Pat Nichols on following your dreams
Pat Nichols launched career number two as a novelist after retiring, proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Drawing on years of corporate experience, she creates stories about women who face challenges in the pursuit of their dreams. She lives in an Atlanta suburb with her husband of fifty plus years, is the mother of two, and grandmother of three.
Tell us about your newest book.
The Secret of Willow Inn, my debut novel, is the story of two women fighting for their dreams, one who’s long lost hers, are united by tragedy and a long-held secret.
Pregnant with her first child, Emily Hayes is eager to help her mother finish transforming an estate into the Willow Inn and write a novel about Willow Falls’ colorful history.
Sadie Lyles left Willow Falls a murderer who’d killed the town hero. She returns as a despised felon and seeks solace in the town’s café. Emily struggles to unite the close-knit community and becomes Sadie’s biggest advocate.
To appease her father, Rachel Streetman, a VP in his Atlanta real-estate-development firm, relegates her acting dream to secret performances for imaginary audiences. After meeting charming, flirtatious Charlie Bricker, manager for Willow Falls’ future vineyard, she vows to break free from her father’s control.
The tragedy and Willow Inn’s secret past launch Emily and Rachel on a collision course with destiny and truth.
What genre do you focus on and why?
My decision to write women’s contemporary fiction was inspired by my twenty-seven-year corporate career working with amazing women from all walks of life.
Why do you write? What drives you?
The trigger that launched my writing career, which began after I was eligible for social security, was the loss of our Goddaughter. After drifting in and out of our lives for more than thirty years, she succumbed to a long struggle with addiction. I wanted to write a novel based on her life, but with a happy ending.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
There are two main characters Emily and Rachel. To me Emily seems more down-to-earth, thus the name of my country-girl character, and Rachel more sophisticated. A third key character is a middle-aged quintessential southerner. For her, I chose a southern name, Sadie.
What does a day in your writing world look like?
My day typically begins at 5:30. My goal is to write 1,000 words five sometimes six days a week. In addition, I devote forty-five minutes to marketing and as much time as needed to publishing deadlines. I was accustomed to working sixty hours a week in my corporate career, so long hours come naturally.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
For me, the most difficult part of being an author was learning all the nuances of social media. After all, I’m old enough to remember slide rules, although I never understood how they worked. Fortunately, my daughter and grandchildren have helped me figure it all out.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
Two things I love most about writing, first the humbling, heart-warming joy that comes when a reader compliments my novel. It’s more exciting and thrilling than getting an A-plus on a term paper. The second-best part in author life is the joy of watching my characters struggle and succeed through life’s ups and downs. I’ve often heard authors say they are intrigued by where their characters take them. Now, I understand what they mean. One benefit of writing a series is following characters on a prolonged journey.
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author? One advantage the modern author has is the internet. We can explore any topic with the touch of our fingers. It also triggers some unusual responses. After searching couture clothing, I received some unexpected, not-so-welcome ads.
What are you most proud of?
I am proud of and grateful for my beta readers who have provided incredible insight and feedback through my writing journey. Also, on top of the list is Tim, my husband of fifty-plus years. He’s not a reader, yet he listens to my chapters, and finds inconsistencies and errors. He also answers one important question; “Would a man say that?”
What is your favorite pastime?
Tim and I enjoy spending time with family and friends. We’ve ticked off every destination on our travel bucket list, but still like to take an occasional trip.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Willow Falls Series book two is scheduled for release January, 2020. I have two shelved manuscripts. Whether they ever make it to publication is a question without an answer.
What are you working on now?
My current work-in progress is Willow Falls book three, with more to come.
Website:https://patnicholsauthor.blog
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1946016772/
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/pat.nichols.52459 https://twitter.com/PatNichols16https://www.instagram.com/patnicholsauthor/
Crystal Bowman on infertility
Crystal Bowman is a best-selling, award-winning author of more than 100 books for children. She has also written several nonfiction books for women. She writes lyrics for children’s piano music and stories for Clubhouse Jr. Magazine. She enjoys being a mentor for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), teaching at writers’ conferences, and spending time with her seven grandkids.
