What inspired you to write the book? I was inspired to write this book while watching my Koi one day in my backyard pond. Noticing the dead branches of my neighbor’s plum tree hanging over the fence, I recalled when this tree had been alive with delicate leafy arms hovering over the pond in the past. The tree bore fruit, and shielded the fish from flying predators. The shade of the tree protected the pond from the harmful rays of the sun that can create strings of algae, quite a mess to clean up. On this particular day, I studied even the beauty of the sculptured dead branches reaching out like talons ready to pluck a fish from a stream. The tree was dead, no doubt…but what if it miraculously came back to life? My first grandson had just been born, and I knew he would have many visits to the pond and want to feed the fish. So I decided to write a 10 page picture book about the connection between the tree and the pond and how important both are to one another. Little did I know that the short story idea would turn into a novel! The thoughts and characters just kept coming to me based on (some) actual events in my own backyard, like chasing away possums or raccoons with a useless hose. Our dog, Sundance, was a major force in keeping away the critters too. He had just died, and writing was therapy to help me get over the loss of this wonderful member of our family. I remember crying and smiling when I wrote about him. It’s so true that writing is good for the soul.
How did you come up with the names of your characters?
I used family and friends’ names for most of the characters. But I went to my old friend, Webster, and searched the back page sections of this relic book… from Biographical Names to the Pronouncing Gazetteer to a Vocabulary of Common English Given Names. It was there that I found the perfect names for the tree (Thalia) and the sea creature (Murdoch). Thalia means blooming| luxuriant; and, Murdoch means Sea Man.
Other than writing what else do you like to do?
I am, of course, a pond keeper. Like the character, Cathryn, when my husband retired from his construction job, I put him to work in our backyard and had him dig me a long deep hole on the side of our house. A friend of ours had just turned her Jacuzzi into a pond and I was hooked! (No pun intended). The hobby of caring for pond fish, choosing hearty plants, and my favorite… searching for just the right rocks to garnish the pond is a fun pass time. I also have a 70 gallon aquarium in my home office. Having this indoor underwater world ‘takes me away’ when I need a break from working at the computer or when I’m on the phone. There is a lot of activity watching these little guys wiggling through the plants, over and around rocks, and exploring their home. Fish do have personalities you know, if you just take the time to watch them long enough. I also enjoy snow skiing and playing golf. I’ve never been a “crafty” person. I need to be outdoors. I love our National Parks, hiking on vacation and visiting new cities, especially the old quaint towns with a lot of history. Recently I read about “Fairy Gardens” and I intend to give this a try…maybe bringing the Rainbow Fairy in my book to life!
Are you inspired by people you know for your stories?
Yes. My son, Price, is the one who suggested I turn the picture book into an adventure story. Maybe this was his way of getting out of being the illustrator? Price suggested that the fish go on a journey. Okay. Fine. So how do you get a fish out of a pond? After a lot of research on the Internet, I learned about aquifers and so a new idea was born. I then started on my first journey as an author. It was a fun trip. I gave Price credit on the copyright page as the person with the “Bright Ideas.” Conversely, if the question refers to if I was inspired by people I know as I developed the story and characters, I would again say yes. As I began to think about the personalities of the characters, I drew upon my family’s southern background that I was exposed to as a child. I was not raised in the south, but the south raised me in California. I was taught to be polite, respect my elders, and that family ties were very important.
What message were you trying to impart to the reader?
I wanted the young reader to know they are not alone in any difficult situations or disappointing events in their life. I wanted to share that there is a God in Heaven who loves them and watches over them. All they have to do is trust in Jesus, the light of the world, and follow him. Just like Olivia had to trust in a magical light in a dark world, so do we. I wanted to convey that God has a plan for our lives. We may not know about it or see it now, but scripture says: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.
Brady struggled after he lost the ball game when he threw that home run pitch, but later found out there was a reason for this. God had a greater purpose for that pitching arm later on in the story.
Olivia and Brady were afraid of the dark, like many children are. I was afraid of the dark as a child, but I was taught in Sunday school that I was never alone. One of my favorite church songs was: No Never Alone..He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.
