Check out my interview and book giveaway on Elaine Stock’s blog!
My Author Interview!
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Category Archives: Author Interviews
Author Interview – Cecelia Dowdy
Visit Allie Owens Crockett’s blog and read my interview! I talk about the next book which I plan on releasing later this year!
~Cecelia Dowdy~
An Amish Miracle Book Giveaway!
***This giveaway is over!! Winner was announced on An Amish Miracle blog post!
I’m giving away a copy of An Amish Miracle (I’ll be reviewing this book within the next few days). You must follow the rules to enter!!
To enter you must:
1. LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES – The publisher won’t ship internationally!
2. Leave your email address when you comment – I need to be able to contact you if you win.
3. You must read Ruth Reid’s interview and comment about something in the interview! I’m doing this to ensure you’ve read the interview.
Interview with Ruth Reid – Author of the novella Always His Providence in An Amish Miracle story collection:
1. You found your agent through Writers’ Digest magazine, and after you signed with her, you received a contract for your novel. Did you have any writer friends or were you a member of any writers’ organizations that helped you with your publication journey?
I connected with writing friends after I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers on the advice of my agent. I’m so thankful she told me about the group. ACFW is a great on-line community where you can get advice from seasoned authors as well as join critique groups and work chapter by chapter with fellow writers. Now, I not only have wonderful writing friends who share the love of storytelling, I have prayer partners, who have prayed me through some tough times.
2. Do you have any advice to share with writers who wish to become published?
I’ll pass along my agent’s advice: Join a writing community either locally or on-line and get into a critique group. I would also add, write every day. In order to stay close to your characters, you need to spend time with them every day.
3. Tell me about your typical writing day.
My writing day isn’t typical at all. I work the night shift seven days on, then have seven days off. My writing time might be during the day or in the middle of the night when my family is sleeping. A few things I do are set a word count goal and not stop writing unless I know where to start the following day. By knowing where to begin, I don’t spend much time staring at a blank screen, and by the time I have to figure out the next scene, I’m already warmed up.
4. Your interest in the Amish grew from living near them in a Michigan community. Have you ever visited any other Amish communities?
I’ve had the opportunity to visit Lancaster County in PA and Holmes County in OH. One of my favorite memories from those visits was when I stayed in a garage apartment of an ex-Amish turned Mennonite family’s home.
5. Do you think you might publish a non-Amish novel someday?
I’m willing to write whatever God lays on my heart. He blessed me by opening the door to write Amish, and I am so grateful!
6. I noticed you purchased a dog after you graduated from pharmacy school. Do you currently have a pet?
We have two dogs. Zyvox is a lazy Weimaraner, and Lady Bird is a spastic Jack Russell.
Thanks much to Ruth Reid for letting me interview her on my blog!
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Always Beautiful by Beth Wiseman
Becky Byler is eighteen and overweight. She is overwhelmed by the embarrassment she feels when comparing herself to other girls her age. Having lost all hope, she considers taking her own life. As she stands before rushing water, unable to swim, Becky begs God for a miracle. In just several months, Becky sees her prayers answered as food and temptation lose their hold over her. She s finally pleased with how she looks, but does she like the person she has become? And has the man she has dreamed of been right beside her all along, loving her exactly as she is?
Always His Providence by Ruth Reid
Widow Rosa Hostetler has one month to pay her delinquent taxes before the county auctions her farm. She s prepared to sell whatever is necessary to pay the lien, but she isn t willing to request money from the community s widow fund. She s embarrassed and refuses to admit she needs help. Rosa depends on income from selling eggs, but when that income is threatened, only a miracle can help Rosa accept the kindness of a neighbor.
Always in My Heart by Mary Ellis
Hope Bowman believes God is punishing her for giving up her firstborn son when she was a teenager. She s hidden this secret from her husband, who is thankful for their daughters but longs for a son. Hope prays desperately, but the son God sends her isn t a new baby but the fifteen-year-old boy she gave up years ago.
