Romance Writers on the Journey

Terisa Wilcox writes time travels that transport the reader to the misty moors of 17th Century Scotland. She sold the first two books of her MacGregor series to L&L Dreamspell. Her debut novel, Timeless Mist, was released in April. The second book in the series, Between Now and Then, is due out in 2010.

Recently widowed, Terisa lives in Florida with her three children, her daughter-in-law and her adorable two-year-old grandson. When she’s not juggling her time between the many characters running around in her head insisting she tell their stories and spending time with her family, Terisa likes to read, cook, crochet and swim.

Join me as we learn about more about Terisa and her journey to publication.

(Look at the bottom of the post for multiple drawing prizes offered.)

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Terisa’s Journey Begins

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•Life is filled with many significant events that leave a lasting impression on us. For most novelists, choosing to create that first story is one such milestone. When did you hear the call to write, and how did you respond?

It was late in 1999 when I first decided to try writing. I’ve always been a voracious reader, but waiting for one of my favorite authors to come out with another story seemed endless. I had time as my children were now in their teens and, although I homeschooled them, they didn’t need quite as much direction, so I decided to write a story. I’d done a few short stories when I was much younger, but between moving a lot, getting married, having children, and just life in general, it took awhile for me to remember how much I’d loved writing as a kid.

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Terisa’s Inspiration

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•You write stories set in the scenic Scottish countryside of yesteryear. How did you choose that location? Had you traveled there, did some bonny Scot’s beautiful brogue captivate you, or was watching Mel Gibson in Braveheart a factor?

I haven’t had the chance to travel to Scotland…yet, but I’m hoping someday. I actually started my first story as a straight historical, set in Ireland. Then for a school project, my children and I were doing some genealogy research on my mother’s side of the family. I discovered that Wilcox could have been one of the names taken by the MacGregor’s during the proscription. It fascinated me. I spent hours upon hours researching the history of the MacGregor’s and Scotland. I fell in love with the pictures of the scenery and the many legends. From there, it just all seemed to come together.

As far as the Scottish brogue, that would have to be from Sean Connery all the way.

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•Your stories are time travels, in which the heroine of book one is transported to the year 1603 when kilt-clad MacGregor is fighting to retain his territory and book two’s brave heroine is thrust four hundred years into future. When did you become interested in writing tales that span centuries, and where did you get the ideas that led to Kristianna and Caitlyn’s journeys through time?

I wondered what would happen if a MacGregor fell in love with a Campbell. I’d started reading time travels at this point, so I wondered what would happen if a Campbell heroine from this century traveled back in time and landed on MacGregor land.

I hadn’t read many time travels with the hero or heroine traveling forward in time. With Caitlyn, who is Iain’s sister, I wanted to know how she would react to it all.

I usually start my writing with questions. What would happen if this or that took place? How would my character respond in this situation?

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•I noticed that a certain piece of jewelry plays an important role in each of your books. Did you model these after family heirlooms or museum pieces, or did you create them to fit the stories?

No, nothing like that. I started with a watch for Kris because, well, it seemed the most logical thing to use. Then, as certain elements got added to her story, I began having ideas about Caitlyn’s tale. I decided a different piece of jewelry for each heroine would be the perfect thing. Something unique for each of them. I may reuse something in the future, but we’ll see what happens.

I found a website that sells some beautiful Scottish jewelry. I wrote and asked permission for me to use the descriptions on my website and in my stories, and they were very happy to agree.

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Terisa’s High Points

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•The day you heard that L&L Dreamspell wanted to offer a contract must have been one of your most exciting. Please share with us the story of getting The Call and how you reacted.

It was very exciting. I had sent off the query and received a request for the full. Then, instead of just waiting to hear something, knowing it could take awhile, I began Caitlyn’s story.

It was only about two weeks later I received an email from Lisa telling me she’d like to offer me a contract. I was so excited, I think my family in Massachusetts heard me screaming lol. Everyone was home from work that day, and they all knew what had happened. We had a wonderful celebration. Although my husband threatened to buy a big ball and chain so he could keep me off the ceiling and tied to the floor. lol.

