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Q: When did you know you wanted to “BE” a writer?
I didn’t know that not everyone wrote. I’m from a family of readers and writers. Only one other that I know of is published. But writing was just part of life, not something you do or be. Then I married a man who didn’t like to read or write. In May of 1984, God told me to become a professional writer. You can read that event on this page of my blog: About Me.
Q: What are you working on right now?
I have a late July deadline for Book Two of the McKenna’s Daughters series. As soon as I meet that, I’ll start writing Book Three.
Q: What – or who – inspired the title?
I believe God did. He gave me the idea for the McKenna’s Daughters series. I had a different title, but working with the publisher, we came up with the new one.
Q: What is the time period and setting of this book?
1885 – Seattle Territory – Little Rock, Arkansas.
Q: How long did it take to write Maggie's Journey?
Less than three months.
Q: How much time did you spend on research??
I spend a lot of time on research. It’s very important to me that I don’t make a mistake in any of the historical details. I found some amazing places with an abundance of information and pictures.
Q: What’s your favorite element of Maggie’s Journey?
The family secrets and how they affected lives for almost two decades.
Q: Who’s your favorite character in this story, and why?
I really love them all, even the one that seemed like a villain at the beginning. I enjoy watching the characters grow and develop as the story moves along. If I have to choose only one, it would have to be Maggie.
Q: What do you hope your readers "take away" from the book?
How important forgiveness is, especially the ability to forgive yourself for serious mistakes you’ve made.
Q: If you couldn’t "be" a writer, what would you do, instead?
I have been an actress and director before I started writing professionally.
Q: How do you balance family, work, church, and fun?
Fun? I’m supposed to have fun?? Actually, I really enjoy writing, so it’s part of my fun. But my family is very important to me. As for work, I’m a full-time author and speaker, so it intertwines. And church is a vital element with both my husband and me. We both volunteer in various ways as well as worship there. I volunteer in the church bookstore (where else?) and I’m part of the Altar Ministry Team.
Q: What’s the most difficult thing about being an author?
How solitary it is. I’m a people person, so I have to make times when I can interact with others. I enjoy the creative process, and I love connecting with my readers.
Q: What do you do when you’re not working?
Getting together with family and friends is very important to me.
Q: What's one fact about you…that most of your readers (and author pals ) don’t know?
I’m pretty much an open book, so I’m not sure. Maybe this one: I changed my major in college three times before I finally settled on my field of study — Drama.
Q: Have you ever done anything that others might consider "crazy"?
Loree, you know me. I’m a pretty crazy person. I’ve been a professional clown. When I was younger, I did a lot of things that could be considered way out there.
Q: And what’s next on your horizon?
When I finish writing the McKenna's Daughters series, I’ll start on my Restored Hearts series, that has also been contracted by Charisma House.
Q: Any advice for those "I’d love to be an author!" readers out there?
If you don’t do it now, when will you do it? I do recommend connecting with other authors and really learning the skills needed. No author creates a publishable book alone. But all the while, you should be writing.
Q: Where can readers find you on the Internet?
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