Love Inspired Books discussion

1. How long have you been writing for Steeple Hill?
My first book for Steeple Hill came out in December 1998.

2. What’s something you wish you’d known when you started your writing journey?
While I love being a published author, I wish I would have enjoyed the freedom of just writing before I got the call. I’m pretty sure published authors were telling me that, but I wasn’t listening. =)

3. What’s the most common writing question you get and what is your answer?
As with most authors, it’s definitely, “Where do you get your ideas?” And like most authors, my answer is, “Everywhere.” I am always both consciously and subconsciously details about everything around me. If I’m in someplace busy like a shopping mall or an airport terminal, I go into information overload and end up with a migraine.

4. How have you dealt with the rejection of your writing?
From the earliest days of my writing, I’ve followed the practice of allowing myself 24 good hours to rant, rave, mope and complain. But I’m a scrapper—the next day I’m back working on my next project.

5. Do you have a Bible verse that guides your writing?
Proverbs 3:5&6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

6. What is your favorite writing book?
The Writer’s Digest Character Naming Sourcebook. It’s a great resource in discovering the meaning and history behind last names.

7. What is the most recent Steeple Hill book you’ve read?
I am currently enjoying The Cowboy’s Courtship by Brenda Minton. I read within the line when I’m between contracts and in other lines and genres of romantic fiction when I’m in the midst of writing one of my books.

8. What does your writing life look like?
At the moment, pure chaos, since I have my 18-month-old granddaughter living with us. After I take my youngest daughter to school, I go online and check my email and Facebook accounts and take care of Isabella. Then in the afternoon I close my door and write, sometimes well into the evening, and sometimes seven days a week, if I’m on deadline. I start off by reading what I wrote the day before, editing as I go. By the time I’ve reached where I left off, I’m happily in my characters’ world.

9. What advice would you give to an aspiring Steeple Hill author?
Read, read, read—across genres and categories. Find out where your writing style best fits. Which are your favorite types of heroes/heroines/plotlines/settings? Who are your favorite authors, and why? Write what you love, within the guidelines of the category.

10. What is your favorite part about writing for Steeple Hill?
I love being able to explore spiritual themes in my novels. Faith in God is such a natural extension of my characters’ lives that I would feel constrained if I tried to write without it.His Texas Bride

I love these interviews! They are so fun to read.

Thanks Jennifer. We try to have one every Friday. :)

:D