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 Valerie Weaver-Zercher in the spotlight is Naomi Martin! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)
This week please welcome Ann Shorey in the spotlight! To win a copy her book When the Heart Heals (Revell, 2013), 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’ve been married for twenty-two years to the best husband in the world. We’re empty nesters who lavish affection on our dog, Amber, when our grown daughters aren’t available. I’m blessed to be able to write full-time.
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
I love history and historical fiction, so that translates to my writing. Currently I’m writing in the Historical Romance genre.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
My dream of being an author started way back in high school, but wiser heads told me I needed to find a way to actually make a living. Fast forward a few decades to the days after my late husband died. Our children were already out on their own. I’d always wanted to write, and now had the time to fulfill my dream. So I took classes, devoured Writers Digest, and attended conferences.
I first wrote a nonfiction family history, then took inspiration from family stories and began to write novels in 2001.
After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
My first novel was accepted by Revell in 2007 and released in 2009.
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?
The good, strong coffee is #1—there’s a cup sitting on my desk right now. Aside from caffeine, prayer is my first stop before writing. Once I commit my words to the Lord, and seek His help for the day’s output, I sit down and get busy. I write for four or five hours a day in my home office—with my dog keeping me company beside my desk.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?
For me, it’s been writer’s conferences. Between the classes and the networking, they’re the best investment of my time and finances. I started with attending conferences in my home state, and then branched out to traveling to conferences out of state. The ACFW Annual Conference is my hands-down favorite.
What are your biggest distractions?
Email and Facebook are huge distractions. I have to turn off my email to really focus on writing.
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
The toughest part is having to say no to participating in family activities that come up when I’m on a tight deadline. The thing I enjoy the most is spending time creating characters and stories. What fun!
What is the role and importance of an agent?
My agent is Tamela Hancock Murray. I love how she’s there for me. One of the most important aspects of being agented, and Tamela does this perfectly, is having someone between me and the publisher who will handle my questions and concerns.
What advice would you give to new writers?
First of all, don’t get discouraged and quit. Find a good critique group of serious writers and pay attention to their suggestions. Be willing to delete even your most golden words if they detract from your story.
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.
If you enjoy stories about unconventional heroines, you’ll love When the Heart Heals. The main character, Rosemary, is a nurse in a time when nursing was not an acceptable profession for young, unmarried women.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
The next novel in the Sisters at Heart series is coming out in early 2014, and I’m busy with edits, cover design, and all the other fun stuff that goes with a book release. Additionally, I have a novella included in a collection with authors Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda Cabot and Laurie Alice Eakes. The release date is mid-2014. This will be Revell’s first venture into the novella field, so it’s exciting to be part of the process.
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
My website is www.annshorey.com. Readers can find my contact information there. Additionally, find me on Facebook.
Please check your local bookstore for my books—if they don’t have them in stock, I know they’ll be happy to order a copy for you.
My website has direct links to several online retailers, including Amazon.com and Christianbook.com: http://www.annshorey.com/novels.html
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)
Thank you for inviting me, Suzanne! It’s been a pleasure.
I have not read any of your books, i just found you as a author, i would really like to win this book thank you
Hi Shirley, I’m glad you’ve found me! I hope you’ll enjoy my novels. Blessings on your day!
looks interesting and it would be a thrill to win ,love love to read Blessings
Hi Jean! I love, love, love to read also! Blessings to you as well. 🙂
I would love to win this book! It is a part of my very long wish list!
Hi Mandy! Bless you for including me on your wish list! Have a lovely day!
Great interview. I especially like that she commits her writing over to God!
Hi Connie! I sometimes think of God as my co-author. 🙂 The words don’t come without His guidance. Have a blessed day!
Thank you for this interview, really enjoyed it and would love to win the book.
Hi Carmee, Bless you for your interest in my books! Have a wonderful Monday.
Great author! I hope I win! 🙂
Hi Penny! So nice to read your comment. Bless you for stopping by Suzanne’s blog. 🙂
I would love to win. I enjoyed the interview and especially liked the fact that she said the committing her work to the Lord was her first option. Thanks and God bless.
