Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Ben Girod is Hershey Sensenig! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)

This week please welcome MaryAnn Diorio in the spotlight! To win a copy of her book A Christmas Homecoming, leave a comment on this post! 

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

Hi, Everyone! It’s great to be here. I’ve been writing for a long time but only recently began writing long fiction. I’m married with two awesome grown daughters and a wonderful son-in-law. I work from home as a freelance writer and life coach.

And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…

I write Women’s Fiction and Middle-Grade Fiction. My women’s fiction deals with the deepest issues of the human heart. My children’s fiction is entertaining and fun while focusing on the building of character.

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?

I came to a point in my life when I felt an increasing desire to write. I prayed and asked God to remove the desire if it were not of Him and to increase the desire if it were. The desire increased dramatically, so I began to write.

After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?

I started out writing for magazines. Soon after I started writing, a poem of mine was published in The Saturday Evening Post. As a novice, I had no clue how difficult it was to get published in this magazine. I took the acceptance as a confirmation from our Lord that I was to write for Him.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

I write between four and six hours a day. I pray before I write and while I write. I usually work at home, but I frequently will go to a local Starbuck’s or to the library when I need to get out a bit.

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

My biggest help has been writers’ conferences and critique groups. I also read voraciously. I read fiction, non-fiction, and books on writing. I read journals and magazines and cereal boxes. ☺

Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be? (Explain your answer)

When one is called by God to write, the writing life is a joy. This does not mean there will be no struggles. I’ve faced many of them as a writer. But knowing for Whom I write makes it all worthwhile. I don’t know that I had a preconceived notion about what the writer’s life would be. I just plunged in and realized it is hard work with great rewards and deep satisfaction. I like to describe the writing profession as having homework for the rest of your life. ☺

What are your biggest distractions?

My biggest distractions are people. I love people, so I have to guard my writing time so as not to get caught up in people when I should be writing.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

One of the best moments in my career occurred when I received my first acceptance letter. One of my worst moments occurred when a published reneged on a signed contract.

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

Least like: the long periods of isolation

Most like: the joy of creating

What is the role and importance of an agent?

An agent knows what editors need what manuscripts. An agent can save a writer much precious time. An agent also can help a writer build her writing career.

What advice would you give to new writers?

If God has called you to write, never give up. Pray, believe, and trust that God will order your steps according to His will, not yours.

Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.

When Sonia Pettit’s teenage daughter suddenly disappears for seven long years, Sonia faces losing her mind, her husband, and her son as she struggles to forgive her wayward daughter and trust God for her ret urn.

What’s on the book horizon for you?

I’m currently working on a full-length women’s fiction entitled CAPTIVE NO MORE and a middle-grade novel entitled DIXIE RANDOLPH AND THE KIDNAPPING AT SEABURY LAKE. I have several ideas brewing for more novels for both adults and children.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING will be available from Harbourlight Books in December. My non-fiction book, YOU WERE MADE FOR GREATNESS, is available at Amazon.com. You may find a complete listing of my books on my website at www.maryanndiorio.com/bookstore.

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

You are most welcome, Suzanne. Thank you for inviting me. ☺

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with David E. Stevens is C.E.Hart! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)

This week please welcome Ben Girod in the spotlight! To win a copy of his book Baptized by Fire, leave a comment on this post! 

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

Yes, I still work full time, and often seek time to write. We have nine children, all are married but the two youngest.

And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…

My writing is always centered around deep biblical revelations that is often missed by mainline Christians.

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?

I first got started writing by exposing many scriptural discrepancies among we Amish.

After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?

My first book was published in 1992.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

I like a good cup of coffee when I write. But in the true sense of the , word I am not a writer. Unless I am motivated by the Spirit, or moved by new revelations , I do not write.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

The biggest moment in my career is in getting my present book published;  “An Amish Journey To Forgiveness”. This is the story of my life, together with my wife Barbara. Its an untold story of hardship and disappointments—yet nothing but what God didn’t allow in our lives.

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

What I like about a writer? When his or her story grips my attention.

What is the role and importance of an agent?

I have found agents disappointing.  In the publishing field today, many publishers and agents look to what makes money. Consequently some good story’s will never make it to the publisher.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Perhaps the title of the book should capture the casual seekers attention as they look for a good book.

What’s on the book horizon for you?

I do not know what the horizon, or the future holds for me , but I unconditionally trust the ONE who holds it.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

You will be able to find it on Amazon, and many other sources, including buying the book electronically.

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Melanie Dobson is C.E.Hart! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)

This week please welcome David E. Stevens in the spotlight! To win a copy of his new book Resurrect, leave a comment on this post! 

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

I was a Navy fighter pilot and test pilot, retired as a Commander and started my own business. I have an awesome wife of 23 years, but no children … we have to rent them from our siblings. As a night owl, I usually write late into the night.