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I noticed some of your reviewers referenced your “consistent and impressive” Scottish dialogue. What research did you do to nail this aspect of your stories? Would you be willing to give us a little taste?

Iain has a wee greeting for you:

“Och, lassie, ’tis happy I am to be chatting wi’ ye today. Kris tells me quite often that she could just sit and listen to me speak for hours. I dinnae understand it, but ’tis happy I am to accommodate her.”

I didn’t actually do any research for the brogue. Unless you count watching Sean Connery movies. lol. I do read a lot, and my favorite romances are usually set in Scotland. There are many authors who do a very good job at the brogue. I think I just picked it up from reading it a lot.

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Terisa’s Low Spots

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How did you develop the thick skin we writers need to deal with the rejections? Or were you one of those blessed souls who doesn’t have a collection of passes?

I am one of those blessed souls . I have a total of three rejections, and those are all from agents. L&L Dreamspell was the first and only publisher I’ve queried at the moment.

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You celebrated the sale of your first two books with your best friend and partner of seventeen years, Earl. Your beloved husband was here for the release of your first book, but tragically he won’t be here for your second, since the Lord took him home September 15th. My heart and prayers goes out to you. How have you been dealing with the enormity of this loss? Have you been able to write, or has grief stilled your creative spirit for now?

Thank you, Keli. Your prayers and those of my family, friends and fans are much appreciated at this time. It is an enormous loss for me.

Earl and I had known each other for over twenty-six years. We were friends, and then it developed into more and we married. I was truly blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life for so long.

My faith and knowing that Earl is now at home with the Lord, whom he loved so very much, helps. I have good days, bad days and some really bad days, but with the Lord’s help, strength and comfort, it gets easier every day. I’m trying to take each minute at a time and not worry about things.

At the moment, I haven’t been able to write. But it is slowly coming back. I know Earl would not ever want me to give up on my dream or let my writing go just because he’s not here anymore. He encouraged me every step of the way and wanted me to succeed at being an author. It is my dream career, and Earl was there to see me achieve the beginning of it.

I have ideas for several more books that I bounced off of him and he liked. The excitement and desire to write is definitely still there.

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Terisa’s Partners on the Journey

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•What’s it like to be part of the L&L Dreamspell family? How does the house support its authors? Do they offer editing, marketing assistance, book signing opportunities, etc?

Linda and Lisa have been wonderful. They offer editing, and Linda does a fantastic job on the covers. They also have a group set up for their authors for support, encouragement, ideas etc. It’s a terrific bunch and I love being a part of it.

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Terisa’s Debut Novel

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•Please tell us about Timeless Mist.

Kristianna discovers the magic of Scotland when she comes face to face with the man of her dreams – four hundred years in the past…

Art-history major Kristianna Campbell gets more education than she bargains for when she visits Scotland with her college class. On a shopping excursion she picks up an unusual souvenir—an antique pocket watch once owned by Iain MacGregor.
The enchanted watch pulls her back through time where she lands smack in the middle of Iain MacGregor’s territory—in the year 1603, during the proscription against the MacGregors.

Unsure of where she is or how she got there, Kris is stunned when she sees Iain and realizes he’s not exactly a stranger to her. She’s dreamed of him for weeks. And her attraction to him is stronger in the flesh than in her dreams. Realizing the danger in revealing her real surname of Campbell, Kristianna tells him her last name is Armstrong.

The situation is tense as Iain battles enemies on all sides, thanks to King James VI and the decree that the name of MacGregor be outlawed, and the Earl of Argyll, Archibald Campbell’s desire to see the MacGregors decimated. Iain has neither the time nor the inclination to deal with the strange lass who mysteriously landed in his territory.
But Kristianna affects him in ways no other woman has. To desire her is acceptable, but when she begins to reach the heart he thought long dead, he knows he will never be the same.

