I knew Cara when…when she was a new writer and critique partner, when she landed her first contract at ACFW, when the first book she wrote in our crit book got picked up! She’s an enigma and inspiration to me! I know you’ll learn lots from her!

Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.

I’ve been married to Eric for almost 12 years – Yikes! I don’t feel old enough – and console myself that we got married young. We have two children. Abigail is 7 and in second grade. Jonathan is 4 and in preschool/kindergarten. We are also expecting any day, so life is full.

Congratulations! I know this has been one of the other compelling desires of your heart!

How did you get your first “writing break?”

My first writing break came when I met Colleen Coble in April 2005. She encouraged my dream. The second break came when I went to the ACFW conference in September 2005. At that conference I started relationships which have led to all four of my current book contracts.

What do you write and why this genre?

Three of my first four books are World War Two homefront romances set in my homestate of Nebraska. I am PASSIONATE about history and World War Two, so it was a great fit. I love uncovering little known facts that make the setting and time period come to life.

My fourth book is a contemporary suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. I am excited about this genre, too. I’ve always loved authors like Mary Higgins Clark, so it’s been fun to write in this genre.

Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?

My first book, Canteen Dreams, released in October. It will be followed in May by Sandhill Dreams and in September by Captive Dreams. Deadly Exposure will release in June. I’m going to be busy.

And I’ve got several book proposals in the works and under consideration right now. I can’t wait to see where God takes this journey next.

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

I hope to entertain readers with a story and characters they can care about. I also hope to sprinkle in spiritual threads that readers can relate to, but without preaching at them.

And now for the tough questions…

How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?

I’m not sure I’ve got this figured out yet. Right now, it means that I don’t get a lot of sleep. Since February of this year, I’ve been home primarily with the kids. I love that flexibility and ability to pour into my children. I teach an occasional class at Purdue, still work with some of my legal clients, and write. Most of the time I have the ability to squeeze these around my commitments with the children. And Eric and I squeeze in the occasional date night, too.

Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, homeschooling, writing, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?

Yes, depending on how you describe fully. I love keeping in shape, and usually feel better when I have been exercising. Homeschooling is a great way to focus on my children, and then not feel guilty when there are other things I need to do. I know that I’ve poured into them for a period of time that day, and it’s okay to expect them to entertain themselves sometimes during the day. However, the fact remains that the bulk of my writing is done after the kids are in bed. That makes for some late nights, and makes it so important that my husband fully supports me in these efforts. He’s my biggest cheerleader, with the kids running close seconds!

When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children when you write?

The great majority of my writing time is at night. And I jealously guard that time. I hardly watch any TV anymore, because I need to be writing during that time. But sometimes when I’m under deadline, I also have to find time during the day to write. I’ve been blessed to have great friends and a supportive mother-in-law who will come watch the kids for several hours. Then I know that they aren’t neglected, but are with people they enjoy spending time with when I’m writing. I do try to keep those times to a minimum. However, this summer when I was under competing deadlines, my dad gave me great advice. He knows how independent I am, and he encouraged me to ask for help early before I got stressed. I had a neighbor girl come over one morning a week to play with the kids while I wrote for two or three hours. It made a huge difference, because I never got overly stressed.

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

I try to be gracious…but…I’m human. I can get incredibly focused, and Eric will let me know when I’m neglecting the kids by saying I’ll be there in five minutes and it turns into 20. This summer the kids knew exactly where to look when I disappeared. They’d make a beeline for the office. I’m praying for better grace in this area.

How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?

Music! Seriously, to travel back to 1944, I pop in a CD of songs that got us through the war. Then if I’m writing contemporary, I’ll turn to Carrie Underwood or something similar in my iPod. Music helps a ton. And I also review what I wrote to get back in the flow. Or I’ll stop purposefully before the end of a chapter or scene so that it’s easier to get back in my train of thought.

What do you do to encourage yourself during those stormy days every homeschooling mom has?

Call my husband. There have been days when he has come home from work to deal with an attitude issue. That kind of support is huge! I also know that this is what we are supposed to be doing as a family at this time. There’s great assurance in that.

How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you?

I surround myself with people with who I can be honest and vulnerable. When my ears get distracted by life, they call me on it and remind me of what God says. I also spend a lot of time in praise and worship, and try to have at least one regular Bible study going at a time. He often speaks to me from several directions through those studies.

Congrats on your books and your baby, you’re a huge inspiration to me who knew you when!