Meet Debut Author Laura Breck

Laura Breck writes romance with a touch of mystery. Her debut novel, Secret Vegas Lives, released in e-format on October 22nd. She’s sold a second book to Red Rose Publishing, which is due out in April 2010.

Laura and her family live in St. Paul, Minnesota where she works full-time as a financial analyst for a professional sports team. When she’s not crunching numbers at her day job or hanging with her characters, she loves to bike, preferring cycling to any other sport or exercise. She plays backgammon “intensely,” is a programming geek and bakes incessantly, having perfected the art of butter cream frosting. Her favorite foods are green olives and maple syrup, however not mixed together.

Laura is passionate about promotion and teaches a workshop about e-publishing, which includes a section on marketing. She’s a plotter who writes a story from start to finish using a detailed outline. Her stories are set in large U.S. cities, and she enjoys weaving in real businesses and attractions.

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

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Laura’s Journey Begins

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•You began writing in the 80s, but life intervened and forced you to set aside your dream for over two decades. How did you deal with your craving to create during that time? Did you capture ideas as they came to you, hoping to return to them later? Or did you do your best to ignore the characters chatting away in your head?

Hi, Keli. Thank you for having me here today!

During the ’90s, I essentially ignored writing, and turned to other creative pursuits. Music, dancing, and furthering my education. When we moved back to Minnesota from Las Vegas in 2001, we bought a condo, so there was no place for my drums, and country line dancing was non-existent. I’d lost interest in finishing my advanced accounting degree, and drifted aimlessly (creatively speaking) until 2006, when the characters started chatting away in my head once again. I bought a laptop computer, started typing, and haven’t stopped since.

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•Your first two stories were historicals written years ago and set aside. What did you learn through the process of writing them?

When I re-read my historicals, I cringe. Head hopping, shallow point of view, odd verb tenses, and choppy scenes. But the basics are there. A solid plot, developed characters, and snappy dialogue. I still have the returned manuscript, read by an editor who gave me some great advice all those years ago. More conflict, and more tension between the characters. I think those words stuck with me, and helped guide my writing focus. And I learned another very important lesson – finish your novel. It’s exciting to hold a completed manuscript in your hands, and say, “I did it!”

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•In 2006, you resurrected your longtime dream of being a published author and began writing again. However, you went in an entirely new direction, creating romances with a touch of mystery. What led to this change of genre?

I love reading romances, and I’ll read any genre. I enjoy being swept away by a love story that I know will have a Happy Ever After ending. Back in the ‘80s, I read mostly historical romances, but over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate contemporary, and wanted to try writing that genre. Secret Vegas Lives started out as a romance, then in my first rewrite, I added the blackmail element, and it was suddenly a romance/mystery.

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Laura’s Inspiration

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•As a writer of romantic mysteries, which sleuths are your favorites? Brooding Holmes? Self-assured Poirot? OCD Monk? Have other mystery authors influenced the way you tell a story?

I read every one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books when I was younger, and was fascinated by the meticulous process of sorting out a crime. My favorite mystery/suspense authors today are Michael Connelly and Randy Wayne White. While their books do not usually provide that Happy Ever After ending I crave, their male characters are so well written, and their plots so compelling, I run to buy their books when they’re released.

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•Your first book is set in Las Vegas, and I understand you lived there three years. What is it about that glittering city that appeals to you? How much of the unique ambience and culture did you work into your book?

Las Vegas is an amazing city. Visiting, you see the façade of bright lights and excesses, but living there is a different experience. It’s a cultural melting pot. I worked with people from around the world: Guam, Russia, Hawaii, Mexico. And our neighbors were from Samoa.

It was easy for me to create Antonio’s back-story. He moved to Las Vegas from Italy to write crime novels. Another, but unfortunate, side of Vegas is the crime. I make use of that unpleasant side of the city as Antonio leads his secret night life.

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Laura’s Milestones

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•In January of this year, you submitted your manuscript to Red Rose Publishing and just one week later received The Email. Please share with us the thrill of opening that life-changing message? Did you squeal, sob or shake your booty in a happy dance?