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Terisa’s Journey Continues

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•Timeless Mist is on the shelves, and Between Now and Then is due to be released next year. What are you working on now? The third in the series, perhaps?

Actually, yes, I am working on the third book in the series. I have no title for it yet, but Hailey Armstrong, Kris’ best friend from Timeless Mist, is the heroine, and Jamie MacGregor, Iain’s eldest brother, is the hero. I’m having quite a bit of fun with these two. Especially Hailey because she knows what’s going on as well as who sent her back in time.

At the moment, I have ideas for several more books in the series. I’m also working on fixing, editing and probably completely rewriting my very first attempt, which is called Raven’s Heart.

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Five Fun Facts About Terisa, the Writer

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~ I write by the seat of my pants. If an idea sounds good, I write it.

~ I’m not the most organized person and usually have notes and who knows what else scattered all over my desk.

~ I love the editing part of my writing. When the story is finished, I get to go back and rewrite and fix.

~ I have to keep reminding myself to write the entire story before I edit.

~ I can go for days without writing a word, then I’ll just know where I want to go and nobody will see me for days.

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Five Fun Facts About Terisa, the Person

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~ I’d rather have a bag of chips than chocolate. Weird I know. lol.

~ My favorite color is deep red.

~ I love to cook and I’m always trying new recipes, especially desserts.

~ I like to color with my grandson.

~ I truly believe all things work together for good and no matter what happens, God is in charge.

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Terisa’s Question for You

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•I’ve enjoyed having you as my guest, Terisa. Thanks for your great answers to my questions. Now it’s your turn to ask a question of your visitors, so fire away.

Thank you so much for having me, Keli. It’s been enjoyable.

Now, my questions for your readers: If you could travel to any time period and country, what would you pick and why?

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Learn More About Terisa

Visit her Web site ~ http://www.terisawilcox.com

Friend her on Facebook and My Space ~ Terisa Wilcox

Follow her on Twitter ~ TerisaW

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Leave a Comment for Two Chances to Win

To leave a comment, click on “Comments” below the date in the title at the top of the post.

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My Regular Drawing

My next drawing will take place October 10th. We took my daughter to college recently. She packed relatively few books, but one that went was an unabridged copy of Little Women, which is a classic tale she and I love. We’ve watched the movie version of the story with Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon many times. Since I’m missing my daughter and feeling nostalgic, I’m giving away a new copy of this DVD, one you can share with a loved one.

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by October 10th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On October 11th, I’ll post the winner’s name in the Welcome post at the top of the blog.

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You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by me, your blog hostess Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and September 30th. Be sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) Click red link above to see samples of covers and pages.

On October 1st, I will choose one person who will have her/his choice of covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your debut novel in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)

Susan Hollaway writes inspirational romance, devotionals, and whatever else God lays on her heart. She’s currently working on her first novel-length romance.

Susan met her personal hero on a blind date, and they married eight months later. Her romantic hubby remembers their anniversaries, both the day they met and the day they wed. They will be married 20 years this year. They live in Kansas with their teenage daughter and their daughter’s two dogs, a rat terrier named Buddy and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Katy.

When not writing, Susan is busy being the keeper of her home, homeschooling her daughter, and helping with their 4-H club and her daughter’s many activities. Susan’s hobbies and interests include reading, spending time with her family, visiting with friends, reading, crocheting when cold weather comes around and reading. She would like to enjoy knitting, but she thinks the knitting gene must have skipped her generation, going directly to her daughter.

Join me as we learn about more about Susan and her writing journey.

(Look at the bottom of the post for multiple drawing prizes offered.)

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Susan’s Journey Begins

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•Like so many, you dreamed of being a writer for many years. When did you decide to turn your dream into reality, and what motivated you to do so?

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a writer. I’d never taken the leap, as I was afraid of failing. My hubby and daughter encouraged me for years to write, but I fought it.

