February 2010 Writing Contests

February 1
Fire and Ice
Chicago-North Romance Writers of America
http://www.chicagonorthrwa.org/contest.shtml

Willa Award (for books published in 2009)
Women Writing the West
http://www.womenwritingthewest.org/willaaward.html

February 14
Between the Sheets
Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America
http://www.gdrwa.org/contest_bts_rules2010.html

Merritt Contest (has an inspirational category)
San Antonia Romance Writers of America
http://www.sararwa.net/contest.html

Disclaimer: This is by no means a full list of all contests offered. I do not endorse or recommend any contest, but provide these dates for information purposes only. Do your own research before entering any contest. Dates are always subject to change by contest chairs.

BECOMING LUCY by Martha Rogers

We're happy to have Martha Rogers with us talking about her book "Becoming Lucy."

Click on the photo to the left to visit the author's website. Read on to learn more about Margaret and her book...

1) How did this story come to you? When my son lived in Tulsa, we went to visit quite often and always stopped at a tourist information system for coffee and restroom break. I became interested in the history of the state and decided to combine it with my interest in Boston.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published. I wrote the book in 2004 and 2005 and sent it to my agent. It stayed with one editor who took it to committee, but it was rejected. It was with them for over six months. We changed the title and began submitting it elsewhere. After more revision, Tamela sent it out again to several new editors and Debbie Marrie at Strang picked it up.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers. Hmm, I’m a pretty open book, but they may be surprised to learn I was a nursing student when I started out in college in 1953. Readers might be surprised to learn I am a breast cancer survivor. 10 ½ years since my second surgery. I love to sew and use to make all my own clothes.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you? I’m working on book three in the series and a Christmas novella for Barbour

5) Parting comments? Never give up on your dream, and never believe you are too old to get published.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet? www.marthawrogers.com

Margaret Brownley's "A Lady Like Sarah"

We're happy to have Margaret Brownley with us. Read on to learn more about Margaret and her book...

1) How did this story come to you? The story was inspired by the escapades of Pearl Hart. Desperate to help her seriously-ill mother, she stopped a stage and, with the help of a loaded pistol, convinced its passengers to help pay her poor mama’s medical bills. (Bet you didn’t know that health care was highway robbery even back in the Old West.) The question that kept running though my mind was, how desperate would a person have to be to rob a stage? Suddenly Sarah popped up on the page and demanded in no uncertain terms that I tell her story.

So I had my outlaw. Now all I needed was the hero. That turned out to be disgraced preacher Justin Wells who finds Sarah handcuffed to a dying marshal on the dusty trail to Texas.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I entered the book in a bunch of contests at first to get reader feed-back. It won the contests but judges were adamant that I’d have to tone down the heroine if I ever hoped to see the book published. One day, I sat down at my computer to follow that advice, but I felt like I was losing her, losing the person she was meant to be. So I put her back as she was and was determined to keep her that way even if it meant the book would never see the light of day. Fortunately, my agent liked the book the way it was written and she landed me a three book contract. Sometimes, you just have to go with your instincts.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
• I pretty much failed English in school (still can’t diagram a sentence).
• Ditto history (Who can remember all those dates and battles?)
• A historical writer who failed English and history in school isn’t surprising enough?

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just finished book 2 of my Rocky Creek series, A Suitor for Jenny. I’m currently working on book 3. I haven’t had time to think about what’s next.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me on your blog—and thank you all for visiting. Have a great 2010!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet? You can visit me at www.margaretbrownley.com. I’m also a regular blogger on www.petticoatsandpistols.com

Michelle Sutton's "It's Not About Me" Review

"It's Not About Me" by Michelle Sutton

I'm a big fan of Michelle Sutton's "Danger at the Door" and decided to give "It's Not About Me" a try. I'm glad I did. This has been marketed as a young adult book, but it's an excellent read for adults as her characters are heading into college. Trust me, you won't even recognize that you're reading a young adult book.

Michelle does such an excellent job of showing the tension between couples that you feel like you're there with them, rooting for the best man to win (that's all I'll say as I don't want to give away her plot). There are some surprising twists in this book that will keep you reading as you wonder what's going to happen next. I stayed up past my bed time last night because I just HAD to finish it.

True to her reputation, Michelle tackles some real life topics in this book that other authors may shy away from, making the book even more believable. Michelle also has a knack for writing romance scenes. My step-daughter says that Michelle's romance scenes leave her breathless. I agree.