Tell us about your newest book.
When my daughter-in-law Meghann Bowman spent five years going from one infertility doctor to another, she felt alone, discouraged, and isolated. She longed for support and encouragement from others, but this topic isn’t you’re your typical girlfriend conversation. She came to me and said, “We need to write a book!” Mothers in Waiting—Healing and Hope for Those with Empty Arms, is a collection of 30 stories from women ages 30-65, who have experienced infertility. The variety of women and stories allows us to reach a very broad audience. As one contributor wrote: infertility encompasses so much more than not being able to conceive. The book includes stories of miscarriage, adoption, IVF procedures, foster care, and more. The goal of the book is to let women know they are not alone in their painful journey to become a mom. The contributors walk alongside each reader with sympathy and understanding, as well as offering hope from God’s Word.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I am best known for my children’s picture books, board books, Bible storybooks, and devotions for kids, so this book is outside of that genre. But it’s still about a love for children and couples wanting to bring children into their home. My life has always centered around children, and this book fits with that.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because it’s my passion and God-given gift. Writing for me is like breathing—I can’t not write. I want my words to offer hope and encouragement, and most of all point readers to Jesus.
What does a day in your writing world look like?
For me, every day is different, and it depends on my current writing projects. If I am under a tight deadline or working on a major project, I might write 10-12 hours. Otherwise, I write a few hours almost every day. My writing world not only includes books, but also blogs, magazine articles, and short devotionals.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Keeping up with social media and marketing is time consuming, but it is necessary. I have hired someone to manage my website because I couldn’t keep up with the technology and the demands of keeping it current.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
Touching lives and sharing God’s love with my audience of readers. When I get an email from someone who says my words encouraged them—that’s the best!
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?
One time I was on staff for a writer’s conference, and my email address was incorrect, so another Crystal Bowman keep getting all the group emails with details about the conference. She was not happy and sent some harsh emails in response. One of my friends who was also on staff figured out what was going on and we finally got things corrected. I sent an email to the entire staff letting them know those emails were not from me. I also contacted the “other” Crystal Bowman to apologize and she kindly replied. To this day, if she gets an email intended for me, she forwards it to me.
What are you most proud of?
That I can co-author books with my daughter and daughter-in-law.
What is your favorite pastime?
Spending time with my grandkids.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My daughter, Teri McKinley, and I are co-authors for Our Daily Bread for Kids (Discovery House). We have several titles for different ages: Our Daily Bread for Kids(ages 6-12); Our Daily Bread for Preschoolers; and 6 board books under the brand: Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts. We also published M is for Manger (Tyndale), which has been a popular Christmas book.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on Our Daily Bread for Kids coloring and activity Easter book—so fun!
Website: www.crystalbowman.com
Link to book:
https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/mothers-in-waiting-9780736975360
Social media links:www.faecbook.com/crystal.bowman
www.facebook.com/crystaljboman
www.christianchildrensauthers.com
Bob Hostetler on bedtime stories
Bob Hostetler is an author, speaker, and literary agent whose fifty books include Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (coauthored with Josh McDowell) and The Bard and the Bible (A Shakespeare Devotional). He lives in southwest Ohio.
Tell us about your newest book.
Don’t Close Your Eyes is a silly rhyming bedtime book. I have long been a lover and reader of children’s books and have read hundreds to my children and grandchildren. So I thought it would be fun to try using reverse psychology and the power of suggestion to coax children to sleep win the most entertaining way. And the illustrations, by Mark Chambers, enhance that purpose beautifully.
What genre do you focus on and why?
Focus? What’s that? I write fiction and nonfiction, devotionals, and ministry helps, from How to Survive the End of the World to the historical novels, Northkill and The Return (based on events in my Amish family’s history).
Why do you write? What drives you?
I can’t NOT write. Sometimes I’m not even sure what I think until it flows from my mind through my fingers and onto a screen or page. Writing is a big part of how I think and process and express myself.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Don’t Close Your Eyes is a series of quatrains an adult reads to a child, so I guess the main character is the child—though the delightful illustrations feature animal families (owls, squirrels, rabbits, etc.), so they play a part too.