Who is your favorite Author.
I can choose only one? I will try to narrow this down. As a child, I loved Charlotte’s Web by E. B White. Bringing the animals to life and giving them personalities was so much fun to read. I wanted more, so I guess that’s why I was inspired to write Beyond The Pond. Now I can bring my own animals to life. Jack London books took me on an adventure to Alaska with White Fang and Call of the Wild. But, I identified with Jo in Little Women written by Louisa May Alcott. I became a big fan of Mary Higgins Clark murder mystery stories as a young adult reader. Her stories were clean and not obstructed with bad language or sex scenes. Skip to the present, I enjoy John Grisham. His stories have great plots and characters, and I like his writing style. Also,I just recently Googled him and learned that he attended Delta State University! What? My dad graduated from this college, which I mentioned in my book. Also what I didn’t know about Mr. Grisham is that he is a Christian and he and his wife have taught Sunday School!
What is your favorite book.
Again, I can choose only one? I think I’d rather answer that the the most memorable book for me was Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. This was assigned reading in Jr. High and I never forgot the story. When This Presence Darkness by Frank Peretti was launched, it became one of the best sellers in the Christian community introducing us to Christian Fiction. The story really opened my eyes about the importance of prayer in the spiritual warfare we all face here on earth.
How old were you when you started writing?
When I was 12, I wanted to become a folk singer. I asked my mom for a guitar, took lessons, but the teacher wanted me to learn notes and pick at the guitar strings. I wanted to learn chords and current songs and be on my way to stardom! When that didn’t happen, I started to write my own songs. I still have them somewhere in an old storage box. The next time I wrote was about 10 years ago. My daughter, Kelly, had been involved in a very scary car accident on the freeway. As her car skidded on the slippery pavement, and crossed over lanes of fast moving traffic, it was truly a miracle how she avoided causing a multi-car collision or getting killed. After hearing her story, I thanked God, but felt I had to do more. I wrote a poem called, “The Passenger I Didn’t Pick Up.” It was my way of praising God for the guardian angel he had placed in the seat next to hers. Since then, I’ve written a lot of poetry to document events from the death of Sundance, to when we sold our travel trailer (it was sad to see him go, a lot of memories in that vehicle). Then when my daughter became engaged, I wrote a lot of poems documenting her life. My favorite was “Tea Time with Kelly.” I read my poem at her engagement tea. It was about the tea parties Kelly had with her stuffed animals, and Ken and Barbie, and the invisible tea she poured to her childhood guests. Then the years changed and there were no more tea parties…until now. The tea party had returned with Kelly as the guest of honor. The poem ended with Kelly having her own children and watching their tea parties like I did with her. However, she had two sons! Before they were born, I wrote two short illustrated books about the dreams of what they wanted to be when they grew up, from a baby’s view. Price illustrated the books and I had them printed at Kinkos. I gave them to Kelly at each of her baby showers. These books each mention that the babes were aware of Jesus as their savior as part of their future lives.
Are you planning on writing more books?
Yes. Beyond The Pond ended with the possibility of a sequel. I had started writing the sequel several years ago, then put it on the shelf to finish Beyond and the publishing process. Now the marketing and promoting begins which takes up a lot of time. I’ve had a lot of readers ask me about the sequel, so I guess I’m committed. Beyond Murdoch’s Landing is still in the early stages of ideas and development; I’m trying to figure out the analogies I’ll be using. I’m open to ideas!
When readers criticize your book does it give you pause about writing again or are you encouraged?
No pause at all. My daughter is my best critic. She is an avid reader and actually helped me trim down the story. Although it was difficult to make several of the cuts I worked so hard to develop, I’m a firm believer in having an extra set of eyes on any written document to make it the best it can be. My career in the insurance industry as an investigator / supervisor, required that I read many reports each day and proof them for errors – from simple typos to disjointed sentences. My job was to edit and discuss the reports with my staff. So, I was prepared to have the same done to me.
So far, I have not had any readers criticize my book, but if they do, I hope to be open and listen to what they have to say and take it constructively and apply it in the future.
