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

Writer Deb Vogts' Interview

Thanks, Deb, for doing this interview. This past year you’ve become agented. I know my readers will enjoy hearing about your writing journey. Let's get started.

1. When did you first know you were a “writer?”

I’ve had an interest in writing since grade school and began my first “Great American Novel” my sophomore year in high school. Five year’s ago I joined American Christian Fiction Writers (then called Romance Writers), and it was then that I became serious about my writing and actually came “out of the closet” enough to call myself a “writer.” Scary thought. I mean who wants to admit that all you do is create characters and make-believe stories in your head all day? By then I had written two complete books, but I wouldn’t claim them now.

2. What is your favorite genre? Please explain a little about it to everyone.

I enjoy reading Christian fiction, romance, and women’s fiction. Two of the best novels I’ve read this year (and last) have been A River Rising, by Athol Dickson and A Bride Most Begrudging, by Deeanne Gist, both Christy Award winners, and there’s a reason why. Each of these authors captured their story’s world and characters and painted vivid pictures for their readers with some interesting twists. There are many more books in my to-be-read pile, however, so I’m sure I’ll uncover some more great reads soon.

3. What are you working on now? Want to tell us a smidgen about it?

I’m currently writing the second book of a four book series called Seasons of the Tallgrass. It’s contemporary romance set in the Flint Hills of Kansas, and each book takes place during one season of the ranching year. The book I’m working on now is my summer book, and I call it Seeds of Summer. It’s about a young woman who returns to her father’s ranch to care for her siblings after her father’s death. In a nutshell, she realizes that by giving up her dreams, she opens doors for God’s will in her life, and finds that His dreams for her future are far better than her own.

4. What does it mean to be agented? How did this happen? How soon till you're published?

To have an agent is to have someone in a literary agency working to get your manuscript in the hands of an editor and to continue pushing your work until you are published. After that, an agent handles contract negotiations, and helps with all the other little things that go with publishing and marketing yourself as an author.

My story is odd in that I didn’t search long before I found an agent that was a good fit for me. I believe God’s hands were in it from the beginning. A couple years ago, I attended an ACFW conference in Nashville on a full scholarship. (Again, God’s hands.) While there, I visited with several publishers and agents, and my very last appointment was with Beth Jusino from Alive Communications. She showed enthusiasm for my book series and gave me some suggestions for making it better. She said if I could make those changes, to send the proposal and some sample chapters to her. Which, of course, I did. J After that, she requested the full, and then almost a year from the time I met her, she took me on as a client. I was elated, and even in a state of disbelief that it was happening. Beth is full of energy and knows the publishing world inside out. I am thrilled to have her in my corner.

Currently, we are seeing some interest in the series, but I’m finding that patience is a must in this business. Hurry up and wait. J Right now, I’m holding this project up to God, to take care of in His perfect timing.

5) What is an average day in your life?

As a stay-at-home mom with my oldest daughter in college and my youngest in 4^th grade, I have it easier than most. Once the kids are off for school, my day begins with a little bit of housework, then Bible study and devotion, and after that, if I’m good, I’ll go straight to my writing. (If I’m not good, I’ll check my e-mail, which usually equates into spending more time on the Internet than I ought to.) I’ll break for lunch and do some more household duties, and then work again on writing projects in the afternoon till around 5:00 or 6:00.

If I followed my “perfect” schedule, I’d write from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Take a break and exercise, then work on other projects from 3:00 – 6:00, such as web site updates, newsletters, critiques, articles, or my book.

Unfortunately, I don’t live in a “perfect world,” and I have a hard time sticking to this schedule, especially the exercise part. There seems always to be something that interferes like dentist appointments, laundry, or my sweet tooth.

6. How long do you spend daily on your writing?

Ha, ha, see above answer.

7. What are some of your hobbies? A weird habit of yours? Favorite food?

A few of my hobbies include playing the piano (I also give lessons), baking, and of course, reading. I also plant a huge garden in the spring so my summers are pretty busy taking care of that.

I don't have any weird habits (huge smile). My favorite food is either Chicago style pizza or grilled Kansas city strip steak. And chocolate--although chocolate isn't a food; it's a daily vitamin supplement.

8. Do you ever feel like giving up on your writing? Is writing a "piece of cake?" An easy road to travel?

You know, I’m not sure I ever think about giving up. I love writing too much for that to cross my brain. But sometimes I do wonder if it’s God’s plan for me to be published. I think we all have our moments of doubt about that.

No, writing is not a piece of cake. There’s nothing easy about coming up with memorable characters, sensational settings, and page-turning plotlines. And sitting in your chair every day is hard work too, especially when you have kids or a husband beckoning or hear the gentle whisper of a sunny day calling to you. Despite all that, however, and the ongoing insecurities we writer’s face, wondering if we’ll be able to write another novel as good as the last, or if it will sell, and if it does sell, will the next one sell, etc. etc. . . I wouldn’t trade it for a million dollar lottery ticket—and I had to really think hard about that one because it would be wonderful to pay off all of our debt and own a big, fancy house. But what good would all that be, if I couldn’t do the one thing I truly loved doing? I mean, really, it’s pretty awesome to love your job.