Hi Phyllis! Bless you for your kind comments about my interview. Committing my work to the Lord applies to my whole day, not just the writing part. There’s such a comfort knowing He’s overseeing my steps.
Sounds like this would be a AWESOME book to read .Thank you for the offer to win a copy .Blessings,Dana “Girl” Wilkerson Spille
Hi Dana! Your comment blessed my morning! Have a fabulous day. 🙂
I would enjoy reading this book and would love to win! God bless!
Thank you, Sandi! Blessings on your day, as well!
Would love to win your book. I haven’t read any of your books yet, but i’m sure they are great.
Hi Jean, Thank you for your sweet comment. Blessings on your Monday!
I’d love to be entered in this giveaway. Thanks so much!
Hi Joelle, Bless you for visiting Suzanne’s blog! I pray you’re having a wonderful day.
I have not read any of your books but sounds like this maybe a good book to read. I am currently waiting for a hearing for social security and reading has become a great pastime of mine
Bless you for commenting, Ellen! I pray your Social Security hearing is scheduled soon. In the meantime, happy reading. 🙂
This is an author I know and I would not pass up an opportunity to win one of her books.
Count me in.
Hi Jane! Thanks for the encouraging comment! Blessings on your day.
I have never read one of your books. To be honest with you, I have never heard of you before but I would love to win this book and get started with a new author. Please enter me in this contest to win “When The Heart Heals”.
Bless you for your honesty, Judith! I’d love it if you’d check out my books, whether or not you win. (But of course it would be great if you won!)
This looks like a book I would really enjoy. Thanks for sharing with us Ann. It’s always great to find a new author to follow.
Thank you, Sharyl! It’s been my pleasure to share a bit of my writing journey on Suzanne’s blog.
I am so thankful that there are authors like you. How wonderful it is to read a book that is written by a Christian author. Thank you for the chance to win one of your books.
Your comments blessed me, Jackie! I love reading Christian novels, too. I love the world view that Christian authors bring to the page.
I enjoyed getting to know Ms. Ann Shorey. I have read your books and you are a wonderful writer.Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Oh, thank you, Barbara! Blessings on your day!
I read every amish-related, homesteading-related, historical-related book I can get my hands on! I love reading material that is wholesome, clean and free of expletives. Thanks to the many authors who share their talents with wonderful fiction we can share with family, friends, even children and grandchildren!
Marilyn, it sounds like we have similar tastes in our reading! Blessings to you. 🙂
I have some of your books on my kindle. Faith and romance with a historical setting are some of my favorite reads. Thanks for an opportunity to win your book.
Thanks so much, Susan! I hope you’ve enjoyed my novels. 🙂 Blessings to you.
thanks for the chance to read this beautiful novel 😉
You’re most welcome, Karen. Wish I had a dozen books to give away, so everyone could have one. 🙂
Would love the opportunity to win; sounds like a great storyline!!
Thank you for your comments, Christi. Have a blessed evening!
I would love a chance to win this book. And, even if I don’t, I will definitely add it to my list of books I want to read. I’m always looking for interesting Christian historical fiction.
Hi Elaine, I’m thrilled that you want to add “When the Heart Heals” to your TBR list! You’ve blessed my afternoon.
Hi, Ann. I have not heard of you until today! I would love, love, love to read your books and especially to win one would be one of my greatest delights! It would be an honor to win your book.
I am a Catholic Sister who lives in Pgh, PA. and so I, like the Amish , in a way, live within a Community. I love meeting new friends (and authors!) and I love reading , esp. Christian fiction and medical suspense, I like Jack Russell Terriers and, of course, CHOCOLATE!!!! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Although I don’t have an ebook because my allowance is limited, I am trying to save my money some each month to buy one. I would love to read, read your book and can only hope if I don’t win that somehow your books could make it to the Pittsburgh Public Libraries! Good luck and Congratulations! Sincerely, Sr. Mary Lou
Thank you for your message, Sr. Mary Lou! I like Jack Russell Terriers, too. My brother has one–named Luci (short for Lucifer, since she is a terrier terror ). I might suggest that you ask your library to order books that you don’t see on the shelves. When their budgets permit, libraries are always happy to know their patron’s reading tastes.