Not quite a year ago, the desire became so strong I couldn’t get away from it. My daughter advised me, “You can’t fail if you don’t try, but you can’t succeed if you don’t try either.” Ouch! She threw my own words back at me. So, I began to pray about it. I asked God to show me in no uncertain terms what to do. If it was not in His will for me to write, then to completely take the desire from me; if it was in His will for me, then please show me the billboard effect (in my face).

Well, He sure did. I knew at that point, writing was something I had to do. (Don’t worry, I won’t tell an agent or editor that. ) I went, a bit nervously, to my hubby and daughter and said I felt God was asking me to write for Him. “We know!” they said. “What took you so long to figure it out?” Needless to say, I have their full support.

My desire is to write Christian inspirational romance glorifying to God. I want to write stories Christians and non-Christians alike can read that will entertain as well as share the message of God’s love and how it can make a difference in one’s life.

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•You worked on your local community’s newspaper when taking high school journalism and enjoyed seeing your name in print. What did your experience as a journalism student teach you that has helped you as a writer today?

The things that come immediately to mind are persevering through a story even when it gets tough, meeting deadlines, editing, and proofreading.

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Susan’s Inspiration

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•You’re hard at work on your first inspirational romance. Where did you get the idea for the story? Has it been tumbling around in the back of your mind for years, or did you receive a sudden flash of inspiration and run to your keyboard to capture the creative flow?

Once I decided to write, an idea came to me. So, I think more of a sudden inspiration with a lot of tweaking along the way. Romance novels typically always have a “happily ever after” ending, which is why we love to read them. But I would also like to include real life issues and struggles in my stories. We all have them; my hope is I can show that, but also show how God can change hearts and minds when we follow Him.

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Susan’s High Points

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•You’re in the early stages of your journey and have yet to type The End. Even so, I’m sure there have been times when the thrill of pouring forth your first story tasted so sweet. What have been the biggest blessings you’ve experienced so far?

I would have to say it really blesses me when God teaches me (or reminds me) of a lesson I need to learn through the very story I’m writing. He has blessed me so much since I accepted that I “need” to write. It has given me peace.

One of my biggest blessings is the gift of the people God has placed in my life since I started writing. It has been absolutely amazing! He has put some of the most incredible writers and new friends in my path, and the blessings have spilled forth … pressed down, shaken together and running over. Another blessing is receiving support from old friends who don’t seem shocked when I tell them I’m writing. To old and new friends – you all know who you are – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a blessing indeed!

Finally, I have to say that it’s SO exciting and a blessing when an idea seems to flow, I get a lot accomplished, and my story seems to be going in the direction I want. I think those “woo-hoo!” moments are special blessings God gives us just when we need them most.

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Susan’s Low Spots

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I remember the early days working on my first story. I’d get swept away in the joy of creation, but all of a sudden, a wave of doubt would wash over me. How do you deal with those days when the words won’t come or you’re feeling discouraged and wonder why you embarked on this journey?

I’ve certainly had some of those. Someone asked me not too long ago, “How’s your writing going?” My response was, “Well, it depends on which day you ask.” I have days where it goes great and others where I wonder what makes me think I can write at all. Then I remember God prompted me on this journey and gave me the much-needed kick in the pants to get started. I need to stay with it, even when it’s difficult. During those times, I’ll take a break and usually talk to God about it. Occasionally, I’ll instant message or call one of those wonderful writer friends I was telling you about, and they usually set me straight. Usually, God teaches me a lesson (whether it has to do with writing or not).

If I can’t get away from the feelings of discouragement, I’ll write about how I’m feeling. And can you believe it – on occasion, a blog entry or a devotional will come out of it. That’s probably because I end up digging in God’s Word to figure out what’s up with me. Am I too tired? Worked for too long at it? Do I have a bad attitude? And then there are days it just won’t flow and I don’t know why. When that happens, I step away and take a breather.

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Susan’s Partners on the Journey

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•Writing is often a solitary endeavor, but you were wise and joined a writers’ group soon after you began writing. How did you come to be involved in American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and KS Writers Inc. (KWI), and what aspects of the groups have you found to be the most helpful?