9. How do you get your ideas? Come up with character names?

Oh, the ten million dollar question. Most of my ideas come from a variety of places – newspaper or magazine articles, something I’ve seen or remembered from my past, even a dream, but above all, it’s something that strikes my heart as so compelling a thought I have to get it down on paper and write about it. Brainstorming also helps when you need to add conflict to your story.

Character names are a bit easier. I usually refer to a baby name book, and just like naming a child, I give lots of thought to how the name reflects on my character. Sometimes I use phone books.

10. Want to share your blog address with my readers?

Sure, but my blog isn’t a normal blog. Instead, it serves as my web site. I recently added a panoramic photo of the Flint Hills to my header, so I am very excited about that. Plus I now have additional page links for recipes, writer’s tips, and other country tidbits. I call it Country at Heart. Please visit me at http://www.deborahvogts.com/.

11. Any advice for all the "hopeful" writers out there in cyberspace?

Never give up. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. . .It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Col. 3:23-24.


There you have it, dear friends and family. A woman who is VERY close to being traditionally published. I'm so excited for her and can't wait to hear that she's been contracted. But those of us who are "writers" we soon learn that it's a long journey. For some: years. Deb is our critique group overseer and does a great job of it. I'm so happy to be a part of American Christian Fiction Writers and my critique group.

Don't forget to say a prayer for her writing (and don't forget me either! Grin).



Hint for Posterity:
Begin today a journal of you and your family. Don't try to be 'long-winded.' Begin slowly, keep entries short. Start with memories of your children, work on that for several days or even months. Then write about your life, thoughts, and feelings. Advance to your parents life, or even farther back. Write small things, words, or whatever comes to your mind. Just write and keep at it. Someday you'll have something that may be cherished in the future.


Quote:
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. --taken from Philippians.


Blessings.

Charles Seymour Interview

Hi, Charlie. Thanks for doing this interview. I'm really happy (and, yes, maybe a little bit jealous!) that you are now a certified author.

Caroline: How did you feel when you got the contract? The offer to publish your first book?

Charlie: It was a combination of shock, unbelief, and elation.

Caroline: How long have you been writing? Ever done anything else significant?

Charlie: In the past, I've written a few songs and some poetry, but nothing over a couple of pages.

Caroline: I just wrote on my blog Friday, January 26th, about research for my novels. Do you feel the need to research, and if you do, what kind and how much do you do?

Charlie: Research can help a little or a lot, depending on your subject matter. I love history, so the research that I did was quite fun. I tried to get all of my historical data as accurate as possible.

Caroline: What's the genre you write in? Is that your favorite?

Charlie: Pioneer Western/romance. Anything that has to do with the American west prior to 1900 AD is bound to catch my attention . . . movie or book!

Caroline: Can you explain briefly to my readers why you chose Tate Publishing? What all did you do to send to them? What was involved?

Charlie: I checked out several publishers and got accepted by more than one, but I chose Tate, because I had a good feeling about them. They appeared to be honest and open, they are a Christian publisher, and their overall contractual terms were better. All that I sent to them was my manuscript; from there, they contacted me.

Caroline: What's next on your agenda? Will you develop a series from this first book or move on to something different?

Charlie: I have already started on the sequel to my story and have retained all movie rights. I hope to find a way to have a movie done of the story.

Caroline: Are you planning on obtaining an agent?

Charlie: That depends on how large the whole business ends up becoming.

Caroline: How are you planning on promoting your book? How will the publishing company help you? How can we help you?

Charlie: The company is planning a publicity campaign: radio and television press releases and newspaper stories. There will be some publisher-organized book signings and some personal book signings. Other than that, any word of mouth or internet publicity is greatly appreciated.

Caroline: Where can anyone order your book?

Charlie: It can currently be ordered online at www.tatepublishing.com or if anyone wishes a signed copy, they can order one directly from me by sending a money order for $12.00 to: Charles Seymour
4156 Eastland Ave.
Louisville, OH 44641

Caroline: Want to tell us what the book is about and how did you get the idea for it?

Charlie: The book combines people that I know now, with people who actually lived in 1873. The best example of this is the main character of the book: The young man named Joshua ia actually my son, and the young woman that he meets and eventually marries really is Virginia Elizabeth Grant who was actually the niece of President Ulysses S. Grant.

Caroline: Tell us honestly (big grin): is it hard to write a book? How long did it take you?

Charlie: That depends on if God gives you the story or not. In this case, the story just came out of the blue, I did not know from one page to the next what was coming. I wrote the book in three weeks and had approximately forty hours invested between research and writing.

Charlie, thanks again for your willingness in being interviewed on Sunnybank Meanderings. We wish you much success!

Folks, check out Charlie's book: "The Spirit of the West."



Here are some more frugal, but fun, hints:

Glass Bottles:
* Use a narrow-necked bottle as a candleholder. The wax drips down the side and makes a pretty design.

* Fill a clear glass bottle with small candies.

* Make a bottle into a vase.

* Use a bottle with a wide opening as a change holder or bank.




Quote:
There is an exquisite melody in every heart. If we listen closely, we can hear each other's song. A friend knows the song in your heart and responds with beautiful harmony.


Blessings.