If you want a chance to win a copy of her book Courting Miss Adelaide, please leave a comment with your email or email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawing ends Sunday night.
Janet Dean’s interview:
1.What made you start writing?
At twelve, I wrote and illustrated little romances. I’m not sure what motivated me except that I believe God gives each of us talents and drives. The desire to tell stories is part of who I am.
2.How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
I’ve written for publication since 1997 when I joined Romance Writers of America. Melissa Endlich bought Courting Miss Adelaide for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical on June 29, 2006. LIH launched in February so it’s been a long wait.
3.How do you handle rejections?
My first contest entry made it clear I had a great deal to learn before my work was saleable so I revamped my expectations…until my manuscripts began winning contests. In the fall of 2005, I came close to quitting after my manuscript was a Golden Heart finalist. I’d expected to garner an agent or sale or both, but got neither. Within a matter of weeks, I tumbled from the mountain top to the valley. If I’d quit, I would’ve missed THE CALL nine months later. Rejection is part of a writer’s life and doesn’t stop with publication. It helps to remember countless writers before me experienced rejection and eventually met with success. Chocolate and understanding family and friends help, too. ☺
4.Why do you write?
Once I discovered inspirational fiction, I knew I was meant to write faith-based stories. I hope my books honor God, entertain and strengthen my readers’ walk.
5.What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?
Probably I’d draw, paint and knit—all creative outlets. I’d volunteer more. I’d also get serious about my pathetic golf game.
6.What are you working on right now?
I’m working on a new proposal and doing all I can to promote Courting Miss Adelaide, which released last week.
7.Do you put yourself into your books/characters?
Who I am comes out in my style/ voice. My characters possess my values and faith or they rebel against them. Though, my heroes and heroines are stronger and more confrontational than I. And far more interesting. ☺
8.Tell us about the book you have out right now.
Courting Miss Adelaide:
The “orphan train” seemed like small-town spinster Adelaide Crum’s last chance to know the simple joys of family life. So many lost children, every one of them dreaming only of a caring home—the home she longed to offer. And yet the narrow-minded town elders refused to entrust even the most desperate child to a woman alone….
Newspaperman Charles Graves believed his heart was closed forever, but he swore to stand by this lovely, lonely woman who was fighting for the right to take some motherless child into her heart. And her gentle soul and unwavering faith made him wonder if even he could overcome the bitter lessons of the past, and somehow find the courage to love….
9.Do you have any advice for other writers?
I’d advice those who haven’t yet sold to hone your craft, write more/polish less and never give up. It’s wise to purchase your domain name. If you can manage the time and expense, look into a blog and Web site.
10.How important is faith in your books?
Faith is important in my life so it’s natural for me to give some characters strong faith while others struggle or even rebel against God. However, I write to entertain and keep readers turning pages.
11. What themes do you like to write about?
Forgiveness and unconditional love are two recurring themes.
12. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?
I’d have to say Courting Miss Adelaide. Not that I love the story more than the rest, but this book gave me a long list of firsts I’ll always cherish: My first Golden Heart final, first sale, first cover, first review, first reader letter, first book signing.
13. What is your writing schedule like?
I juggle my schedule depending on what’s going on in my life. Btu my ideal day starts with coffee, devotions, e-mail, a visit to www.Seekerville.blogspot.com, my group blog. On a good day, I post at my blog, Cup of Faith www.janetdean.blogspot.com. I like to be dressed and sitting at my desk by ten, then write until four with a break for lunch. I try to get to Curves three times a week from 4-5:00. Evenings I take a walk with my husband. If I’m on deadline, I pretty much spend my day and evening at the computer.
Thanks, Margaret, for having me on your blog today. I enjoyed it!
Blessings, Janet
This sounds like a really lovely story. I have heard such good things about this book around the blog sites. Please enter me in the drawing.
castings[at]mindspring[dot]com
Nice interview, Janet and Margaret. Thanks.
I like your advice to as-yet unpublished writers, Janet, to write more and polish less. It takes time to “get it” as a writer, and writing is what makes that happen. As a recovering perfectionist, I’m guilty of having spent too much time editing my manuscripts. I just shelved my first five and am excited about starting my sixth.
Please don’t enter my name in the drawing, Margaret. Not only have I read and enjoyed my copy of Courting Miss Adelaide, but I have and autographed copy to give away this evening over at Romance Writers on the Journey, where I interviewed Janet Thursday:
romancewritersonthejourney.wordpress.com.