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Book Giveaway And Interview With Beth Wiseman – Plain Peace
***This contest is closed!! Winner was announced here.
***This contest is closed!! Winner was announced here.
***U.S. Residents only, please! To enter the giveaway, you MUST READ Beth’s interview. Refer to something specific in the interview when you leave your comment! YOU MUST leave your EMAIL address in the comment, too! I need your email address to contact you if you win! If you don’t follow the rules, you won’t be entered to win!!
I’m hosting Beth Wiseman on my blog today! I’m giving away a copy of her novel, Plain Peace! Beth has kindly answered these questions:
1. What influenced you to write Amish fiction? For example, were you raised near an Amish community, or, do you have Amish friends?
When I started on this journey, I didn’t know much about being Amish. But God didn’t just open a window, He flung open large doors…and in I went. I think that when you are on the right path, things happen effortlessly, and that’s the way it was when I began learning about the Plain People. I made friends easily, was invited into their homes, and six years later, I’m blessed to have some of the Amish folks on my team, helping me keep the books authentic.
2. How long were you seeking publication before you landed your first book contract?
I know that’s an easy question, but I have a complicated answer. I thought myself to be a pretty good storyteller twenty years ago. In between running a household, holding a full-time job, and raising children, I would jump on the “I want to be published” bandwagon and write. But, I kept making the same mistake. I wasn’t studying the craft of writing. Just like a piano player must practice and learn, so must a writer. I thought good stories would carry me on to publication. In 2006, I started to really get serious about publication and began to study the craft. Eventually, I snagged an agent. My big break came when Thomas Nelson bought a three-book series from this unpublished author. And I’ve been happily writing for Thomas Nelson (now under the umbrella of HarperCollins Christian Fiction) ever since. I’m starting my twentieth book.
3. Do you have any advice for other writers who would like to get their novels published?
It’s so incredibly cliché, but never give up. Those who stick it out and really learn the craft will get published. I really believe that.
4. Do you use critique partner(s)? If so, how long have you had the same critique partner(s)?
I have never had a critique partner. I tend to bounce ideas and brainstorm with a couple of non-writer friends, and that seems to work for me. I’m a seat of the pants writer. I don’t outline or even like to talk too much about my plots with anyone—until I get hung up on something. Then I have those ‘go to’ people whom I trust.
5. I notice your last two releases, plus your current project, are set in small Texas towns. Why did you decide to set your most recent works in Texas?
I live in a small town in Texas, and it’s quiet and peaceful—most of the time, lol. I have a sign in my kitchen that reads In a small town, there ain’t much to see, but what you hear sure makes up for it. Everyone knows everyone in a small town. And that often makes for a fun story.
6. What’s a typical writing day like for you?
I know most authors would say that there is not a ‘typical’ day in this business. But I’m structured enough that I like to think I have a typical day lined out, at least some of the time. I like to get out of bed around 6:30. Then I have to take care of all my animals. I have a diabetic cat who needs an insulin shot, a dog with Lupus and she needs a pill, another dog with arthritis and he needs two pills. Then there are the four goats and two pot-bellied pigs that have to be fed. I am terrified of birds, so the feeding of the roosters falls on Hubby’s list. I am keeping my son’s Boxer while he works in Singapore for a year, and Harley does not get along with my other dogs, so I have to move everyone around for her to go outside and potty. Eventually, I get around to coffee. Always two cups.
I have a lovely office that is my special space, and I usually check emails and try to take care of any administrative stuff before I dive into writing. I write until about 11 a.m., then tend to break for an early lunch. In the afternoons, I write from about 1 to 5 p.m. Then I start dinner. I try really hard not to work in the evenings but it happens.
And EVERYTHING I’ve mentioned above is subject to change because of a deadline, editor request, the publicist needs something, Agent calls, and so on… But most days are great days no matter how they are laid out. I’m super blessed.
Thanks so much for being on my blog, Beth!
Please leave a comment for the giveaway – and remember the rules – refer to something specific in the interview so that I’ll know you’ve read it!