And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…

When I say, my genre is apocalyptic techno thriller, many will lose interest immediately. Techno thrillers aren’t known for their strong woman characters or romantic relationships. This one, however, is different. That’s probably because I had a mother who was an artist, state woman’s tennis champion, scuba diver, and mountain climber. My wife is also a professional, my partner and best friend. Therefore, my women characters are strong and real, and I’m a bit of a romantic at heart. However, since most of us guys come out of the womb wanting to blow things up … yes, my story also includes crashing fighters, CIA and SEALs – much of which was based on my past experiences.

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?

Writing kind of snuck up and grabbed me by the throat. There were several life events that pushed me there. I was a fighter pilot, a strike planner during the Iraqi war and worked on classified weapons development projects, so most of my Navy career was focused on demolition.

One day, I realized I could apply some of my destruction expertise to actually save lives. I studied the real threats facing humanity (not the Mayan calendar) and ranked them based on probability and consequence. Turns out, the top three most dangerous/likely are preventable. Those real-life threats became “protagonists” in my trilogy, allowing me to highlight the challenges that we, as a society, can do something about.

As young fighter pilot, I experienced some close calls flying around the aircraft carrier and lost a very good friend in a crash. At that point, I realized I wasn’t immortal. That, along with my love of science, set me on a path that would change me from agnostic to Christian, and to be in a position where I can reach those like me.

After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?

The idea rattled around in my brain for a couple years but when I got serious, I wrote most of it in about five months. Terry Burns was the first literary agent to ask for a full read, (courageous) and IMMEDIATELY assigned me an editor. I wasn’t sure what dangling participles and split infinitives were, but hoped they could be fixed with superglue … yeah, my editor didn’t laugh either. After remedial training from my awesome editor, Normandi Fisher, we submitted to some publishers. Within a few months, we signed a contract with Monarch Books of Lion Hudson.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

I do my best work in the wee hours. I’m probably the only Navy pilot who doesn’t drink coffee. I do energy drinks instead. Before everyone hammers me for that, the one I drink has no sugar, no NutraSweet and a massive amount of B12. It’s poor etiquette to plug products on someone’s blog, but if anyone’s interested, be glad to identify it.

How many hours writing? Sometimes ten, sometimes none. When my characters are active, they don’t let me sleep. Anyone identify?

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

Actually, it’s my wife. She’s amazing. She’s my medical subject matter expert, woman’s point of view, cheerleader and first draft reader.

I do recommend writing conferences. They’re very helpful in many ways, usually a lot of fun, and it’s an important way to make connections.

Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be? (Explain your answer)

Great question, but I don’t think I’ve been a writer long enough to answer it yet.

What are your biggest distractions?

Marketing … that’ll probably get a laugh or amen out of every successful writer. But marketing by the author, is absolutely critical, so I’m learning to love it.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

Getting the book contract was great, but I think having an agent interested was an even bigger moment for me. It was the first time someone, other than family or friends, thought the story had potential.

I really haven’t had any terrible experiences.

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

Least: Grammar.
Most: While entertaining, we have the ability to educate and slip in important ideas that could change someone’s life.

What is the role and importance of an agent?

Absolutely critical – not just to get you a publishing contract but to tell you when “the king has no clothes.” They have an objective eye and a vested interest in your success. They are your coach, which isn’t necessarily the same as being a friend. I’m very blessed to have Terry, an amazingly wise and hardworking agent. When you find a good one, hang on to them.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Write. Then rewrite. Get feedback. Then, actually listen to the feedback. If you trust the source or get the same feedback from more than one source, apply it.

Don’t give up!

Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.

For Christians:
Do you have friends or family who are “too educated” to need a God to explain the universe? Resurrect is (from a review) “inspiring, thought provoking, and impossible to put down, imagine a collaboration between Tom Clancy and C. S. Lewis.”

For your non-Christians:
Written by a Navy test pilot with a Top Secret clearance, Resurrect uses cutting-edge science to highlight real threats facing humanity. Resurrect is (from a review) “frighteningly plausible. It’s Dan Brown and Tom Clancy rolled into one meticulously thought out, adrenaline packed, what’s-gonna-happen-next, can’t put it down novel!”

What’s on the book horizon for you?

Finishing up books two and three of the trilogy, and we’re very excited that Resurrect has been optioned for a movie by Producer Fred Miller. Fred is about to release the Christmas movie When Angels Sing, starring Harry Connick Jr.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

Resurrect should be available online and in book stores in the US and Canada as you read this. However, if you order through the www.ResurrectTrilogy.com website, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a free Kindle Fire HD and the possibility of being invited as a guest during the filming of Resurrect. Also, Resurrect is touring the web with Litfuse Publicity Group! You can enter to win a Kindle Fire and RSVP for my Facebook party on the 4th of December — I’d love it if you stopped by and said hello!