I’m a happy-dance kind of person. I read the e-mail at work, and immediately called my husband. He wasn’t surprised. He knew it would happen sooner or later. But he asked me out for supper to celebrate!

Attached to the e-mail was my contract, and I printed it out on paper just because I needed to hold it in my hands. It was more real to me then, and couldn’t disappear if I lost the e-mail. So, I carried that around with me and shared it with friends, reveling in hugs and congrats.

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•Red Rose Publishing purchased another book, the sequel to Secret Vegas Lives. What was your reaction to this news? Did you feel a sense of relief at having landed a second contract, or did you face that “Oh, my gosh! I’ve got to write another book—fast” panic, which some new authors experience?

Very interesting question. I was excited, of course, to contract my second book, but I always have at least two books in the works. I write the first draft of one, then go back and rewrite the last one. It’s my way of seeing the manuscript through new eyes. While I didn’t feel the urgency to write another, I did love the security of having sold two books of a three book series. “Wait! Oh, my gosh! I have to write the third book now, don’t I?!?”

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Laura, the Promotion Pro

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•As an e-published author, you took seriously the need to engage in self-promotion. You’ve written two blog posts that list many ideas others could use, one with Romancing the Blog and the other at Prairie Chicks Write Romance. Of all the tips you shared, which have worked best for you, and why?

I loved my blog tour. It was a whirlwind 22 guest blogs in 25 days. Yikes! I was notified of my release date a month prior, so I had a lot to do in a short time. Writing each blog took me about three hours, and I spent a lot of time hovering at the blogsite on my post day, and answering comments (which is great fun!)

Another great promotion tool is my newsletter. I have a contest on my website where each month I give away a heart-shaped carabiner and lipstick USB drive. To be entered in every month’s drawing, readers agree to let me send them my monthly newsletter. This month, there are two other contest as well, and because of these, there’s lots of traffic on my website.

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Partners on Laura’s Writing Journey

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•Many writers, myself included, are grateful to contest judges who have helped them improve their stories as well as learn more about craft. You said, however, that you don’t see much value in the feedback from judges. Why is that?

Gosh, did I say that? My comment was in response to an interviewer asking about the worst writing advice I’d been given, which was someone telling me to use contest entries instead of critique partners to get feedback on my writing.

I think both are excellent sources. I’ve had some great judges who kindly made changes, explained what I could be doing better, and suggested craft books to help me develop my voice. But I’ve also had judges who were terribly rude and brought me to tears. Or they did odd things like highlight all similar words in special colors (my apologies if the coloring-judge is reading this, but I was truly confused.) And for this, I paid good money to enter, print, and mail my pages? Another down side is that by the time I received the contest entries back, it was months later, and I had already rewritten those chapters, so even the best feedback may have been too late.

But contest results can be helpful. My 2007 Golden Heart scores were three 8.9s and two much, much lower scores. But that’s okay. Three people liked my writing – liked it a lot – and I was extremely encouraged!

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•While I value greatly the feedback I’ve received from contest judges, like you, I believe a critique partner is essential. Please tell us about yours and what makes your relationship work so well.

A great critique partner, or critique group, will be with you through your entire writing career. This person or group learns your style, understands your voice, and gives you timely feedback. You can ask them questions about their edits, and tap into their knowledge base. And they will read your entire manuscript, which is so important. You may submit just the first three chapters to an agent or editor, but they won’t buy your work until they read the entire manuscript. And if you submit to an e-publisher, you send them the whole book right away.

A critique partner is free, with a bonus: you get to read their stories! And you learn to edit, which is an invaluable skill. You share a holistic relationship, and grow together in your talent. I encourage everyone to find their perfect CP match.

My critique partner is a wonderful person, and although we write entirely different genres, we can be totally honest with each other, and will drop what we’re doing to look at a chapter or synopsis or blurb when asked. I appreciate her greatly, and look forward to a long, successful partnership.

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Laura’s Debut Novel

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•Please tell us about Secret Vegas Lives.