Interview On The Christian Author Network Blog!
I was interviewed on the Christian Author Network blog today! Read the interview and leave a comment!
Introducing Author Gina Conroy
It gives me great pleasure to introduce Gina Conroy on my blog today! Gina is a new Christian Fiction author and she’s taken the time to answer some questions for us! Please make Gina feel welcome and leave a comment and check out Gina’s new release! Also, please check out her bio and book information!
Bio:
Gina Conroy used to think she knew where her life was headed; now she’s leaning on the Lord to show her the way. She is the founder of Writer…Interrupted where she mentors busy writers and tries to keep things in perspective, knowing God’s timing is perfect, even if she doesn’t agree with it! 😉 She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary, and her first novella, Buried Deception, in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection, releases from Barbour Publishing in January 2012. On her blog Defying Gravity and twitter she chronicles her triumphs and trials as she pursues her dreams while encouraging her family and others to chase after their own passions. Gina loves to connect with readers, and when she isn’t writing, teaching, or driving kids around, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.
1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I remember in second or third grade, when I got my first diary how freeing it was to be able to put down the thoughts I didn’t know how or was too afraid to express. In school I would always write more than the teacher required and received praise for my writing. I’m not sure the exact moment I knew when I wanted to write, but there was nothing else I saw myself doing. In high school I finally got the nerve to join the school paper, and in college I studied journalism. After I got married, I wrote for local magazines and eventually found that I had a passion for fiction. That’s when I devoted myself to studying the craft and seven long years later, I can finally say I’m a published fiction author.
2. Tell us a little bit about your blog, Writer Interrupted.
I started http://writerinterrupted.com when God told me to stop writing for a season. I was homeschooling at the time and not doing a very good job of it. My priorities with my family were all out of whack and writing and publication fell shy of an obsession. To deal with the “loss” of writing, I decided to interview writing, homeschooling moms who were successful at balancing it all. Over 100 interviews later, I’ve learned that everyone’s journey is different. On Writer…Interrupted I try and offer the busy writer things I’ve learned about balancing life and handling interruptions and I have other “experts” share in their field!
3. I notice that your novella is set in Washington, D.C. – how did you happen to choose that setting?
Back in 2005 I was homeschooling and took my children on an east coast tour, hitting all the historical spots. Mount Vernon was one of them and as I was walking through the mansion I kept thinking about the antiques and if they were real or replicas. Later, when I wanted to try writing a mystery I kept coming back to Mount Vernon. I thought it would be fun to explore the “What if someone discovered that an artifact at the Mount Vernon mansion was a fake?” The characters, story and plot just grew from there.
My novella, Buried Deception, combines my love of mystery and suspense with my fascination with archaeology. I’m going to steal the words from Vickie McDonough, award-winning author of 24 books and novellas, who said this about my novella, “Murder. Thefts of priceless artifacts. An ornery, little boy with a penchant for getting into trouble. Gina Conroy’s fast-paced debut novella has it all and takes readers on an emotional ride. A charming romance winds up this satisfying who-dun-it.”
It’s a fun series of novellas where characters from previous stories have cameos in the others! So if you’re someone who hates to say goodbye to a “friend,” then you’ll enjoy the reunions in Cherry Blossom Capers.
4. Tell us a little bit about your journey to publication.
My journey to publication has been seven active years in the making, plus another ten inactive years. The active years started when my youngest turned two and I thought it was time to pick up my writing after ten years off to raise kids. But I might have been wrong. See question #2. After I wrote my first novel and got numerous rejections, I found ACFW and started learning the craft of writing. I attended writer’s conferences, got to know people in the industry (including my agent whom I didn’t pitch until I was ready three years after I met him.) After signing me, he couldn’t sell my novel, but encouraged me to keep writing and that one day it would happen. That one day came after a couple of manuscripts and multiple rejections later.
