Meet My Wonderful Writing Friend
Teresa Slack

THREE BOOK GIVEAWAY!

What to do?

Let Teresa and me know why she should write a suspense novel set in YOUR state (and if you live in Ohio, then tell her why she should get her currect work in progress done so that you can read it!) Make sure you leave your email address so that I can contact you when/if you win.

Now read on for a look into Teresa's writing life . . .


How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

First of all, Carole, let me say thanks for allowing me the opportunity to get acquainted with your readers. I have loved to write as long as I can remember. I couldn’t not do it. As far as I’m concerned when something is a passion, a burden if you will, that won’t let you go, God has great things in store for that passion. It’s almost a sin to let it go to waste.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write in several genres, but my favorite is romantic suspense. Suspense comes easier for me, but everything is better with an element of romance added in. In suspense, the hero is in imminent danger whereas a mystery is usually a puzzle that needs solved. In romantic suspense, the heroine should fall in love, and perhaps trip over a dead body or two along the way.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

This changes often and depends on what else is going on. Right now I’m working fulltime and won’t be able to dedicate as much time to writing as I normally do. When I am working on a novel I must set a word count for myself or I won’t accomplish a thing. Last year I joined a writing challenge and completed 52K in 30 days. Otherwise I fritter away my writing time. It helps if I’m accountable to someone, even a self-imposed deadline.

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

I am currently working on a novel that takes place on a remote Ohio farmhouse during the Great Blizzard of 1978. The story explores the spiritual inheritance we leave behind. It is easy to think we are a certain kind of person. But often our words and actions reveal a totally different persona to the world. After we’re gone there are no do-over’s. No second chances to show people our true self.

It is my hope that by reading the book, readers will ask themselves what inheritance they are preparing for the world. What will our loved ones say about us as they gather around our graveside? What about our coworkers or neighbors? Will they remember our generosity and love for God and all his creation? Or will they remember the times we lost our temper over small matters and lied to the boss to stay out of trouble?

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?

I often envy people with regular jobs and steady paychecks who get to leave their work behind every day when they clock out. Writers don’t have that luxury. We’re working, even when we’re not working. It is a very discouraging business.

I am currently between writing contracts. I sometimes wonder why I keep writing when there are so many people out there doing what I want to do, and possibly doing it a whole lot better. It seems when I get the most discouraged and considering chucking it all and getting a regular job, the Lord puts someone in my path to encourage me. Someone at church will tell me they’ve been praying for my writing. Or I will get an email from a reader. Today someone told me at the voting polls that they had just finished reading my books and loved them.

I think of how most actors and celebrities started out on a level playing field. Some became megastars like Tom Hanks, while others like Peter Scolari—his costar in Bosom Buddies—struggled to find work after a few years in Hollywood. Why do some enjoy incredible success while others are lucky to get a guest appearance in CSI, International Falls?

Let’s face it. A lot of it is dumb luck. Some is connections. Then you have talent, timing, an awesome publicist, hard work, and more dumb luck. Do the non-working actors not consider themselves actors because they aren’t as well known as Kate Hudson? Of course not. They keep working on their craft through the discouraging times as well as when everything seems to fall into place. If you want something bad enough, you’ll do what it takes to achieve it.

I won’t let the fact that I may not become a Tom Hanks keep me from pursuing my dreams.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I did a lot of research before I ever submitted to the first publisher. I went through the same thing when I was shopping for an agent. I wanted someone who shared my goals and vision for my books and my career. I don’t think anyone can afford to sit back and relax anymore. Having been published before has helped me get a foot in the door, but when it comes down to getting a new book contract it takes the same hard work and tenacity as the first book.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love:

• dark chocolate,
• shoe sales,
• brand new notebooks,
• movie theater popcorn,
• and Tina Fey.

My hobbies aren’t very exciting:

• reading,
• spending time with my grandkids,
• walking the dogs,
• and knitting.

If money were no object I would circle the globe. I love seeing new places and meeting new people. If I could only pick one place I would visit Greece.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Writing a book is hard enough, but letting the world know you wrote a book is a job that never ends.

• Readers are welcome to visit my website http://www.teresaslack.com/ to find out more about me and my books.
• I am woefully behind in posting to my two writing blogs.
• I try to update my Facebook status every day or so. Like everything else writing related, I hope to catch up over the next few weeks.

In the meantime check out my books. If they aren’t in stock at your local library or bookstore, just ask and they’ll get them for you. Of course they are available 24-hours a day online.

Thank you so much for visiting today, Teresa. Folks, she's a talented and wonderful writer! Please leave your comment for a chance to win these books!

Blessings!