Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

Nothing ushers in spring like a beautiful, colorful surprise from a friend. Fay Lamb is an author, editor and champion for other authors. When I was seeking direction she whispered encouragement to take a risk very few had. The risk paid off and now we’re colleagues at Write Integrity Press.

Fay surprised me with this award and talk about colleagues, the other women she nominated are amazing. I hope you check out June Foster, Patsy Dyer, Jennifer Hallmark, and Elizabeth Owens.

Now, here’s where the fun begins. It starts with the rules:

The Rules

1.  Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.

2.  Put the Award logo on your blog.

3.  Answer the ten questions sent to you.

4.  Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer.

5.  Nominate five blogs.

So, thank you, Fay. I’m forever grateful for your encouragement, and thankful you included me in this list.

Here are my answers to Fay’s questions:

1.  Why did you start writing?

It’s always been a passion, something I loved to do. I would have been content writing for the local Mothers of Preschoolers newsletter, but God had other ideas. Obedience to the Lord was the biggest reason I started writing beyond a small circle of friends.

2.  What novel(s) has influenced you the most and why?

There are many but Kristin Billerbeck’s What a Girl Wants confirmed to me that chick lit, snarky humor in romance, has purpose. Readers can be transformed by fiction. Embracing that fact and devouring her series opened doors to my imagination and writing.

3.  What’s been the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

It’s general advice I use for writing. Fear held me back for a long time and rejection was a huge part of those fears. I had a friend sit me down and equip me for the future. She said I needed to have “Skin like a rhino and a heart like a dove.” That helped me surrender my fears, start writing and when the review came that wasn’t very nice, I wasn’t even bothered by it.

4.  What’s been the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

First time novelists should never, ever write first person, present tense and expect it to sell.

Now, that actually is good advice and I’m not saying I’m above such conversation. For me, I had that “burn in the belly,” that gut feeling I believe is the Holy Spirit, guiding me that writing first person, present tense for Entrusted was His plan for me. I felt Jenna’s voice was strong enough to carry the book, and that’s the one comment I keep hearing. Readers love the voice. I’m glad I didn’t change the point of view.

5.  What people in the industry have helped you the most in your writing endeavors?

I hope I don’t forget anyone. Fay was one of two voices that told me to go for first person, present tense as I prepared to query what is now Entrusted. Joi Copeland was the second. Vicki Hinze allowed me to come on board to the team blog, Christians Read, before I was published. She felt like it wasn’t if I would be published, but when. June Foster spent an incredible amount of time with me helping me recognize telling and how to change it to showing. Every member that has come and gone from the critique groups I’m a part of, they have been a huge help. Tracy Ruckman took a chance on my Adirondack ideas and offered me what is now the Adirondack Surrender romance series.

6.  What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Getting motivated. I think it goes back to fear. Can I start something good? How can I create a readable middle? How can I finish strong? Revisions and edits? I don’t think I have what it takes. I fight my thoughts all the time, and honestly, sometimes the thoughts win.

7.  When did you first call yourself a writer?

I think in 2007 when I earned a writing credit in an anthology.

8.  How has your writing life been different than you imaged?

It’s a lot lonelier than I ever imagined. I’m an introvert by nature but the process to separate from the story and go back to being wife and mom is hard. The kids are older so they are starting to do their own thing and my husband works a lot of hours.  There are hours and hours the only talking I engage in is with the pets. But, when I’m in that zone where I’m completely involved in the story, that’s a great feeling.

9. What is your favorite place to write?

I have an office with a view of our backyard and woods. It’s so peaceful.

10. How do you reward yourself when you accomplish a writing goal?

Chocolate. Then again, that’s my reward some days for waking up.

I nominate anyone that would like to participate. Between one I did recently and the great people included, I can’t think of anyone!

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