5. I notice that you are a mom. Do you have a hard time juggling family time with writing time?
Absolutely! (See question #2) I even wrote a recent post about it! I’m much more relaxed about my writing now, knowing God’s timing is perfect and I can’t do anything to help along this publication process except to keep writing when I can.
6. Do you have any advice to others who want to pursue commercial publication?
Study the craft of writing through books and blogs, find a community who can encourage you and teach you the ropes, and just write! I’m still working on taking my own advice on the last point! And don’t be anxious to publish. If you work hard and never give up, I believe it will happen for you!
7. Why did you choose to write Christian Fiction?
I didn’t really choose Christian fiction, in fact, I’m working on a story that could go main stream. What I choose is a story told with a Christian worldview. It’s hard to see the world any other way since Jesus is the center of my life. Sometimes my characters aren’t Christians or are lost and fallen, but their journey always leads them closer to the Lord.
Book descriptions:
My Novella: Buried Deception
Mount Vernon archaeology intern and widow Samantha Steele wants to provide for her children without assistance from anyone. Security guard and ex-cop Nick Porter is haunted by his past and keeps his heart guarded. But when they discover an artifact at Mount Vernon is a fake, Nick and Samantha need to work together, set aside their stubbornness, and rely on each other or the results could be deadly. Will Samantha relinquish her control to a man she hardly knows? Can Nick learn to trust again? And will they both allow God to excavate their hearts so they can find new love?
Collection Summary, releasing January 2012
Four townhouse neighbors encounter romance and mystery near our nation’s capital. In State Secrets, White House assistant chef Tara Whitley and FBI agent Jack Courtland stop a plot to sabotage a State dinner—and find love still hidden in their hearts. In Dying for Love, attorneys and opponents Ciara Turner and Daniel Evans uncover love while searching for justice. In Buried Deception, archaeologist Samantha Steele and security guard Nick Porter dig up love while uncovering a forged artifact. In Coffee, Tea and Danger, amateur sleuths Susan Holland and Vince Martinelli find love while investigating a string of mysterious accidents.
This book certainly sounds like a winner! I want all of you to purchase a copy – either paperback or Kindle/e-book version! Let us know what you thought about the book once you’ve read it and feel free to leave some comments!
~Cecelia Dowdy~
Lakeside Reunion Blog Tour
I’m hosting my friend, author Lisa Jordan, today on my blog!
Share Your Thoughts: Do you listen to music while you write? Why? What type of music?
Writing to Music
My sons have a musical ability that does not come from their parents. My oldest son sings, plays trumpet, tuba, and plans to learn the piano. My younger son sings in the a cappella choir and an elite choir at school where students are chosen based on their auditions. Hubby has a pleasant voice, but he’s tone deaf due to pneumonia as a teenager. I, on the other hand, make a joyful noise. No kidding. I love to sing. I just don’t do it well.
I love music. Different styles–everything from children’s songs (some of my favorite) to classical. Well, rap and twangy country aren’t high on my list. I grew up listening to twangy country such as Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash.
When my friend Keli Gwyn interviewed me for her Romance Writers for the Journey blog last year, she asked what five items I had at my fingertips when I’m writing. One of the five items was my earbuds. I need music to write. My iTunes writing music playlist showcases such artists as Norah Jones, Rod Stewart, Jeremy Camp, Todd Agnew, Secondhand Serenade, Emmy Rossum, and even a little Lady Gaga tossed into the mix.
Sitting in the living room while the rest of my family watches TV or plays on the Xbox, I can put in my earbuds and drown out the rest of the world to focus on my writing.
Music creates a mood—not only for me, but also for my characters. Different types of scenes need different styles of music. While writing a break-up scene in my last novel, I listened to a lot of Secondhand Seranade. The mellow, heart-yearning sound helped me to capture the emotions of my characters. Also, listening to the same music my characters enjoy helps me to dig deeper into their POVs.
Music stimulates my creativity and provides inspiration when I’m struggling with a plot point or a scene. Lyrics can trigger ideas and take my story in an unexpected direction.