It was another of those blessings through people I talked about earlier. I felt strongly led to share my “secret of wanting to be a writer” with a friend from the YMCA. Once I shared with her, she introduced me to her writer daughter who has become a dear friend. Not long after, she introduced me to KWI.

Due mostly to scheduling conflicts, I had a hard time making it to meetings. But I’ve finally got that worked out and have been able to attend more regularly. KWI is an eclectic group of writers; we receive advice, comments, and experiences from writers from many different genres and walks of life. There are both non-published writers and published authors in the group. There’s generally a program at each meeting, which helps us improve the craft of writing. I’m very grateful for this group and to those who have offered their wisdom, advice, and encouragement to me.

More recently, a new friend who is a member of ACFW introduced me to the group. She invited me to their regional meeting. I went and was hooked! It has been a huge blessing to me. Everyone is so encouraging and helpful! It’s something I look forward to with anticipation every month. I have been encouraged, prayed for, and mentored in so many ways. I am SO blessed to be a part of this group, and I praise God for it.

There’s an ACFW conference every year as well, which I hear is incredible, but I’ve not had the opportunity to attend yet. Someday perhaps, Lord willing. Our regional group meets monthly, but I also receive the wisdom of thousands of writers over the organization’s main e-loop. The member’s willingness to encourage, pray, and offer their knowledge to others is amazing. I have gained true friends, not just fellow writers.

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Susan’s Journey Continues

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•What are your plans once you finish your first story? Will you enter the manuscript in contests or dive right into a second story?

Hmm. Good question. I’ll probably seek the advice of others. I’ve already been thinking about the story line of my next book. It would be the second of three books set in the same town with new characters introduced.

But I don’t want to put the cart before the horse. Entering book one in a contest would be a good place to start, but I’ve got to reach “the end” first, don’t I? I guess I’ll just see when I get there. Suggestions, anyone?

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Five Fun Facts About Susan, the Writer

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~ I have to try and get my housework done before I start writing, because if I don’t – the housework or writing might not get done as it should. I feel more at ease and write better if I have my “ducks in a row” first.

~ Once I start writing – if it’s going well – I lose track of time and am not aware of the world around me.

~ I enjoy learning about the craft of writing.

~ I can get SO lost in a good book – fiction or non-fiction – that I don’t even realize sometimes when someone else has come into the room. They may have been there for a while, and then when I seem surprised that they’re there … well, I usually get the eye roll thing and a chuckle.

~I don’t get how football could be more interesting that writing, reading a good book, or even watching a romantic movie. I have to say that the whole football thing – people knocking each other down and crashing into one another over a silly ball –  completely eludes me.

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Fun Facts About Susan, the Person

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~ I am a bit of a klutz. Sort of an accident waiting to happen, one might say. I usually spill or drop something – and if it’s food or drink, usually on myself.

~ I love a good romantic movie – old and new alike. Hallmark movies are some of my faves.

~ I snort when I laugh. I don’t mean to – it just sort of happens. And I love a good chat with a friend. Well, okay, I don’t even have to know them that well. I can have a perfectly good chat with a total stranger.

~ I love being a stay-at-home wife/mom and homeschooling our precious daughter. It’s a calling from the Lord as well as my joy, privilege, and honor.

~ I love autumn! Even though I’m supposed to act like an adult now, I still think it’s cool to pile up the fallen leaves and run and jump in them. I love going for a walk and hearing the leaves crunch under my feet. And the colors! Enough said.

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Susan’s Question for You

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•I’ve enjoyed having you as my guest, Susan. Thanks for your great answers to my questions. Now it’s your turn to ask a question of your visitors, so fire away.

What is it about reading an inspirational romance novel that you like the most? What keeps you coming back for more?

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Learn More About Susan

Visit her blog: Susan’s Sampler

Friend her on Facebook: Susan Hollaway

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Leave a Comment for Two Chances to Win

To leave a comment, click on “Comments” below the date in the title at the top of the post.