What a blessing to make your acquaintance. 🙂
I am also at flowersmarylou85@gmail.com Thanks! Mary Lou
Ann Shorey You are an amazing Author!! Julie is kind to shout out the chance to win one of your great works. Keep writing, we will keep reading:) Blessings – Jenn
Oh, Jenn, bless you for your kind words. I so appreciate all my readers! Blessings to you as well.
Hi Ann, I’m a reader, not a writer, lol. Oh how I wish I could write though! I’ve been married 42 years next month, we have 3 kids and 7 grandkids, ages 2 1/2 to 21. We were empty nesters until the oldest daughter and her family moved in with us and it ended up being a necessity on our part. I don’t know how I could have gotten through the last year without the support of her family. My husband had 3 back surgeries since July and now I’m taking him tomorrow to have his eyes measured so he can have cataract surgery. It can be a good thing when your kids move back in with you. We live in Florida and the other 2 kids and their families live in Iowa and Nebraska, our original home.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Oh Wendy, what a year you’ve had. What a blessing that the Lord directed your daughter and her family back home just when you needed them. I pray your husband recovers well from all of his surgeries–and that the Lord grants you some time to rest.
Blessings,
Ann
I’ve heard that Ann’s books are great!! Can’t wait to read them!
Hi Marissa, Bless you for commenting on Suzanne’s blog! Be sure to check back next week to see if you’ve won the copy of When the Heart Heals. 🙂
I’d love to win this book to try out a new to me author. The story sounds fascinating.
I’m always thrilled to “meet” new readers! Thank you for leaving a comment. 🙂
I just started reading historical fiction and this book sounds like a great read.
Hi Kathy, Historical fiction is so much fun to read (and write!). It’s such a painless way to learn historical facts. Bless you for leaving a comment. 🙂
I am a stay at home mom, artist, and aspiring writer. It is such an inspiration to read about successful writers and the advice they have for young writers, such as myself. One piece of advice I’m following is “Read, read, read and read some more”, so I’d love to win this book and add it to my ‘To Read’ list. 🙂
Hi Charissa, You’re wise to follow the “Read, read, read” advice. I’ve been an avid reader my entire life, and I’m sure that contributes to the way I’ve learned to put words on the page. Best of success with your aspirations!
Ann…thanks so much for participating in this interview and giveaway…and “talking” to the commenters, too! So glad to know you. Suzanne
I’m glad to know you, too, Suzanne! Thanks again for hosting me.
Ann
Wow what an inspiration. I am an aspiring author, but as of right now I just don’t have the time to be full time writer. I am married with three kids (three baby girls that is) and as my husband goes to school full time I’m the breadwinner in the family. I would love to win your book. I love reading books that not only are great, but also encourage me to want to write more. Keep up the good work and God bless!
Oh Becky, You’re an inspiration to me as well! Three baby girls and a husband in school–and here I think I have interruptions! 🙂 Bless you as you continue to be a blessing to your family.
Ann thank you for being so generous with your time, as readers it is always a gift to have an author respond to a comment directly. Not something generic but real. Your words live on the pages you write and your kindness and generosity towards your readers is very evident, may you know that your kindness has reached far and wide as your novels do as well. Blessings, may this novel bring you as much joy as those who have the honor of owning and reading it will.
Jenn
Oh Jenn, you make my heart happy. Thank you!
I don’t think I have ever read Ann Shorey…. yet. It was interesting to hear her opinion on writing conferences. I don’t think I could write fiction because I have always felt that I lack imagination. That’s probably why I read fiction, because someone else has already done the imagining. Take care! kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Thank you for commenting, Kristie! One of the main reasons I recommend writers conferences is because of the opportunities to meet with editors and agents face-to-face. Many publishers are closed to unagented submissions, yet if you meet an editor at a conference, they may request your manuscript even though you’re not agented. My editor did just that. 🙂
Blessings to you,
Ann