Music draws me closer to God and reminds me to keep my focus on Him as I write each scene.
Even if you need solitude to write, consider listening to different styles of music to stimulate your creativity. You may be surprised where the notes lead you.
“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” ~Author Unknown
Share Your Thoughts: Do you listen to music while you write? Why? What type of music?
~*~
I’m holding a scavenger hunt to promote my Lakeside Reunion release. Plus, blog commenters on my blog hop will be put in a drawing for fun prizes—breakfast basket, Love Inspired Authors basket, autographed copies of Lakeside Reunion. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.
The token for this blog is a letter of resignation.
Bio: Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature both comes naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, will be released in November by Love Inspired, followed by her second novel, Lakeside Family, in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for twenty-two years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn’t writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit her at www.lisajordanbooks.com to learn more about her writing.
Lakeside Reunion: Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won’t run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he’s still able to stir up Lindsey’s old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he’ll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again. Read an excerpt of Lakeside Reunion.
A Few Things…
A reader left the following comment about my novel, Bittersweet Memories, here on my blog. I just wanted to share her comment with the rest of you:
Hi Cecelia,
My daughter, Angel, is from Uganda. She is learning English and absolutely does not like to read… That is, until I discovered your novel, Bittersweet Memories, at a book exchange during my church’s annual Ladies Retreat this year. I brought it home to her and her nose has been stuck in it every since! She just finished it the Friday after Thanksgiving. This is the FIRST book that she has enjoyed reading without my having to prompt her…I didn’t have to tell her once to pick it up, she did it all on her own! Thank you for writing such an inspiring story with wonderful Christian morals for her to read. We look forward to reading more of your books!
Blessings,
Erika and daughter, Angel, in Texas
I was interviewed on the Romance Slam Jam Blog recently. Stop by and check it out and leave a comment!
I’m enjoying the Christmas Season but I’m just a bit bummed that I’m not currently contracted for any novels. I do have a couple of things floating around out there, plus, I’m working on a submission to send to a literary agent within the next month or so.
Samson By Jacquelin Thomas
Samson by Jacquelin Thomas
Samson Taylor has just been installed as assistant pastor at a thriving North Carolina church. He’s a man of God—and most definitely no saint. Handsome and charismatic, Samson is controlled by his lust for beautiful women, a weakness that stirs up trouble, heartache, betrayal, and damaging rumors—and soon costs him his marriage, his best friendship, and even his new job. Samson loves God and tries harder than ever to keep his temptations in check. Then he meets Delinda. . . .Beautiful, irresistibly sexy, and married to a famous NBA star, Delinda has Samson head-over-heels in love . . . in a dangerous affair that leads to a physical confrontation with Delinda’s husband.Now, the disgraced pastor begins a journey he could never have anticipated, where his heart is now his guide—not a heart of lust, but of new wisdom and a new kind of seeing. God will forgive Samson’s past—but will Samson himself be able to let go of bitterness and regret, and find a new light in his life?Inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah, Jacquelin Thomas powerfully portrays a modern-day pastor’s dance with earthly desires . . . and the faith that made him whole.
In yesterday’s blog post, I asked what would it be like if Samson from the Old Testament were living today. What kind of life would he be living? Well, if you want to know the answer to that question, read Jacquelin Thomas’s book Samson! This book gives a vivid portrayal of the life of Samson, a pastor who lusts after women, and he also marries a Buddist – a strict no-no for Christians since we’re not supposed to be unequally yoked with non-believers. After marrying his Buddist wife, his life continues on the path of lustful destruction that causes him great physical pain and disability. If you want to read about a modern-day Samson, then this book is for you!
Jacquelin Thomas has also answered the following questions:
Were there challenges in turning to Biblical fiction for you?
J.T.: Not really. I made the decision and I did it because I knew this is what God required of me.
Why Samson?
J.T.: “Samson was inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah. I’ve always been interested in this particular story, and often wondered why Samson couldn’t see what Delilah was up to–how could he not know that she would be his ruin? It was these questions that prompted me to write this story.”