Synopsis:
Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. One night when an unexpected visitor appears, Annie's safe world is destroyed. As she tries to recover the pieces of her broken life, a war ensues between two brothers who both claim to have her best interests at heart. But who will Annie choose? Or will she decide to turn her life in a different direction?

Farewell 2009

Farewell to 2009!

The beach is my favorite place on earth and I was lucky enough to visit two times in 2009. I usually make reservations at least a month in advance and count down the days until the trip. Once vacation is over, I leave with mixed emotions. I'm happy to be returning home to family, friends, and pets, but it's hard to leave the ocean. After numerous trips there with my husband over the last 14 years, it's kind of become "our" place. It's a magical place I'd like to live one day.

I approach saying farewell to 2009 in like manner. It was a good year. I spent a lot of time studying the craft of writing and reading. I finished writing three novels (a miracle in itself when you consider that I have a full-time job outside of writing. Maybe I'll blog one day about how I manage to get so much done). Two of my books will be published next year through Desert Breeze Publishing, a WWII romantic suspense in April and a romantic suspense in August, both in the inspirational category. That said, 2009 holds a special place in my heart just like the ocean. However, it's okay to leave it because I can't wait to see what happens next.

Goals for 2010?

Some of you e-mailed and asked me how I was able to get so much done in 2009 and what my goals are for 2010. This blog's for you! Goal setting with the help of a calendar is the master tool in my took kit. Goal setting comes naturally for me because I'm a planner. I start each novel by plotting. I'll choose one of the stories that's been rolling around in my head and pull out a stack of index cards. Each main character has a card on which I list their GMC (Goal, Motivation, Conflict...I bought a great book on this at http://www.debradixon.com/gmc.html or you can search the internet for more information.) Also, I'll have a card labeled "scenes" where I'll make notes about the main scenes in the book. I carry these cards everywhere because they're small and handy.

Once I have an idea of where my plot is headed, I begin to visualize the completed project. I always shoot for 60,000words when I begin a new book. I pull out a calendar and choose a start date and an end date. I'll then calculate how many words I need to write each day and I'll note on the calendar what my total word count should be at the end of each day. It's a great motivational tool because it encourages me to stay on track or to catch up if I fall behind. If you write 2,000 words per day, at the end of the month, you'll have a complete first draft. Once I've finished this draft, I'll shelve it and take some time off, maybe do a little plotting on the next one. I like to wait at least a month before editing because that allows me to distance myself from the story and makes it easier to catch errors or plot weaknesses.

Also, I write something every day. At one time, I wouldn't even start to write unless I knew I had at least an hour of free time. I've changed my attack plan and now write even if I have only a few minutes. You won't believe how much you can get done in just fifteen minutes. Take those fifteen minute blocks and spread them across the day and you'll write more than you could ever imagine.

Now you have all my secrets. On to my goals. In 2010, I will have two books released from Desert Breeze Publishing in ebook format. My goals are to finish final the edits on these when they come back from my editor. Also, I'd like nab an agent, and hopefully sign a contract for a print book. And of course, write something every day with a goal to finish three novels this year. Good luck with your writing goals!

Darlene Franklin's Beacon of Love

We're happy to have Darlene Franklin with us this week. To learn more about her, check out the interview below...

1) How did this story come to you?
I researched Rhode Island’s history in the 1810s and came across “the Great Gale of 1816” and the Point Judith lighthouse which was destroyed during the storm. I knew I wanted to write about a lighthouse during a hurricane.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Heartsong Presents has been publishing three historical romances and three contemporary romances based in all 50 states. Two other writers and I put together a proposal for historical Rhode Island and were delighted when JoAnne Simmons chose our stories.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m the world’s worst housekeeper (if you doubt me, let’s compare homes one day.)
Although I’ve lived most of life in states with a strong tradition of winter sports (Maine and Colorado), I have never gone skiing.
I used to be humor-challenged. Now people say I smile all the time.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am working on the second book of m three-part Vermont historical series for Heartsong, Bridge to Love. Like Beacon of Love, the story takes place in 1816 and features a a veteran of the War of 1812. However, my hero and heroine are battling the Year of No Summer, when it snowed every month, and the possible loss of the family farm.
I hope to write a third Vermont historical romance, this one during the Civil War about the “northernmost battle” of that conflict. And I will have another novella come out next Christmas, The Face of Mary in A Woodlands Christmas.
I am working to expand my writing base. A publisher has expressed interest in a longer book, same time period, about a family who moves from Maine to Ohio and becomes involved with the Underground Railroad. My devotional writing is finding a home and keeps me busy.
5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me as your guest today! I always enjoy chatting with readers.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot..com

Margaret Daley's Christmas Peril

We're happy to have Margaret Daley with us this week!
Click on the photo to the left to visit the author's website. Read on to learn more about Margaret and her book...