Antonio Daniato is a best-selling novelist, but he hides an addiction to a secret nightlife. But someone knows about it, and is blackmailing him. He sets a trap, and psychologist Valerie Kane falls into his arms. He’s shaken by his feelings for her, and she can’t resist falling for him. Antonio fears Valerie’s reaction to discovering his secret life, but he can’t stop. Valerie risks everything to help him, but he will not confide in her. When she stumbles onto Antonio’s secret, she must choose to let him go, or fight for him against an obsession that may be stronger than their love.

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Laura’s Journey Continues

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•You’ve sold two books to Red Rose Publishing, both romantic mysteries. What are you working on now?

As I mentioned, I’ve always got two books going. I’ve started a romance about a love triangle on Florida’s beautiful Sanibel Island. And I’m working on a rewrite of my romance set in Miami. Bree Prentis inherits a mess – a shadowy Miami business, complete with a charming Cuban business partner, Sixto Doria, but she fears his interest in her is only a distraction to keep her from discovering the truth about their company. It’s a fun story to write, because I’m learning Cubonics – Cuban slang.

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Five Fun Facts About Laura, The Writer

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~ I write extremely fast. I can write 20,000 words in a weekend.

~ I write in my spare bedroom, which is set up as a Tiki Bar.

~ My husband reads my manuscripts to help me with the male voice.

~ I hope to convince Fabio to come out of retirement and pose for a book cover.

~ I truly care about other writers’ success, and enjoy helping people achieve their goals.

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Five Fun Facts About Laura, the Person

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~ I have a schoolgirl heart – I get excited when I see Disney princesses.

~ I love to dance, and over the years have converted my husband from an “I’m not going to be the first couple on the dance floor!” to a “Let’s get the dancing started!” kind of guy.

~ I volunteer a great deal. I like to get involved in community projects.

~ I don’t watch television.

~ I donate a portion of the proceeds of each of my books to a charity. Secret Vegas Lives supports a shelter in Las Vegas, Nevada, for women, children, and their pets. For information visit http://TheShadeTree.org.

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Laura’s Question for You

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•I’ve enjoyed having you as my guest, Laura. Thanks for your great answers to my questions. Now it’s time to see what your guests have to say. What would you like to know?

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It’s been a pleasure blogging with you today, Keli. You have a beautiful blog, and I’m excited to spend the day chatting with your followers.

Here’s my question: I will read any romance genre, looking for a Happy Ever After ending. What genres do you read, and is it important to you to have a happy ending?

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Learn More About Laura

Visit her Web site ~ http://LauraBreck.com

Visit her group blog ~ http://RosesOfProse.blogspot.com

Friend her on Facebook ~ Laura Breck (Minneapolis/St. Paul)

Follow her on Twitter ~ Laura Breck, Author

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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.

My Regular Drawing

My next drawing will take place December 20th. I’m giving away an elegant metal bookmark from Hallmark.

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Text reads: Miracles begin within.

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To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by December 20th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On December 21st, 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 December 31st. 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 January 1st, I will choose one person who will receive an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages 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.)

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Note: Offers void where prohibited.

Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

 

Meet Debut Author Clare Willis

Clare spent much of her childhood in Berkeley, California but she lived in Italy and England (her father is British, and she holds dual citizenship). As an adult, she lived in Los Angeles and Massachusetts but always came home to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she lives now with her husband and two sons. While her family is at school and work, Clare writes with her two dogs at her feet: a cockapoo named Mocha and a terrier mix shelter puppy called Riley.

Like many writers, Clare penned her first stories as a child. During college, she took creative writing classes but succumbed to the convincing argument that she needed a real job to fall back on and added an elementary education minor. She taught for several years, earned two masters degrees in education, and worked in educational research and curriculum development.

But the lure of writing never went away. After she married and had her first child, Clare became a stay-at-home mom and found story ideas coming to her during the quiet hours when the baby was asleep. She wrote four books and numerous short stories. Several of her short stories were published, but it took ten years and many rejections before Kensington Press offered her a two-book contract. Her debut novel, Once Bitten, hit the shelves December 1st.