The story of Samson and Delilah is one of the most popular in the Bible. Did you find yourself having an ‘ah ha’ moment during research for your story?
J.T.: “Mostly for me, I had a hard time understanding why Samson continued to deal with Delilah as she had betrayed him on more than one occasion. I liked most that although he loved God, he was still a flawed man–I could relate because I strive to do right each and every day, but there are times when I fall. However, this shows the depth of God’s love for us, even when we disappoint Him.”
When Samson and Savannah play scrabble you included some Hebrew words, was there a point to that?
J.T.: “Not really–at my church, we are learning Hebrew and so it was my way of retaining what I learned.”
What do you hope to accomplish through this particular topic?
J.T.: “Despite Samson’s earthly desires and the tragedy that befell him–I want readers to understand that it was his faith and his love for the Lord that made him whole. We are nothing without God and sometimes it takes something terrible to happen to us before we come to this realization.
How can readers keep up with you online?
J.T.: You can reach me at the following:
Facebook/www.facebook.com/jacquelin.thomas,
Twitter — @jacquelinthomas
Email — jacquelinthomas@yahoo.com
Thanks so much for being on my blog today! I’ve enjoyed this discussion about your new release, and I pray that you’ll continue to write Biblical and entertaining stories!
Here are the stops for the blog tour! Visit these blogs to find out more about this powerful story:
Monday, June 7th
Linda Beed http://letusbearfruit.blogspot.com
Maurice Gray http://www.mauricemgrayjr.com/
Tuesday, June 8th
Patricia Woodside http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com
Cecelia Dowdy http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/
Paulette Harper http://pauletteharper.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, June 9th
Gregory Turner http://www.blogtalkadio.com/asemotivation
Call in: (718) 508-9600
6P/PST-8P/CST-9P/EST
Wanda Campbell http://www.wandabcampbell.net/blog.html
Tia McCollors http://tiaspen.blogspot.com/
Thursday, June 10th
Carla Nix http://www.blogtalkradio.com/passion4life
Call in: (646) 652-2527
5P/PST – 7P/CST – 8P/EST
Jill Elizabeth Nelson http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.html
Jeanette Hill/Sharel Love http://www.sasprod.org/
Friday, June 11th
Alvin Romer Live Tele-book Party 6P/PST – 8P/CST – 9PEST w/LaShaunda Hoffman and friends Call in: 605 475-4700 Access: 176632#
Interview And Book Giveaway For Author Sherryle Kiser Jackson!
Today I’m hosting author Sherryle Kiser Jackson on my blog! After you’ve read the interview and book summary, leave a comment to be entered into the drawing for her book! I’m giving away two copies!However, you must make a comment about something you read in Sherryle’s interview or in the book summary to be entered! If you don’t, I won’t enter your name into the drawing! I met Sherryle about a year and a half ago at a booksigning event in Baltimore and she’s a nice person and I’m glad to feature her on my blog today!
1. Your book deals with the issue of a single mother raising her teenaged son alone. Do you see this situation a lot within the school system? Did you choose this conflict because it affects so many women today?
My characters, and the circumstances they find themselves in were very real for me. I tried to portray a busy, hardworking single mother who must look for resources within the “village” to help raise her teenaged son. She has been “holding it down”, but like many mothers she began to loose touch in the hustle and bustle of life. Deidre, my main character, like many mothers, gets that inevitable wake up call when her son starts to get in trouble in and out of school.
If it takes a village to raise a child, ideally the father should be fall among that village. I think I also show the very vital part the father plays in the life of his child even though he and the mother may no longer be together.
2. Can you share your publication journey with us? How long were you writing before you secured a contract with Urban Christian and did you have to obtain a literary agent before submitting?