What advice would you give those trying to write a book?
First - Don’t give up. I’m encouraging two new authors right now to finish what they started. It took me five years to write Beyond The Pond mainly because I had a full time job. Sometimes I’d write into the wee hours of the night. Other times I just stopped and didn’t write for months at a time. I actually had put the book idea out of my mind for almost a year, thinking it was just a lark and a pastime for me to write instead of read so much. Since my job involved proofing and editing investigation reports, I had no desire to do any leisure reading – so writing took its place. Second – any new writer needs to think about the reason they are writing. In today’s market, it is difficult for an unknown author to get noticed by a big publishing firm. So self-publishing is the alternative, and there are many options in this venture. A new writer needs to do a lot of research about the choices in publishing. We would all love to have the next best seller, and of course anything is possible.
Joanie Bruce "Alana Candler, Marked For Murder"
What inspired you to write the book?
This book was inspired by several Christian suspense books I read and loved. At that time, “clean” books in that genre were hard to find, so a desire blossomed inside my heart to write a suspense and use it as a way to honor God and witness for Him.
How did you come up with the names of your characters?
I tried to imagine each character in my mind … what she looked like, what she sounded like, her personality. Then I sat back, closed my eyes, and thought of what that person I was envisioning might be called. The names just popped into my head. Sometimes I changed the name, but most of the time, I kept the names that came to me in the beginning.
Other than writing what else do you like to do?
I love painting oil portraits and landscapes, taking long walks around our beef farm, cooking, and of course, reading. I also love spending time with my family.
Are you inspired by people you know for your stories?
Everyone I know, and sometimes even strangers, affect my life in some way. When I see someone do something special for a stranger or care for a hurting friend, it touches me and inspires me to be a better person. My stories are all inspired by my friends, family, and sometimes perfect strangers.
What message were you trying to impart to the reader?
I want them to realize there is a God who loves them more than they love themselves, and that if they let Him, He’ll guide them through the mountains and valleys of their lives.
Who is your favorite Author?
I really have several. Terri Blackstock is on the top of my list, along with Brandilyn Collins, Lori Wick, and Dee Henderson.
What is your favorite book?
Just one? Whew! That’s hard. I really don’t have just one favorite. I love all the books by the authors I’ve mentioned above and even more.
How old were you when you started writing?
Probably in my teens. I first started writing teenage mysteries then as I grew older, I played around with writing love stories. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I began thinking about writing a Christian suspense.
Are you planning on writing more books?
Most definitely! I have several already planned, and the one I’m working on now is almost half finished.
When readers criticize your book does it give you pause about writing again or are you encouraged?
I’ve always tried to listen to the Bible when it says “a wise man will hear and will increase learning.” It might sting to hear harsh words from a reader, but if they give constructive criticism, I try to listen and improve. If a reader criticizes just because they don’t like the book, I try to encourage myself with the strong belief that I’ve done what the Lord asked of me. And, that’s all I can do.
What advice would you give those trying to write a book?
Persevere! Keep trying and learning. Read as much as you can about writing. Listen to criticism and learn from it.
Thank you for the interview.
Edward F. Mrkvicka,Jr. "The Sin of Forgiveness"
What inspired you to write the book? As with all my Christian books, at some point God lets me know that I should begin putting thought to paper. It may sound trite or cliché, but I write for the Lord. He tells me what, when, and how. I think that’s why I can finish a book so quickly and never have writer’s block. And when I’m finished and read what I’ve written I am often surprised at what I wrote, which is the moment I know I am simply the vehicle. This was very true with The Sin of Forgiveness. Other than writing what else do you like to do? Spend time with my family. We’re very close and do everything together.
Are you inspired by people you know for your stories? Not inspired per se, but I do use situations from my counseling experiences as examples to make various points. While I of course never use names or private information, I’ve found readers can relate better to a line of reasoning when using an example they may have experienced themselves.