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

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Clare’s Journey Commences

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•You write paranormal romance. When did the sub-genre attract your attention? Had you long been a fan of such stories, or was the success of Harry Potter and other such works a factor in your decision to write paranormals?

I devoured all of Anne Rice’s vampire and witch books when I was a teenager and young adult, and I’m sure that’s why a vampire popped up when I began writing my first book. I’ve never tried to follow the trends: that doesn’t work for me. You have to write what you love. But it’s no coincidence that Once Bitten is being published now, even though I wrote it several years ago. The appetite for vampires right now is insatiable. The lesson, I think, is to keep revising and submitting your books, because if they’re not trendy now, they might be next year!

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•Ten years ago, you began your first novel-length story, which ended up being your first to sell. Where did the idea for Once Bitten come from?

I read an article in a San Francisco newspaper about “real vampires:” people who meet in clubs and drink each other’s blood. I thought how interesting it would be if there was a real vampire hiding out among these wannabe vampires. And that’s exactly what happens in Once Bitten.

Many writers have their first books stashed away in a closet or hidden in deep in their computer’s memories and won’t let a soul see them. You, however, sold your first story. Did the words flow from your fingertips with brilliance the rest of us only dream of, or did a great deal of work go into getting Once Bitten into a publishable format?

Why, the brilliance part, of course! Just kidding. I revised the book more times than I can count.

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Keeping the Dream Alive

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•You wrote four novel-length stories in ten years before you made your first sale. How did you maintain your momentum during that time?

Oh, I didn’t. I must have quit a dozen times during those years. But then ideas would start to nibble at me and before I knew it I was at it again. I found it was helpful to think of my work as a hobby, like knitting or quilting, which I did for my own enjoyment, and to have a creative outlet, rather than worry about when I’d get published. Every book was different: one is young adult, another is a literary historical novel, a third is a contemporary romance. I used the freedom of not being published to try on all sorts of literary hats.

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•As you worked on your stories, what did you find were the most helpful methods for honing your craft? Instructional books? Contest feedback? Critique partner comments? Workshops?

I think it’s really important to make yourself part of the writing community. I belong to a writing group that’s been together for nine years, and we’ve really kept each other going. Writing conferences are very useful, if you can afford them, as are community college classes. You can only do so much by yourself, at some point you have to get your work in front of other readers and listen to their feedback. I wasn’t a member of Romance Writers of America® before I sold, but I joined last year and I’ve found my local chapter tremendously helpful and supportive.

I love books on writing; I have shelves of them. They’re both inspirational and instructive. I love the ones by Stephen King and Elizabeth George, but the best and most helpful I’ve found are two books by James N. Frey (not the one who falsified his memoir) called How to Write a Damn Good Novel and The Key: How to Write Damn Good Fiction using the Power of Myth. If you don’t have these already run to your bookstore and get them. You can thank me later.

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Who or what served as motivation to keep writing during that decade you waited for The Call?

I love writing. I would have kept going even if I was never published, I’m convinced of that. I focused on becoming a better writer, which in the end is the only part of the process that you have control over.

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Clare’s Process

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•Paranormal writers have to walk a fine line between creating another world and working within the framework of generally accepted and long-held concepts regarding fictional creatures known to many, such as vampires in your case. How do you strike that balance?

I’ve found that if you make your world convincing and internally consistent, and lay out the rules very clearly at the outset (can your vampires stand sunlight, for example) then readers will accept it if you veer from their traditional concepts of what that creature can do.

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•You produced four books and numerous short stories during your first decade as a writer. Did you focus on one story at a time, or do you juggle multiple projects?

I always worked on one book at a time, but I’d take breaks to work on short fiction, which I found much easier to write, since I usually had the entire story in my head when I started, which was not the case with my novels.

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Clare’s Dream Comes True

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•You had some short stories published prior to selling your debut novel. What was it like to see your first piece in print?

It was pretty darned cool, but I’d have to say the best part was getting a phone call from the editor of the literary magazine telling me that he loved my story. I write because I want to communicate with other human beings, not because I want to see my name carved on a piece of dead tree. When this stranger told me that my story touched him so much he wanted to share it with all his readers it really touched my heart. That story is on my website, by the way.