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

Thank you so much Suzanne, I really appreciate this opportunity. Dave

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Dorothy Love is Diane Lankford! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)

This week please welcome back Melanie Dobson in the spotlight! To win a copy of her new book Where the Trail Ends, leave a comment on this post! 

What was your biggest break?
In 2008 an author friend told me about an upcoming line of novels from a new publishing company called Summerside. They wanted to publish novels set in small towns across the country. I had published three contemporary novels at the time, but my desire was to write historicals and I loved small towns. I contacted the editor about a story that had been burning inside me for awhile about a woman who hid runaway slaves in her home. It turned out the town of Liberty, Indiana had been a major hub on the Underground Railroad. My first “Love Finds You” book was published in 2009, and I’ve been writing historicals with Summerside ever since.

What is the smartest writing advice you ever got?
I’ve gotten some wonderful advice at conferences over the years, but there is one piece of advice that I still think about almost every time I sit down at my computer—don’t edit as you write your first draft. I find that if I critique my writing at the same time I’m putting my story on paper, I can paralyze mentally. It’s best for me to write out of passion first and then clean up the story on the second round (my edits usually happen the morning after I’ve written the first draft).

I’m inspired by…
Deadlines! ☺ I’m also inspired by old houses, abandoned towns, crumbling tombstones, a great story, and a salted caramel mocha.

My great adventure has been…
My husband and I spent a month backpacking Europe in 2003. We didn’t know it at the time, but while we were trekking through seven countries, a birthmother was in the midst of selecting us to adopt her infant daughter. Within weeks of our return home, we were parents of a beautiful girl named Karly. Europe was an amazing adventure, but I would have to say that parenting has been the greatest adventure of my life.

If I could go anywhere, it would be…
New Zealand. It’s been my dream since I was a kid to go there and explore.

If you have only…an hour…
I love quiet hours to sip tea and read. Or take a long walk as I work through the plot of my latest novel.

Describe yourself in one word
Dreamer

If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?
My laptop (for my pictures, emails saved from friends, and all my writing)

What has been your most surreal, “pinch-me-I’m-dreaming” moment so far?
On my wedding day when our pastor said, “Jon has written a song for you.” Standing there, listening to the man I loved sing about his love for me, in front of my friends and family. Well, that was almost fifteen years ago, and I still get goose bumps thinking about it.

What drives you to succeed?
The story that Jesus told in Matthew about the talents. My desire is to be faithful with the talents and gifts God has given me. I may fail as much or even more than I succeed, but I pray I’ll never be accused of burying His gifts.

Best Surprise
My 40th birthday party. My husband pretended we were road tripping for the weekend and then he drove our family to the airport. We ended up in Colorado and had a fondue dinner with our closest friends. One of the best nights and best surprises of my life.

Best Sunday Afternoon Read
I love curling up on the couch during our family’s “Sunday afternoon quiet time” with a mug of green tea and Jan Karon’s Mitford series.

Best Way to Break a Sweat
Line dancing

Best Indulgence
An afternoon at the peaceful Allison Spa. This involves a yummy salad of hazelnuts and veggies grown in their garden. Resting in the steam room. Sipping tea as I read in a most comfy chair. And then a massage. I start feeling relaxed just thinking about it….

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Jim Rubart is Jean Smith! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)

This week Dorothy Love is in the spotlight again! To win a copy of her new book Every Perfect Gift, leave a comment on this post! 

What is the smartest writing advice you ever got?

Read 100 books for every one you write. I have not yet achieved that ratio, but I read as many other authors as I possibly can.

What was your biggest break?

My first big break came in the early 1990’s when a small, independent publishing house in New York bought my first book for young readers and sold the paperback rights to Random House. That little book stayed in print for 9 years in hardcover and for several more in paperback and launched my first authorial career. Then in 2009, I switched to writing for the CBA and for adults, and sold my first adult series to Thomas Nelson Fiction.

I’m inspired by…

The lives of 19th century Southern women who were forced by the war to become the mothers of invention. I am in awe of what they accomplished and what they endured. Most of my books are inspired by the lives of one or more of those remarkable women. I hope I do them justice.

My great adventure has been…

Life itself! I’ve been so blessed to be able to write and teach writing, my twin passions. I have a great husband who shares my love of learning, history, and travel. I have wonderful friends and colleagues who lift me up and inspire me every day.

The one thing I hope to discover is…

How to hit the New York Times bestseller list

If I could go anywhere, it would be…

Italy. Specifically Tuscany. I want to take a house there and spend a couple of months living like the locals, immersing myself in the food, culture, and life of Siena. Sigh.

If you have only…an hour…

An hour to work? I catch up on email, because I need long stretches of time to write a novel and can’t do it an hour here and there. An hour to play? Head out to a hiking trail with my husband and the golden retrievers. An hour to worship? Meditate, read from Psalms. An hour to eat? Gelato from our local company called Da Vinci. It is the best stuff this side of Rome.