My first novel, Soon And Very Soon was published in 2007 by Urban Christian, but it took over ten years to get it to publication. At that time, it was a shell of what it is now. In my zeal to get it published I shopped it around to traditional publishing houses. I knew nothing about target markets or the genre of Christian Fiction. I received a lot of rejection letters. Some I still have to this day. In retrospect, I know I was blessed in that process. I have some of the best rejection letters! Some said the narrative was flawed, characters were underdevolped, but most said the storyline itself, about two pastors that marry and combine churches, was promising. After licking my wounds for awhile, I had a trail of breadcrumbs to follow, especially when I bought a book called, Temptation by Victoria Christopher Murray. I knew that there was a market for my book. I joined a fabulous workshop of writers that met twice a month at Sisterspace And Books when it was located on U Street in D.C. and I got to work on the story. I sent it off again around 2003 and signed with a major publishing house that held up the book for two years then dropped it from its’ roster before publication. Finally a friend of mine attended the Hurston Wright Conference in DC and in her networking found out information about a new imprint devoted to Christian Fiction under the Urban Books umbrella. She gave me the information in 2006, and I submitted my manuscript. Shortly thereafter, I signed a two book deal for Urban Books/Urban Christian/Kensington.
Wow! I can certainly understand all that you went through! I also read Temptation by VCM and it’s a great book! It’s hard for writers to deal with rejection, especially when it appears that a contract is being granted by a publishing house, and then it falls through! I kind of know what that’s like because I had a similiar experience years ago!
3. You are a teacher who is married with children. How do you balance your writing time and working hours with your family duties?
Do I balance it? It is crrrrraaaaaaazzzy! Despite my “day job” and family, I am in that place where one book is on the shelf that you want to move and publicize, one book is set to come out in less than 6 months that you have to ramp up, and one book is in my Brain that the editor is waiting for me to get down in electronic format. I don’t know if you ever balance it. It is daily prioritizing because multi tasking is an illusion for me. I don’t do that well. I have to concentrate on one thing at a time.
Tell me about it! I can certainly understand how hard it is to prioritize your book publishing duties along with your work and family! It’s hard!
4. Who are some of your favorite authors?
Victoria Christopher Murray writes fiction with a beatiful mix of inspiration and pure entertainment.
Pearl Cleage writes so intelligently. Her characters are intelligent and introspective and real. Sometimes writer’s create fantasy characters on the extremes of life. She writes from the SOUL.
Terry McMillian set it off for me. No one writes dialogue like she does. The voice in her pieces have their own cadence, fast pace, gritty and real.
Eric Jerome Dickey writes hot, blood-coarsing, page turning adrenaline.
Yes, I’ve read all of those authors except for Pearl Cleage (I’ll be sure to check her out.) I also believe Terry McMillian set the stage for more African-American authors to get published!
5. What’s your favorite scripture?
Wow, there are so many. I am so thankful for my home training in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School because verses will come to me when I am writing and I go back and study. Romans 8, the whole chapter, is particularly special to me. Like John 3:16, it reminds me of how special I am to God. It reminds us that we are joint heirs with Christ and that he predestined, called and justified us for a purpose. Read it; it’s good stuff!
Yes, John 3:16 is one of my personal favorites, too! Okay, here’s some information about Sherryle’s book! Read it and then leave a comment to be entered into the drawing!
The Manual by Sherryle Kiser Jackson
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Urban Books; Original edition (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601629354
ISBN-13: 978-1601629357
Need a manual on raising children and having healthy relationships? Refer to the Bible. That’s what Deidre Collins’ inner spirit is telling her to do now that Andre, her son’s father, is back in town after deserting them eight years ago.
At fourteen years old, her son, DeAndre, is struggling with his own issues peer pressure, problems at school, and fi guring out how to navigate his first crush. When DeAndre gets suspended from school for ten days, Andre sees it as the perfect opportunity to get to know his son—and to get closer to Deidre. Can this couple overcome the past for the sake of their son’s future?
It was nice having you on my blog, Sherryle, and everybody, don’t forget to leave a comment for the book drawing! You also need to leave an email address so that I can contact you if you win!