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•After a decade of dreaming, the long-awaited day arrived. You received The Call. I understand the experience was exciting—and a bit unsettling. Please share with us that memorable moment and how technology ramped up the tension.

It’s hard to believe now, because I’ve had my iPhone for two years and it’s become like an extra appendage to my body, but when I received my first phone call from my agent I had just gotten my iPhone and I didn’t know how to answer it. I knew it was her because I’d gotten an email earlier, but I couldn’t answer the darn thing! I was running around the hotel room where we were staying, screaming while it rang, pushing everything that could be pushed. I lost that phone call, but when I called her back, remarkably she still wanted to talk to me. I guess there are second chances in life, lol.

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•Once Bitten officially hit the shelves December 1st. Even before that, you received your author copies. What was it like to hold the book in your hands for the first time, inhale that just-printed scent and see your words on the page?

It’s surreal. I think of the author of Once Bitten as someone else, even though she has my name, and the picture on the back page does somewhat resemble me (on a good-hair day). I don’t know how many books it will take for me to believe that it actually is me. (It’s still a good feeling, though.)

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Clare’s Debut Novel

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•Please tell us about Once Bitten.

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Angie McCaffrey has endured her share of liquid lunches and boardroom schmoozefests to win new advertising clients. But her latest account—a cosmetics line for wannabe vampires—involves some unusual customer research at San Francisco’s hippest private nightclub. The “undead” patrons are about as genuine as Macabre Factor’s press-on fangs, but one thing is very real—the skin-tingling connection Angie feels with her clients’ mysterious friend, Eric Taylor.

Still, there are a few problems with this hot new romance. 1) Eric is rumored to have dated Angie’s scheming boss, Lucy. 2) Lucy, missing for days, just turned up dead and bloodless. And, oh yeah, 3) Angie has suddenly developed a teeny aversion to sunlight. Is Eric a real vampire, a killer, or both? Angie’s got a lot riding on the answer—her life, her heart, and maybe even her soul…

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Clare’s Journey Continues

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•As a debut author who’s just gone through the steps between first sale and release, how has your life changed? What advice would you offer to writers eager to land their first contracts about how to prepare for the days following The Call?

A lot of the marketing of books these days happens on the Web. I’d suggest getting a website set up, having a nice studio photograph taken, and arranging your blogs and Tweets and Facebooks and MySpaces and what have you, before you get the Call. In the romance genre the chances are you’ll get a two or more book contract and you’ll be busy trying to get your next project finished, so the more familiar you are with the online world the less time it will take you to get up to speed. But don’t do this at the expense of making your writing the best it can be! It doesn’t matter how great your website is or how cute your Tweets are if your book isn’t sellable.

I had no online presence before I sold, and I still don’t have much, because I’m busy trying to meet my deadlines for my next books. So thanks, Keli, for helping me get my name out there!

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•Once Bitten is on the shelves, and Kensington has contracted a second vampire novel and a ghost story novella. Are they in the hands of your publisher? If so, what are you working on now?

I’m working on those two things and they’re due really soon! Writing on a deadline is crazy for someone like me who’s used to having, um, forever, to get a project done.

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Five Ways Clare Fuels Her Creativity

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~ Change your setting. Write in a different place, or use a different medium.

~ Change the point of view. Rewrite a scene from the other character’s POV.

~ Go somewhere. Visit historic sites in your community and learn about who lived there. Then write about them.

~ Interview your character.

~ Take a book you love and outline it. Take it apart so you can see how it was made. See if you can identify what made you love it so.

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Five Things That Make Clare a Unique Character

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~ I traveled around the world before I turned two.

~ I work in a historic Victorian house museum.

~ I love San Francisco history and read everything I can get my hands on.

~ I love vintage clothing but don’t own any (most of my characters do, though!)

~ I love southern Gothic writers, like Donna Tartt and Tim Gatreaux. I wish I could write about the South, but I have to settle for San Francisco gothic!