What message were you trying to impart to the reader? That real forgiveness is not what most of us think. God’s view is entirely different than society’s view. Sadly, secular lies, having been told for so long, are now accepted as God’s truth, when they are anything but. Secular forgiveness may sound pious, but it’s really the evil one’s way of making our sin comfortable. Everyone is hurt when we don’t follow God’s plan. Conversely, when we do obey, everyone is made whole again - both the one sinned against and the sinner.
what is your favorite Author? For sheer writing ability, Truman Capote.
What is your favorite book? The obvious answer is the Bible, but I don’t consider it a “book.” It is, instead, the Word of God. As for others, I don’t really have one - I love to read, and usually read one a week, sometimes two, as I’ve been blessed with the ability to read quite quickly.
How old were you when you started writing? Around the age of eight. I had received a small printing press from my parents as a gift - shortly thereafter I started a weekly local area “newspaper.” From that point on I was hooked. That said, it wasn’t until my faith intersected with my writing that I felt my efforts were worthwhile.
Are you planning on writing more books? God willing, absolutely.
When readers criticize your book does it give you pause about writing again or are you encouraged? Neither. I try and learn from what people have to say, but as a Christian writer you have little or no leeway. God’s Word is what it is, so all I can change is my presentation, but even then I try not to deviate from His text in any shape, manner, or form.
What advice would you give those trying to write a book? Understand the difficulty of the process before getting started or you’ll get discouraged. For example, most people don’t know that the real effort in “writing” is done long after the book is complete. You have to find an agent, a publisher, and most of the book’s marketing is your job. As for the writing itself, be passionate about what you write, and be dedicated. Write everyday. If you just wrote one page daily you’d have a book within 6 months to a year.
Benjamin Reynolds "Seven Years Until Eternity"
1. What inspired you to write the book?
I felt compelled to share what I felt the Lord have given me about how the end times will unfold. In my experience, most Christians either have no idea about how the Rapture will unfold or believe that we will simply be here one day and gone the next when the Rapture happens. In my study of End Time events, things are not that simple. There will be a lot going on with global events, the world economy, widespread persecution, and the Antichrist. I wanted to provide knowledge about End Time events in an enjoyable, easy to understand way, as well as ensuring that Christians are prepared for those events.
2.How did you come up with the names of your characters?
I did lots of research. I created a list of names for each character and chose one I thought felt right. For foreign characters, such as Nassir, I looked up names online based on their ethnicity and chose what I felt best suited them. When it came to angels I researched names online using websites listing names for angels.
3.Other than writing what else do you like to do?
I love reading and watching movies. When I am reading or watching a movie, my imagination is sparked. Doing these things also allows me the brief escape reality I need to come back and persevere through life’s tough situations.
4.Are you inspired by people you know for your stories?
Absolutely. There are usually a few characters in my books based on someone I know.
5.What message were you trying to impart to the reader?
There are a few things I wanted to readers to understand when I wrote Seven Years Until Eternity: The Rise of the Antichrist. The first was the importance of being prepared for the Rapture. There are differing theological perspectives about when the Rapture will occur such as before the Tribulation, in the Middle of the Tribulation or after the Tribulation. Jesus taught that no one knows when the Rapture will occur, but that we should be ready when it does. Secondly I wanted readers to understand the importance of trusting in God. The Bible teaches there will be persecution before the Rapture takes place and believers will need to pray and trust in God. The book of Acts tells us the early church experienced great miracles and revival because of the radical faith they had. These were people who lived a few years after Jesus had died and were expecting him to return at any moment. I believe those living just before the rapture will experience great miracles and revival as well. Finally, I wanted introduce a supernatural perspective by showing readers what it will be like in heaven and giving them a glimpse of how angels and demons interact with us.
6.Who is your favorite Author?
Suzanne Collins.
7.What is your favorite book?
The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins. I love the passion and suspense. When I picked up each book in the Hunger Games series, I found them hard to put down.
8.How old were you when you started writing?
Thirty eight.
9.Are you planning on writing more books?
Yes. A sequel to Seven Years Until Eternity: The Rise of the Antichrist will be out in May 2013.
10.When readers criticize your book does it give you pause about writing again or are you encouraged?