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My Regular Drawing

My next drawing will take place September 30th. The winner will receive a silver necklace bearing the word Courage, which is something anyone embarking on her writing journey needs.

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To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by September 30th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On October 1st, I’ll post the winner’s name in the Welcome post at the top of the blog.

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You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by me, your blog hostess Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and September 30th. Be sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) Click red link above to see samples of covers and pages.

On October 1st, I will choose one person who will have her/his choice of covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your debut novel in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)

Serena Bonzo Miller sold her debut novel to Summerside Press on a hot day in July. Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio, a contemporary Amish romance, is due to release in September 2010.

Serena has lived many places, including a four-room railroad shanty, her grandmother’s 1800s log house, tiny apartments and various parsonages. She’s a minister’s wife with three grown sons, two lovely daughters-in-law and two adorable grandchildren. Home these days is a way-out-in-the-country farmhouse in southern Ohio, which she helped her husband and sons build­—a place she hopes never to leave.

When she’s not writing inspirational fiction, articles or short stories, Serena likes to make rag rugs, research anything that catches her fancy (you never know what might end up in a story), talk books with her twelve-year-old granddaughter, and occasionally feel guilty over not practicing her hammered dulcimer. Her favorite time of year is late autumn because she can take long walks without fear of running into any snakes!

Join me as we learn about more about Serena and her debut novel.

(Look at the bottom of the post for multiple drawing prizes offered.)

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Serena’s Journey Begins

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•You’ve lived in a variety of homes in a number of states. In all those places, you wrote. When did you see your first piece in print?

An “All In A Day’s Work” piece was purchased by Reader’s Digest about twenty years ago. The story was from when I worked midnight shift as a clerk in Vanderbilt’s ER. I got $300 for that paragraph and was so excited the kids and I broke my bed jumping up and down on it screaming.

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•When did you decide to write a novel, and where did the idea for that first work come? A character who burst into your mind, chattering away? An opening scene that grabbed you? A setting that begged to be used?

There was a man in our area who built a strange little castle out in the woods. This is in deep Appalachia, and the castle, although four stories high, had tar paper turrets. No plumbing or running water. Based on a visit to that castle, I came home, sat down at the computer, closed my eyes, and began a dark and brooding story filled with anguished characters. Had no idea what I was doing. Eventually wrote myself into a corner and didn’t know how to get out, so the story permanently stalled. It caught the attention of my twelve-year-old son, however. He wanted to read the daily installment when he got home from school. I figured if I could hold the attention of an adolescent male, I had a shot at catching adult readers some day.

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•How many novel-length stories have you completed? Are they all in the same category or have you dabbled in different ones?

Aside from my tarpaper castle story—that fit no genre I’ve ever seen—I’ve written four full-length inspirational romances. One is a suspense involving the Appalachian Trail.

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Serena’s High Points

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•After several years producing stories that warmed your heart, you received some heartwarming news. An agent offered representation. How did that come about? What advice would you offer others seeking an agent?

In addition to praying for God’s guidance, I played by the book. I took classes. Went to conferences. Read books on craft. I entered contests that gave feedback. I made friends with published authors and listened to their advice. I joined a critique group. Eventually I began to final in contests. Magazine editors began to buy my short stories and articles. I won a writing contest.

When Chip MacGregor announced at the Dallas American Christian Fiction Writers conference three years ago that he was starting his own agency, MacGregor Literary, I made an appointment and pitched a story to him. He asked to see a partial. A few weeks later he e-mailed to say that, although my writing was strong, his agency was still getting off the ground and he couldn’t afford to invest the time into launching a new author–yet. A year later, I got an e-mail from Sandra Bishop, who had just joined his agency and was looking for new authors. The day I received an author/agent agreement with her, was a happy, happy day.

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Serena Bonzo Miller with her agent, Sandra Bishop

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•Your agent went to work for you. On July 21st, which you’d written off as a bad writing day, she called. This wasn’t just any call. It was The Call. Tell us all about that momentous occasion. Were there tears or cheers? Or perhaps some of both?