What does a day in your writing world look like?
I ease into my writing days, praying and reading and doing busywork (email, paying bills, writing short pieces, etc.) before getting into the day’s writing tasks. Usually by mid-afternoon I’m in the zone and, if it’s going well, at the keyboard until 5 or 6. Those are the good days. The not-so-good days….well, let’s not talk about them.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
The money. Seriously, it’s not the easiest way to make a living.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
I get to do what I love. I get to play with words. I get to dig into the Word. I get to rub shoulders with writers and readers. I get to talk about words and books and God and His Word and writers and readers.
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?
I was once in a pitch meeting with a major publisher, passionately describing a novel idea that was going to be a bestseller, for sure. But the editor’s countenance kept falling, lower and lower, until he finally stopped me and said, “I hate to tell you this, but that story is already half written. By [a well-known author].” Who had pitched virtually the same storyline about six months earlier.
What are you most proud of?
My humility.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading. Duh. I usually read 100 or so books a year. But I also like hiking, seeing the Cincinnati Reds play, and enjoying weekly dates with my lovely wife.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Thanks for asking. Most are listed on the “books” section of my website, from The Red Letter Life and The Red Letter Prayer Life to The Bone Box and Life Stinks…And Then You Die.
What are you working on now?
Lots. I hope to finish a new proposal on ancient values and practices that can draw us closer to God today…if we’ll take even just a few steps in those directions.
Website: www.bobhostetler.com
Link to book: https://www.thomasnelson.com/9781400209651/dont-close-your-eyes/
Brandy Bruce on disappointment
Brandy Bruce is a writer, a book editor, a mom, a wife, and someone who really loves dessert! She’s the author of the award-winning novel The Last Summer, Looks Like Love, After the Rain, and The Romano Family Collection. Brandy, her husband, and their children make their home in Virginia.
Tell us about your newest book.
My newest novel is titled After the Rain and releases February 4th! I’m so excited about it. This novel is a follow-up novel to my last release, The Last Summer, but it can stand alone. It’s a picture of what it looks like when someone faces a devastating life disappointment and maybe can’t move on without help. It’s for anyone who’s ever wondered, What do I do now?
What genre do you focus on and why?
I write inspirational women’s fiction with a heavy dose of romance. And really, I guess I write in that genre because those are the kinds of stories that have come to me so far. I enjoy stories that are female-character-driven, and who doesn’t like a good love story? I’m open to writing in other genres if I get an idea for a story I can’t let go of.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I’ve been writing since I was about twelve years old. It stemmed from my love of reading. I’d read stories and want to create my own. The love for it is just who I am. I’ve been a book lover ever since I can remember, even when my mother would read picture books or children’s stories to me.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My main character is a woman named Debra Hart. The name came to me years and years ago, when I first got the idea for The Last Summer. That novel is centered around seven friends. All seven of those characters came to me almost at once. Each was important to the story from the very beginning. Only two of the names of that group changed over time, as I wrote and rewrote the story. Debra wasn’t one of them. This character has always been Debra.
What does a day in your writing world look like?
I have three kids so life can be busy! And I work as a freelance editor, so when I have a project, my own writing has to wait. But when there’s time and I have a good idea, I like to write whenever I can. After the kids go to bed. Mid-morning when my youngest is watching cartoons. Whenever!
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Finding inspiration to write and battling insecurity over whether what you’re writing is any good.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
Seeing your words in print. There’s nothing like it.
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?
I was checking reviews online once for The Last Summer and saw a review from another author I’ve never met, but I love her books. That was crazy awesome.
What is your favorite pastime?
Binge-watching TV shows with my husband!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes! I’ve mentioned The Last Summer. I also have a three-book series repackaged into The Romano Family Collection. Those are foodie novels, with a side of romance. And my first novel is available as well on Amazon, it’s titled Looks Like Love and remains my favorite!
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m just working on promoting After the Rain. I have an idea for a novel but I’m waiting for real inspiration to hit!