No. I like to hear the good and the bad comments about my books because I want to be the best writer I can be. It does hurt to hear negative remarks, especially when you put so much time and energy into writing. But, if you want to improve as a writer, you must ask yourself if the criticism is justified. If so, accepting and incorporating what you hear will allow you to improve your skills, and get better at reaching your audience. If the criticism is not justified, you have to understand that you cannot please everyone and move on.
11.What advice would you give those trying to write a book?
My advice to those trying to write a book would be to understand the number one quality you need is perseverance. My pastor always told me, “The best ability is stick ability.” You will encounter times when you want to give up, either from self doubt, feeling overwhelmed, critiques – any number of things. When we come up with an idea, we often only see the beginning and the end - having a great idea, writing and then completing a book everyone will love. The hardest part is the middle, where we have to do the things most writers don’t like such as research, writing when we don’t feel like it, organizing chapters, creating character profiles, plotting scenes, proofreading, getting critiques, etc. If you can persevere and get past the things you don’t like, you will be rewarded and get where you want to be as an author
Michael & Mary C. Findley "Conflict of the Ages Part One: The Scientific History of Origins Teachers Edition"
What inspired you to write the book? The Word of God says Grandparents are responsible to pass on the knowledge of the Lord. People our age and older for the most part just want to retire. We see children turning away from the Word of God because of the desire of otherwise good people to please themselves. The Conflict of the ages exists whether we want it to or not. I'm sure no one wants it to exit, but it does. The only choice we have is to engage. If we fail to point out what is right and wrong, to instruct, to pray, to contend earnestly for the faith, the losers will be our children and grandchildren. As pastors have taught us for generations, our job is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Other than writing what else do you like to do? Sleep and read. Not much time for anything else. Are you inspired by people you know for your stories? Yes, definitely. What message were you trying to impart to the reader? From Luke Chapter 16, the story of the Rich man and Lazarus: "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them. ... If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead." Footnotes: Who is your favorite Author? Michael's is William Shakespeare, Mary's is Charles Dickens What is your favorite book? Michael's is War and Peace, Mary's is Tale of Two Cities How old were you when you started writing? Junior High/High School Are you planning on writing more books? Definitely. Fiction and non-fiction. Conflict of the Ages alone is a series that might have 46 parts if/when it is finished. When readers criticize your book does it give you pause about writing again or are you encouraged? We understand what we write isn't perfect, and are always interested in improving. Valid criticism sometimes results in good revisions. Invalid criticism, if it influences others, we try to refute. What advice would you give those trying to write a book? 1. Have a good, solid reason for writing it. "I want to" is not enough of a reason. 2. Stay on track, as far as your purpose. 3. It's really hard work. You have to remove distractions and understand it will require sacrifice to get it done. 4. Look for honest editorial help and criticism. This means your ego will be shattered. Honesty doesn't just mean they tear it apart, but evaluate for the sake of improvement.
Carrie Daws "Crossing Values & Ryan's Crossing"
What inspired you to write the books?
Crossing Values started out as a writing assignment in a class I was taking through the Christian Writer’s Guild. I thought about what a godly mother would say if her son was looking at the choice between two women: one that was okay but had a long history with the family and one who was new to the family and obviously had some scars. My mentor enjoyed the scene so much he encouraged me to turn it into a novel.
As I got further into that story and the tragedy behind Amber’s motives, I realized her family would have all been scarred, probably in different ways. I could touch on her parent’s story while still keeping the book short, but to really tell her brother’s story, I would either have to write a full novel-length book or turn it into a series and write a second book.
How did you come up with the names of your characters?
Lots of different ways! Some names are just names I love, or names my daughter suggested (I bounce a lot of ideas off of her). Occasionally I would go looking for a specific name based on the area of the country I chose to place the story. Other times I would scroll through social media, looking for a name that stood out to me, and once I specifically asked on Twitter for a name.
Other than writing what else do you like to do?
I am a huge reader. I love to read all kinds of things and usually have three books going at once: a fiction book for relaxation, a non-fiction book that looked interesting, and a writing craft book. We also have three children, all homeschooled and all active in their own activities.