I knew Summerside Press was looking at my proposal, but I was afraid to hope. I’d received so many rejection letters by that time, I’d begun to pride myself on how well I dealt with them. When I actually heard the words come out of Sandra’s mouth, “Summerside is offering you a book deal” I was so surprised, I burst into tears. Sandra told me the basics of the deal, then gave the glory to God when I tried too hard to thank her for all her hard work. That woman is a true believer, and I am incredibly blessed to have her in my corner.

Then I partied. Went out on the porch, where two of my grown sons were visiting with my husband. I told them my news and got hugged within an inch of my life. We were whooping it up so loudly that my third son, who lives in a log cabin just a few yards down from us, heard all the commotion and thought something bad had happened. He came running across the field, still carrying a kettle of soup he’d been heating. He was hungry and didn’t want to relinquish the soup unless he had to.

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•Wow! What a great story. In spite of the fact that we unpublished writers are told repeatedly that we must have a completed manuscript before we query, you didn’t. How did your agent sell a book from an unknown writer that wasn’t yet finished?

Actually, I did have a completed manuscript. I’d just finished a story that my agent felt could be re-written to fit Summerside’s needs. The fact that I’d successfully written for several magazine editors, in addition to the fact that Sandra was representing me, had a lot to do with them being willing to gamble on a debut author.

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•You paid a visit to Sugarcreek, Ohio to perform on-site research for your book and were blessed with a special opportunity. Please tell us about it.

I chose a Bed and Breakfast that approximated the farmhouse inn I planned to use in my novel. I intended to do the regular tourist route of commercial tours, etc. but God had a better plan. The B&B hostess has many Amish friends. She was scheduled to can peaches with a family one afternoon and took me along. While we worked, they were gracious enough to give me permission to ask any questions I wanted. Their relatives up the road, intrigued by the fact that I was writing a book, invited me and my husband to dinner later that evening. We had a picnic-style supper around a small campfire in their yard while watching their seven beautiful children play.

Frankly, I fell in love with the gentle graciousness of these two families. The father, when he discovered my husband is a minister, ran to get his Bible, and they had a wonderful discussion of scripture. The wife and I shared our hearts about the challenges of raising believing children in a corrupt world. She wrote me recently, telling me how her garden is doing and asking that we “let our friendship grow.” I feel honored to be considered her friend, and I can’t wait until my next trip to Sugarcreek.

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Serena’s Partners on the Journey

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•We write in solitude, but most of us have faithful supporters standing behind us. Who are the people who have been there for you?

I ache when I hear stories of women who try to nurture their writing in spite of their husband and family’s disapproval. It must be so very hard. I have not had to deal with that. My husband not only supports me emotionally, he prays for me daily. This has given me much courage.

My youngest son, a computer tech, keeps my computer up-to-date. The whole family gets involved in brainstorming new stories. I have three older sisters who are terrific cheerleaders. I have had more encouragement from my church family than any one person has the right to expect.

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•You just returned from the ACFW Conference, where you got to meet two of your most important partners. What was it like meeting your agent and editor in person? What did you take away from the experience?

I was chatting with other writers while standing in line at the hotel reception desk when a lovely woman said, “Serena?” It was my agent, and she had recognized my voice. After we’d hugged, we made plans to meet the following morning at breakfast. The next morning, I had the honor of meeting several of the other writers she represents. After breakfast Sandra gathered us all together in a sort of huddle, and then she prayed for us. There are a lot of good agents out there, but to have one who prays for her clients is an amazing gift.

Summerside Press had a dessert reception for their authors on Thursday night on an outside terrace lit with fairy lights. I met both Summerside editors, who were gracious and caring. I cannot believe how nice these people are! They had gift bags for each of us, along with a personal, handwritten note of encouragement that I’ll cherish forever.

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•What’s it like to be part of The Summerside Press family? What advice would you give a writer interested in this publishing house about how to approach them?

