Cecelia Dowdy’s interview

» Posted on Jan 15, 2009 in Blog | Comments Off on Cecelia Dowdy’s interview


If you want to enter either or both drawings this week for MaryLu Tyndall’s Red Siren and Cecelia Dowdy’s Milk Money, please leave a comment with your email address (this has to be there or I can’t enter you in the drawing) or you can email me at
margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday evening.

Cecelia Dowdy’s interview:

1. What made you start writing? Well, I’ve always loved reading, and one day I was bored at work, and didn’t have a book to read during my lunch break, so I started writing.

2. How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book? I’ve been seriously writing for fourteen years. I sold my first book in 2000 and it was released in 2002.

3. How do you handle rejections?
I just don’t give up. I file away the rejections and try to search for another publisher who may be interested in my project.

4. Why do you write? I write because I love it!

5. What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing? Probably reading more books and spending my free time in the kitchen, experimenting with dessert recipes.

6. What are you working on right now? I’m working on a novel about a blind man who works as a computer programmer, who falls in love with single mother who runs her own restaurant. I have two agents who want to see the full manuscript, so I hope I can find a home for it!

7. Do you put yourself into your books/characters?
Yes, I do. I believe most writers put themselves into their characters, even though they may not realize that they’re doing this.

8. Tell us about the book you have out right now. My book is called Milk Money. Here’s a brief description of my novel:
Running a dairy farm alone is a big job. When her dad dies, Emily works hard to save the family farm. Her world turns upside down the day Franklin Reese, CPA, pulls in her driveway, announcing he’s there to do an audit. Frank is appalled at the lack of interest Emily has in her farm’s finances, but he’s determined to help her learn. The further he looks into Mr. Cooper’s dealings, the more uncomfortable he becomes. As he uncovers the truth about Mr. Cooper’s finances, he struggles with his own issues. Can Emily love Frank since he’s an unsaved alcoholic?

9. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Yes, learn the craft by joining a writers group like American Christian Fiction Writers or Romance Writers of America. Interact with other writers by attending writers’ conferences.

10. How important is faith in your books? I think the faith element is the most important, integral part of my story.

11. What themes do you like to write about?
Keeping faith in God, no matter what happens in our lives. Sometimes when we’re struggling with issues, it’s hard to keep trusting in Him.

12. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why? Milk Money. I really loved delving into the life of an alcoholic, showing how his acceptance of Jesus was instrumental in helping him to battle his addiction.

13. What is your writing schedule like?
I mostly write early in the morning, but when I’m on deadline, I’ll write early morning and in the evenings after I get home from my day job.