Because Sometimes Interruptions are God’s Way of Redirecting Our Focus!

Kimberley Woodhouse: One Extreme Mom!

kimberely-woodhouse.JPGKimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family’s story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER. Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, released from Tyndale House Publishers this month. In addition to her non-fiction, she also writes romantic suspense and children’s books. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home.

new-image.JPGOverwhelming trials . . . met with overcoming joy.
Kayla Woodhouse is not your typical twelve-year-old. Due to a rare medical disorder, she feels no pain, doesn’t sweat, and needs protective cooling gear just to go outside. With her restrictive lifestyle; countless hospitalizations, including brain surgery; and the resulting mountain of hospital bills, what’s a family to do?

How the Woodhouse family has faced seemingly impossible challenges is a story that has captured the hearts of America. Millions of people have experienced glimpses of their lives on Discovery’s Mystery ER, The Montel Williams Show, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (recently voted one of the show’s all-time best episodes!).

Now Kayla’s mom, Kimberley, takes readers behind the cameras to reveal their family’s journey as never before told. From medical sleuthing to cross-country moves, from freak fires to battles with insurance companies, Welcome Home proves that truth really is stranger than fiction. This candid life story reveals both success and failure and demonstrates how, even during tough circumstances, to shift your life from heartbreak to extreme joy.

Guest Blog from Kimberely:
A Writer Having Time to Actually Write?

My writing friends who know my insanely-crazy-TV-interview-filled-homeschooling/swim-mom-writer life – always ask me the question, “How do you ever get any writing done?”

To this, I laugh and smile. It’s not easy – just ask my kids, or my publicist, or my agent, or one of my volunteer assistants. There are days we are all gasping for breath from the hectic-ness. But yes, even though there are millions of interruptions—I still am able to get some writing in. Some days. (Grin)

My biggest problem was learning how to write with noise around me. I’m an organizer, planner, itinerary-following, need-my-quiet-to-focus type person. But I am a wife and a mom, I homeschool my children six hours a day, have to keep up with laundry/cleaning/meals, handle all the marketing and publicity that comes my way, and then spend six hours every day away from home as I take my wonderful kids to their swim team practices. (Not to mention the fact of all the TV shows we’ve been on – lots of people around the world email in asking questions, offering encouragment, or needing help. And we try to do everything we can to keep up and help.) In the midst of all this the need for quiet was soon overtaken by the need to meet deadlines.

So I’m stepping out of my box a little. One little, red-painted toenail at a time. I bring a comfortable chair, laptop, and research materials with me to the pool. I have two blackberries that keep me attached to all the powers that be that may need me at any given time. And I’m still there for my family. I’ve learned how to write and still keep an eye on the lane of the pool where my son or daughter is swimming. With Kayla’s special needs, I always have to be present—ready for any sign of emergency—but I love how God is growing me, pruning me, teaching me, and loving me through the chaos.

I used to handle interruptions and distractions horribly. Today, I’m trying to get better at it, one minute, one hour, one day at a time.

I pray that you are blessed by our story, Welcome Home, and I hope that you can take with you a little encouragement. God’s joy is always there. Even if you are trying to write and have lots of interruptions, too. It’s amazing how old dogs really can learn new tricks.

I hope you’ll watch my website www.kimberleywoodhouse.com for coming releases – we have some really exciting news to be sharing soon…

In His Abundant JOY!

Kim





Check out my interview…

with Guiding Light Devotional. Camille read my book “Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms” and wanted to interview me. It’s so nice when people are touched by what you’ve written becasue that’s what it’s all about! Go check it out!





Guest Blogger: Allie Plieter I Can’t Get No….


I am uber-interrupted this year.  Seriously.  By energy-sapping, joy-killing things like the perils of raising teenagers and a stunning variety of medical challenges for myself and members of my family.  There are days where this household feels downright under siege.  Where’s an action hero when you need one?


I can get stuff done under siege.  I can multitask with the best of ‘em.  Schedule a doctor’s appointment on a headset cordless phone while moving a load of laundry?  Got it covered.  Back up my laptop while loading the dishwasher?  I can do that.  


Crank out a chapter while my son is on the couch with a thermometer in his mouth?  Not so much.


This season I’ve learned that accomplishing and creating are two different things.  They require different energies.  And those energies need to be replenished in different ways.  I got angry with myself when I couldn’t knock out a page or two when I had a free half-hour.  Then I realized as much as I know I write in small chunks, there is such a thing as “too small.”  I need about an hour and a half to get writing done.  And even though I am on my 13th novel, this was new to me.  We never stop learning about our creative selves.


Because I have teenagers, getting my writing time can be as easy as saying “I need the morning to write.”  Yes, parents of toddlers, I know you’re drooling right now.  And I’ve served my time in the crayon trenches, so I know how that feels.  But, simple as that request was, I was astounded how often I neglected to do it.  How I tried to “slip it in” between other tasks instead of scheduling it out like the professional I ought to be.  I can “slip in” other kinds of creativity–like knitting–and I need to do that to replenish different wells.  But writing?  That takes an attention I can’t create instantly.  I’m astonished–and a little ashamed–that I haven’t figured that out before now.


What do you need to figure out for your writing?  Is it how much time?  How long you can go between sessions before it starts to feel like “neglecting?”  That you need a dedicated space?  Just a laptop in Starbucks?  Take a moment and see if you can uncover something useful in what you need to write–it may help pave the way to getting it.

 

Check out her book:

 

BLUEGRASS BLESSINGS

BOOK 3 IN THE KENTUCKY CORNERS SERIES BY ALLIE PLEITER


ISBN 13#:  978-0-373-87538-2


Everyone in Middleburg, Kentucky lines up for baker Dinah Hopkins’s cinnamon rolls.  Everyone except her handsome new landlord, Cameron Rollings.  The jaded city man doesn’t like anything about small-town life–from the fresh air to her fresh-baked snickerdoodles.  And he clearly considers Dinah as quirky as her eccentric oven.  The way to Cameron’s heart is not through his toned stomach.  But the Lord led him to Kentucky Corners for a reason.  And Dinah plans to help him count his bluegrass blessings.

 

allie-pleiter-color-photo.JPGAllie Pleiter is an avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic and writes both fiction and non-fiction.  The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools, and finding new ways to avoid housework.  She grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University, spent fifteen years in the field of professional fundraising, and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois.  The “dare from a friend” to begin writing nine years ago has given rise to a career spanning two parenting books, six novels including the multi-nominated MY SO-CALLED LOVE LIFE, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing.  Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com or her knitting blog at www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com

 





Making Work at Home Work Part Two

Yesterday I realized my post was getting kind of long, so here I am, back to finish my thoughts. I want to start off with Mary Byers definition of a WAHM.

Though all moms work at home, there’s a key difference between an at-home mom and one who works at home for profit: one has responsibilities to clients and customers in addition to family.

I try to work at home for profit and I have responsibilities to clients (blogs, columns), so I’m wondering if that counts. Am I a WAHM even if I’m not yet bringing in an income? I’d say YES, my hubby would beg to disagree with me!

