Ask the Author: Jaci Wightman
Answered Questions (6)
Jaci Wightman
My Princess Story book came to life several years ago as I worked with a group of young women at church. I was trying to find ways to help them relate to principles of the gospel, and I ended up using Disney princess stories to tie in the different doctrines I was teaching. It was such a hit that I kept the princess analogies going, and before long I had the outline that turned into this book. It's been a really fun way to help the girls see the gospel of Jesus Christ with a new set of eyes.
Jaci Wightman
Meditation is probably the thing that has the biggest influence on me as a writer. Quieting my mind....letting the ideas flow.....turning things over and over in my mind....I absolutely love it. I find that a little meditation in the morning starts the process, and then the ideas continue to come in the small moments of the day. I've learned to have a pen and paper nearby (or my phone!) so I can jot them down when they come. The process is slow, but incredibly rewarding.
Jaci Wightman
My current manuscript has been in the works for almost 10 years. It's a book about the transformation of the heart. It will be my third book, but it's the first one I started writing, so it's kind of my baby. It'll be fun to see how the journey ends after working on it for so long. At this point, that's still unknown, but I've learned that's part of the fun of being a writer.
Jaci Wightman
Be PATIENT. Very, very, very patient. It was the hardest advice for me to give myself during the writing process, but probably the most important. Through a lot of ups and downs, I've learned that it can take time to get things right. I've endured multiple rejection letters, and a lot of closed doors. I've had moments when I thought I'd never find a publisher. So if that happens to you, just keep moving forward. Patience is a huge part of the process, and you'll be a better writer if you'll embrace that rather than trying to rush your book to print.
Jaci Wightman
I love to read almost more than I love to write. And my favorite thing is when an author shares ideas that come together and create a new, life-changing perspective. Suddenly I can see things I've never been able to see before. Because so many authors have done this for me, that's my main focus when I write as well. I want my readers to be able to see the world--and themselves--in a whole new way.
Jaci Wightman
I take a breather! Or I add a little prayer or music or time doing things I love. Clearing my head always lets me open up my laptop again with a fresh perspective.
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