Https://authorbrandybruce.com
https://brandybruce.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/BrandyBruce
Instagram: @ALittleBitofBrandy
https://www.facebook.com/authorBrandyBruce/
https://www.pinterest.com/brandybruce/
James Watkins on the psalms
Jim is an award-winning author of over twenty books and 2,000 articles, who has spoken across the United States and overseas. He has served as an editor and editorial director at Wesleyan Publishing House, an editor with the American Bible Society, taught writing at Taylor University for 15 years, and has guest-lectured at Liberty, Regent and other universities. He is currently writing and speaking full-time as well as editing for ACW Press and other clients. His most important roles, however, are being a child of God, husband, dad and “papaw.”
Tell us about your newest book.
The title is almost as along as the book. The Psalms of Asaph: Struggling with Unanswered Prayer, Unfulfilled Promises, and Unpunished Evil. The writer of Psalms 50 and 73-83 watched the glorious rise Israel and the building of the magnificent Temple as well as the moral collapse and complete destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. His writing is filled with raw, honest anguish as he struggled with unanswered prayer, unfulfilled promises, and unpunished evil. Not unlike we do today.
What genre do you focus on and why?
From high school journalism class to grad school courses, “Write tight” was pounded into my little brain. So, I have written a few short stories, but when I attempted a novel, I was done in ninety pages—and that was after I threw in a car chase. So, 99 percent of my writing has been nonfiction with lots of humor.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I’m not sure of the deep, dark subconscious drives that make me a writer, but I simply cannot not write. I feel like the prophet Jeremiah who wrote, “If I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” I believe it’s God’s Spirit that motivates me to share, as my tag line describes, “hope and humor.”
What does a day in your writing world look like?
Generally, I try to spend an hour or so with Scripture, devotional reading and journaling, then devote the rest of the morning to serious writing. After three or four hours, my mind turns to Silly Putty, so I get an afternoon nap, then use the rest of the day on writing that doesn’t require intensity or creativity like email, social networking, website maintenance.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Writing.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
Having written. That and the joy of receiving feedback of how my writing has effected readers. An email from a young woman made writing on suicide so very worth it: “Thank you for saving my life.”
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?
Probably writing two books on death. The research included watching an embalming, watching people die, and going to a goth teen’s funeral. That was a long ten months!
What are you most proud of?
That my adult children know Christ and are in full-time ministry. As far as writing, I have several book and editing awards, but the absolute best affirmation was a note I found on the podium where I was speaking. “Jim, we can see Jesus in you.” No better compliment!
What is your favorite pastime?
Probably being a news junky.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I actually have had twenty-plus books published. Your readers can go to www.jameswatkins.comand click on the BOOKS tab for free excerpts from them.
What are you working on now?
I’m between books right now. Letting my brain cool off. My agent is pitching a sequel to my modernization of Thomas a Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ which will be called Intimacy with Christ.
Website: jameswatkins.com
Link to book: jameswatkins.com/asaph/
Social media links: facebook.com/ipastor52
Instagram @jameswatkinsauthor
Sandra Glahn on coffee cup devotions
Dr. Sandra Glahn is interim chair and associate professor of Media Arts and Worship at Dallas Theological Seminary. She is the author or coauthor of more than twenty-five books, including eleven titles in the Coffee Cup Bible Study series and the Christy Award finalist Lethal Harvest.
Tell us about your newest book.
Earl Grey with Ephesians is the newest title in the Coffee Cup Bible Study series. Each book in the series includes the text of the biblical book or section to be studied; interesting background info; art, history, and music connections; and a focus on the women in the book’s original audience who would have heard it read. Coffee Cup studies can be used alone for personal devotions or as part of group discussion—which is why some, including Earl Grey with Ephesians,come with a leaders’ guide.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I love writing both fiction and non-fiction, but for the past few years I have focused on non-fiction, with a special emphasis in biblical studies. Women increasingly want studies that take into account a variety of learning styles (not everyone does well with a lecture format), and they’re also interested in women of the Bible and Bible times.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I love to write. And I’ve found when it comes to biblical content that writing helps me clarify what I believe. Someone once asked Madeleine L’Engle (A Wrinkle in Time) if her faith influences her writing, and she said it’s the other way around—her writing influences her faith. The same is true for me. If my prose lacks clarity, it’s usually because I myself have some fuzziness in my thinking, so I have to go back to the text and ask the Spirit to guide me as I dig more deeply.
