Donna Fleisher Interview


Okay, folks, here it is -- what I've been telling you about for over a week. Now read on and find out what a published writer thinks and does. DON"T FORGET: post a comment for your own book from Donna!

Hi, Donna!

Thanks for doing this interview. It’s a real privilege to have you.

Thanks, Carole! I appreciate the opportunity to visit with you and your readers. And thanks for the awesome review of my first book, by the way.

Caroline: What genre do you write in? Could you explain what it is? Why did you choose it?

Donna: Tough questions right from the start! Categorizing my stuff has been difficult from day one. Technically, it’s general contemporary Christian fiction mainly for women (some have labeled it Women’s Fiction), but with the moments of military action thrown in, I’ve heard from a few men who enjoyed reading it. Karen Kingsbury has made famous a newer genre called Relational Drama. I love writing about the friendships between women, so my stuff fits into this new genre quite well.

Caroline: When and how did you first realize that you were to be a writer? Did you have a strong calling or just the desire to write? Why do you write?

Donna: I didn’t realize I could possibly even be a writer until one day in July 1996 when I sat down and started to write a scene. It was the most exciting scene that would play out in a story idea I was thinking about, and if I could pull off that scene, maybe … ? Eight hours later, when I finally stopped writing and peeled the pen out of my frozen grip, I read what I wrote and started feeling this electrifying hum work its way through me. It seemed to whisper, “This might work!” From then on I was hooked. --- I never set out (or even wanted) to be a novelist. But when I found myself available to the Lord, He put me to work. This wonderful privilege and gift is still just a task for me, not a calling. He is my calling. Knowing Him more and more. I write because He seems to want me to. Later on, the writing may go away a bit so I can move more into editing and mentoring new writers. I have a strong feeling this is where He wants me to be more than anywhere else in this industry. We’ll see where it all leads!

Caroline: Could you tell us some of your interests, hobbies, life? Are you “normal?” Smile. Favorite foods? Books?

Donna: I am definitely not normal. I am boring, simple, and blessed with a smidgeon of obsessive compulsiveness (which sure comes in handy in my writing and editing). I am a writer who doesn’t read much, which drives some people crazy. I’m a homebody, and a forty-something single woman content in her singleness (wouldn’t have it any other way). I love living by the beach and all things beach related, but love heading to the woods or the desert too. I love sports, but am deathly allergic to all things requiring energy or exercise. I swim enough to keep from drowning, and cook enough to keep from starving. All in all, I’m doing okay. Smile. I do have some favorites: Margaret Becker’s artistry, Gayle Erwin’s teaching, Francine Rivers’s heart, and my favorite dog Mario. I’ve got a photo gallery of him on my blog cuz he’s just way too cute.

Caroline: How’s your writing day? Do you insist on having certain things just so? Do you set goals? Are you a “seat of the pants-er or a plotter? Will you explain?

Donna: Goals? What’s that? --- Even though I’m blessed with a touch of OCD (never diagnosed though), I don’t need anything in my life to be “just so.” Things happen, and I tend to let them. When it comes to writing novels, I’m usually pretty bad about waiting until I absolutely have to get writing before I’ll write. (Don’t hate me cuz I’m stupid.) I’ve written three so far under deadline, and all three got turned in the day I finished it—deadline day. (And all three involved all-nighters the night before.) Whether I’ve been a seatser or a plotter has depended on the story. I’ve written five so far in my life (one still sits on my shelf), and all five have come about differently. Sometimes I felt like I needed a map to guide me (I’ve never really plotted too heavily) and sometimes I just started on page one and let the story flow until it was done. The only consistent thing about any of it has been that each one was harder to write than the last one. Writing Standing Strong, which releases this fall, was like pulling teeth from a lock-jawed crocodile. (But I do love how it turned out, and how it ends the series.)




Caroline: How do you decide on character names? Do you relate to your characters? Do you draw from your own life or the life of your family and friends to write?