Two lucky blog visitors will get to read Miss Addie’s great story and find out what a spunky, determined woman she is and how she works to improve the lives of those near and dear to her. They’ll also meet Charles, the dreamy hero who must do battle with his past in order to embrace the future God has for him.
Hi! I have been following some of her interviews and book reviews. The cover of her book is lovely. Pleas enter me in your wonderful book drawing. I appreciate it! Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I’ve also read her reviews and interviews and this book definately sounds like a winner. Please enter me too.
Hi Cheri! Glad you’re hearing good things about my book!
Sorry I’m late getting back to you. I just returned from my first book signing. I sold 229 copies of Courting Miss Adelaide. A great experience!
Janet
Hi Keli. Congrats on starting your sixth book. Proud of you!
Charles and Adelaide thank you for the lovely words about them.
Janet
Hi Cindy, My dear husband had a cake made with Courting Miss Adelaide’s cover made of icing. How do bakeries do that? I had the pleasure of eating the piece with my name. 🙂
Janet
Hi Kimmyl, thanks for your interest in Courting Miss Adelaide.
Janet
I actually already have this, so don’t enter me.
Just wanted her to know how much I’m enjoying it! Have almost finished it!
I’m sorry Janet.
229 Copies!!!!
That’s incredible. Huge congratulations 🙂
Hi Jessica, Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying Courting Miss Adelaide.
Janet
Jessica, my friends have been waiting to see my books get in print for eleven years and are almost as excited as I am. Only two strangers bought a book and a couple friends of friends, but all the rest who were friends or neighbors. Many don’t read inspirationals so I’m excited about introducing them to Christian fiction. And very excited that my Independent Christian bookstore saw Steeple Hill books flying out the door.
Janet
This book sounds really cute and I would love to be entered into the drawing.
Thanks,
Stormi
ladystorm282001@yahoo.com
I’ve only read one LIH, and enjoyed it immensely. I’ve read a number of LIS (including one of Margaret’s!). I’ve been hearing a lot of praise for Courting Miss Adelaide and I’d love to win a copy.
Janet – I’m intrigued by the “polish less” advise. I’m neck deep in editing/rewriting my manuscript. I think I’ve learned a lifetime of skills in writing it, so hopefully the next one won’t need quite so much polish. Unfortunately, sigh, there’s always something more to learn!
Tammy Doherty
tdinishowen(at)aol(dot)com
Hi Stormi! Good to see you again.
Janet
Hi Tammy. We writers all want to produce the best book we can. For me, that means lots of revisions. But experience is a great teacher. Each book we write is like taking a college course.
Another benefit of writing more–having a larger body of work for a publisher to buy once you sell. 🙂
Janet
This does sound like a wonderful book. I know as an unpublished writer I get caught up in the polishing too. I like to advise to write more and polish less. Thanks. runninmama[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Janet, the book sounds wonderful. A plot with character and I love your tenacious spirit! I’m mulling over your comment -“write more/polish less!”
Jude
This sounds like a wonderful story and whenever I get a copy I’ll have to hide it from my Mom or she’ll be trying to steal it before I get it read! Good Luck, Janet! Can’t wait to read it!
victorian-nurse[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
I enjoyed the interview and would like to be entered into the drawing. The book has had good reviews on the blogs I have read.
bev
b{dot}werts{at}sbcglobal{dot}net
I so look forward to reading this book, I love stories about orphan trains! Thanks so much for the chance to win:)
Hi Donna, I’m one of those writers who finds it hard to stop revising. But now that I have deadlines to meet, I don’t have time to polish endlessly.
Janet
Hi Jude, I’m a perfectionist who always found something to fix when I should’ve been writing new. But I’ll also offer what may sound like contradictory advice. Don’t submit a manuscript too soon. We have to find a balance between a manuscript that isn’t ready and a manuscript we’re obsessing over.
Janet
Hi Bev, glad you’re hearing good things about Courting Miss Adelaide.
Thanks for stopping!
Janet
Tonya, good luck with getting to read Courting Miss Adelaide before your mom gets hold of it. 🙂
Janet
Hi Carolynn, thanks for taking the opportunity for a chance to win.
🙂
Janet
Hi Janet, Loved reading more about your writing life. Hey, congrats on your debut autograph party. 229 books. That has to be a record. Must be a terrific book. Well of course it is as you’re a terrific writer.
Congrats on the new book. Love the cover.