What does a day in your writing world look like?
I try to start the day with Bible study—rather than only a devotional. I work to get a steady diet of the straight-up text, not a commentary about the text.
I’m a professor in a theological seminary, so part of my job is training the next generation of writers (I may be one of the few people on earth who will admit to loving Millennials). Often I teach class in the afternoon or evening. And since I’m filling in for my boss, who is on sabbatical this year, I attend a lot of morning meetings. Mornings are my best writing hours, so this year I’m having to get out of my comfort zone and write in the evenings. I also guard my one day off from doing any work—Saturday evening to Sunday evening, usually. That space for down time in my life is key to both my sanity and my creativity. Evenings I can be found binge-watching Madam Secretary.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
It’s easy to let the writing get pushed to the margins as email takes over my in-box. And I need to run a family member to a doctor appointment. Or visit an aging parent. Or get to the gym. Or answer “will you read this for me and give me feedback, please?” from a stranger. (Even if I say no, I have to reply.) I work best with large segments of time, but I rarely have the luxury of large blocks.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
I love the flexible hours and spaces of writing. If I wake up at 3 am with an idea, I can write. If I’m sitting in a coffee shop in Italy, I can do my work. I can write in my jammies. I can work from a hospital bed. I can do work I love virtually anywhere in the world that has electricity and internet access—once in a boat in the Galapagos Islands, where my father-in-law wanted to take a bucket-list trip. I could write when I stayed home with a young child, and God willing, I can still write when I’m old and frail.
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?
My craziest experience as an author was spending the night in a Bedouin tent in Jordan as part of a press junket for the Jordan Ministry of Tourism. That experience helped me understand how Laban could pass off Leah as her sister and how Jael could wield a peg without being caught. Even the next day in the middle of sun-baked desert daylight, I could not see my hand in front of my face standing in that black-wool woven tent. I also realized a snake could have spent the night in that tent with me, and I’d never know.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the writers I’ve mentored. They write about God’s heart for immigrants, sex-abuse recovery, and spiritual-abuse recovery, book reviews, faith-filled parenting, and women of the Bible we’ve wrongly vilified like Bathsheba and Vashti and Rahab. The list goes on. I love to write my own stuff, but watching former students help shape the lives of those I could never reach brings such joy!
What is your favorite pastime?
I love reading classic works, from Dostoevsky to Dickens, Cowper to Cather. So many stories, so little time. I also love some newer authors such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Marilynne Robinson who masterfully weave in faith themes without using religion gratuitously.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes! I mentioned Lethal Harvest (Kregel).I also wrote a couple of books on infertility and pregnancy loss (When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden [Kregel]; The Infertility Companion[Zondervan]) and one for married couples—Sexual Intimacy in Marriage (Kregel), due out soon in its fourth edition. My most recent novel was Informed Consent (Cook). And I especially love my non-fiction compilation, Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible (Kregel Academic). Profits on the latter benefit the International Justice Mission. The book was released last year in the height of #MeToo and #ChurchToo, even though we’ve been working on it for ten years. It was thrilling to see God use the work of sixteen scholars to help readers revisit the stories of a select group of women whose old, old stories we needed to see through fresh eyes.
What are you working on now?
I co-teach a seminary course on sexual ethics that looks at gender issues (e.g., male/female norms and stereotypes, LGBT issues, trans-sexuality), porn, and all sorts of other challenges related to life in the body that ministry leaders need to better understand. I’m working as a general editor on that compilation, with each chapter written by someone whose expertise lies in the subject of the chapter. So I’m more curator than writer—though some writers do need more help with prose than others.
Website: www.aspire2.com
Social media links:
Twitter: @SandraGlahn
FB: https://www.facebook.com/aspire2/