1) How did this story come to you?
I was asked to write a novella with a Christmas theme so I came up with Christmas, OK to be the setting for my story. My heroine is fleeing for her life with her five-years-old daughter and ends up in Christmas, OK.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’ve been writing for over thirty years. I sold my first book after writing almost three years back in 1981. My first book came out in 1982.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m not sure what would surprise my readers, but here are three things about me. I love Christmas music throughout the year. I hate exercising, but I’m doing the treadmill for forty-five minutes every other day. Watching a TV show helps the time pass faster when I’m exercising. I have a neurotic cat and two somewhat normal ones.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m finishing up my third book in my homeschooling series for Love Inspired called A Daughter for Christmas. It will be out next November. After that I have a Love Inspired Suspense book I have to write about a group of female bodyguards. The first book in that series will be out next December called Christmas Bodyguard.

5) Parting comments?
I love to hear from readers. They can contact me at margaretdaley@gmail.com or visit my Web site at http://www.margaretdaley.com/ and read excerpts from my books.

January Writing Contest Deadlines

January 8
Award of Excellence (INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY; For Published Authors)
Colorado Romance Writers
http://coloradoromancewriters.org/aoe.html

January 9
Book Buyer's Best Contest (INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY; For Published Authors)
Orange County Romance Writers of America
http://www.occrwa.org/bbb2010.html

January 12
Write Touch Readers Award (INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY; For Published Authors)
Wisconsin Romance Writer's of America
http://www.wisrwa.org/contest.html

January 15
Bookseller's Best Award (INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY; For Published Authors)
Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America
http://www.gdrwa.org/bba_entryform2010.html

Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence (INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY; For Published Authors)
Southern Magic Romance Writers of America
http://southernmagic.org/gaylewilsoncontest.html

Golden Quill (INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY)
Desert Rose Romance Writers of America
http://www.desertroserwa.org/goldenquill/goldenquill.htm

Judge a Book By Its Cover
Houston Bay Area Romance Writers of America
http://www.hbarwa.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=82

Marlene Award
Washington Romance Writers of America
http://www.wrwdc.com/ee/index.php/marlene_awards/

January 23
Winter Rose Award for Excellence-Published (INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY; For Published Authors)
Yellow Rose Romance Writers of America
http://yellowroserwa.com/contestPub.php

Winter Rose Award for Excellence-Unpublished (INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY)
Yellow Rose Romance Writers of America
http://yellowroserwa.com/contestUnpub.php

Disclaimer: This is by no means a full list of all contests offered. I do not endorse or recommend any contest, but provide these dates for information purposes only. Do your own research before entering any contest. Dates are always subject to change by contest chairs.

Ebooks vs Print Books

Yesterday's post regarding my journey to publication caused some questions regarding my decision to publish in ebook format. First of all, it's the way of the future. Barnes & Noble owns fictionwise.com. They're reformatting from 350-500 books per week in the ebook format. Do you think they'd be taking the time if this wasn't a lucrative venture? Hardly.

Secondly, the ebook market is booming. Many large publishing houses are opening up e-lines. They realize that ebooks are the way of the future. Most people have what they need to read an ebook in their pocket. Smart phones. (For info on what type of software you need to download in order to read ebooks on your cell, go to www.fictionwise.com.)

The benefits of ebooks are endless. I save paper and ink. I can read anywhere, anytime when I download ebooks to my Blackberry. I have 12 of them stored in it right now. In a long line at Walmart? No problem. Sitting in the doctor's office waiting for an appointment? No problem. I can read in bed and not disturb my husband because I don't need a night light. The font is adjustable. Right now, my font is larger, darker, and brighter than any paperback and I believe it causes less eye strain. Many ebooks, especially classics that have fallen into public domain, are free. And, ebooks are cheaper than print books. Currently, I'm paying $5.99 or less for the books I download from www.desertbreezepublishing.com.

So, in a nut shell, I LOVE ebooks. Currently, I buy nothing but e. There are a couple of new releases I've been interested in, but I refuse to buy them in print format. I'm waiting for them to hit the market in e. I don't have to time to wait until the perfect time to read a print book. I can read e almost anywhere, any time.