This book has given me good stuff to chew on and I’m only on chapter two which has me looking into the “why?” I’m working and “what’s my motivation?” To be honest, I once knew my motivation, to share the love of Jesus, but right now I’m unsure. Currently, it’s to make money, but if that’s was my sole motivation than I’d make more money at McDonald’s! Part of my motivation is writing, just to create and do something I’m good at. Then why this drive for publication. Mainly because publication is the next logical step, but is that enough motivation. Is that worth all the sacrifices I’m making to do it?

Byers says

Understanding your motivation will help you master your business and keep if from mastering you.

I think that’s what I need to do next in my career. If you’re a SAHM that wants to be a WAHM or if you’re already a WAHM, trying desperately to make it work, I highly recommend this book! I already feel I’ve gotten my money’s worth!

More about the book:
Making Work at Home Work shows moms how to develop an entrepreneurial mind-set without sacrificing their families. It covers important topics such as developing a successful business philosophy, balancing time between work and family, setting realistic goals, and handling the challenges of being both “Mommy” and “CEO” while running a profitable home-based business.

About Mary Byers:
Mary M. Byers successfully juggles both a freelance corporate writing and speaking business and her responsibilities as a wife and mother of two school-aged children. She is the author of The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for Your Family and How to Say No . . . And Live to Tell about It. Visit her website to learn more: www.marybyers.com or her blog www.makingworkathomework.com

Contest:
Contest! Win a copy of Making Work at Home Work (or another one of Mary’s books–your choice) AND a $25 Amazon gift certificate (for some WAHM essentials – Day Planner, bubble bath, funky file-folders, toddler DVDs)!

Sign up for Mary’s quarterly newsletter where she offer tips and advice about all facets of a women’s life: WAHM, mothering, women’s issues. More info here! (http://www.marybyers.com/index.cfm?pID=569)

Join the Work at Home Blog Ring. More info here. (http://www.makingworkathomework.com/2009/04/new-making-work-at-home-work-blog-ring.html)

Can’t wait? Buy the book Now:





Making Work at Home Work by Mary Byers

I never considered myself a work-at-home mom. Mainly because even though I stayed at home with my kids and wrote, I didn’t really make money at it. Making Work at Home Work by Mary Byers shed new light on the whole work-at-home (WAHM), stay-at-home mom (SAHM) thing.

I could say with confidence that for ten years after my first son was born, I was a SAHM. I did the whole play groups, multiple outings to the zoo and fast food play joint, and every now and then dabbled in sales: Discovery Toys, Creative Memory consultant and later I wrote monthly for a local magazine, but I didn’t consider myself a WAHM. I was a SAHM with hobbies that earned me product perks and a few extra dollars, but nothing that qualified me as really working.

Without even really knowing it, five years ago I made the switch from SAHM to WAHM when I started writing again. I guess the thng that kept me from this realization is that I didn’t actually bring home a consistent paycheck, though there was a couple of years when I wrote for a monthly magazine for pay.

The problem I had running my “business” from home is that I treated it like a hobby rather than a career. And honestly, I still can’t reconcile it as a business without a paycheck (neither can my hubby.) After just reading the first chapter of Byers book I realized these last five years I’ve been floundering between being a WAHM and SAHM, between being a mommy and a writer, with never clear bounderies or schedules for either. If I had seen my writing for what it is “a business” than maybe I would have made a business plan and been disciplined enough to keep real working hours instead of getting lost in cyberspace.

One thing I’m anxious to dig into is Byers handy WAHM Q&A profile that can help identify some of my problems with this whole WAHM/SAHM mentality. I’ll be posting the rest of my thoughts on this whole WAHM/SAHM definition tomorrow, so please come back and leave your thoughts!

More about the book:
Making Work at Home Work shows moms how to develop an entrepreneurial mind-set without sacrificing their families. It covers important topics such as developing a successful business philosophy, balancing time between work and family, setting realistic goals, and handling the challenges of being both “Mommy” and “CEO” while running a profitable home-based business.

About Mary Byers:
Mary M. Byers successfully juggles both a freelance corporate writing and speaking business and her responsibilities as a wife and mother of two school-aged children. She is the author of The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for Your Family and How to Say No . . . And Live to Tell about It. Visit her website to learn more: www.marybyers.com or her blog www.makingworkathomework.com

Contest:
Contest! Win a copy of Making Work at Home Work (or another one of Mary’s books–your choice) AND a $25 Amazon gift certificate (for some WAHM essentials – Day Planner, bubble bath, funky file-folders, toddler DVDs)!

Sign up for Mary’s quarterly newsletter where she offer tips and advice about all facets of a women’s life: WAHM, mothering, women’s issues. More info here! (http://www.marybyers.com/index.cfm?pID=569)

Join the Work at Home Blog Ring. More info here. (http://www.makingworkathomework.com/2009/04/new-making-work-at-home-work-blog-ring.html)

Can’t wait? Buy the book Now:






Interview with Writing Mom: Sara Mills

It’s been over a week since my writing buddy lost her dear husband (40) to a massive heart attack. Though my Canadian friend is far away, those of us who love and care for Sara Mills and her family wanted to show our support by doing “something.” Her second book in the Allie Fortune series just released and I’d like to share this interview with you and ask you to consider going out and buying it in support of Sara and her three children!

Welcome Sara!

 Where did you get the idea for Allie Fortune?

I got the idea for Miss Fortune in the middle of the night, when all good ideas come to me:
One sleepless night I was watching The Maltese Falcon and I started to wonder how different the story would be if Sam Spade had been a woman. She’d never have fallen for Miss Wunderly’s charms and lies. She’d have been smart and tough and she would have solved the case in half the time it took Sam because she wouldn’t spend all of her time smoking cigarettes and calling her secretary Precious.

The thought of a hard-boiled female detective got my mind whirling.

I paused the movie and sat in my darkened living room thinking about how much fun a female Sam Spade could be. Intrigued but not yet ready to dash to my computer, I changed disks and put on Casablanca (my all time favorite movie ever). The sweeping love story, a tale full of hard choices and sacrifice was what finally made the whole idea click in my mind. If I could just combine the P.I. detective story of the Maltese Falcon with the love story from Casablanca, and make Sam Spade more of a Samantha, I could have the best of all worlds.

How did you set the stage to capture that gritty PI feel without being dark?

I find that a lot of PI stories are gritty and dark, focusing on the worst of the humanity, and while I wanted the Allie Fortune mysteries to be exciting and tension-filled I didn’t want them to be stark and hopeless.

One of the things I tried to do to counteract the darkness was to give Allie a multi-layered life. She has cases, relationships, friends and family, all of which I hope combine to make the stories textured, rich and full of life.

Allie is a character I’d love to have coffee with. What did she teach you while you wrote these books?

Allie was a great character to write. One of the things I learned from her was that human relationships (man/woman, mother/daughter, friends) are complicated and full of unspoken rules and expectations. Allie is a rule-breaker at heart and it complicates her life on a regular basis. One of the storylines I loved most is Allie’s relationship with her mother and how it grows and changes and how it’s shaped her.

Another dimension of Allie’s character that really taught me a lot was her willingness to do whatever was needed to help those she loves. There is no price on that kind of friendship and it’s a characteristic I’d like to see more of in myself. Okay I admit it, I’ve got a bit of a friend-crush on Allie. LOL.