The Summerside Press staff is amazing. They go out of their way to support and encourage their authors. The information about their Love Finds You…series is on their website. As always, I’d advise anyone interested in writing for them to study the guidelines and read several of their books before submitting. It is also wise to contact them about potential town names before writing a story. They have definite ideas about towns in which they’re interested.

One of the things I enjoy about the Summerside books is the tremendous variety. Within the Love Finds You…series there are light, humorous stories, darker historicals, strong contemporaries, and some even have a suspense theme. They allow an author’s voice to shine through.

I chatted at length with Susan Downs, the other full-time Summerside editor, about two new lines she’ll be launching soon. One is a romantic suspense. The other is a historical line based on the era from 1900 through the sixties. The title of each of the historical novels will be from a song of that era. Summerside books are selling so well, and are of such quality, I have great hopes for these two new lines.

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Serena’s Debut Novel . . . and Beyond

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•Please tell us about Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio.

It is about a legendary baseball player whose starlet wife has been murdered. He tries to protect his traumatized four-year-old son from the media feeding frenzy by escaping into the back roads of America. When his truck breaks down in Sugarcreek, Ohio, he shelters at a farmhouse inn run by three elderly Amish sisters. He believes he’s finally found a place of blessed anonymity, until Rachel, a Sugarcreek cop, investigates the suspicious stranger and inadvertently reveals Joe’s identity to the media.

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•What can your readers look forward to next?

I’m fascinated with the Amish and don’t intend to stop writing about them any time soon. At the moment, I have two Amish proposals being considered by another major CBA publisher. One is a contemporary, and one is a historical.

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Five Fun Facts About Serena, the Writer

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~ I sent a story to Chicken Soup For the Mother’s Soul II that my mother had written. She was beyond thrilled when they published it. She was ninety-three years old.

~ One of my favorite things to do while on vacation is visit famous authors’ homes and have my picture taken in front of them.

~ If I get stuck while composing a story, I pull out a pen and legal pad and start writing in longhand. This sometimes frees my mind in ways a computer cannot.

~ I always write with a timer. I set it for forty-five minutes and write like mad. When the buzzer goes off, I set it for fifteen minutes and clean or do laundry while I work out a new scene in my head. At the end of the day, my house is fairly straight, there’s food cooking—and I can barely remember doing any of it.

~ Every time I write “the end” I lay my head down on my desk and cry.

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Five Fun Facts About Serena, the Person

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~ I was once voted “Limbo Queen of Trinidad” while on a mission trip. You don’t want to hear the story. Let’s just say I was trying a little too hard to “be all things to all people.” (I was also only 22 years old and much more limber than at present.)

~ I play the hammered dulcimer—very badly.

~ I find four-leaf clovers everywhere I go. It’s a weird gift, but it’s what I have.

~ I’m licensed to carry a concealed weapon. Not that I do. I just thought it would be cool to get the training and have the card.

~ I was named after my grandmother, who was named after her grandmother. Not that there’s any pressure on my sons to name a daughter after me or anything. <g>

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Serena’s Question for You

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•I’ve enjoyed having you as my guest, Serena. Thanks for your great answers to my questions. Now it’s your turn to ask a question of your visitors, so ask away.

One of my sons is presently doing a thesis on the role of literature in forming moral values. So—my question is this: What books, if any, have had a moral impact on your life?

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Learn More About Serena

Visit her Web site and blog  ~ http://www.serenabmiller.com

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Leave a Comment for Two Chances to Win

To leave a comment, click on “Comments” below the date in the title at the top of the post.

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My Regular Drawing

My next drawing will take place September 30th. The winner will receive a silver necklace bearing the word Courage, which is something anyone embarking on her writing journey needs.

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To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by September 30th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On October 1st, I’ll post the winner’s name in the Welcome post at the top of the blog.

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You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by me, your blog hostess Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and September 30th. Be sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) Click red link above to see samples of covers and pages.

On October 1st, I will choose one person who will have her/his choice of covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your debut novel in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)