Never Give Up!

I've had several people ask me to share my journey to publication and offer a little advice. Here goes... The little guy above is a white faced squirrel who was persistent. He lives on a golf course in Myrtle Beach and if you leave your cart unattended while making a shot, you'll find that whatever you were snacking on has disappeared. His perseverance paid off.

The first book I finished writing was a young adult novel. That was approximately three years ago. Eventually, I shelved it and decided I wasn't getting anywhere because I didn't have a good grasp of the craft. At that point, I bought every book I could find on writing. Most of them came from eBay because I can find even the out of print books there.

I studied everything I could find on writing for over two years. I knew I wanted to write Christian fiction, but wasn't sure where to start. I was lucky enough to find ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers.) The membership fee was the best money I've ever spent. I was amazed that some of the big names in the Christian market were nice enough to take the time to answer questions. I can't recommend ACFW enough if you're interested in writing Christian Fiction. You can learn more about them at http://www.acfw.com/.

I finished my first adult novel, Killing Time, and began entering it in contests. I used the feedback to make my story stronger. I must have rewritten that novel a dozen times. It finaled in the 2009 Duel on the Delta. It was written in first person and when I found out that the contest judge was a Harlequin editor, I had a short amount of time to change it from first person into third (Harlequin doesn't buy first person for their Steeple Hill line). I had no clue how to write a deep third person and expected third place, which is how the saga ended.

I continued to rework Killing Time. I was told by an agent that it might be a hard sell because the first 3 or 4 chapters are set in a jail. That novel has found a home at Desert Breeze Publishing and will be out in August of 2010. It wasn't submitted to any other publishing house and I'm content with my decision to publish in ebook format. The people at Desert Breeze are among the nicest people in the business and their books consistently receive high reviews and they allow authors to write what's on their heart.

The best advice I can give you is...NEVER GIVE UP! You'll never reach the goal of publication if you give up. Also, write something every day. If you write 1,000 words a day, you'll have a novel in two months. Take another month or two to edit and it will be ready to submit. And, STUDY, STUDY, and STUDY SOME MORE! I take writing very seriously and still buy and study writing books. I learn something new from every one I read.

And one more piece of advice...take advantage of NaNoWriMo (http://www.nanowrimo.org/) if at all possible. It will change the way you write forever. I wrote a WWII romantic suspense, Queen of Hearts, during NaNoWriMo. If all goes as planned, it will release in April of 2010 with Desert Breeze Publishing.

If I'd given up, I wouldn't have found a home for these two books. SO, NEVER GIVE UP AND KEEP ON KEEPING ON!

John L. Owens' THE NINTH GENERATION

We're happy to have John L. Owens with us. Click on the photo to the left to visit his website. Read on to learn more about John and his book...

1) How did this story come to you?
The story slowly unfolded while cleaning the acrylics of our family-owned tanning salon. My wife and I took turns running it. Between customers, it was a great escape to delve into the setting of The Ninth Generation and to ponder the dialogue that might have taken place between Noah’s father, Lameck, at 112 and Enoch, at 364 years of age. The time period before the flood had fascinated me and there were mysteries that I longed to solve. I had also prayed for something that would help our 18-yr-old adopted son to obtain a Biblical world view. An adventurous, fast-moving novel with some clean romance seemed in order.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I had followed the advice of David Morrell, author of First Blood, who said to writers, “Your goal should be to write something that’s important to you, not to the critics.” And while I had utilized the editorial arm of The Christian Writers Guild, the final novel was a difficult sell to a regular publisher – most prefer a New Testament time period. I had also taken a position on Genesis 6:4 – the angelic / human view – that may have been uncomfortable to some. So, with prayerful consideration and some advertising – publishing experience, I decided to go with a reputable pod Christian publisher (Xulon). If it was meant to multiply, perhaps it would. At least I had something to give my son and, interestingly by request, to the mothers of his friends.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I passed out once when asked to speak in public. / God used a witch to open my eyes to the reality of the demonic (she was delivered and saved). / I served as academic dean to the first above-ground pastoral training school in the former USSR.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am working on a field manual on spiritual warfare – Positioned for Victory (non-fiction), while thinking about another more contemporary fictional novel that might parallel The Ninth Generation – Jesus prophesied that the last days will compare to the days of Noah.

