Laurie Kingery’s interview

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Laurie Kingery’s interview:

1. What made you start writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a kid, before I could really spell, then went on to write Beatles stories to entertain the girls in junior high (I know, I’m dating myself.)But as far as a serious career, I started in the midst of the historical romance book in the ’80’s and thought if I did enough research, I could do what these authors were doing. I was fortunate enough to sell my first submission.

2. How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?

Serious,for-publication writing, since the mid-80’s. My first book was published in 1987.

3. How do you handle rejections?

Better than I used to. I don’t cry—much, anyway—and I email all my writer friends for sympathy , and indulge myself in some way—chocolate, shopping, or both. ☺

4. Why do you write?

When I was writing for the general market, it was because I enjoy telling stories and the extra money I could earn from telling them well. Now that I write inspirationals, I still enjoy telling stories of course, but my chief motivation is to glorify the Lord and show Him to others.

5. What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?

I should say cleaning my house ☺, but I suppose you want the truth—reading.My TBR pile is horrendous.

6. What are you working on right now?

The first book of a new series for Steeple Hill, tentatively titled MARRYING MILLY.

7. Do you put yourself into your books/characters?

Unconsciously, yes. I doubt that my heroines would react in a way I would not. I always learn about myself when I write.

8. Tell us about the book you have out right now.

HILL COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is the story of an impoverished young woman in a small Texas town after the Civil War who unexpectedly comes into great wealth. She learns wealth doesn’t bring true security—only a close relationship with the Lord does. She also learns that the man whom she thought she loved is not who she thought he was, and that the mysterious drifter who brought her the news of her inheritance may actually be the man God has chosen for her.

9. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Read everything, but especially in your genre. And be disciplined about your use of the internet. Don’t even have it open during your writing hours. I didn’t have the internet when I started, and while it made research tougher, I also got more writing done.

10. How important is faith in your books?

Absolutely essential. If you take God out of the picture, it wouldn’t be the same book at all.

11. What themes do you like to write about?

My books often involves journeys. I think that’s a metaphor for life, which is a journey, or a process. I also like the themes of redemption and that people are often not what they seem.

12. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?

Of my previous books in the general market, when I wrote as Laurie Grant, THE DUCHES AND THE DESPERADO, because I mixed characters from England and the Old West, and they’re so different. I’m doing that again in MARRYING MILLY.

13. What is your writing schedule like?

Very irregular, since I still work outside writing (as an E.R. nurse on the night shift. I write mostly in the afternoons, till dinner. When I’m on deadline I may start earlier and work later, depending on my other work schedule.