Describe yourself in one word

Blessed.

If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?

My goldens and then if there was time, my manuscript and my photo albums.

What has been your most surreal, “pinch-me-I’m-dreaming” moment so far?

Well, nothing compares on the surreal scale to the moment when that first book contract comes through. Usually it happens after many years of practice and disappointment, and then the call comes…and you HOPE it isn’t a dream…..

What drives you to succeed?

The belief that books matter. That they can change lives for the better.

Best Surprise

Twenty five years ago I had my eye on a certain wrist watch I really loved but it was too expensive and I forgot about it. My husband surprised me with it on Christmas morning. I’ve worn it every day since. Except for when it has to go in for overhaul.

Best Saturday Afternoon Read

Almost any book by any of my favorite Southern writers: Eudora Welty, Reynolds Price, Josephine Humphries, Gail Godwin, the overly-florid but greatly beloved Pat Conroy.

Best Forgotten Custom

Writing letters to people on beautiful stationery with a lovely pen.

Best Way to Break a Sweat

Hiking uphill with two lively dogs.

Best Style Icon

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Her style was elegant and timeless.

Best Time-Waster

HGTV.

Best Indulgence

Sleeping late then going out for breakfast and reading the papers. And a long warm bath with Dancing Goat soap. I discovered it in a shop in South Carolina and I love that stuff.

Best Advice

Bobby McFerrin said it best: Don’t worry. Be happy.

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Anita Higman is Carol Ellmore! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)

This week Jim Rubart is in the spotlight! To win a copy of his Soul’s Gate, leave a comment on this post! 

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

Married for 26 years to the world’s most amazing woman.

Two sons, Taylor (19) and Micah (17) so we’re looking down the barrel of the empty nester gun. Very tough because they’re both outstanding young men. Easy because Darci and I are still in love and looking forward to the next chapter of our lives.

Writing: I still run my marketing company with two corporate clients and helping other authors with their marketing, but most of my time these days is spent writing—dream come true.

And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…

One of more interesting facets of my publishing journey is I’ve somewhat created my own genre. No one knows how to categorize what I write, which was tough in the beginning because although publishers liked my writing, they didn’t know what to do with my first novel (ROOMS.) All the major publishers rejected it, even B&H who eventually bought it. But now it sets my apart because no one is else is really doing what I am.

Yes, I know you want me to try to describe my genre so here’s a description from my friend, Jeff Gerke: Psychological speculative thrillers that explore the theological intricacies of the nature of man’s soul.

Or put another way: Contemporary stories with a liberal sprinkling of the supernatural.

Does that work?

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?

I’ve dreamed about being an author since 7th grade. I dabbled with short stories through my 20s and 30s, but didn’t get serious about fiction till 2002. I was scared to pursue my dream because what happens if you go for it and your dream crashes?

Finally, through the amazing support and encouragement of my wife I dove in full force when I turned 40.

After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?

As I mentioned above, I got serious around 2002. I finished my first novel (ROOMS) in late ’05 and it was published in the spring of 2010.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

STRONG coffee is usually all it takes.

My favorite writing space is a hidden room in our home. It’s accessed through a tiny door in the back of my youngest son’s closet, which leads into our attic, then the room.

Our home was built in the late eighties when the style was to have a tall elevator-like shaft in the entry way with a chandelier hanging down. For years I looked at the space and said, “What a waste. All you’d have to do to create a cool secret room would be put in a floor.” So seven years ago I did.

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

Ah, I see you know my mom. She says my novels are the best ones she’s ever read. 
As you would expect, there were numerous factors, but two biggest were going to a writers conference in 2006 (Mt Hermon) and incredible belief and support of my wife. No question, without her you wouldn’t be reading these words right now.

Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be? (Explain your answer)

Yes and no. (You expected that, right?)

I hoped to make an impact on reader’s lives: Draw them to Jesus, encourage them, see them set free and that has happened. But to a greater degree than I imagined. The greatest thrill of being an author is getting those e-mails saying their life has been utterly changed.

Didn’t expect: A number of my heroes in the writing world have become friends. Very cool. The publishing world is small and getting to hang out with the people I used to know and admire only through their books is a thrill.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

One of the best was when I sat with my wife on our front porch and held the finished version of my first novel. As I sat with Darci holding it, tears welled up and the dream became real.

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

Like the least- The pressure of deadlines. When you’re racing to finish a book it diminishes the joy.

Like the best: Meeting readers. Hearing how their life has been changed because of reading one of my novels. Hearing their story and what Jesus is doing in their life.

What advice would you give to new writers?

To write well, you have to dedicate yourself to the craft like you’re learning brain surgery. It’s not easy. It’s hard work and takes a serious amount of time to reach proficiency, even more time to reach the level where people will shell out $$ for your book. That’s the bad news. The good news is most people give up so there is always room at the top for great writers.

Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.

What if you could send your spirit into other people’s souls to fight for their freedom?

That’s the premise of Soul’s Gate, I’m so pumped about this one.

Publisher’s Weekly says, “Readers with high blood pressure or heart conditions be warned: this is a seriously heart-thumping and satisfying read that goes to the edge, jumps off, and “builds wings on the way down.”
RT Book Reviews made Soul’s Gate a Top Pick and says: “Rubart’s novel is enthralling and superlative. Truly a story about freedom from things that we hold onto, this tale will captivate readers and encourage a more active, dynamic spiritual life. The original plot and well-drawn characters elevate this book to “must read” status.”

What’s on the book horizon for you?

I’m working on edits on the sequel to SOUL’S GATE called MEMORY’S DOOR which releases summer 2013. After that I’ll start writing the third book in the trilogy. And I’m working on a non-fiction book for authors called, Live Free, Write Free which is for writers who want to discover a way to access, and write, the deepest stories of their hearts.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

Web: www.jameslrubart.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/James-L-Rubart/320882261326243
Twitter: @jimrubart
Blog: www.3menwalkintoablog.com

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

Ha! Great new word. Love it.

Thanks so much for having me, Suzanne!

Much freedom to you and your “bleaders”,

Jim

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Elizabeth is Nat Holmgren! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)

This week Anita Higman is in the spotlight! To win a copy of her A Merry Little Christmas, leave a comment on this post! 

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

I’m an empty-nester now, so I write full-time. My husband and I travel some too. In fact, we just got back from cruising through the fjords of Alaska and spending time canoeing, zip-lining, atv-ing, and alpine-hiking in Whistler, Canada. It was a most amazing journey!

And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…

I write mostly contemporary romance with a bit of humor, and I love to write with a slight fairytale feel. I’m hoping readers will be able to drift away from the stress of work and the daily grind to find a cozy place where they can be entertained and inspired.

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?

I wanted to be a writer from a young age. I had a little manual typewriter, and so I tried pecking and hammering out a story. It was truly terrible. Those were the first stirrings of interest in writing, but unfortunately, I walked away from my dream for a long time. I had an appalling lack of confidence growing up. When I was thirty, though, I got my courage back. I was reading along on a novel and thought, “I can do this.” I think it was God gently nudging me again. This time I listened and kept going, and I have been writing ever since. I have forgotten the name of the novel I was reading when I had that epiphany, but I will never forget that decision to write—to finally allow myself to follow my dream.

After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?

I don’t remember how many years, but it felt like forever.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

I get up at five-thirty every weekday morning, and I write for as many hours as it takes to get my word count done. My writing time varies from day to day. It can be anywhere from five to ten hours. I used to go to a café to write a couple of times a week, but I found I could get more work done at home in my office. In the afternoon, sometimes I work a power nap into my schedule.

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

Writers’ conferences—such as the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference—have been a big help in my career!

Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be? (Explain your answer)

There’s a lot more tedious work than I imagined, going over and over the manuscript until it’s just right. All of those polishing passes as I call them take loads of time.

What are your biggest distractions?

By far, email and social networking. I have to limit both or I simply won’t get my work done.

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

The many hours of editing can get tiresome, but it’s worth it. My favorite part is seeing the novel on the shelves in the bookstore. I never get tired of that moment.

What advice would you give to new writers?

For new writers, my advice would be, “Don’t rush the process. Take your time. Read and learn about the craft, network, and attend conferences. Start a blog, and find your own unique voice. Be faithful to your stories and write every day. If you really have a passion for writing, you won’t find my suggestions to be a punishment—but a pleasure.”

Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.

In A Merry Little Christmas, I enjoyed putting characters together who came from very different backgrounds. Add to the mix, a farm setting during the holidays, bits of humor, and the turbulent 60s, and I’m hoping readers will have a fun and interesting ride.

What’s on the book horizon for you?

A novel entitled, No Place Like Middlebury, which will be a story about the drama, comedy, and romance of small town life in Texas.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

A Merry Little Christmas will be in most bookstores as well as on Amazon. Here is my website as well as my reader page on Facebook, where I would love to connect with you.

www.anitahigman.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorAnitaHigman

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

Thanks for having me here. It was a pleasure.

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Lisa Bogart is Linda St Myers! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)

This week Elizabeth Ludwig is in the spotlight! To win a copy of her No Safe Harbor, leave a comment on this post! 

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

Hi, Suzanne! Thank you so much for having me on your blog.