Donna: Chris and Erin pretty much showed up on my doorstep back in 1996 completely fleshed out and fully alive. They pretty much took over as soon as they found out I would be the one telling their story, and they haven’t left since. Which is fine by me. I love having them around. I’d write another fifty books in their story if I could. --- I do relate to both women, mainly because I’ve grown to know them so well (and love them so much). At first, though, I was just as lost figuring out Chris as Erin was. Chris was very reluctant to reveal much about herself. At first, she thought the series would be mostly about Erin. Silly girl. I always knew it was Chris’s story to tell. Getting her to tell it was a job and a half. But worth it, I think. --- Just for fun, about naming characters … here’s a wee bit of info I haven’t shared with anyone else. When I was writing Valiant Hope, I let my content editor name Erin’s baby that was set to arrive at the end of the story, and she chose her new grandbaby’s name: Mia Renae (Chris’s middle name is Renae). I let my acquiring editor choose the name for Chris’s boyfriend, and she gave me several to choose from. From that list, I went with Jason Matthew Sloan. Of course, I gave the credit for Mia’s name to Scott (Erin’s husband), and Chris likes calling her boyfriend “Jase.”

Caroline: Do you use critique groups, writing conferences, and editing services? How important are these things to a writer? To you?

Donna: Since the beginning, learning the craft (which never ends), writing, rewriting, and understanding the industry have all been solitary adventures for me. I’ve never shared my stuff with critique partners or been part of a critique group. I’ve never had a freelancer check over my work. The editors I’ve worked with at Zondervan have provided me with the only pre-publication feedback I’ve ever received. This all may or may not be good. The jury is still out. --- I do, though, positively adore Christian writers conferences, and have attended several of the biggest ones. It was at Mount Hermon that my acquiring editor decided to take me on. Conferences are crucial for new writers these days, even more crucial than finding an agent. There is no better place to learn the craft of writing fiction, and there are no better teachers in the entire industry (and I’m talking across the board—both in the general market and in the CBA) than our own Christian novelists who are willingly sharing what they’ve learned about the craft (and are still learning). New writers have no excuse for poor understanding of craft these days, when so much amazing teaching is so readily available. --- I heartily recommend all new novelists find trustworthy critique partners, attend conferences, and then, after their stories have been self-edited as much as possible, seek the guidance of a professional freelance editor who specializes in fiction to help them take not only their stories, but the whole of their writing to the next level. Then, and only then, should they seek publication and start to submit.

Caroline: You live on the west coast, have been in the service, and your Homeland Heroes Series is about characters who were in the service. Would you tell us a little about your books? What’s your most recent? What are you working next?

Donna: The series is set in 1996, mostly in Portland, Oregon, and shares the story of two U.S. Army soldiers who meet during the opening days of Operation Desert Shield. These two women, Chris McIntyre and Erin Grayson, become friends in the literal heat of the moment leading up to Desert Storm. But a tragic secret is revealed, driving a wedge in their friendship. As the war ends, they go their separate ways without hope of ever seeing each other again. Five years later, however, tragedy reunites them. And the adventure begins. --- Wounded Healer tells the first part of the story, followed up by Warrior’s Heart, which picks the story up two weeks later. Valiant Hope continues the story after three months, and Standing Strong follows the action three months after that. So, in all, the four books cover a nine-month period in 1996. --- Standing Strong is set to release in October 2007, and contains an epilogue that wraps up the entire series. It was so sad to write, but I love how it turned out. No, really. I’m not just saying that. Smile.

Caroline: Do you ever get discouraged? Is writing easy? Ever feel you’ve arrived?

Donna: Amazing questions. And I’ll be honest. Yes, no, and no. Or … sometimes, sometimes, and no. Okay, the first two answers are yes and no. The last answer is always … no. --- In Him, discouragement withers away and dies. So I try to stay in Him. But yeah, it still creeps in. This industry is a tough business. You’ve heard it requires a thick skin. It’s true. It also requires casting a lot of cares upon Him. Otherwise, it will bury you. So far, I’m still free and kicking. Though sometimes I wonder! --- Let’s face it. Writing is fun and easy. If it wasn’t, none of us would be writers. But yet, writing is amazingly hard. It is, and all of us still want to write. Figure that out. Karen Ball likes to say, “Writing a novel is easy. Just slash a vein and bleed on the page.” Ouch. But it’s true. Writing a novel requires we give of ourselves, that we pour out much of what makes us unique for all to see. It’s scary. And it’s hard. But when it flows (when He pours Himself out through us), it’s the easiest thing in the world. --- Have I arrived? When I even begin to start to think so, I look at my sales reports. Enough said.