One last question: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would that be and who would you take with you?

If I could go anywhere right now I’d head to Monterey, California (I’m writing a book set there right now) and I’d plant myself on the beach with a notebook, writing my story as the waves crashed. Sounds like my idea of heaven on earth. There’s something about the wind-shaped Cypress trees and the crash of the surf in Monterey that calls to me. I don’t know why, it just is.

469260: Miss Fortune, Allie Fortune Mystery Series #1 Miss Fortune, Allie Fortune Mystery Series #1By Sara Mills / Moody PublishersIn 1947 Allie Fortune is the only female private investigator in New York City, but she’s kept awake at night by a mystery of her own: her fianci disappeared in the war and no one knows if he’s still alive. Until Allie finds out, she will have no peace. When there’s a knock on her office door at four in the morning, Allie suspects trouble as usual, and Mary Gordon is no exception. Mary claims someone is following her, that her apartment has been ransacked, and that she’s been shot at, but she has no idea why any of this is happening. Allie takes the case, and in the process discovers an international mystery that puts her own life in danger.

Meanwhile, the FBI is working the case as well, and she is partnered up with an attractive, single agent who would be perfect for her under other circumstances-if only she knew whether her fianci was still alive.

469270: Miss Match, Allie Fortune Mystery Series #2 Miss Match, Allie Fortune Mystery Series #2By Sara Mills / Moody PublishersFBI agent Jack O’Connor receives a letter from Maggie, a woman he used to love, saying she’s in trouble in Berlin. The FBI refuses to get involved, so Jack asks Allie Fortune to help him investigate. Allie and Jack pose as a missionary couple who want to bring orphans back to the United States.

A child finds important documents that everyone in the city – Soviets and allies alike – want for themselves. Maggie refuses to tell Jack what the documents are, saying if things go wrong, they are better off not knowing. Through the course of the search, Allie’s past is brought back to her, half a world away from home.



Categories: Writing Parents Tell All |April 20th, 2009 | No Comments


Podcast: Author Claudia Mair Burney

I highly recommend reading Wounded by Claudia Mair Burney before the lenten season slips away. It’s real and raw, sometimes uncomfortable, but well worth the journey!

july-icrs-orlando-013.jpg

Listen to this episode



Categories: Between Book Covers , Writing Parents Tell All |March 28th, 2009 | No Comments


Write or Wrong?

Visit me at Seekerville today!





How to Homeschool AND Write

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susan-may-warren.jpgSusan May Warren is writer and homeschooler extraordinaire. She’s also a WONDERFUL and GENEROUS teacher! And her books prove she knows what she shares! I always learn something new when I listen to her and it seems like the girl has an unlimited wealth of knowledge.

As an award winning author, Susan served for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. And she did it all while writing! She now writes full time from Minnesota’s north woods and the beautiful town that she always dreamed of living in.

 

Q: Do you think it is possible to write a book if you are a homeschooling mom? 

 

A: I was a homeschooling mom for eleven years, during which I wrote 24 books, so I know how overwhelming it can be.  I was fortunate – my children supported me and frankly, after spending six hours with me in school, they were ready to let me have my time alone!    However, admittedly it isn’t easy, and there are definitely some techniques to help make this an easier task. 

 

Here are some of the things I do to carve out productive time. 

 

  1. Establish a set time every day, or every other day to write and keep this time sacred.  Block it out on your calendar.  If you only write “when you can,” then there will always be things that will get in the way…from walking the dog to making chocolate chip cookies…  Set a time, and keep that appointment with yourself, telling yourself you are investing in your dreams. 
  2. Keep a writing Journal and every day log what you have done, and establish your goals for the next day.  You will access different sides of your brain as you are writing than you do when you are working, and instead of always keeping both sides active, if you write down where you were and where you want to go each day, you can let your creative side “rest” while you are teaching, knowing you can pick right back up when you return to your writing enclave.
  3. Keep a notepad handy.  Even though you have made notes for yourself to keep your creative side from overloading, your subconscious will still be working…and I guarantee that you will be right in the middle of  lesson, or an email, or even lunch, and suddenly you will hear/see/dream up your next scene.  Quick – grab your notebook before you lose your thought and write down just enough words to trigger the memory again, later.  Then, you won’t have lost it, but will have put it into its appropriate place to be pulled out during your writing time. 
  4. Involve your family in your dream.  I created mini-celebrations – when I finished a chapter, or a scene, or even a book, we’d have mini-party – ice-cream, or cookies, or a trip to the park.  Also, I promised my children that if/when I ever sold a book, I’d take them to Disney world!  And I kept that promise.  Involving them in the process allowed them to invest in the dream with me, and made them a vital part of my writing life.  And, most of all, they didn’t feel left out. 

 

It’s not easy to homeschool and write – many were the days when I held my two year old on my lap and typed around him.  But the reward is when they introduce you to others as, “my mom (or dad) the author!” 

 

God Bless you on your writing journey!

 

Susan May Warren

Founder, www.mybooktherapy.com

 



Categories: Writing Parents Tell All |February 23rd, 2009 | 4 Comments


Interview: Kathy Macias

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kathi-macias.JPGKathi Macias, popular speaker and prolific author, is an Angel-award winning writer who has published twenty-one books and hundreds of articles. Whether keyboarding her latest book, keynoting a conference, or riding on the back of her husband’s Harley, Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias is a lady on a mission to communicate God’s vision. Her insightful words—filled with passion, humor, and soul nourishment—refresh audiences from all walks of life, and her Spanish devotionals, “Desde el Corazon del Padre,” (with English translations) can be found on Crosswalk.com each Monday. Her newest book, BEYOND ME: LIVING A YOU-FIRST LIFE IN A ME-FIRST WORLD, is scheduled for a July 1 release from New Hope Publishers and can be pre-ordered at CBD. To book Kathi for your next event, email kenbarry@thebarryagency.com. For more information and to view the Beyond Me music video, visit http://www.kathimacias.com/.  

Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.
I am a wife, mom, grandma—and the primary caretaker for my 87-year-old mother who lives with us. Of course, my children are now grown and gone, so I don’t have that particular responsibility at this stage of the game, but family time is still a demanding priority.

I have wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember—even as a child. Though I did a few other things during my working life, my heart was always with becoming a wordsmith.

Balancing writing (as any other job/career) with family responsibilities has been my greatest challenge, and continues to be now that I’m caring for my mother. Because my writing career is interspersed with necessary travel/speaking engagements (though I try to keep them at a minimum), I also have to make provision for my mother’s care when I’m gone.

In the midst of all that, however, I KNOW I’m called to write, and so I do. I make that my priority, meaning that I roll out of bed about four every morning, have my cup of tea and time with the Lord, and then hit the computer. It’s no easy life, but fulfilling our calling is understanding that God provides what we need to do so.

How did you get your first “writing break?”
My first “break” came in the third grade, when a story I wrote was turned into a play for the third grade—and I was hooked! I went on to win several writing contests in high school and eventually got a job (after going to school to study journalism at USC) writing a weekly column and doing some string reporting for a local newspaper. From there I go some articles/stories published in our church newsletter, the first of which was picked up by the denominational magazine. Soon after that I landed a part-time entry-level editorial assistant job at a major Christian publishing house, giving me an effective foot in the door to land my first book contract with them a couple of years later. That was about twenty years ago, and the rest, as they say, is history.