I’ve just recently learned what it means to be an empty-nester. My daughter got married last summer, and my son followed suit just last month! Things are certainly different for my husband and me, but we’re looking forward to this new stage in life. Meanwhile, I do work full-time, so maybe having fewer people to care for will translate into more writing time. ☺

And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…

I’ve sort of been all over the board on this one. My first series of books were cozy mysteries, followed by a contemporary Christmas novella, and then a historical romance. I tried to convince my agent that this latest series is a combination of everything I’ve done before, but I’m not sure he bought it. Regardless, my favorite books to read were always historical, so I think from this point forward, I’m going to stick with that, even if they do have a bit of suspense mixed in.

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?

Basically, I was just a kid who loved to read. I had a voracious appetite for books, and it was not unusual for my mother to catch me reading at two or three in the morning…on a school night! Since that got me into trouble, I took to reading with a small nightlight under the covers. My poor eyes! I’m surprised I can still see.
Anyway, fast forward twenty…um…thirty years, and that love of reading changed into a love of writing. I still daydream characters in my head, but now, that transfers onto paper.

After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?

Well, I wish I could say success came immediately, right after I submitted my first manuscript. The truth is, I wrote for five years before I sold my first book, and I completed six full manuscripts, none of which will probably ever see the light of day.

I sold my seventh book to Barbour Publishing in 2006 (though the book did not actually release until 2008). It’s a mystery called Where the Truth Lies. I co-authored it and two sequels, Died in the Wool (which is a Carol Award Finalist this year) and Inn Plain Sight, with Janelle Mowery.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

Though I try to write during the day, the absolute best times are early in the morning before anyone else gets up, or late at night after everyone has gone to bed. Give me a cup of coffee and I’ll be productive for at least an hour or two.

My favorite place to write is perched on a stool at the bar in my kitchen. I prop that computer up on my lap and peck away until my kids, or the dogs, beg for my attention. LOL!

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

The biggest help to me was by far joining an online writers group called the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) followed by several online critique groups. It was through them that I realized how much I still had to learn regarding fiction. It was also through them that I made the important connections that led to meeting my agent and publisher.

Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be? (Explain your answer)

Absolutely not! I had no idea how much work there was to do outside of the actual writing. Marketing, blogging, conducting interviews…whew! It certainly is not all glam, glam, glam all day long. ☺

What are your biggest distractions?

Television, email, even the phone can be unwanted distractions when I have deadlines to meet. I’ve learned to be really disciplined with my writing time, and then reward myself with the other stuff once I get my work done.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

One of the best moments in my career came when I wrote The End on my first full manuscript. What a feeling! From that moment on, I knew I had it in me to start—and finish—a book.

After that were a bunch of small successes…things like becoming a finalist in contests I entered, receiving a request for a full manuscript from an agent, and finding out one of my manuscripts had gone to a publishing board. Though none of these successes led to a contract, they came just when I was at the point of giving up, and they encouraged me to keep trying. I’ve always believed that God knew exactly where I was in this journey He’d sent me on, and He was careful to plant seeds of encouragement for me along the way.

Now, one of the worst moments…well, if I’m honest, I guess I would have to say it was finding out the mystery line where I’d sold my first book was shutting down. Two weeks before Died in the Wool, my second book, was due to release, Barbour Publishing decided against putting out any more mysteries. This was the sequel to Where the Truth Lies, and I had really been looking forward to its release because of the interest my first book had generated.

At the time, I had no idea what would happen to Died in the Wool, or the third book in the series, Inn Plain Sight. All three of the books in the series were contracted, and the word from Barbour was that the books would be released in some form, just not as single titles. Let me tell you, I was devastated. Though I tried to trust that all of this fell within God’s plan for my writing, it was a hard storm to weather.

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

Hearing from readers…and hearing from readers. LOL! Let me explain…

One of things I loved most about reading was being transported into another world, or time period, or experience. So when I hear from readers who say they couldn’t get my story out of their head, I just love that. In the same breath, however, getting a review that is less than glowing hurts!

What is the role and importance of an agent?

Actually, getting an agent was harder for me than getting published! I was pretty particular about who I wanted to represent me (okay…so I had two in mind and I was determined to sign with one of them) but I’d always heard that having the right agent was more important than having no agent. So I did my homework, learned what kind of work these two agents represented, and then I put myself in as many situations as I could to meet these people face to face.

How did I do that? Well, I went to classes where these people taught, I signed up for agent appointments with them at writer’s conferences, and I worked, worked, worked really hard at writing a proposal that would appeal to them. In the meantime, I signed with Barbour Publishing for a fourth book called Christmas Homecoming. Four contracts…no agent.

Finally, in 2008, I signed with Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary. He was my DREAM agent, and I can honestly say he’s been a dream to work with. Waiting for the right agent to come along was hard, but I’m so glad I did! Chip handles everything on the business side of writing for me, from negotiating my contracts, to meeting with editors and publishers, to finding out what kinds of books are selling.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Writers trying to break into the business often ask me what advice I would give. It’s simply this: if your goal is publication, great! But don’t be so focused on the goal that you forget to enjoy the journey you’re on while reaching it. There are some awesome lessons to be learned along the way, and great friends to be made…all of which you will miss if you attempt a shortcut. Trust God. His timing is always perfect.