Caroline: Any single thing or person that has made a definite impression on your life as far as writing goes?

Donna: Francine Rivers was the keynote speaker at a conference I once attended. In awe, I sat on the edge of my seat listening to every word she said. One of her talks was only ten minutes long. Some left disappointed (I found out later). I was completely blown away. She not only humbly and gracefully pointed every soul in the room to the Bible and to Jesus Christ, but she challenged every writer in the room to be first HIS. To let Him do the work through us. --- I have definite opinions about my writing and what place it should have in my life. To hear those personal opinions validated by such a successful author sealed the deal for me. And I’ll never look back.

Caroline: Would you share your webpage or blog address with my readers? Anything else you’d like to add to promote your books?

Donna: I’d love to! Find my website at www.donnafleisher.com and my blog at www.donnafleisher.typepad.com. I’m also on MySpace and ShoutLife. Let’s be friends! --- One more thing I would like to add, and I’m completely serious about this: I would love to place, free of charge, a signed copy of Wounded Healer into the hands of anyone reading these words right now who wants one. All you have to do is leave a comment below or send me an e-mail at donna at donnafleisher.com. No problemo. --- Also (okay, one more thing), and you know I’m serious about this: I would love to place, free of charge, a signed copy of Wounded Healer into the hands of any military service member, veteran, or spouse who would like to give it a read. I appreciate your help in getting the word out. Tell them I look forward to hearing from them!

Thanks again, Carole, for a fun time! I pray all His best for you and yours, and for everyone reading this. Vaya con Dios! Always. Smile.

AH, for the day when I'm giving interviews! Smiles.

Here are a few hints that will serve you well your entire life:

• Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
• Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have, or sleep all you want.
• When you say, "I love you," mean it.
• When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eyes.
• Talk slowly, but think quickly.

Amy cried this quote from the depths of her soul. Likewise,
we could do the same from the state we love:
Heart leaves of lilac all over New England. Roots of lilac under all the soil of New England. Lilac in me because I am New England. -- Amy Lowell

The Time of the Lilacs
Sophie Gengembre Anderson

And the answer to yesterday's trivia question: a net! Yep, that's it. I figure none of you guessed that one! Am I right? More next week . . .


Blessings

I Hear Your Bell


I received an email yesterday from a sister. No, not a physical sister; I don't have one. But I do have plenty of soul sisters. And this sister is hurting. Problems galore are piling up. She's troubled about how to deal with them. She needs comforting, strength and guidance.

Two horses stand side by side in a field. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing . . . One horse is blind.

Close by in the field is a smaller horse and attached to the horse's halter is a small bell that lets the blind horse know where he is so he can follow.

The horse with the bell constantly checks on the blind horse. The blind horse listens for the bell and then slowly walks to where the other horse is. The blind horse trusts that his horse friend will not lead him astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.



Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.

Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way. Good friends are like that . . . you may not always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell. I'll be listening for yours.

And remember . . . be kinder than necessary -- everyone you meet
is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly . . . Leave the rest to God.

And the last of the relaxation hints. Make time to enjoy these. They'll be worth it!


1. Practice calmness. Don't let the kids get to you. Quit worrying. Problems will always be with us. Realize that. Turn to God, or talk to a friend.

2. Have fun. Do something physically fun. Walk up your driveway, ride a bike around the block, work in a garden. Ski. Hunt. Play softball with the kids. Don't feel obligated; do it because you want to.

3. Follow your dreams. Don't let life pass you by without doing some of the things (or all of them!) that you've always wanted to do. Don't let that niggling thought that you're not fulfilling your dreams bother you. Do something about it. You don't have to be a professional at it. Just do it.