What do you write and why this genre?
I write words. I know, you want me to give you a genre, but I can’t—not one anyway. I write non-fiction (including how-to books and Bible study books) and fiction (contemporary, mysteries, suspense, romance, children’s stories—and may launch my first historical soon). I have also written a lot of books for other people—ghostwriting and collaborating on various subjects. Whichever I’m working on at the moment is my favorite.

beyond-me.JPGDo you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?
I have three books scheduled for release in 2009: HOW CAN I RUN A TIGHT SHIP WHEN I’M SURROUNDED BY LOOSE CANNONS? in February; MY SON, JOHN (a novel) in April; and MOTHERS OF THE BIBLE SPEAK TO MOTHERS TODAY (a study in the form of a gift book), also in April, just in time for Mother’s Day.

I also just signed a fiction series contract for four books, all to be released in 2010—so I’ve got my work cut out for me!

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?
My goal for my novels is the same for my nonfiction books: to gently draw readers closer to the Father’s heart, and to deepen their level of love and commitment to Him.

And now for the tough questions…

How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?
As I said, my kids are now grown and gone, but I start my day early so I can fulfill my call to write and still have time to care for my aging mother and my husband, who also happens to be my best friend and the one I most like to share my time with—so that’s a priority!

Did you write when your children were at home? Why or why not?
I wrote a little when my children were at home, but not nearly as much as now, and definitely not full time until my youngest was in his teens.

When did you find the time to write, and did you ever feel like you were neglecting your children when you write?
No, I never felt I was neglecting my children because I only wrote when they were in school.

Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?
EGADS! You had to sneak in the “keeping in shape” element! I was doing okay till then. Of course, I did a pretty good job of that too when I was younger, but I’m sixty now. My “keeping in shape” routine amounts to trying to convince myself to eat an apple instead of a donut and to take walks around our senior park once or twice a day. Is it possible? Sure—but not full time and all at once.

Is it any easier writing now that your children are grown?
Absolutely! I highly recommend the “empty nest” for fulltime writers.

Is parenting your grown children easier than raising them while they were young?
No, not really—it’s just different. (Less time consuming, maybe, but certainly not easier.)

What would you say to moms who can’t wait until their children are older so they can write more?
Enjoy the season you’re in because it will pass all too quickly. And know that you are gathering “writing memories” every day.

What interruptions in your writing didn’t you expect once your children were older and out of the home?
I didn’t realize how caught up in my grown children’s lives I would still be and how much their problems/crises/circumstances would affect me. I have to discipline myself to listen to them, offer counsel and advice if they’re interested, and then zip my lip and go pray, leaving them exactly where I’ve had to leave them even when they were little—in the loving and everlasting arms.

:o )

How do you handle these interruptions in your writing life?
I pray a lot—for wisdom and discernment about which things I need to tend to, and which I need to pray about and leave alone. I also remind myself that life’s interruptions are simply more writing fodder for future projects.

How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?
I think I do that easily because of my journalism training. I don’t believe in “waiting for the muse to whisper.” I just sit down and start writing, believing something worthwhile will come from it.

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?
Most definitely, and though I may have kicked and screamed a bit at first, I finally gave in and allowed myself to enjoy the season I was in.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?
No. I have no doubt—nor have I ever—that I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?
Be patient and know that it will come to pass “in the fullness of time,” and according to His purposes and for His glory. So many new writers tell me things like, “I’ve been at this thing for over a year now and haven’t had anything published; I’m getting discouraged.” I want to chuckle (though I don’t) and tell them that even now, with nearly thirty books under my publishing belt, I still get lots more rejections than acceptances, and my most recent book was actually written about ten years ago but no one wanted it then. Timing is crucial.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Just remember that God calls us to be faithful today—that’s all. If you don’t get to write today, that’s OK. God has something else for you to do instead. The writing will come. Just rejoice in the Lord today—and let tomorrow take care of itself.



Categories: Writing Parents Tell All |January 26th, 2009 | 1 Comment


I Haven’t Written a Lick…

Not sure where that expression comes from, but I haven’t written any new words since my weekend away. BUT I did have a great brainstorming session this weekend so I know where I’m headed. AND I got tons of research information in from people, so I have a lot to wade through. AND I talked over some nonfiction ideas with my agent.

There’s lots to do, but I’m trying to get on a good schedule. I’m still not waking up before 9 am, so that means I really need to get to bed early if I’m going to get my writing in.

On another note, homeschooling went well today and I’m ready to jump on the elliptical! So far, it’s been a fairly productive day! How’s your day going?





New Author: Therese Stenzel

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

I am married to Neal for 17 years and have three kids. I started writing with children’s books because I read so many to my kids, but soon learned the importance of writing your passion and that is British history.

 

How did you get your first “writing break?”

Vickie McDonough invited me to be in a novella. The first one was rejected but the second one sold.
What do you write and why this genre?

I love to be creative and I love history so this is a way to connect with both. It’s also a way to connect to the Lord as we do this writing thing together—I like to say writing is God and I’s ball room dancing class.Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?

bride-by-christmas.JPGNope, my first book, A Bride By Christmas came out Sept 1, and I’m waiting to hear from Barbour on a full manuscript they requested.

You have a novella in A Bride By Christmas. Tell me about your story.

My story is an English Bride Goes West. Englishwoman, Katherine Wiltshire and her father came to the American West looking for a new start, but when he dies, his final request is that she find a husband who loved the Lord, and try to wed by Christmas. Desperate to escape a criminal past, Sherriff Charlie Landing move prove himself to his new town and acquire a wife. When the two find themselves engaged, can they trust God with their future.
Do you want to do more novellas?

Yes I will do more novellas. As a matter of fact, I’ve already been approached about doing another.

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

I’m learning how to write with the Holy Spirit. I want to write His words not mine. I would love to give readers a feeling of the presence of God as they read. I felt that in Francine River’s Redeeming Love and Karen Hancock’s, Arena.

And now for the tough questions…

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

By banging my head on the desk??? I try to remember that my books won’t be at my funeral but my family will, so I try and keep the first calling God gave me—being a wife and a mom first and writing comes second even if I have to give up on ideas for other books.

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

Uh-hem that would be girth, but now because of a back issue I have to exercise so as I am trying to learn this idea of writing by the Spirit, I realize I am going to need Him to manage my time also.

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

I write when they are at school. When they get home, I do housework as I’m helping them do homework. I also assign them each two housecleaning chores a day which helps me a lot. I do feel like I’m neglecting them when they are on their fourth hour of TV.

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

I try to develop a strategy of getting things done as quickly as possible. I clean while I’m talking to a friend on the phone. I make return calls when I’m driving to take kids places. I clean a lot on the weekends because I know I can’t get any writing done then, so that leaves my week days more free.

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

Sometimes I clean my desk, or look up research stuff, especially if I know I’m going to be interrupted again

What do you do to encourage yourself during those stormy days every writing mom has? I take a break from writing and reconnect with my muse by watching British movies, or reading a British book—that usually stirs up my longing to write and unfortunately gives me more story ideas than I have time for

How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you? I spend time in the Word everyday (weekends are harder) I listen to praise music, I pray in the Spirit. If I feel a distance from Him I repent of sin.

