1. What made you start writing?
R: I’ve always wanted to write. My dad encouraged me
from elementary school on, so it was a seed I carried
for many years.
2. How long have you been writing? When did you
sell your first book?
R: I’ve been writing diaries since I was six. Those
are interesting to read. I majored in Journalism at
Ohio State, then wrote my first novel in ’94. I took a
break to focus on my corporate job, then went back to
writing in ’99. I signed my first contract in 2002.
3. How do you handle rejections?
R: Rejections are hard, no doubt. I was usually
disappointed for a little while, maybe a few hours,
then figured out what I could do next, how to over
come. Rejection is just an opportunity to find
success.
4. Why do you write?
R: I love words. I’m not sure I could stop writing,
even if I didn’t earn another book contract. Writing
is a passion. I love stories.
5. What would you be doing with your free time if
you weren’t writing?
R: Good question. I suppose I’d work on getting rock
hard abs or something. Photography is another love of
mine, so I’d invest in a great camera and take
pictures.
6. What are you working on right now?
RH: I’m working on a story about an artist, Elle
Garvey. The title is Love Starts With Elle. It’s my
second lowcountry book and I’m excited about it. Sweet
Caroline is the first, coming out in February 2008
from Thomas Nelson.
7. Do you put yourself into your books/characters?
R: There is always some part of me that embodies my
characters. I’m not sure I could tell a solid story
without putting myself into it. But, I don’t preach,
or advance my ideas and politics through my
characters. They only say the things I believe in IF
it is true to their character. I’ve had characters say
things I don’t believe because it fit them and the
scene.
8. Tell us about the book you have out right now.
RH: My current release is Diva NashVegas, a really
wonderful story about mega country star, Aubrey James.
When I submitted the book to my editor, I found it
difficult to say good-bye to Aubrey.
Her story is one of renewal, forgiveness, love and
realizing her future by healing her past.
9. Do you have any advice for other writers?
R: Don’t give up. If writing is your passion, keep at
it. Read, study the craft and work hard to tell a
powerful story.
Also, schedule time to write and don’t let anything
keep you from it.
10. How important is faith in your books?
R: The faith journey is something I write according to
the story and the character. For Aubrey, her faith
journey was more subtle than Elle’s, the character I’m
writing now.
But because the same Spirit that raised Christ from
the dead lives in me, I can’t imagine not having some
faith element. Some times the picture the story paints
is alone the faith element. Love conquering judgment.
Characters showing mercy and forgiveness, or esteeming
someone higher than themselves. The Gospel acted out
in fiction.
11. What themes do you like to write about?
R: Love is a big theme for me. And achieving one’s
dream. My first NashVegas book, Lost In NashVegas, is
about a girl leaving her home town, over coming her
fears, and realizing her dream.
12. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?
R: Diva NashVegas. It was a hard book to write because
I’ve never been a country diva, but Aubrey developed
on the page as a classy, beautiful lady. Maybe she is
that part of me that wanted to be a country star.
But, Sweet Caroline is also one of my favorites.
Caroline was also hard to write because I started her
story right after sending in Aubrey’s and I was still
so attached to her.
Anyway, Caroline shows such grace and love in the
midst of her own woundedness. She’s really
extraordinary.
13. I know that performing and singing is an important part of your
life. How does your music affect your stories?
R: Thank you, Margaret, but I’ll tell you, other than
leading worship, I never sing or perform any where. I
don’t sing solos or sign up for talent nights. Isn’t
that funny? I just never have. Maybe when I was
younger, it would’ve interested me, but for now, I’m
happy and content to simply lead worship.
When writing the NashVegas books, ones with a focus on
music, I did use my experience with musicians and
being on stage to understand my characters. I also dug
deep and created partial lyrics for songs they “sang”
in the stories. I’m not a songwriter, but it was fun
to make up a lyric or two.
Music is a powerful medium. It’s a great way to envoke
emotion. I heard a song from the ’70s the other day
and instantly saw my current hero and heroine in a
deep scene together. I couldn’t wait to go home and
write it.
14. What is your writing schedule like?
R: When I’m on a deadline, I write 4 – 6 hours a day
for first draft. I can write 2000 words a day if I
know what I’m doing. After the first draft, I write 10
– 15 hours a day to rewrite and polish. Usually I’m a
month away from submitting by then, so it takes all my
time to get the manuscript right.
I write five days a week, some times six, but I try to
take weekends off.