Congratulations to the winner of the Author Spotlight giveaway of Together at the Table, REGINA ELLIOTT. Please email info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com to claim your prize.

Welcome Janice Thompson, author of Every Bride Has Her Day, to Author Spotlight! Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win a copy of her latest release.

Introduce us to you as an author: When did you get bit with the writing bug? How would you describe your writing style?

I started writing in the 6th grade after reading all of The Bobbsey Twins books. I’d run out of books to read and decided to write one, myself! Most would describe my writing style as light-hearted, chatty, inspirational and, well, funny. I strive to tickle the funny bones of my readers.

Tell us about your new release:

Every Bride Has Her Day is the third and final book in the Brides with Style series from Revell.

How can readers connect with you online?

I love connecting with my readers. I’m a Facebook fanatic, so the best way to reach me is through my author page: Janice Hanna Thompson’s Readers Page. My newly designed website is up and running. I would be tickled if readers would add their names to my newsletter list. I don’t send out a lot of newsletters, but do like to keep my readers entertained with tidbits about books and life.

Anything new for you on the book horizon?

Yes! I’m currently writing several “Bella Novellas” (spin-off novellas from the original Weddings by Bella series). Bella, D.J. and the gang are back. . .in force! I’ve had a lot of fun reviving the characters in the Rossi and Neeley families and have enjoyed traveling back to Galveston Island and Splendora Texas. Look for more of these novellas over the coming year.

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

I started writing seriously in the mid 90s and my first book was picked up in ’99 (and published in 2000). It felt like a lifetime, but looking back I see that it was just a tiny blip of time.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well?

I start every day with a fruit smoothie that contains Spark (a vitamin drink). On the occasional day when I forget, I struggle! I need a morning boost, for sure. I’ve never been a morning person!

Why do you write?

It’s a nasty habit. I’ve tried to give it up at least a hundred times, but there aren’t any 12-step groups that will take me. Seriously, I write because I can’t not write. (Pardon the double negative.) I’ll probably be writing until the day I die (if my arthritic fingers cooperate.)

What book have you reread the most?

The Heavenly Man by Paul Hattaway. I try to read it at least once a year. It’s my most recommended book. Ironic, because it’s non-fiction. My readers would be surprised to hear that I prefer non-fiction to fiction when it comes to reading (not writing).

Best author moment? Worst author moment?

My very best author moment came a few years back when I received a letter from a brand new reader, letting me know that she had rededicated her heart to the Lord after reading my Weddings by Bella series. Though my books are loaded with humor (and wacky characters/situations) they’re also filled with nuggets of truth. I’m so glad she latched onto that truth and made it her own. As for my worst author moment, it happened about two years ago when a publisher accidentally had a big mix-up on an ebook of mine (That’s Amore). They put my cover on another author’s book. Readers pre-order the book and when it arrived, they discovered a dystopian novel inside the cover of my light-hearted comedy. It took ages to get this straightened out with the various ebook vendors, so I had some very unhappy readers to deal with. ☹

If you weren’t able to write, what would you do?

Bake. I have, in years past, run a bakery out of my home. I specialize in cakes and cookies. Hand-painted cookies are my favorite. I find the process therapeutic.

If you could write any book–on any topic–and be guaranteed a publishing contract, what topic would it be? (Or genre?)

That’s easy! I love the topic of animal rescue. I have a dog rescue series that I’m aching to sell. Can’t wait to see which publisher picks it up!

Ever had a bad review? How did you handle it?

Back in 2011, the fine folks at Revell asked if they could put my first Weddings by Bella book (Fools Rush In) permanently free on Amazon. I reluctantly agreed. I had over 200 terrible reviews, most of them because people didn’t realize they were downloading a Christian book. Boy, did I take some hard hits!

Can a person make a living as a writer?

I’m a full-time freelance writer. That means I write a l-o-t more than novels. I do a lot of write-for-hire work (mostly devotionals) for a larger publisher. I also write magazine articles. There’s money to be made in article-writing, for sure. I’ve also added to my income by putting my backlist on kindle. That way, I have a regular, steady income from my older titles. I’ve managed to make a living from 2005 until now. I’ve had to get very creative at times (editing/compiling books for others) but it’s been worth it.

What are your biggest distractions?

Can I help it if I have the most adorable grandkids on the planet? I mean, c’mon. . .who wouldn’t be distracted by eight amazing kiddos? They want to play with Nina and she wants to play with them! I’m “that” grandmother, the one who sings and dances and skips and plays with the kids—at home or in public. So, I guess you could say that Maddy, Ethan, Peyton, Brooke, Jenna, Avery, Boston and Harper are a distraction. . .but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Who’s your favorite character you’ve written so far? Explain:

My favorite character is Bella, from the Weddings by Bella series. She was so easy to fall in love with. She’s from a large/loud Italian family and is learning how to balance a heavy workload as a wedding planner with her family activities. In that regard, I’m very much like Bella. Balancing work and family is a challenge, but (like my character) I managed to work and play.

Describe yourself in one word:

Busy

If I could go anywhere, it would be…

Italy. I’m dying to go. Not sure when/how I’ll get there, but in my heart and mind I’m already on my way. I’d pack my bags today if someone told me I was leaving in the morning. I’m dying to see Tuscany and to drink in the ambience of Rome. Ah! I want to go!

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