If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?
Usually the conviction of the Holy Spirit—that gentle nagging that reminds me my priorities are out of whack. I repent, again.

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that? I haven’t experienced that.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else? I have wondered about that a lot—so I just keep laying writing down before the Lord—I want to make sure it isn’t becoming an idol in my life. It can’t be how I identify myself. I am first and foremost a child of God and writing is just one way I serve Him.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?

Sit down and write the story that’s in your heart.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

 A year or so ago, I gave the Holy Spirit an image so I could relate to Him better. Instead of a white haze, I put him in the body of Robin Hood. So when I write, I picture Robin Hood sitting on my desk and I talk to Him. I ask Him for help with a scene, I ask that He write His words through Me. I know that sounds weird but it helped me connect with the Holy Spirit in a deep way—and I think He’s kind of cute!

Thank you so much for sharing your writing life with us!



Categories: Between Book Covers , Writing Parents Tell All |September 15th, 2008 | No Comments


Michelle Sutton On Publishing and Her First Release!

michelle-sutton.JPGLike most new authors, I wrote my first book with enthusiasm, polished it, sent it out (to Steeple Hill) and got a rejection. I didn’t know why they didn’t want my fabulous book, of course they only take like 1% of the submissions they get. So I decided what I needed was an agent. I sent in a few queries and they were rejected. Then I found out there was a publisher in my town who bought Christian fiction (I’d written three books by the time I figured this out) so I contacted her and we met. She told me I should join ACFW. So I did. I went to my first conference ever. I was dying to meet Francine Rivers (my hero) and I figured if I met some editors and agents interested in my work that would be fabulous, but I didn’t expect it.

Well, one night I had a great chat with an editor and he said to send him my work. I also met with an agent (Tamela) and she said she thought my work might be more suited to the ABA than CBA. I didn’t know she represented both so I thought she wasn’t interested even though she seemed to be. Long story short, she was interested but it wasn’t until I wrote her and mentioned that I was working with an editor to improve my work. She signed me on and I continued to work with this editor who was really impressed (he said) with how much I’d improved in such a short time with just a little mentoring by him. :) He really encouraged me a lot. Anyway, the book he loved, ironically, is the one I retitled “It’s Not About Me.” Is that a hoot or what. I’ve since lost touch with this editor (who shall remain unnamed) but if he sees this I hope he gets my book so he can see that it made it out there and is now being read by people. Yay!

Also, the same year that I went to the conference with Francine Rivers as the keynote speaker, I hooked up with my publisher, who happened to be my roommate at the time. She was impressed with my stories and jokingly said, “If I ever start a publishing house, I’m buying one of your books.” Who’d a thought it would really happen? I sure didn’t. So while everything was very positive from the get-go and I garnered positive interest, it still took me about 2 1/2 years to actually sell a book. This biz is slower than molasses, but worth it when you finally get where you want to be. I wanted people to read my books and as long as they keep selling I can keep getting published. I have 8 more novels out there so help a starving artist and buy her first book so she can keep producing edgy fiction, K?





The Suspicious Mind of Writing Mom Christy Barritt

chrsity-barritt-pix.BMPHow does writing while unpublished differ from writing under a contract?

I prefer to write under a contract. I’m a reporter so I live by deadlines. Deadlines push me to write tighter and faster. When I’m under contract, I have a goal to aim for. I know how to organize my priorities for the day/week/month. When I’m not writing under contract, I lollygag (how’s that for a word?) and take my time and revise until I’m blue in the face. Sure, there’s a little more pressure writing under contract, but I like pressure—it motivates me!

Do you miss those days of writing in obscurity?

Most days, I still feel like I’m writing in obscurity. J Writing is a pretty lonely profession. Sure, I have a little more recognition now that I’m published, but most days it’s just me and my computer!

I’m afraid of writing under a deadline. Afraid I’ll loose the joy of writing. Afraid my work won’t be as good because it will be rushed, and afraid my priorities will be skewed. Do you ever feel this way and how do you handle this?

I’m constantly reevaluating my priorities. And I’ve come to the conclusion that I have to write for the love of writing. For instance, this year my husband lost his job. He got another job, but it doesn’t pay as much. I determined (foolishly, I might add) that I had to get another book contract to help pay our bills. So, I started churning out proposals and waiting to hear what publishers thought about my stories. I realized in the process that my priorities had changed and I lost my joy of writing. So, I went back to another book that I really liked but had never completed. It wasn’t contracted (and still isn’t). I started writing just to enjoy the story. I discovered that I write terrible proposals. It’s not until I’m 2/3s of the way into the book that I truly discover my story. I don’t think I’m one of those authors who can write a good proposal but I’m a seat of the pants writer. Knowing the ending before I begin kills my joy. I think God can teach us things wherever we are in the process of writing—if we’re just beginning and floundering a bit, if we’re desperately looking for a publisher, if we’re writing under deadline or if we’re getting tons of rejections. Each of these phases is part of the process. I’m trying to learn to enjoy each one because that IS the writing life.

Are there any more books in the future for this series?

I’m working on the third book now. This book still has Gabby St. Claire as the protagonist, but the mystery centers around her best friend, Sierra, an animal rights activist.

Do you have any other books coming out?

I have several that are being considered right now, but currently I don’t have any contracts.

 How did you land your agent?

I met her at a writer’s conference and we really connected. What I love about my agent is that she believes in my writing and is very encouraging.

Did you get your agent before or after you sold your first book?

My first agent and I parted ways amicably after a year, no sales. I got a non-fiction book contract after that, all on my own. Then I went back and forth with another well-known agent for about seven months. She kept requesting revisions to my manuscript. In the meantime, Kregel had reviewed my book and liked it. The well-known agent decided not to represent me. A few weeks later, Kregel offered me a contract. I contacted another agent who’d shown some interest while at a writer’s conference. I hadn’t pursued her at the time because I was still going back and forth with this other agent. Then I signed with my current agent and she helped negotiate my contract with Kregel. I’m still with her, three years later. How’s that for confusing? J

What would you tell writing moms and dads looking for that agent who will sell their first book?

You have to find an agent you connect with. Not every agent is a good fit for every writer. Some of my friends who have literary agents have a different relationship with them than I do mine. Some of their agents really map out long-range career plans, some help with marketing, some do editing, some even help generate ideas. You have to know what you want. You may have to go through a couple of agents before you find one who really works for you. Be sure to check with preditors and editors to make sure the agent is on the up and up. Also, get recommendations from friends and, when possible, meet with agents at writer’s conference before signing a contract. You can tell a lot from a face to face meeting.

What will do if the next contract never comes?

I constantly ask myself that question and I think God really wants me to face that possibility also. I think it’s easy as a writer to get to the point where writing and publishing can become somewhat of an idol. Our happiness seemingly hinges on whether or not we’re successfully published or not. God’s been teaching me lately that I have to trust him and his timing. My self-worth can’t be determined by whether or not I’m published again or what my sales numbers are or what the reviewers are saying. I’m loved by the King. What else could I want?

