How do you come up with ideas for stories and characters?
I employ my memory, Scripture verses I have heard or memorized, and hymns my grandmother taught me. I also have a very vivid imagination and dream in color with sounds.
My first book, The Warehouse, is based on an allegory I heard in church as a teenager. To expand the story, I wrote about people I knew and how they intrigued me. As for names, I sometimes combine the names of family members or friends and acquaintances. People’s characteristics also come from my memory. When I was a young girl, many people in our small southern town intrigued me, and I borrowed my remembrances of them.
As for the ideas, as I mentioned above, I listen to God, and He gives me the ideas.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
Fortunately, I have not experienced writer’s block. I do, however, tire, so it is time to rest and recharge. I always quip that I go take a shower.
How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
When I read negative book reviews, first I spend time licking my wounds. Then, after my pity party, evaluate them and learn, trying to incorporate what I learned if possible.
What is the most challenging part of your writing process?
The most challenging part of my writing process are my house charge. I exercise great self-discipline and make myself stop writing to do my chores.
How long have you been writing, or when did you start?
My first story idea came to me thirty years ago. I jotted down my thoughts and stored them in my treasure box. I did not start writing that children’s book, The Adventures of Thelma Thistle and Her Friends, until 2016. So, I have been writing since I retired, seven years ago.
What advice would you give writers working on their first book?
The most quoted advice is “Read, read, read.” But since I am a poor reader, I have to rely on other learning experiences. I do compare how and what other authors write. I am also blessed to be married to an historian. His writing style and proficiency are my greatest resource.
The second piece of advice is to hire a professional editor. I do not rely on my husband to edit my work; he writes from an academic point of view; very different from fictional.
Third, I would caution new authors NOT to fall for the plethora of book marketers promising great publicity and riches. Wait until you can say, no thank you, and wait on the right agent to find you.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
I live them. That starts with imagining their character, and how they react to outside catalysts. But I like to say, “I live them.”
How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?
I have written seven children’s chapter books. They are a series of Thelma Thistle.
I have also written two stand alone Christian historical fiction novels and am currently writing the third book of a trilogy.
My favorite is difficult to say. I love them all because they all have different lessons. The Warehouse, I guess, would be my favorite only because it was my first adult novel.
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
In The Royal Order of the Last Coin, I found it hard to write the first chapter, which told of the gruesome execution of William Wallace. I was surprised that I had to really hold back.
When I first began writing the fiction novels, I found avoiding passive voice was difficult. Now, I can spot it as I write and reword my sentence – most of the time.
What inspired the idea for your book?
Which one? My very first book, The First Adventures of Thelma Thistle and Her Friends was inspired by a dream I had. The Warehouse, as I mentioned, was inspired by an allegory, The Saddest Place in Heaven.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
No telephones. Coffee at 10 am. Popcorn at 11:30. Wine at 4 pm.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Ken Follet, author of Pilar or the Earth; Frederick Forsyth, author of The Devil’s Alternative; and Taylor Caldwell, author of The Listener. These were the first authors who inspired me.
When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find?
Just today. I found all of my Business Facebook ads.