Ask the Author: Sharlene MacLaren
Answered Questions (7)
Sharlene MacLaren
Since my dad was raised Quaker (Religious Society of Friends), I have always been fascinated with the idea of building a series around the faith. My Dad found Jesus in the Friends Society, so it is near and dear to me. After having written four previous series and some stand-alone novels, I decided, with God's help, to take the plunge into a series about Quakers. I have loved doing the research and learning about the Quaker faith. It's fascinating, and the fact that they were instrumental in starting the Underground Railroad only fueled my fire.
Sharlene MacLaren
My brain continuously spins out new story ideas. I have to pick and choose. My inspiration comes straight from God, but chocolate, hot tea, a burning candle, and a tidy office help to keep me focused.
Sharlene MacLaren
I have just released my 17th faith-based novel. All of my books are romances, and many of them contain elements of drama, crime, suspense, humor, and grit. I try to really delve into my characters, make them real and relatable - and imperfect. Currently, I'm working on the second novel in my Forever Freedom series. This series has three books, the first dealing with a Quaker family involved in abolition and the Underground Railroad, so, post Civil War. The second book is set during the Civil War, and the third book will be a post Civil War, Reconstruction of the south. My main characters are members of the Quaker family.
Sharlene MacLaren
Never give up. If you love to write, then you probably have a God-given gift. Keep honing your craft. How do you hone? You read about your craft, you study it and you practice. Attend as many online workshops as possible (many are free), attend conferences and seminars, meet and talk to other authors, find a local writing group, and if you feel ready to publish something, find yourself a reputable agent. Again, I stress: never, never quit.
Sharlene MacLaren
Writing is my passion. God gave it to me, and I feel the most complete and contented when I'm at my computer and the words flow out of me. I love the quiet time I have in my sweet little basement office to contemplate, read, research, and think and pray. For me, writing is a part of who I am. It's my makeup, even my DNA.
Sharlene MacLaren
I've figured out why I get writer's block, and it's because I come to crossroads in my story and can't figure out where to go next. When that happens I PRAY, give my story a rest for a few days, pray some more, and then I wait till the ideas start flowing again. Once I cross that hurdle, I'm up and running - until that next crossroad. I find I just have to keep plowing through and be careful not to take off too much time fretting about my scenes. I can fix them later when I go back and reread.
Sharlene MacLaren
The couple that comes to mind, but whose names I've forgotten, is the one from Francine Rivers' book Redeeming Love. Oh, how I loved that book!!!!
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