If you want to be entered in the drawing for Ruth’s book, please leave a comment with an email address or email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawing ends next Sunday evening.
Ruth Axtell Morren’s interview:
1. What made you start writing? I’d always wanted to be a writer, since about the age of eleven or twelve when I became such an avid reader. But I pretty much gave up that dream in college to pursue more practical things. Then, in my late-twenties, stuck in a dead-end job, I began co-writing a historical romance at the instigation of a college friend. She quit after a while, but I kept going, writing in my car during my lunch hours.
2. How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book? I sold my first book about 14 years after I started seriously pursuing writing historical romances.
3. How do you handle rejections? It’s never easy. I just put aside my disappointment and get my mind on the next or current project.
4. Why do you write? Several years ago, before publication, I came to the conclusion that I write because I’m a writer, regardless of whether anyone would ever read my words or not.
5. What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing? Who knows? By now, I’d probably have an outside job, since my kids are old enough to take care of themselves.
6. What are you working on right now? A regency for 2009. It’s a sequel to a book that’s scheduled to be released late this summer.
7. Do you put yourself into your books/characters? Most definitely. My hero and heroine become an extension of me (or me of them) for the few months I’m in that first draft mode.
8. Tell us about the book you have out right now. The Rogue’s Redemption is the story of a man who’s empty inside. He’s suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome following his years of battle during the Napoleonic wars. He’s carrying around a lot of guilt, which he deals with by heavy drinking, gambling and wenching on his return to England after the peace. Few suspect what is going on within him, because on the outside he’s very carefree and witty. Only the heroine, an American Yankee, suspects he is a man who desperately needs redemption.
9. Do you have any advice for other writers? In today’s competitive market, I would say only pursue a career in writing if you cannot imagine NOT writing. And, have another job which enables you to keep writing on the side without having to fret too much about the next contract or royalty statement (or have a husband whose income allows a one-income family). This advice may sound like a downer, but I think few unpublished writers realize the grim economics of the fiction writing career. This is probably why most literary writers are also professors on the side.
10. How important is faith in your books? Very important. The only reason I’m published is because my work was given into the Lord’s hands at a crucial moment in my career, and the only reason I continue to be published is to glorify Jesus Christ.
11. What themes do you like to write about? Salvation, redemption, forgiveness, sanctification, walking the walk…
12. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why? It’s always the current one, because that’s the one I’m living at the moment.
13. What is your writing schedule like? After the children are off to school and I’ve straightened up the kitchen, dressed, etc., I sit down at my computer. When I’m under deadline pressure, I stay away from email, and get right to the manuscript. When I’m still in the beginning phases of a book (like right now), I can indulge myself a little more, check my email, the various writers loops, etc., before I open up my manuscript.
But ideally, I write about ten pages a day and finish up in the early afternoon, so I can go take a walk and be ready for the kids when they come home.
A lot of my brainstorming, though, takes place at odd hours of the day or night—during my walk, or in the wee hours of the morning. Then, I usually have to jot things down for use in later scenes. That’s when my plot really develops or I get the great lines of dialogue, not when I’m sitting down at the computer.
Nice interview, ladies.
Ruth, I like what you said about your favorite book being the one you’re currently writing because those characters have come to life for you. It’s that way for me too. My family feels like the characters have become new members because they’re so real to me. My husband or daughter will even humor me and ask over dinner how “James” or “Rebecca” got along that day.
Margaret, please don’t enter me in the drawing for Ruth’s book. I got my copy at my local Mart last week. Thanks.
Great interview. I enjoyed it very much. Congratulations on your wonderful writing career, Ruth.
staciemcclellan@yahoo.com
I enjoyed Ruth’s interview – – it sounds like she’s disciplined when it comes to her time on the computer (unlike some of us who “give in” and visit blogs and check e-mail during times we should be writing *grin*!). ~ Margaret, please enter me in the drawing…I’ve never read one of Ruth’s books and this one sounds great. Blessings, Patti Jo 🙂
pattijomoore(at)yahoo(dot)com
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and would love to read one of Ruth’s books. Regeancies were always a favorite of mine, and I would love to read one with Christian themes.
cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net
I have not read any of Ruth’s books and would like to! I would appreciate being entered in your drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Hi Ruth,
Great interview.
I bought A Man Most Worthy yesterday. It was lying on the table today when my mom came in and zeroed right in on it. She read the back cover comment, squealed, “Oh, that sounds good!” and I haven’t seen it, or her, since. lol I’ll have to wait a bit to read it, but I can’t wait. 🙂
I love Ruth’s books! Please enter me for this drawing. Thanks!
danelli04[at]hotmail[dot]com
Please enter me, I would love to read Ruth’s book, thanks!
Wonderful interview. I love Ruth’s work. She really does a wonderful job of incorporating christian faith in the Regency books of hers I have read. Regency is one of my favorite time periods and it is so refreshing to read one not filled with gratuitous sex.