4. Make time for family and friends. Never let work or obligations come before them. Always be available for them. Enjoy activities together. It doesn't have to be expansive or expensive. Simple things like fishing, picnicing, walking in the park, or visiting free museums and other events can be fun and valuable.

AND . . . the answer to yesterday's trivia question . . . did you say a dinasour? Nope. It's a CAT. How many of you guessed that?

One more question for this week:
What was a gladiator armed with, in addition to a dagger and spear?

I've had several men answer the trivia questions, but few women. Come on, ladies, are you going to let the men show off all that knowledge?

Tomorrow's the day, folks. Get ready with a witty
(or dumb! Smile) comment.

Catch the news about Donna Fleisher -- the writer -- tomorrow!

Quote:
The first day of spring is one thing; and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. -- Henry Van Dyke



Blessings.

Chocolate Calories

Here's one woman's take on her chocolate intake:

"A good piece of chocolate has about 200 calories. As I enjoy 2 servings per night, and a few more on weekends. I consume 3,500 calories of chocolate in a week, which equals one pound of weight per week.

Therefore...

In the last 3 1/2 years, I have had chocolate caloric intake of about 180 pounds, and I only weigh 165 pounds, so without chocolate, I would have wasted away to nothing about 3 months ago!

I owe my life to chocolate."

Everyone knows that writers love chocolate. Conclusion: I'm a writer; I love chocolate. But I'll have to add: with restrictions. I don't care for plain chocolate. It's got to be doctored up with mint, or nuts, or caramel, and then in certain ways. So, does that mean I'm not a good writer? Scowl . . . Of course not! I'm just a prolific writer with exotic tastes. Hmmm. That sounded good, didn't it?

Here's a few facts about chocolate:

• The Mayan people were some of the first to grow large plantations of cacao as early as 600AD. Both the Maya and Aztec people used cacao as a form of money.

• The Aztecs, and other ancient indigenous cultures, believed chocolate to be an aphrodisiac. Although this is not exactly true, chocolate does contain phenyl ethylamine (PEA) which creates a chemical reaction in the brain similar to that of falling in love. (If I hear that any of you began eating MORE chocolate . . .)

• Dark chocolate possesses the highest antioxidant content of any food. Chocolates contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and, in milk chocolate, calcium.

• The antioxidants and the flavonoids boost good HDL cholesterol levels.
  
  The flavonoids in chocolate work in a similar manner to a very low dose of aspirin to prevent blood platelets from clumping together to form a blood clot. The flavonoids are in the cocoa. None are present in white chocolate, and milk chocolate is diluted by sugar and milk. Dark, bittersweet chocolate is better, and simple cocoa (with even less fat than unsweetened chocolate) is best.

• Some studies indicate that dark chocolate may decrease blood pressure and insulin resistance. These are not conclusive studies and have been done only on healthy subjects, but the indications are positive.
  
  Green tea, black tea, red wine, and blueberries all contain flavonoids, but none are as high as chocolate. One ounce a day is enough - chocolate has calories and more is not better.

So, people, get on out there and get you a week's supply. Only remember, small portions, please!

See the cute little fellow in his mama's pouch? And the answer to yesterday's trivia question . . . a JOEY!

Today's trivia question:
What is the only domesticated animal not mentioned in the Bible?
(Answer tomorrow!)


May is traditionally known as a flowering month. But it's also known for its Mother's Day holiday. Here are more wonderful hints for all you women out there, to go along with what we gave you yesterday. Enjoy! (Men, apply these hints at your own risk! Smile)

1. Take 15 minutes for self. After a tiring day, lie down on floor, do some easy exercises. Relax your body.

2. Pamper yourself. Make your own spa. No interruptions! Put music on. Light some candles. Take an aromatherapy bath, bubble or salt bath. Breathe deeply. Give your face a soothng mask. When you step out of the tub and rub yourself with a scented lotion.

3. Sit in your favorite spot and think. Let your mind wander. Don't allow intrusive, worrying thoughts to invade this time.

.

