy and a girl. Ariana lost her parents in the infamous Grey Hour Raids. Now, all she wants to do is make a name for herself in her village or leave home for a new way of life. Lochlan is the High King of the known world, but all he wants a chance for someone—anyone—to really know him without the crown’s interference.

Do you purposely weave Christian pictures into your books or does your worldview seep into the story?

It’s a little of both. Generally, the plot and characters come first, but as I get to know the people in the story and better understand the challenges they face, I start to see thematic threads emerging. Once I recognize where that theme is (or could be) heading, I do seek to create places where the theme can be woven in. That said, I’ve heard from readers about themes in my books that I never even knew were there. They just sort of “become” because of who God has made me to be.

What is your goal when weaving in the theme?

My goal in all aspects of writing: craft, story, mechanics, themes—all of it—is to honor God with quality and lead readers to ask the big questions of life. If readers are impressed with the quality of the story and they ask those big questions, I’m convinced God will meet them halfway.

Are you trying to connect with kids who go to church or to any kids? Boys or girls?

My publishers haven’t given me much demographic information. But early on, my books were selling better in the secular market than they were in the Christian market. I’m not sure if that’s still true. But I don’t write just for “anyone.” Books like The Hobbit had such a huge impact on me as a kid that I want to do my level best to write stories that will thrill readers today…without violating consciences.

One book all children should read, and why should they read it?

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. See there, I cheated. I put several books in. But really, I think all kids should be exposed to a world that is more black and white, where honor matters. I also fully believe that Tolkien’s books, with their lush description and world-building, will “wake” something up in readers, a longing for a faraway world. It is the yearning for what C.S. Lewis calls “that mysterious something” that we’re all after but that this earth can never fully satisfy.

I can see where a reader might long for heaven after spending time in the Shire.

How can I make an editor fall for a story?

Two ways:

1) The Unique Hook—this is a plot device, a scenario that the reader hasn’t seen before but is an obvious problem. A character wakes up…six feet underground or a train enters a tunnel but doesn’t come out of the other side. Something that makes the reader sit up straight and utter that famous Keanu Reeves-ism: “Whoa!”

Or:

2) Thumbscrews—this is a character driven approach where you not only bring an interesting person to life in short order, but you also dump that person into any one of a thousand worst case scenarios. He’s lost his wife; his daughter is dating a biker, and the office just called claiming that he’s responsible for a huge account failing.

But no matter which approach you use, you need to do it FAST. First line, first paragraph, first page. Spend a month just on those. Make them spectacular. You have got to be noticed out of a sea of other stories. Do it right away, or the editor may not even read on.

Heh heh. What have you got against bikers, Wayne?

But, really, I love this advice. We do have to find a way to stand out.

So you like conflict early on. What do you think is most important--conflict, characters, or voice/prose?

I think you can be successful with any approach. But why not just excel at all three. You’ll have a much wider audience that way. That said, the stories that really endure are the ones with at least one endearing character.

Why not excel at all three? Well, when you put it that way…it all sounds so simple.

Do you outline your plots?

I outline vigorously. I use a program called Scrivener that lets me use pushpin note cards to fully plot my stories, complete with art files, sound FX, pretty much anything I want. I spend about a month outlining each novel. For me, that’s the only way I can do it. Otherwise, I get lost in my own plot’s twists and turns.

Okay, let us gain from your hard-won wisdom. What do you know now that you wish you knew five years ago?

I wish I knew way back then more about the actual business of publishing. I’m grateful for the contracts I’ve gotten. But having sold close to half a million books, you’d think I would have earned enough to write full time, but not so.

Unfortunately, legacy publishing just doesn’t treat the author very well. The royalty percentages are scandalously low. Thank God that’s changing now with the advent of eBooks. It won’t be long now…traditional publishing houses will need to begin raising royalty rates or their authors will jump to eBooks.

Whoa. Okay. So what do you know now that you wish you still didn't know?

I wish I didn’t know the conflict of duties that writing professionally can trigger. I’m a full time teacher at a public middle school. I’m a husband, as well as a father of four. I’m a writer busy with several deadlines a year. And no matter what I spend my time doing, something always feels neglected. It can be very stressful and discouraging.

I can't even imagine. You work really hard.

Will you ever consider publishing with general market publisher?

If the contract is right, I would in a heartbeat. That said, I’m not sure I’ll ever sign with another print publisher. I’m under contract for seven books in the Dark Sea series. But aside from those, I plan to do the rest of my books as self pubbed.

Well, I wish you much joy and success, because writing has to be satisfying or it's not worth doing. So, what is your favorite part of writing novels for teens?

I absolutely LOVE reading my stories to kids. I tend to dress in full medieval gear and speak in English/Scottish accents, all the while reading the stories with all manner of drama.

Fun! Do you have a life verse or a Bible passage that shows the direction you want to go with your writing?

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

Do the children read your books? Do they give you fodder for the books?

My kids have read some of my books, but they just see me as Dad. And yes, they are always targets for future characters. 

Thanks for stopping by, Wayne! 

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Sally Apokedak is the editor of the semi-annual newsletter: Best Books for Young Readers (subscribe for free and you'll be entered to win your choice of a Kindle Fire or a Google Nexus). She has published short works in a number of places and has received an SCBWI Work in Progress grant. She can usually be found blogging about young adult novels at sally-apokedak.com. 

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