Ann Shorey’s interview

» Posted on Mar 3, 2009 in Blog | Comments Off on Ann Shorey’s interview


This week I’m hosting Ann Shorey with The Edge of Light and Jill Eileen Smith with Michal, the first in a series about David’s wives. If you would like to be entered in the drawings for these books or only one, please leave a comment this week on one of the blogs with which drawings you want to be entered in. Also you have to leave your email address to be entered (I need it to contact you) or you can email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end on Sunday evening.

Ann Shorey’s interview:

1. What made you start writing?

I’ve been told ever since high school that I should be a writer. Twenty years ago, following a traumatic event in my life, I finally had the time to devote to learning and practicing the craft.

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

I’ve been writing seriously since 1991. I sold my first novel in 2007, part of a three-book series.

3. How do you handle rejections?

I give myself permission to feel bad for a day, then I go back to writing. Prior to selling my series, I would often go to the Lord after a rejection and ask if writing was really what He wanted me to do. Somehow, he’d always send encouragement in some form or another to keep me going.

4. Why do you write?

Because I love working with words. At this point in my life, I feel this is where the Lord is calling me. When He withdraws his approval, I’ll know it.

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

I’d have more flexibility to go places with my husband at a moment’s notice. I’d try new recipes, work in my flower garden, and spend a whole afternoon curled up in a chair reading if I wanted to.

6. What are you working on right now?

I’m writing Book 3 in the At Home in Beldon Grove series and doing the edits on Book 2.

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

Not intentionally, although I imagine myself in scenes to get a handle on a character’s reactions.

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

The Edge of Light is the story of Molly McGarvie. It’s set in 1838 Missouri and Illinois. Molly’s husband dies unexpectedly and she’s left with three children and another on the way. When her husband’s unscrupulous brother takes over the family business she’s left to fend for herself. The story tells of her struggle to survive through the many obstacles that arise.

The story was inspired by one of my great-great aunts. Much of what happens at the start of the story is true—the rest is my imagining of what might have been.

9. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don’t quit the first time you are rejected—or even after the fiftieth time! Keep learning your craft and improving your work. Write every day.

10. How important is faith in your books?

My main characters are believers, although sometimes they drift into doing things their own way. For me, I believe God blesses when I put Him in the center of my work.

11. What themes do you like to write about?

Perseverance, trust, family love.

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

Since The Edge of Light is my first novel, it’s my current favorite. ☺

13. What is your writing schedule like?

I start writing around 11:00 am, after walking the dog and doing whatever household chores absolutely cannot be ignored. I’ll work until 4:00 or 5:00, with a break for lunch. You did say “schedule”, didn’t you? There are some unscheduled middle of the night times when I wake up with an idea and head for the computer for fear I’ll forget by morning.