Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I cannot specify one favorite author. There are too many that fill me with emotion as I read.
But this year, my favorite is Stephanie Grace Whitson, a dear friend and historical writer who just released her last book. We’ve known one another for a long time and she is a beautiful, godly person. Her most recent book, Love at First Light, touched me in ways I hadn’t faced for a time. Set in Nebraska City post-Civil War, I consider this the best Nebraska historical I’ve ever read. There are too many delights to point out. Highly recommended. Steph is a beloved sister in Christ.
What is the hardest part about writing?
Years ago, I looked forward to writing as a task that became easier. Not so. I don’t have to do a lot of research when I prepare a story, but I do need a sense of the small town, be it real or fictional. Christians face life issues the same as all people of the world. Families are imperfect and there is always a needy one, be it emotionally dysfunctional, mental, physical, or social. That takes personal experience of checking into the background of an issue.
Most important for me as author, I don’t want to let down God. I need to ask for His help continually, because I am ultimately working for Him. My words should glorify Him and spur others to salvation or serving. I can’t do that on my own strength.
Do you have advice for other writers?
My first suggestion is to pray. Our Lord will let you know whether or not this is something you should pursue. A long time ago, I heard an author say “A writer can’t not write.” And that’s true. If I awake in the night with the compulsion to write something down, I need to do it in the dark. Whatever that something was, will be gone in the morning.
If a story idea keeps spurring you on and characters live in your subconscious, you know you’re doing what you are supposed to be doing. So don’t stop. It’s not an easy road. Financial gain should not be your goal, but doing what you should be doing is satisfactory.
“A writer can’t not write,” so don’t stop!
How can readers connect with you?