 



Categories: Between Book Covers , Writing Parents Tell All |September 6th, 2008 | 2 Comments


Writing & Homeschooling Mom: Lynette Eason

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lynette-eason-bio-picture.JPGTell us a little about your family and your call to write.

My family is awesome. My husband is a professional musician/professional fundraiser for Christian radio stations. We have two children who keep me busy and constantly on the go with all of our activities and homeschooling.

As for the call to write, I have always loved the printed word. I aced High School and College English but never felt the need to actually write a book until my daughter was almost 6 months old. That’s when I started. I’ve always WANTED to write one, but never felt the NEED to write one until that point in my life. So, I got on the computer and just started writing. Eight years later, God is allowing my dream to become reality. It’s a very surreal and awesome thing.

How did you get your first “writing break?”

I would say my first writing break came in the form of my “mentor”, Dee Henderson. And I put mentor in quotes because she was never officially my mentor, she just answered any and all questions I had about writing. She really cut my time learning the basics in half, if not more. She also edited my entire first manuscript (one that was completely awful, but she turned it into a wonderful learning experience).

What do you write and why this genre?

I write Inspirational Romantic Suspense for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense Line. I write it because I love to read it. I’ve always gone for the mystery, the edge of your seat stories. So, I decided to try my hand at writing one and it’s finally paying off.

Do you have any recent contracts and up-coming releases?

In September (I think) I sold my third manuscript to Harlequin. I sold on proposal, so had to write the thing after selling it. I just finished it and sent it in a few days after Christmas. It was the third in the series. The first book will be out in February, the second in August and the third in November. I also just sent a proposal to my agent to look over and send to my editor, so I’m waiting to hear back about that.

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

My goal, first and foremost is to tell a story the reader can’t put down. And through that story to present God in a way that makes the reader hunger to know more about Him. I desire that my writing glorify Him and for Him to be pleased. As long as He’s pleased, my editor will be pleased…ha.

And now for the tough questions… Oh boy…okay, I’m ready.

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

It’s a constant juggling act. Seriously. My children and husband come first, of course. I do my best not to write when I should be spending time with them. We homeschool, so that’s our first priority in the morning. After school, then lunch, I shoo my kids off to run off energy, play, etc. I set up my laptop where I can see them in the yard and I go to work. Of course, there are numerous interruptions, but I’m blessed with the ability to work through the confusion…ha. My kids also go to an after school/karate program twice a week which gives me several hours in the afternoon to write while they have fun with peers.

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?

Um…yes, I do, I just don’t. I pretty much do the first three, but staying in shape is the one that’s taken a back seat.

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

I write when I can fit it in. Sometimes I get surprised by a block of time due to my children going over to a friend’s house for the afternoon or my mother-in-law or mother offers to keep them. Those days I write like crazy and have been known to get up to 4,000 words down. I also write after they’re in the bed asleep. So, no, I definitely do not feel like I’m neglecting them. I spend so much time with my children, I don’t think I could ever consider doing something for myself a couple of hours a day as being neglectful.

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

I just try to go with the flow and know that while I’m in God’s will, He’s going to provide the time to write. The interruptions are expected, even welcomed sometimes, so like I said, I just try to go with it.

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

You know, I don’t think I ever really get out of the flow of writing. The story is always in my head, the characters are constantly in the background, so even when I’m cooking supper, or answering questions, cleaning house (which is a rare occurrence), doing whatever my kids need me to do, I never really have any trouble just picking up where I left off. It’s weird, I know, but that’s me. J

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

I just tell myself, this too shall pass! Ha. And sometimes, if the day is too stormy, we put away the books and do something fun. Or take the books to a different location like the library. Or we do school at night. That’s the beauty of homeschooling, you don’t have to follow a rigid schedule and can always take a break and catch up later. If the problem is me and I need a break, I either call my husband and tell him I need some alone time and expect it at his earliest convenience, or I call my mom and ask her to keep the kids for me while I regroup. If none of the above is available, we go to the library or just go do something fun like play at Chick-Fil-A!

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

I have to admit I have to work on this. It usually happens either late at night or early in the morning when everything is quiet and I finally have a chance to sit down and process “stuff”. And then I just start talking to God, praying, seeking His face, His will, etc. And then I just sit and or start reading His word. It’s at that point that I’m able to glean what He wants to say to me.

If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?

Oh, this is a daily thing. I have my priorities and I truly try to keep them in order, but I’m human and things slip through the cracks. When I realize what’s happening, I back up and go, okay, I need to reassess and regroup. I pray a lot during the day, too. Ha.

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?

Nope, I’ve never had this happen to me. That’s not to say it won’t happen sometime in the future. I just pray that if/when God tells me to do it, I’ll behave like a grown up and not pout about it or get an attitude about it. J Seriously, if God tells me to do it, I think I’m a mature enough Christian to say that I’ll do it. No, I may not like it, but I do know for a fact that God knows best and I’ll be much happier following His direction.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?

No, I can honestly say I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing at this time in my life. I’m a wife, a mom and an author. (Along with all the other hats moms wear.) And I’m content to be where I am. That is not to say I don’t have ambitions and don’t have any more goals to accomplish because I’ve been published. No way! I just mean I’m secure where I am now, but look forward to what God’s got in mind for the rest of the journey and where He plans to take me next…J

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?

Don’t give up. Keep focused. Keep your priorities straight. And when you mess up, get rejected, discouraged, and feel like quitting, pick yourself up, take it to God and get back in the game. Also, network with other published authors. Learn something new every day about writing if possible. And if your husband or other family understands your passion, then get ‘em to babysit! Also, don’t feel guilty about spending money on someone to clean your house, babysit your kids for a few hours, etc. You NEED this time. Consider the money an investment in your future and your career. Your sanity (and probably your kids) will thank you.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Thank you so much for allowing me to be here! I love to share about writing, and encouraging others in their journey. I also love the opportunity to give the credit to God. He’s such an awesome Heavenly Father and I just pray we can keep our eyes on Him and realize that without Him, we would have no reason to write. Again, thank you!



Categories: Education/Homeschool , Writing Parents Tell All |September 1st, 2008 | 1 Comment


Michelle Sutton and Sheaf House

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michelle-sutton.JPG I’m so excited to introduce you to Michelle Sutton aka Edgy Fiction Writer, who I met several years ago at an ACFW conference. Michelle is an awesome person and writer and I’m so excited to be part of her blog tour for her first release. I feel like I’ve traveled part of the road with her towards this publication. She’s editor of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Magazine, manages her own blog and online communities, is a great marketer and mom who works a nine to five, is ACFWs Volunteer Officer, and throws one great Chocolate party. Whew! Welcome Michelle!

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

I’ve been married for 18 years this month. I have two sons, and both are teens in high school. I felt the call to write in August 2003. So this month is my fifth anniversary for me as a writer as well.

How did you get your first “writing break?”

Hmm…not sure what you mean by writing break? If you mean sold my first story? That was back during the summer of 2007, I think. Before that I finaled in some contests.

What do you write and why this genre?

I write women’s fiction and romance. The series I sold happens to be YA because the story came out that way. But it’s not my primary genre.

its-not-about-me.JPGDo you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?

