Linsey Lanier
Sally Kilpatrick
Sia Huff
Romily Bernard
Darcy Crowder
Marilyn Baron
Tami Brothers
Sandra Elzie
Carol Burnside
Debbie Kaufman
Maxine Davis
Tammy Schubert
Susan Carlisle
Pam Asberry
Lindy Chaffin StartMae Nunn on Writing for Steeple Hill
1. How long have you been writing for Steeple Hill?
Steeple Hill published my very first book, Hearts In Bloom, in May 2004. In addition to my writing I was working a full time job that required quite a bit of travel. So my publishing goal was to release one book a year. I was able to achieve that goal and now that I’m retired from corporate life I hope to write at least two Love Inspired books per year.
2. What’s something you wish you’d known when you started your writing
journey?
I wish I’d known from the outset that there is no “right” way to write. Each writer has their own work style and method of putting together a story. I felt like I was somehow deficient because I not only disliked detailed plotting, I didn’t even understand it! When I went to plotting workshops with diagrams and post-it notes and templates I came away feeling like I’d just taken a math test, and failed! It took a half dozen books before I accepted that my style was more organic and that it was okay for me to get to know my characters as the book developed on the page.
3. What’s the most common writing question you get and what is your answer?
I’m constantly asked how I got started. I tell aspiring writers that they need to find local and online organizations where they can learn, critique, network, enter contests and attend conferences. Sitting at the computer and writing isn’t enough to get published in such a competitive field. You’ve got to make contact with other writers who can encourage, guide and promote your work to the next level. Making the time for networking is more effort than a lot of people are willing to invest, but it’s critical if you want to be a selling writer.
4. How have you dealt with the rejection of your writing?
I have been blessed with very little rejection in my writing career. But then I’ve also been blessed with published author friends who guided me and didn’t let me submit my work until it was ready to be seen at the professional level. One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is submitting to editors and agents before their work is polished, clean and compelling.
5. Do you have a Bible verse that guides your writing?
I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of My hand. Isaiah 51:16a
6. What is your favorite writing book?
Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Deb Dixon
7. What is the most recent Steeple Hill book you’ve read?
Her Forever Cowboy by Debra Clopton. Deb’s Mule Hollow stories are always heart-warming winners.
8. What does your writing life look like?
Now that I’m a full time writer I have a daily goal of producing five new pages. That generally takes me about six hours and I prefer to write straight through without interruptions that last longer than starting a load of laundry or pouring a fresh cup of coffee. I try to avoid the phone but like to check in with my friends online occasionally. I’m a morning person so the first half of the day is the most productive for me. I admire my author friends who can do all night writing marathons, but that’s not an option in my world. When the sun says good night I usually do too!
9. What advice would you give to an aspiring Steeple Hill author?
Don’t buy into the crazy things you sometimes hear about Steeple Hill’s writing restrictions. It’s really pretty easy to stay away from subjects and language that our readers might find offensive if you just ask yourself whether or not Jesus would find your words acceptable. Our readers are looking for wholesome entertainment with a spiritual message. When you keep that thought uppermost in your mind it really doesn’t make it difficult to work within the guidelines our publisher has established.
10. What is your favorite part about writing for Steeple Hill?
I am so proud and honored to write for a Christian publisher. I don’t have to caution anybody about Steeple Hill books because I know each and every one meets quality and Christian morality standards. The authors and editors at Steeple Hill are my extended family and I’m forever grateful that God has blessed me with this incredible career.
About the author
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Debbie Kaufman | |
September 1st, 2010 at 2:27 am
Mae,
Thank you for stopping by. I really “needed” this post. I find when I finish a book, my work has just started. Revising is a kicker.
I have been to your site and I love your ideas! Every book sounds fabulous.
September 1st, 2010 at 5:51 am
Mae,
Thanks for blogging with us today. I’ve enjoyed your books ever since I met you and read the first one. I hope to see another one out soon.
I loved your answers and your choice of Bible verses. I think each of us who write have been given the talent from God and so, we must you it.
Sandy
September 1st, 2010 at 7:40 am
Mae,
Thank you for blogging with us today. I especially liked your comments about equating detailed plotting with failing a math test. I hated math in school and I’m not a plotter. So it’s good to know you can be successful if you’re not.
Congratulations on your success.
Marilyn Baron
September 1st, 2010 at 8:19 am
Mae, thank you for an incredibly inspired and inspirational post! This one is a keeper for newbies and oldbies alike.
I thought I’d throw a question out there for you. Do you think there is/will be a market for books that have inspirational elements but don’t necessarily meeting the parameters of a category romance?
September 1st, 2010 at 8:56 am
Great interview, Mae.
SALLY: Think Debbie Macomber as the answer to your question.
September 1st, 2010 at 9:38 am
Mae,
Thanks for being with us. Finding what process works for you as a write is work unto itself, but worth it when you do. I love your picture with the blue bonnets. Texas is beutiful when they are blooming.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Great post, Mae! I love how energetic you are and your enthusiasm definitely comes out in your stories. I love reading them for that very reason.
Thanks for some great insight into the world of a writer. I readily agree with you on the networking thing. Many of us unpubbed writers are told again and again to focus on the writing, which is a must, but we are also told by some that the networking can come later. I’ve heard from many newly published authors who are overwhelmed with this process because they did wait. Now they are having to navigate a time when they should be relishing the experience but instead are dealing with a ‘trial by fire’ type atmosphere. It’s nice to hear that all this pre-networking stuff we are doing isn’t a waste…grin…
Thanks for blogging with us today!
Tami
September 1st, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Um, Debbie,I’m not sure Beulah would pass as wholesome. I sometimes think of it as gritty inspirational, but maybe I’m wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time.
September 1st, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Sally, I never got to read all of Beulah
September 1st, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Mae,
Thanks for blogging with us today. I read a LOT of Steeple Hill (I had a subscription to 3 lines and had to back off to two.) I read a lot of Love Inspired and the new Historical line. I’ll keep an eye out for your name to show up in my mailbox now that I “know” you.
Do you have any “series” yourself going? (like the Mule Hollow group you mentioned.)
Pam
September 1st, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Hi Mae, thanks for being with us today. That’s some great advice. (Too much plotting gives me the creeps, too. I love your analogy to the math test, LOL.)