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.
This week Kathleen Fuller is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of Kathleen’s latest book, Treasuring Emma, 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 to James for 18 years. We have three children, Matt (17), Sydney (15) and Zoie (13). I’m a full-time writer. Recently I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer; I’m currently undergoing treatment for it.
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
Currently I write Amish fiction, but I’ve written in several different genres—historical, contemporary, and some non-fiction.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
I started writing in 2000, but I never had grand dreams of being a published writer. I mainly tried it because I was such an avid reader. I was terrible at first, but I enjoyed it. I joined writers groups, studied craft books, and learned how to write. God gave me a passion for writing, but it wasn’t until then that I discovered it.
After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
My first novella was published in 2003.
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?
Due to health issues my schedule has changed (of course) but I find inspiration in reading, riding the lawn mower (not even kidding about that), and making sure I get plenty of sleep. I love to brainstorm and dream about the characters and plot. I’ve never had a consistent routine, so I don’t count hours as much as word count. Even then it varies.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?
Definitely writers groups. The connections, support, education—you can’t get that anywhere else.
Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?
No. It’s more rewarding and more stressful than I thought. God has really stretched me spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. That stretching hasn’t always been easy or painless, but it’s necessary and beneficial.
What are your biggest distractions?
Internet, hands down!
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
One of the best moments was getting my first reader email. That was a blessing. The worst are bad reviews—I have a thick skin but they still sting a bit. I usually learn something from them, though.
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
Least is writing the first draft. I’m a terrible first drafter, I have to yank each word out of me. I most like the editing process. Its fun to see the story come together.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Be open to instruction and always be ready to learn. Writers never stop learning about their craft.
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.
Treasuring Emma is a romance, yet it’s also more—a family saga, a story of forgiveness, and a peek into the tight knit community of the Amish.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
Treasuring Emma, book one in the A Middlefield Family series, comes out in August. Also releasing is Hide and Secret, the third book in my YA series, Mysteries of Middlefield.
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
www.kathleenfuller.com, www.amishhearts.com, www.amishliving.com, and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathleen-Fuller/81836200502
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)
I absolutely love Kathleen's books! Her Hearts of Middlefield Series was, perhaps, one of my favorites.
I have been praying for Kathleen ever since we heard about the cancer. Praying for her!
Enjoyed the article about Kathleen. I really love her books and I have been praying for her.
Wow!A new series!! I can't wait. I love Kathleen's books. I hope that she feels a little better each day. Enjoy summer with the kids. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
I am a fan of Kathleen's books! I also have been following her health issues and have been praying earnestly for her. Bless her heart!
I can't wait to read "Treasuring Emma", and her third book in the Mysteries of Middlefield Series, "Hide and Seek". I realize that these books are geared toward the younger generation but me and my sister loved the first two and can't wait for this one to release.
God Bless,
Judy
Kathleen is a wonderful writer. I follow her Care Pages and I keep her in my thoughts and prayers. PLease keep her in your prayers as well especially when she has her tests run in a few months. We want good news and great test results.
Much Love & God Bless
Cancer is a very scary word…I had breast cancer five years ago. I praise God for His healing. I love to read and would enjoy reading Kathleen's book.
I, too, love Kathy's books. They show a true lifestyle of the Amish- and her characters are so very real.Her plot lines are fantastic, with surprises here and there. I have been praying for her since her illness was first made public. God can do miracles and He can do it for her!! Have a great summer, Kathy.
I love reading Kathleen's books. I would love to win a copy of Treasuring Emma.
thank you for the chance to read this wonderful novel 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I would be blessed to win a copy of this book.
Angela from KY
angelac@mchsi.com
Wonderful Q&A with Kathleen! I love her books 😉 And look forward to reading Treasuring Emma!
Jennifer_24fan@yahoo.ca
Oh my goodness!! I love Kathy's books and I've been waiting for this one. Definitely sign me up!
Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com
Please enter me! I would love to win this book!
Dreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway! Can't wait to see what happens!
Jreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net
I'm so excited about this book- please enter me!
lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
Great interview, and it looks like a great book! Count me in!
jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com
Awesome giveaway! Please enter me!
icohen62(at)gmail(dot)com
New series? Awesome!!!! Can't wait to read it!
thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com
Would love to win a book by Kathleen Fuller.
I would love to receive a copy of Treasuring Emma. njones127 at tampabay dot rr dot com
I was introduced to Kathleen on Facebook. As a lover of Amish books,she immediately caught my attention. Her books are beautiful.I also pray for her continued healing and recovery from cancer. God Bless
I was introduced to Kathleen on Facebook. As a lover of Amish books,she immediately caught my attention. Her books are beautiful.I also pray for her continued healing and recovery from cancer. God Bless
I love Kathleen Fuller's books. God has blessed her with an awesome gift that she so willingly shares. Thank you for using your gift to reach out and touch people's hearts. God Bless you always.
Amanda Allen
I love Kathleen's writing. Would love to win this book!
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net