Other than the book I’ve written and sequels? I have one that I’m signing a contract on next month, but can’t announce that yet. I’m hoping for another contract for a three book series and it’s looking positive, but no guarantees until the offer is made. That’s up to the Lord whether or not I do an additional project.

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

I hope to introduce people to characters who make them think differently about things. I want my readers to see how good God is despite their circumstances and how he can redeem any situation.

And now for the tough questions…

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

It’s weird, but I tend to be most productive when I’m busy. I was like that in college, too. I got my best grades when I had a full course load and a full-time job.

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

LOL! I guess right now my back side is taking a back seat. Oy. Gone are the days when I could exercise every day. I need sleep more than a jog down the street.

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

Nope. My boys are maintenance free. Easy as pie. They are teen boys. They do their chores, get all As in school, and are all-around decent kids. We enjoy each other’s company and do things together but for the most part they can take care of themselves. I’ve been living blissfully for the past three years with virtually no hassles. No, I’m not lying.

Man, you’re a lucky dog, or just an awesome mom!

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

I just go with the flow. Honestly, I can’t focus on all that is undone or I’d go nuts. So one day at a time. That’s how I manage. I do the best I can every day and hope I can keep up reasonably well.

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

I try to write when no one is around. If I am interrupted I stop and do what needs to be done, then go back to it as soon as I can.

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

Haven’t had any stormy days in a long time. The first few years my hubby and kids wondered about why I spent so much time on the computer writing stories and I felt like I needed to sell something to justify my time spent writing. But they all agreed that it was going to happen in God’s timing and I was called to write. They’ve been very supportive.

Sounds a lot like me!

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

Through music and quiet time. Sometimes I hear him while reading a novel. Or even better, I hear and feel Him when I’m writing my own stories.

If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?

I take a break when I need to. That’s all I can do.

Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?

Not really. I don’t spend a lot of time writing. The last full novel I completed (not this series) was finished in three and a half months and it was over 100,000 words.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?

Nope.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?

Keep working on your writing and don’t get discouraged when things take longer than you’d like. God is preparing you in advance for what will come, and whatever His will may be for your life.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Nope. Just that Gina is a fabulous writer and friend. :)

Oww, thanks. So are you! And your chocolate parties rock! Can’t wait to read your book!





ICRS Interview with the President…Well Almost!

Check out my interview with John Morgan here!

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Allie Pleiter: Take Two

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Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. An avid knitter, harp player, and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools, and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University, and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; BECOMING A CHIEF HOME OFFICER and FACING EVERY MOM’S FEARS, and now novels for Steeple Hill.

You can read my first interview with Allie here! Welcome, Allie!

How does writing while unpublished differ from writing under a contract? I’m not a pre-plotting writer—I wouldn’t even do a synopsis if it weren’t required by my publisher. So before I worked under a deadline, I could wait until the next portion of the story formulated itself in my head. I don’t have that luxury now, and there are days when it feels as if my imagination is in a stranglehold. Having said that, some of the most creative books I’ve ever done have been formulated “under the gun,” so I don’t trust that stranglehold sensation as anything other than my tension coming into play. As a parent, working under deadlines means things like sick kids and school projects and such can play havoc with my scheduled writing and the consequences are much greater. Luckily, my kids have grown as my career has grown, and they’re a tad more self sufficient now as teenagers (most of the time.) On the upside, I writer faster now than I ever thought I’d would, and I’ve learned that writers block is something you can gut your way through.

Do you miss those days of writing in obscurity?

No, I don’t. I miss the leisure, perhaps, but not enough to outweigh the joy of my relationship with my readers. And, quite honestly, it’s much easier to gain everyone’s cooperation when there’s actual money to be made (even if it’s not a fortune). I’m able to contribute to my family’s income in a meaningful way that doesn’t take away much from my attention to them. Yes, there are the days/weeks where deadlines make life miserable, but for the most part they are few and far between and every job has its bad parts, even cool ones like mine.

I’m afraid of writing under a deadline. Afraid I’ll loose the joy of writing. Afraid my work won’t be as good because it will be rushed, and afraid my priorities will be skewed. Do you ever feel this way and how do you handle this?

Yes, I do, but those feelings are generally more born of stress than actual fact. Those fears are the kind that can only be combated through actual experience—knowing that even through it feels like I’ll fall on my face, I’ve pulled through this before and the book has been wonderful, etc. The bottom line is that “rush” is a part of our business. Everyone is being asked to write faster, so it’s better to embrace that dynamic now. The joy of writing never goes away, because those days where it just sings out of your fingers are still there. Work does get rushed, but you discover that tight timetables can sometimes produce wonderful work. Our brains (and our souls) are wonderfully adaptive things. I do know, however, that I’m not one of those people who does her best work under stress, so I try to stick to a regular work plan so as not to back myself into a corner. There are still times when all the planning in the world can’t head off a nasty time crunch and you just have to grit your teeth and make it happen. That’s what makes you a professional. I just try to remember that while this is a spectacularly cool job, it is a job, and jobs aren’t always fun but are often rewarding.

bluegrass-hero-cover-final.JPGAre there any more books in the future for this series?

There are two more, with a third in discussion right now. Two of the other shopkeepers you meet in Bluegrass Hero—Janet who owns the hardware store and Dinah who owns the bakery—get their own stories. It’s been loads of fun working with such a large cast of characters and having the chance to develop the character of the town. Tackling the small town dynamic was new territory for me, and I have to say I’ve enjoyed it very much.

Do you have any other books coming out?

My historical for Steeple Hill, Masked by Moonlight, just came out in June, but it will have a sequel sometime in 2010. As for the Kentucky Corners series, Bluegrass Courtship (Janet’s story) will come out in February 2009 and Bluegrass Blessings (Dinah’s story) will release in July 2009.

How did you land your agent?

I was introduced into the world of romance fiction by a friend who was an editor and dared me to try writing a book. When we discovered—to both our complete surprise—that I had serious promise, she introduced me to several agents she felt would suit my voice and the kinds of books I’d want to write and I chose one. I’m fully aware that I had a rather easy go of things in that department—catching an agent’s eye is one of the biggest challenges facing aspiring authors today. I can’t offer much advice in the agent-wrangling department, but I do feel contests and conferences are excellent ways to get to know and get your writing in front of these important people. A good agent relationship can make all the difference.

Did you get your agent before or after you sold your first book?

As I said, I was introduced to her when it became apparent there might be serious interest in my manuscript. My editor friend wisely felt it best I not publish with her house, so we knew I needed an agent to place the book elsewhere. So, it happened as I was ramping up to selling my first book. I also had interest from a non-fiction publisher at the time—from work I was doing simultaneously—so that we had to get up to speed fast. That’s not usually how it goes in this business.

What would you tell writing moms and dads looking for that agent who will sell their first book?

