Don’t forget if you want to enter the drawing for Love’s Healing Touch you need to email me at Mdaley50@aol.com by Sunday evening.
1. What made you start writing?
I’ve written forever. My third-grade teacher said I’d be a writer. The other day, I discovered a play I’d written when I was nine.
2. How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
I’ve been writing seriously–with the goal of being published for over ten years. My first book The Mad Herringtons was published by Avalon Books in 2001.
3. How do you handle rejections?
I cry a little, then I either edit what was rejected or work on something new.
4. Why do you write?
I write because I can’t not write. I have all these ideas bouncing through my head that I need to write down. Most importantly, I believe God has given me this talent and I must use it to witness
5. What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?
Something not nearly as much fun–maybe cleaning the oven.
6. What are you working on right now?
I’m finishing Deep in the Heart, a contemporary set in Texas which will be published by Steeple Hill Love Inspired in September, 2008, as well as a historical which will be published in 2009.
7. Do you put yourself into your books/characters?
Although I’m seldom in my books, one of our cocker spaniels is prominent in Deep in the Heart. I have written several characters based on family and friends–but not in ways that they could recognize themselves. I do put my faith in every book.
8. Tell us about the book you have out right now.
Love’s Healing Touch is the sequel to my first Love Inspired, The Path to Love. The current book is about Mike Fuller who must quit medical school to support his younger brother and his flamboyant mother. He has to give up his dream but discovers the new life he’s building with Dr. Ana Ramirez and the recovery of his faith are worth far more than anything he could have foreseen.
9. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing. I struggled for years before my first book was published. If I hadn’t kept writing, I wouldn’t be here.
10. How important is faith in your books?
Being able to express my faith is the best part of writing for Steeple Hill. During the toughest and most joyful parts of life, I’ve always know my Savior was with me and my family. To be able to share that with others is a great blessing.
11. What themes do you like to write about?
I like to write about reconciliation–between people and with God. I like to write about the lost being found and the healing power of faith and love.
12. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?
Every book I’ve written is a favorite, each for different reasons. With each, I’ve loved developing characters, putting them in difficult situations and having them change, become stronger, and find a deeper faith.
13. You write both historical and contemporary books? Which is your favorite and why?
I love both. My husband and I enjoy history very much so the research and the ability to create the feel of a historical era is fun. With a contemporary, I’m able to write about situations I know which feels very comfortable.
14. What is your writing schedule like?
I start writing at 8 A.M. and write until noon, Monday through Saturday. Then I swim for an hour. In the afternoon, I do errands, housework, spending time with my husband and read. In the evening, I often research or edit.
15. Has your job as a teacher helped you as a writer? If so, how?
I believe teaching taught me discipline. Because I taught high school Spanish, there’s little similarity between writing and teaching. I also learned a great deal about people when teaching which probably has influenced how I presented some of my characters.