You know what…I think that works for non-writers, too. ☺

Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.

Fun! Okay, here goes…

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, a devoted sister sets off on a quest to find the brother she’d thought dead.

What’s on the book horizon for you?

I just finished the second book in the Edge of Freedom Series, called Dark Road Home, and am currently working on book three. Each of these books focuses on a different aspect of the struggle in Ireland, and how it translated to America. Overall, I am very excited to have been entrusted with this great project!

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

I’ve actually made quite a home for myself out in cyber space. Readers can find me at:

Website: www.elizabethludwig.com
Blog: www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com.

I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.ludwig.33?ref=tn_tnmn and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/theborrowedbook.

Stop on by! I’d love to have you visit.

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

Bleaders…that’s funny! Thanks for having me, Suzanne.

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Denise Hunter is Mandy Bentley! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)

This week Lisa Bogart is in the spotlight! To win a copy of her Knit with Love, leave a comment on this post! 

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

I married my college sweet heart, Rod Bogart, in 1987. I’ll do the math for you, this August we celebrated our 25th anniversary. We moved often in the beginning, but finally bought a home in San Rafael, CA, close to Rod’s work at Pixar. (Yes, it’s as cool as you might expect to work at Pixar. I love going to the openings of each new movie.)
We have one son, Zachary. He’s a sophomore at Boston University. Once again I’ll do the math, he’s three time zones and 3,000 miles away from home. It’s much harder than I thought to have Zach so far away. I miss being a day-to-day mom.
I work three days a week at Piedmont Yarn in Oakland, CA. Fiber people are such fun and I knit when it’s slow. I usually put writing fingers to keypad first thing in the morning, though as an empty nester that does not have to be at the crack of dawn anymore. Often I’ll interrupt my afternoon to write a quick thought or two then as well.

And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…

I write non-fiction. I work on devotionals and true short stories. I’m really good at short and pithy. Give me a five hundred words and I can make them sing with a little message at the end. Most of my writing is about life observations. So I write about things like hiking, being a mom and wife, and knitting. Remember that knit shop job? Lots of good ideas there.

How did you get started writing?

I kept a journal as a new mommy when everything seemed to be either funny or amazing. I was living far from family and so I sent all the relatives weekly letters of my life as Zach’s mom. I spent a ton on postage. When we moved to Northern California I was alone all day with a toddler. It was a little crazy making. So I took a creative writing class to get out of the house once a week. Every Thursday was my night off. When the class ended I signed up for another session and another. Eventually I started a Thursday night writing circle with many of the ladies from class. We wrote together every week for ten years.

Did you have a dream of being a published author?

I did dream of being published but I never admitted it. I’d read different devotional publications and think, I could write these. I started writing the thoughts I had after hiking the hills near my home each morning. I gathered quite a collection, 60 or so. I printed them out and turned them into hand-made books. I gave them away to friends and family as Christmas gifts.
I heard about the Mount Hermon Christian Writers conference held over Palm Sunday weekend every year. I was nervous but signed up. Of course I wanted to be discovered as the next best thing to happen to writing. But realistically I wanted someone—who was not my mom—to tell me if I could write well or not. At the conference I got that confirmation and a whole lot more. From the classes and keynote speakers I discovered a whole world I needed to learn about: the publishing industry. I’ve been attending the conference every year since 2001.

After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?

I came home from my first writers’ conference with the tools to get published. Since I’d been writing devotions I submitted my work to The Upper Room. Every other month I sent them three pieces. My work was accepted five times in the year following the conference but not published for another year. The Upper Room is published internationally in many languages so they work two years out.
Of course then I was hungry for bigger stuff. I wanted to tackle a book. But remember I write short. So my tact was to write a collection of things. At my third writing conference I proposed a cookbook with stories about each recipe. It didn’t fly. But an editor at Beacon Hill Press liked the way I wrote. She and I brainstormed a book idea together. I went home from the conference to write sample chapters. I submitted them in July. By November the book was written and in March I was the published book author of Come On In, Taking the Hassle Out of Hospitality.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

My jumpstart of choice is either a good walk or a few rows of knitting. A walk clears my head and I can let my mind wander and see what comes. Knitting does the same thing for me. I often grab my needles first thing. Knitting is part of my quiet time in the morning. I use those stitches to wake up and pray. It’s a gentle way to ease into my day. I usually abandon my knitting to begin writing. I spend about an hour writing. As I said I’m good at the short and pithy. I get the gist of what I want down and then leave it for later. I like to edit. I go over and over a piece to get it just right.

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups?