Are you inspired by people you know for your stories?
Sometimes. For me, these first two books were more dealing with issues of fear, although some of Brittany’s experiences in the hospital were imagined from stories a nurse friend tells me. The third book in this series, Romancing Melody: A Crossing Journey, is based in part in fact. It’s a greatly fictionalized version of a friend’s journey with her family and friends.
What message were you trying to impart to the reader?
I think I had a couple of things in mind for these first two books. First, many of us live with a lot of fear. If it’s partnering with respect or wisdom, that’s fine. But fear that seeks to control or isolate is something we should fight against. People will hurt us and let us down, and some relationships should be limited or avoided, but that doesn’t mean we should withdraw from all people, all relationships. We were made to live life together. Godly friendships are part of the abundant life on this earth that God wants to give us.
Secondly, I’ve met many that would consider themselves “damaged goods”. They live with a mindset that either they are useless in God’s Kingdom or that they must always be identified by the tragedy that’s touched them. Instead, I want people to see that tragedy does not have to define you or corner you. The Master Healer waits to touch the hurts and restore health.
Who is your favorite Author?
I’m not sure I could name just one! I enjoy C.S. Lewis and my children and I have listened to the Chronicles of Narnia on CD many times. I enjoy reading Jerry Jenkins and Lori Copeland, Dee Henderson and Bill Myers. If you look on my bookshelves, you’ll also see a lot of Max Lucado, Billy Graham, and Charles Dickens. Newer fiction writers I’ve discovered and am anxiously awaiting their next novels include Joanie Bruce and Jocelyn Green.
What is your favorite book?
Naming one book is about like naming one author for me! Outside of the Bible, I read a variety of genres. I love books I can sit and relax with, as well as books that help me see something new. I love books that I walk away from and am still thinking about an hour or a day later. I don’t care so much if the plot is predictable as much as I care that the novel suspends reality for a bit. And I don’t have to completely agree with a non-fiction author to walk away from it being able to understand something better.
How old were you when you started writing?
Although I’ve always been a reader, I wasn’t much of a writer when I was younger. I can remember writing some in high school, but I never thought then that I would do anything with it. In fact, I avoided taking a creative writing class because I thought it would be a waste of time. So, I got a late start on writing, only taking classes when I began to regularly write devotions for an online group. It was there when I was forced to take a few lessons on fiction and fell in love.
Are you planning on writing more books?
Absolutely! I’ve already mentioned the third book in this series, and it is currently available for purchase. I’m working on the fourth, and final, book now, Crossing’s Redemption. And I’ve already got some ideas for the books to follow after that.
When readers criticize your book does it give you pause about writing again or are you encouraged?
I strive to always use criticism as a heart check. These books are a ministry to me, encouraging women to look at themselves, check their own lives for where God may want to do some work. As such, remarks where people don’t like simple things like the shortness or the use of Scripture I generally disregard. Those are issues I’ve settled in my heart and I know they won’t be for everyone.
Comments about structure, flow, dialogue and other writing elements, I take into consideration based on multiple facets like how much information they gave me, were they trying to be genuinely kind or seemingly vindictive, and how their comments were phrased. For example, I tend to negate comments on my grammar when their own is lacking; however, I am no grammar expert and appreciate those who are showing me an area that needs more work.
Comments about the story itself I always take into consideration. Again, I know my books will not be for everyone and I look for this in reviews and emails. However, my readers are smart, insightful people, and oftentimes their comments can help make me a better writer.
What advice would you give those trying to write a book?
Consider your motive and your end goal. What do you really want to see happen with your book? That will help answer some questions along the way, like how much time you should spend writing each week and what kind of publishing path you should pursue.
Know your limitations and be willing to let others help along the way. For example, I am reasonably good on story flow and general time line, but I’m lousy at commas! So I make sure an editor looks at every manuscript before the public sees it. Will the two of us catch everything? No. But with a good editor on my team, we’ll catch most of it, and I’ll have something I’m much prouder of when it hits the market.