Here are some of the more frequent questions I recieve. Click here to submit your own question.
Q: How long does it take you to write a novel?
A: That depends. The Christmas Blessing took longer because I had to do medical research and consult with doctors so that process ended up taking longer than The Christmas Shoes. By the time it's all said and done I'd say about eight months. If I focused on it everyday it wouldn't take as long but I have three children who need a mother!
Q: Have you ever written a large part of a story and then discarded it because you didn't like where it was headed?
A: Yes, quite often, actually. I'll write pages and pages and then when I read it back days or weeks later I'll think, "What was I thinking? This is terrible," and delete the entire scene or chapter. For The Angels of Morgan Hill I ended up scrapping 22,000 words! It's a frustrating process but writers know when their work isn't making their own grade.
Q: What do you do when you're not writing?
A: I stay busy with our three children. During the school year I volunteer in my children's classes. Right now I'm a math tutor, which my husband thinks is a joke because I barely passed math myself (it should be noted that I tutor first grade math). In the spring and summer I work in the flowerbeds and mow the lawn (my husband and I race for the riding mower because it allows for great thinking time). It seems there's always laundry to do and something to clean and meals to cook so each day is full.
Q: I am an aspiring author. What advice can you give me?
A: Writing is like any other craft. You have to keep doing it to learn how to do it better. So keep writing and surround yourself with people who will help make your work better, not people who will tell you what you want to hear.
Q: I read once that Hemmingway and Stephen King write religiously everyday – do you do that?
A: No, it's impossible with three small children.
Q: What are your favorite topics to read about?
A: My tastes are broad. Right now I'm reading John Adams (I may be reading this for a looong time because it's a really loooong book!) I'm also reading a John Grisham novel and a book about raising unselfish children in a self-absorbed world. I usually have two or three books going at once. Sometimes that can be confusing but it just depends on the mood I'm in as to which one I pick up and read.
Q: My husband and I are thinking about adoption. What are the first steps we should take? What were the challenges you faced? Would you have done anything different?
A: Let me first say that this will be the greatest blessing in your life!! Some people have told me that they don't think they can love a child that isn't biological and I say, "You have no idea how MUCH you'll love that child." If you're thinking about adoption, I encourage you to look into a reputable adoption agency and there are several in the country. I can personally recommend Holt International (www.holtintl.org) and Bethany Christian Services (www.bethany.org). Both of these agencies operate with integrity. A reputable adoption agency will lead you through the process, which can be laborious but it is worth it in the end. The challenges can be financial but there are resources that can help on that end (each agency should know several organizations that can help ease the financial burden - one I know of is Shoahannah's Hope - www.shaohannahshope.org.) and of course the wait time can be exhausting. Be sure you ask each agency lots of questions about wait time for each country. I would not have done anything differently for any of our adoptions.
Q: You stated in the acknowledgments of one of your books that your husband reads your work first. Does that ever cause a riff in your relationship?
A: No. If you want to be a writer you have to be prepared for negative feedback; it actually makes you a better writer. Sometimes my husband offers advice that I take and run with and adapt into the book. Other times, I won't necessarily agree with his comments but that doesn't mean we're having marital trouble!! If you want to be a writer you need a spouse or a friend who is honest about your work.
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