5) Parting comments?
For those who have ever wondered what it was like living among the centenarians, and would like to preview a well-researched, imaginative novel, please visit my book site.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.TheNinthGeneration.com – contains links to blog and podcasts

Laurie Alice Eakes "The Glassblower"

We're happy to have Laurie Alice Eakes with us today talking about her new release "The Glassblower." Click on the image of her book to visit her blog and learn more about the book. Here's her interview:

1) How did this story come to you?
a. I set out to write a historical novel about New Jersey for Heartsong and started reading a book on New Jersey history. A chapter on the glassmaking industry fascinated me, and I built from there.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
a. That was painful. I’d sold two books when I submitted this proposal. I’d submitted a lot of proposals around this time and subsequently. 20 months later, nothing had sold and I was thoroughly discouraged. I was even looking into going back to school and kept praying that God would show me what else to do if He no longer wanted me to write. I was in New Jersey at a training when I got the call from my agent that JoAnne Simons wanted my New Jersey historical series. That led to the sale of eleven books in the next nine months.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
a. I’m extremely shy in person.

b. Pasta makes me gag unless it’s smothered in cheese.
c. I read a hundred and fifty books a year.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now, I just finished my first long mainstream historical for Revell called Bride of the Mist out in January of 2011 and am working on the third New Jersey Historical, set in Cape May in 1899. Next I’ll start on my first Regency for Revell, out in May of 2011.

5) Parting comments?
I think as a younger woman I must have prayed for courage, patience, and a job I could love, for God made me a writer, a profession one can love, but which certainly takes courage and patience.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My blog is most frequently updated www.seizethechance.blogspot.com

Fayette-A Time To Laugh by Donna Winters

Donna Winters' Fayette A Time to Laugh:

The greatest passion of Flora McAdams’ life has always been her love of animals. From girlhood she has made it her mission to care for orphaned wild creatures and hurting family pets in the pig iron town of Fayette. Now, at age eighteen, she has no lack of four-footed patients needing her skill, and no time or thought for romance, until a quiet Norwegian machinist comes to town.Sven Jorgensen hoped his first encounter with the feisty Flora McAdams would be his last. Whether at the village vegetable garden or the town racetrack, he can’t seem to avoid her. But time works miracles. And after witnessing her transform neglected and homeless canines into healthy, loving pets, his thoughts of her are altered as well. Can he somehow convince her that he has more than friendship in mind for their future?

Interview:
1) How did this story come to you?
My story is based largely on the information about the setting gleaned from historical accounts in newspapers and archives. I have a microfilm reader and purchase microfilm of historic newspapers when they are available for the location of my story. Against the true history about the time and place, I set fictional characters which often interact with true historic figures of the era.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
This book was the fifteenth romance novel I’ve had published and the second story about the remote iron smelting town of Fayette, Michigan that operated during the period from 1867-1891. My writing career began in 1982 with my first title being released by Thomas Nelson in 1985. Though younger writers will find this hard to believe, there was a great lull in the Christian fiction market in the late 1980’s which forced me to become resourceful in getting my work into print. I took control of the process by developing my trademark series, Great Lakes Romances, and from 1988 on I have developed titles for this series.
3) What do you love most about being a writer?
What I love most about writing is the complete sense of escape from reality into the world of my characters and their joys and challenges.
4) What frustrates you about being a writer?
The most challenging aspect of writing is expanding my readership. I hope through this interview, readers who have not heard about Great Lakes Romances will discover historic stories they can enjoy.
5) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Some aspects of myself that would surprise many, if meeting me in person (I’m a slight-built lady), are that I was a trumpet major in college, and I am a hobby weight lifter with exceptionally large biceps. Additionally, I took up cross-country and downhill skiing at the ages of 57 and 58.
6) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
At this time I am working on expanding my readership through social internet contacts and (soon to come) a rebuild of my website at http://www.greatlakesromances.com/. Concerning writing and publishing, I have in mind to develop a cookbook based on the heritage of historic Fayette, Michigan.
7) Parting comments?
I’m new to the social websites and am profoundly grateful for the supportive nature of my contacts there. I pray God’s blessings for all who touch my life via the web.

