Love Inspired Books discussion

1. How long have you been writing for Steeple Hill? I got the call while I was down on my knees wrapping Christmas presents in 2006. I remember thinking before I answered the phone, "Arg, why couldn't the call have come 30 seconds sooner." See I'd just settled on the floor to do wrapping. Needless to say, after get the call I didn't get any wrapping down because I was on the phone to everyone I knew.

2. What’s something you wish you’d known when you started your writing journey? I wish I'd known the importance of knowing what to write (genre) and just bombarding that market and making sure my name was out there.

3. What’s the most common writing question you get and what is your answer? "How do I get published?" That's the question I get the most. My answer, "Join a writing group like ACFW or RWA and learn your craft." Interestingly enough, when I get the question from something who's educated themselves, they take their pen out and write down advice (not just mine but from whoever is giving it). When I get that question from someone who hasn't immersed themselves in the writing world, they only listen to half. I think they keep hoping they'll hear the phrase "Oh, it's easy, just write your book, send it to this address, and you'll soon get a check." Truthfully, if you want to get published, you develop your voice, master your grammar, and read, read, read, followed by write, write, write, and ending with submit, submit, submit. That's how you get published.

4. How have you dealt with the rejection of your writing? Ack, my least favorite question. Rejection. You know, it doesn't get easier when you're published. How I deal with rejection is... if I understand why I'm getting rejected (Sorry, Pam, this book isn't...blah, blah, blah, doesn't fit... blah, blah, blah) then I'm very professional. I've had books rejected where the editor told me why and I pretty much went, "Oh, I get it." And I did. The reason for the rejection was sound. On the other hand, I've had books rejected where I just don't understand why they were rejected. Those, unfortunately, have the power to hurt me.


5. Do you have a Bible verse that guides your writing? If so, what is it? I don't have a verse, but what's even better is that while writing for Steeple Hill, I've had to go to my Bible so many times and hunt for scriptures that apply to my fiction situations, that now I have more verses in my head that apply to my real life situations.

6. What is your favorite writing book? I don't have one.

7. What is the most recent Steeple Hill book you’ve read? Lisa Mondello's Yuletide Protector.

8. What does your writing life look like? I write from about 5:30 - 8:00 every morning. Often that isn't always on my fiction. This morning, I'm doing this interview, then I'll write a puppet show for Sunday morning worship, and then I'll update the Craftie Ladies of Suspense blog, then I'll get to my fiction. Tomorrow, I'll update the Craftie Ladies of Romance blog, catch up on Facebook, and then write my fiction. That's early morning. Sometimes, like last night when my husband decided Monday Night Football was calling him and he didn't need me, I snuck in my office and wrote. That was late, 9:00, and I'm usually falling asleep (I have a four year old). I also am involved in the writing community. This Saturday is my CWOW (Christian Writers of the West) meeting. I'm president. Saturday before last, I spoke at a library function. There's always something to do :) Life is wonderful.

9. What advice would you give to an aspiring Steeple Hill author? Look back at the question I'm most commonly asked and then chant: read, read, read, write, write, write, submit, submit, submit.

10. What is your favorite part about writing for Steeple Hill? Getting to write the suspense books I want and getting to develop the faith element along with the romantic element.

Pamela Tracy

Fugitive Family- August 2009- Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
Clandestine Cover-Up - December 2009 - Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
http/www.pamelakayetracy.com
http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the interview. Its funny how the more educated take advice while others think they can do it with not taking the advice.
I know it other situations like when I would type the reports for the Chruch. One person who lacked education would use that as an excuse for poor layout etc of her report asking it be corrected. I dont believe your education ends when you leave school. she had been doing reports ect for many many years after school and could have done classes etc but found it easier to blame the lack of education.
Loved the rest of your interview also.