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Clare’s Question for You

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

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Are you attracted to vampires who don’t bite (like Edward Cullen) and don’t kill (like Bill Compton from True Blood)? What’s going on with this trend for “de-fanged” vamps?

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Learn More About Clare

Visit her Web site ~ www.clarewillis.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 December 10th. I’m giving away an etched steel magnet with the word “Dream” scroll cut from the oval disc.

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To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by December 10th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On December 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 December 31st. 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 December 1st, I will choose one person who will receive an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages 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.)

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Note: Offers void where prohibited.

Prizes will be mailed to US addresses only.

Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

 

Meet Debut Author Lynnette Bonner

After ten years of waiting, Lynnette Bonner’s debut novel, Rocky Mountain Oasis, is on the shelves. Her inspirational historical, about a mail-order bride who comes west to marry one man but finds herself wed to his cousin instead, was published by OakTara.

Lynnette, the daughter of missionaries, was born in Malawi, Africa. She attended a Christian boarding school in Kenya from fourth grade through her high school graduation, although she did spend a total of three years in the U.S. during that time. She speaks the language of Malawi, Chichewa, and understands a little Swahili, the language of Kenya.

After graduation, Lynnette started college in Washington State. While there, she met and married her redheaded pastor husband. They spent eight years of their married life living in Pierce, Idaho, where Rocky Mountain Oasis is set. They and their four children, who range in age from six to sixteen, once again call Washington home.

When Lynnette isn’t writing or caring for her family, she keeps busy running her on-line business selling Legos on ebay. Although she has little time for her hobbies and interests these days, she enjoys horseback riding and crafts, including rubber stamping, scrapbooking and tole painting. If some of her dreams were to come true, she’d be found living in a log cabin in the country with a maid, a cook and an unlimited supply of Swiss chocolate.

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

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First Steps on Lynnette’s Journey

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•Ten years ago, you began writing. What led you to start Rocky Mountain Oasis?

At the time I started Rocky Mountain Oasis, I lived in Pierce, Idaho. Pierce has a very interesting history and it was while researching the history of the town that I realized an amazing story could be told around the historical facts. Rocky Mountain Oasis actually started its life headed in a different direction, but the more I researched the more the story changed.

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•Mail-order bride stories are my all-time favorite reads. Why did you choose to make your heroine, Brooke, a mail-order bride? What challenges did you face in writing about a couple thrust into marriage by circumstances beyond their control? What rewards?

I guess I made her a mail-order bride because I like those types of stories too. And it fit with the way her uncle would have treated her

One of the challenges of writing this story was that I have never myself been forced into a relationship with someone I’ve never met. A lot of thought went into wondering how my characters would respond to certain situations, because of my lack of experience in those areas.

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•You completed the book in a year and submitted it to an e-publisher, who published it. However, that experience didn’t go as planned. Please tell us what happened and how the experience affected you.

The e-publisher was an early promoter of ebooks. However, the editor and owner of the company got sick and could no longer run the business. My book had only been out with them for about 2 months.

I think the effect it had on me was one of encouragement. At least one person liked my story enough that they were willing to put effort and finances behind it. And if that one person liked it, then that gave me hope that I would eventually find another editor that liked it too.

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A Dream Put on Hold

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•After the disappointing experience with the e-publisher, your book remained on your computer for several years. You weren’t writing or submitting. What lessons did you learn during that time?

Yes that is true. Life sort of intervened to put my writing on hold for a bit. Some of those life-issues were a newborn, 3 homeschooled children, a cross country move and starting up a business.

Still through all those years, the Lord kept writing at the back of my mind. I wasn’t submitting Rocky Mountain Oasis anywhere, but I kept praying about it. I remember specifically telling the Lord that if He wanted the book published he would have to drop a publisher in my lap because I didn’t have time to pursue one. And I left it in His hands. I figured He gave me the story; He could get it published if He had given it to me for others to read too. Looking back on that time, I think the biggest thing I learned is that it is never a mistake to trust in the Lord.

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•How did you keep your writing dreams alive when life intervened?