Attending the Mount Hermon Conference has been the biggest help toward publication. It took time but I learned a lot about the industry there. I met my agent there. I had face-to-face meetings with publishers and editors. And probably most importantly I met good people willing to help me learn the industry. Writing is a business not just the joy of craft.
As for writing groups, I think they are important, but can be hard to find. As I said I started one from the women in my creative writing class. It was a great group but we were not geared toward publication. I connected with a new group through my contacts at Mount Hermon. Six of us meet for four hours every third Tuesday afternoon. We are hard on each other so we get the best work out. And there is always an eye toward publication. We are working on articles and book projects. It helps so much to get out of my own writing head and let others critique what I’ve written. I am not always as brilliant as I imagine. The group tells me where I went wrong and helps me fix it. It’s not always a fun process but it is done with trust.

Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be? (Explain your answer)

The biggest surprise of the writer’s life for me was how much non-writing time is involved! Authors are expected to do many other things besides get a manuscript out there for publication. Marketing takes time from writing and yet you have to write to have something to market.
When Knit With Love came out I put together a book tour for myself. The publisher helped with support materials and a small budget for travel but I planned the national tour. It was daunting but I figured a knit book needs to be in knit shops and one of the best ways to get it there was to bring it myself. (Okay so visiting lots of yarn shops was a big plus for me too.) I stayed with family and friends and hit as many knit shops as possible. It took hours of writing time to plan.
I like marketing and trying to think of ideas I can bring to the publisher. I’ve been to trade shows and yarn festivals. I’ve found new distributors and places to advertise. But all this takes time. I may only write an hour or two a day but there are hours of time spent getting the word out about my writing.

What are your biggest distractions?

Knitting. Of course I write a lot about knitting so this is research, but let’s be honest no one can research that much! There is a site called Ravelry.com where knitters gather online. It is full of patterns, yarn, chat boards, all kinds of goodies related to fiber fun. When I don’t have needles in hand I am usually checking things out on Ravelry. I do my best to limit my time online and with needles in hand. Seriously, balance is my constant struggle. Sometimes I close every thing on my computer except the document I am writing so I work instead of play.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

The first time an acceptance letter came from The Upper Room, or when I signed the contract for my first book, or when I got my agent. But one of the moments that stands out is when I got a phone call from Guideposts telling me I’d won the Writers Workshop contest for 2010. I was flown to Rye, NY with 14 other winners and we had a week of instruction for how to write for Guideposts. The ladies in our class were lovely and we are still in touch.
With the good comes the bad. One of the bad times in my writing career was not making my numbers. Remember writing is a business. If your book doesn’t sell well it’s hard to get traction for the next project. My first book did not make a big splash. Getting up again and finding a new idea and “going for it” one more time was hard.

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

Hmmm. Least? I’d say is the discipline it takes. To have a writing career instead of a hobby takes hard work. Writing when I am stuck or have run out of ideas is tough. Sometimes I just fill the page with drivel and move on to another day. I did say I like to edit, sometimes the edit is I delete a whole day of work.The other part of writing I find hard is interviewing. I write true stories and so I interview people and get the best angle from them for their story. It is an art I am still learning. Practice helps.
And what do I like most about writing? I love it when the words are flowing and I’m communicating well. When I feel as though I have something to say and it is coming across with as much clarity as I can muster. The other piece of being a writer that is fun for me is meeting readers. Most often my readers are knitters too—fun times.

What is the role and importance of an agent?

An agent knows the industry in ways an author does not. It’s essential to have a person on your team to help you shoulder some of the details and free you up to write. It takes a team to get your work out for publication: author, agent, editor, publisher, marketer.
A good agent is a partner in an author’s career. I was fortunate to find a good agent, a partner. There are so many things she does for me. She is the person who represents me to publishers having connections I could never find. She is the person who helps get my book proposal ready to use as a selling tool. She negotiates my contracts looking out for items I didn’t realize were important. Those are things most agents will do. Happily I found someone who goes further and is my cheerleader and sounding board too. When I have a quick question or an issue that needs her expertise I send a brief email. She’s often points out something I would have not thought about. I also keep her in the loop about all my contact with the publisher. This way if I miss step she can help smooth things out before there is trouble.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Oh I want to be profound here, give the nugget that will inspire some one. Yet I’m not sure I have the magic formula to trigger success. I’m sure your readers know about working hard and learning the craft. They’ve heard about developing a thick skin and listening to experts.
My advice then would be if you want to stay in it for the long haul be persistent. Know that it will take time and all the prep and learning at the beginning is not wasted. Write often, keep at it and explore different paths. I think eventually a writer finds the core message they are willing to deliver over and over in as many different stories (forms) as they can.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

Thank you for featuring me on your Friday Author Spotlight. It was fun to share some of my writing life. You can find me online at LisaBogart.com. And any knitters can find me on Ravelry.com where I am LisaWriter. My books are in book stores and on my website which has buttons to: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lifeway, Christian Books, and IndieBound