Love Finds You in Holiday Florida by Sandra D. Bricker

Interview with the author:

1) How did this story come to you?
I received a call from Rachel Meisel, the senior editor at Summerside, asking if I would be interested in writing something light and funny for a town they thought had a cute name. It was Holiday, Florida. Living in Tampa, I’m sorry to tell you that I didn’t even know I was only 30 minutes from Holiday! So my friend Marian and I went on an exploration trip, thinking we’d spend the day there. But when we arrived, we quickly learned that a whole day in Holiday was a pretty funny idea. There wasn’t much to the place! But we started driving through the residential streets there, trying to find some inspiration. Just when I was feeling a little light on creativity, I turned a corner (literally and figuratively!). Two elderly women in spandex and fanny packs were power-walking down the street in front of my car, showing no signs of moving to the side. I kind of groaned while I waited, glanced over at the front yard of one of the houses on that street, and there were these two ridiculous pink flamingo lawn ornaments staring back at me. The connection was made right then and there! Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida turned out to be filled with quirky characters in a hysterical community of people.

Bostonian Cassie Constantine is only in Florida long enough to use her Christmas break to get the vacation house that she’s always despised ready for the real estate market. But her widow status is like a target on her back, and the elderly matchmakers around town manage to sidetrack her mission at every turn. Holiday is a land mine of golf tournaments, ballroom dancing competitions, shuffleboard and day trips. But the biggest obstacle of all? Nope, not Sophie the crazy Collie. It's Richard Dillon, the stuffed shirt she’s paired with on the dance floor. He makes her heartbeat tap faster than the rhythm of The Quickstep.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Due to some fairly poor planning on my part, as well as some accidental scheduling hiccups that were out of my control, I had three contracted books come up with deadlines very close to each other. Since I also work a full-time day job, it was an extremely delicate balance to meet all three of those deadlines. I ended up taking some vacation time for Holiday, or we might not be talking about it right now. I did a lot of fretting, praying and brainstorming during those weeks, but when both Summerside editors came back telling me how much they loved the end product, I could breathe easier. Now that I’ve gone back and read it all the way through, I’m really excited about the finished product.

3) What do you love most about being a writer?
The process. I really love storytelling. I have a very visual style, and most of my stories are character driven. That gives me a wonderful opportunity to really get to know my characters as I’m writing. I’m often sad to see my friends go when I write the final lines of a book.

4) What frustrates you about being a writer?
Rules. Don’t get me wrong, I do know that those RULES FOR WRITERS are there for a purpose, and it’s important to know them. But when you come up with a strategy to break them, and it’s really working, it can be very frustrating when other writers want to cling so vehemently to their rules that they take the adventure out of it!

5) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Hmmm. Well … I suppose #1 would have to be that I’m very, very shy. People who have met me are often stunned by this admission because my characters are so quirky and out there, but it’s true.

#2: I’m a cancer survivor. More people probably know now than they did before because my devotional coming out this month (Be Still … and Let Your Nail Polish Dry) has been earmarked for a portion of the royalties to be sent to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Because of that, I’ve done several interviews about my battle with the disease, and I’ve begun talking about it for the first time. I’m 5-1/2 years cancer-free now though!

#3: I spent 15 years as a publicist to soap stars. I had my own business in Los Angeles and had clients on General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, Bold & Beautiful, etc. It was a whole other life than the one I live now.

6) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve got The Big 5-OH! coming out in February, and I’m just finishing Always the Baker, Never the Bride, my second comedy for Abingdon Press’ new fiction line, which will be out in the fall of 2010. It’s a funny account of a diabetic baker who can’t eat her own confections. After this, I’ll have a couple of months before I have to start writing my next Love Finds You book. Between now and then, it’s promotion for Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida and NAPS. Lots and lots of naps.

7) Parting comments?
I’ve been so blessed over the last couple of years. Although I’ve been writing for a very long time, I finally broke into the inspirational market last year with Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas, and that was a benchmark book for me in my personal mission to deliver uplifting, Christian-based fiction that can touch a reader’s spirit as well as make them laugh out loud. Especially after cancer, I know firsthand the importance of finding something to laugh about in times of challenge and struggle. I live my life by that scripture that says that a merry heart is like good medicine, and I’m so grateful to the many readers who have encouraged me in finding my voice and living this dream of mine. There’s just so much bad secular fiction out there, and I’m committed to the ministry of painting my little corner of the world with Godly hues so that people have something to turn to. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who have helped me do that, and to all of you who are just starting to join me in the cause. I’m continually humbled and thankful for the turns my life has taken on this road, and every time a reader tells me they laughed AND cried through one of my books, I know that God is doing what He promised. It’s life-changing, and I’m so grateful.

Web site: http://www.sandradbricker.com/
Personal blog: http://sandradbricker.blogspot.com/
Group blog: http://bestilldevos.blogspot.com/