AND, don't you all forget . . . Donna Fleisher's INTERVIEW on Friday's blog. Free books. A look at a writer's life. Fun, fun, fun!



A Writer's Quote:
Make them laugh, make them cry, and make them wait. -- Charles Dickens


Blessings.

May Day

"May Day"
by Kate Greenaway

I remember from my childhood, a large story book with a story about children in a small community observing May Day. It's stuck in my mind (all these many years!). By the time May gets here, NORMALLY, the worst of the bad weather is past. The re-birthing of the earth has fully come, and we all take a long breath of relief. We're ready to move on. Here are some fun facts (your history lesson for this month!) about this first day of May:

May Day is a time to celebrate the onset of May. Since the ancient days in England there prevailed a custom of "bringing in the May" on MayDay. This was why people would go to the woods in the early dawn. There they picked flowers and lopped off tender branches to bring them in and decorate the houses. It has always been strongly associated with flowers; it may be because of their availability in abundance.

Making garland is one of those ancient May Day customs that has survived still today. May garlands, is meant for the coming of summer. May garlands were also used while begging by the kids from door to door. At other times of the year begging would have been an offence. But if it was done at May time with a garland. This is why groups of small girls, crowned with leaves and flowers, went from door to door singing and begging.

A May Queen circa 1877

Part of the celebration was the crowning of a May Queen. When the sun rose, the maypole was decked with leaves, flowers and ribbons. The Queen was chosen from the pretty girls of the village to reign over the May Day festivities. Crowned on a flower-covered throne, she was drawn in a decorated cart by young men or her maids of honor to the village green. She would be crowned there right on the green spot. She was set in an arbor of flowers.

(Fess up: have any of you tried this?) Washing the face with May dew was yet another custom. There was a belief among the women in Great Britain and other parts of Europe those days that May Day dew has the power to restore beauty. This why in the Ozark Mountains, a cradle of American folklore, girls used to nurture a belief that having their faces washed with the early dawn dews on the May Day would help her to be married to the man of her choice. (Ah, if wishes came true!)

MORAL of this history lesson (smile): celebrate spring in YOUR way today. Are you creative? Enjoy today, then.

Here's the First Three of Ten Relaxation Tips

1. Relax. It beats anxiety, exhaustion, or a heart attack!

2. Carry a notebook with you. Jot down things that bother you. Make a list of chores needing done. Cross off each item as done. Write some happy thoughts. Develop a poem. Or write a letter.

3. Sleep! Get enough. Don't let two days go by without catching up. Nap when needed. Prepare your bedroom for sleep. Dab a tiny amount of lavender oil on your pillow, temples. Keep that notebook near. Place an eye pillow over your eyes. Turn the heat down. Listen to music, silence, leave a nightlight on, or close your eyes to total darkness.

Trivia Question:
What do you call a baby kangaroo?



Quote:

A little madness in the Spring is wholesome even for the King. 
-- Emily Dickinson

Spring blessings!

Extra! Extra!

Don't forget! Interview with Donna Fleisher coming up this Friday. AND . . . she's giving away a book to any and all who comment, so get ready folks. She's got some interesting things to tell us!


Mother's Day Contest coming soon. Ohhhhh! You won't want to miss this.




This isn't really new news. Just the answers to the National Driver's Test blog I did last week. Ooops! I forgot to post them. Here they are:

1. b. off the pavement
2. b. divided highway ahead
3. c. whenever it's legal and safe
4. b. change lanes one at a time until you are in the proper lane
5. c. road ahead may be slippery.
6. c. just when it starts to rain after a dry spell
7. c. until all cars have passed
8. c. facing downhill
9. b. before you enter the curve
10. c. headlights
11. c. slow down gradually by easing the gas and not applying the brakes
12. d. look toward the right edge of your lane
13. b. at marked or unmarked crosswalks
14. c. slow moving vehicle
15. a. the right lane will end ahead
16. a. other vehicles for any reason
17. b. police officer
18. d. white arrows in the middles of lanes
19. b. school buses and passenger buses carrying passengers
20. b. black letters or symbols on a yellow background


Big blessings.