Your agent is the person who’ll be giving you the best and worst news of your career. They’ll be the person to tell you to take that breathtaking risk, or to put down that manuscript you adore because it’s not the thing you should be doing right now. That’s an intense relationship. Make sure you’re looking at someone who has the right “chemistry” for you as well as the right connections. Decide how much cheerleading, planning, and hand-holding you want from your agents—some are more devoted to this type of relationship than others, and both styles are equally effective. Your agent is the one who’ll often play “bad cop” so you can stay “good cop,” so remember warm and fuzzy isn’t always part of the job description. Try not to say yes to an agent until you’re sure it’s a good fit—it’s a traumatic thing to change agents, so you’re better off waiting if you haven’t found the right one yet. Oh, and having an agent who understands your need for hyperventilated screaming when your toddler just dumped apple juice into your laptop and fried it into an untimely death—that’s always a plus. I was dealing with toddlers and a high-needs aging parent early in my career, and it was good to have someone ready to plan for those challenges and not let me paint myself into a corner.

What will do if the next contract never comes?

What will I do? Knit. A LOT. Cry. Pout for several months. Then I’ll heave I gigantic sigh and figure out what it is God wants from me next. I’ve always written, in a variety of forms public and private, so I don’t think that will go away. Storytellers always need to tell stories. But after having been an actor, fundraiser, full time mom, and writer, I’m thinking I probably have a good two or three more career changes in me. Still, it’s always a very scary thing for a writer to contemplate because it’s so much of our personality that it would feel like cutting off a limb or something. Which brings up a very good point—it’s easy to let the demands of this business swallow you whole. I do have writing friends who have almost no life outside their writing, and I think that’s dangerous for anyone. I always tell myself “even your bestselling books will never come to visit you in the nursing home.” I work hard to make sure my life outside of writing remains full (kids are good for this—actually, kids are insanely effective at this), so that should the contracts go away, it won’t feel like my life is over. Well, for the first week it probably still will feel like my life is over, but that’s why God made chocolate in my opinion.



Categories: Between Book Covers , Writing Parents Tell All |August 11th, 2008 | No Comments


Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren

finding-stephanie.JPGWhen she put her dreams on hold to help run the family ranch, she never imagined they would slip out of sight. Luckily for Stefanie, those dreams are about to come knocking at her door.
Lincoln Cash has gained fame and fortune on the big screen, but a crippling secret leaves him one last chance to make his mark on the movie industry. With dreams of hosting a new film festival, Lincoln intends to remodel a sprawling ranch in eastern Montana to make it the new Hollywood hot spot.

Unfortunately, a house fire threatens his plans. So does opposition from his new neighbor Stefanie Noble, who’s not thrilled about his Tinseltown changes. What Lincoln and Stefanie don’t know is that the fire won’t be the last disaster to threaten Lincoln or his future. Someone is out for revenge… but who? And who is the real target?

Read an excerpt: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/c1_findingStefanie.html
Buy the book: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1028342&item_no=310190
Susan’s website: http://www.susanmaywarren.com

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

If you missed my interview with her earlier this week, DON’T miss it now!

Interview with Susan May Warren from Gina Conroy on Vimeo

Contest: Please post the contest on your blog tour post so your readers can play along too!

Grab your magnifying glass and join me on a Fact-o-Find!

Answer these questions about the bloggers on the tour and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to the movie theater of your choice (you know so you can see some of Cash’s great movies *G*)! Email Amy your answers (amy@susanmaywarren.com)

Ready, get set, giddy-up!

1. Which blogger is adopting a girl from China?

2. This word ‘featherbunkle’ is found on which blog?

3. Which blogger is supporting the ‘Pickens Plan’?

4. Which blog is “The Cutest Blog on the Block”?

5. Which blogger is a S@HM and also a wife, daughter, sister, friend, nursery director, and woman that is just trying to keep it all together?

6. Which blogger is taking the Southern Reading Challenge?

7. Which blog asks ‘How may we serve you’?

8. Which blogger refers to her son as ‘super good big guy’?

9. Which blogger is a self-proclaimed ‘Starbucks Addict’?

10. Which blogger is a big Trekkie?

The answers to these questions could be found here! Happy Hunting!

8/4

Martha at Our Family’s Adventures http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Martha/

Trish at Books for Moms http://www.booksformoms.blogspot.com/

Sunny at Life in the Estrogen Ocean http://estrogen-ocean.blogspot.com/

8/5

Deborah at A Cup of Joy http://acupofjoy.wordpress.com/

Julie at Waves of Grace http://juliecarobini.blogspot.com

Camy at Camy’s Loft http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/

8/6

Amy at Amy’s Random Thoughts http://amychristopher.blogspot.com/

Gina at Portrait of a Writer http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com

Lena a Christian Writer’s World http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

8/7

Leticia at My Daily Trek http://leticiasworld.blogspot.com/

Laura at Lighthouse Academy http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com

8/8

Melissa at Breath of Life http://breathoflifeministries.blogspot.com/

Lori at Laurel Wreath’s http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/

Ronie at Supernatural Craving http://www.supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com

Erica at On the Right Path http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/

8/9

Deborah at Books, Movies, and Chinese Food http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/

Heather at Fresh Sweet Peas http://www.freshsweetpeas.blogspot.com

Christy at Christy’s Book Blog http://christysbookblog.blogspot.com/

Beth at The Writing Road http://thewritingroad.blogspot.com/

8/11

Cee Cee at Book Splurgehttp://booksplurge.blogspot.com/

Kate at A Simple Walk http://asimplewalk.blogspot.com

Dineen at Kittens Come From Eggs http://dineenmiller.blogspot.com

8/12

Joy at Five J’s http://fivejs.wordpress.com/

Paula at Grace Reign http://www.gracereign.blogspot.com

Rel at Relz Reviewz http://www.relzreviewz.blogspot.com

Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf http://deenasbooks.blogspot.co

Patty at Girlfriends in God http://patty-girlfriendsingod.blogspot.com

8/13

Peg at Sips & Cups Cafeteria http://www.peggyblannphifer.blogspot.com

Cara at Cara’s Musings http://carasmusings.blogspot.com

Pattie at Fresh Brewed Writer http://www.freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com

Amy at My Friend Amy http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/

AnnMarie at More Than Just A Mom http://afriedrick.blogspot.com

8/14

Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm http://thenearsightedbookworm.blogspot.com/

Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com

Teresa at Joy In the Journey http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com

8/15

Lynetta at Open Book http://www.lynetta.blogspot.com

Betsy at Betsy Ann…Writer At Large http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com

Susan at His Reading List http://hisreadinglist.blogspot.com/

8/16

Tiffany at A Fiction Filled Life http://ambermillerauthor.blogspot.com/

Pamela at Pammer’s Ramblins http://pammer.blogspom

Lauren at Baseballs and Bows http://baseballsandbows.blogspot.com

Brittanie at A book Lover Forever http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/





Categories: Between Book Covers , Writing Parents Tell All |August 6th, 2008 | No Comments


Welcome Back: Susan May Warren

writing-moms-tell-all.jpg

I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Susan May Warren at ICRS. Though I’ve heard her teach at writer’s conferences (and she is AMAZING) I never met her in person. We’ve chatted through email and she writes a column for Writer…Interrupted, but it was like hugging an old friend when we met face to face.

This is one of the best interviews and I caught it on video. Please head on over to Writer…Interrupted, watch the interview (Yes, WATCH!) and don’t forget to leave a comment!









*Copyright 2006-2009, Portrait of a Writer, Gina Conroy*