Honestly, I think that if you like to write it is a gift from God. And if God gives you something, He keeps the passion for it alive in your heart even when you can’t see that anything will ever come from it. I hope to use this gift wisely for Him. I wasn’t doing a lot of writing during those years. But story has always been my passion.

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•Even though you weren’t actively submitting Rocky Mountain Oasis or writing another book, did you find characters and plots coming to mind? What did you do when that took place?

Yes, I did write some (very little) during those years. And as proof I have several books that I’m in the middle of. I’m one of those writers who will work on a story for awhile, but then I have to let it sit and figure out where the story line is going. I generally move onto another story for awhile, until I get a feel for what my characters would actually do, then I can go back to the first story. I currently have 5 books in various stages of completion. And a second book that is finished and contracted to OakTara.

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Lynnette’s Dream Comes True

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•After years of waiting, you once again sent Rocky Mountain Oasis out in the world. On June 9, 2008, you heard from OakTara, the first publisher you’d submitted to in six years. Please tell us about The Call or, in your case, The Email. What was happening when you received it, how loudly did you shout when you realized you’d sold your book and who were the first people with whom you shared the good news?

I still smile when I think about that day. I was having trouble with my email provider. None of my emails would download. So I had hopped on my hubby’s computer to go online and check with the provider to see what was going on. I wasn’t even planning on reading email, but as I scanned the page searching for the link I needed I noticed in the Inbox an email with the subject Rocky Mountain Oasis. I froze. Blinked. Saw that is was from OakTara. And read the subject again. Then with trembling fingers I clicked to open it.

You see, I had basically written OakTara off as a rejection. I had submitted to them in December and here it was June and I still hadn’t heard from them. Since their guidelines at the time stated authors would hear back in 8 weeks, I figured my window of opportunity had shattered several months previous. But the first line of the email read, “Rocky Mountain Oasis is precisely the type of novel OakTara is interested in….”

I was home alone. My husband had gone hiking with our boys. And my mother, who spent many years as an English teacher and helped me a great deal with the book, was on a flight to visit her brother in Texas. I couldn’t get a hold of anybody! I kept trying my mom, leaving messages, and chewing my fingernails until she finally answered after she arrived at my uncle’s house. Not too many other people at the time even knew that I was trying to get published.

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•I understand a newly contracted author’s life changes in many ways. What were the biggest adjustments you had to make once you’d signed your contract? Were most of the changes what you expected, or were there some surprises?

Actually I think the biggest challenge for me after signing the contract was the long wait until the book was made available. Once the editing/design/finalizing started I was happy to put in the extra time.

Also, one thing of interest for me was that I suddenly found myself switching from wondering if an editor was going to like the book, to worrying if my readers were going to like the book. (But I did have the few hours of blissful joy on the day I got the email. )

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Lynnette’s Partners on the Journey

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•You’ve written blog posts on the value of critique partners. How did you locate yours? What makes your relationships work so well?

I love my critique partners. And actually, the group I’m with now didn’t have any say in my Rocky Mountain Oasis manuscript. OakTara accepted the manuscript just a month after I joined my crit group. So RMO was critiqued mostly by family and friends.

I found my current critique group through my local Christian Writers network. They have a coordinator and she assigned me to my group and it worked out wonderfully.

I think our relationships work well because we are not afraid to state what we are feeling. (You know those raw-hide chewy bones your dog loves so much? As a writer, you need to develop skin the consistency of those. And who better to help you than you critique partners. ) That said, in our group we make sure to also encourage the good things we see. And really, I’m blessed to be in a group with excellent writers who humble me with their awesome advice for improving my craft. (I’m humbled after I’m done grumbling. ) If you are a writer and you are not in a critique group, you are missing out on improving your craft.

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•Keeping a dream alive for the better part of a decade can’t be easy. Who have been some of your staunchest supporters along the way, and what did they do to encourage you to follow your dream?

Several people come to mind.

First, my mother. She told me from the time I was little that I had the imagination of a writer. And she spent countless hours on my manuscript for me. With each rejection she would encourage me that I had a good story and to keep going.

The second person that comes to mind is a lady named Cheryl. Cheryl read my book when it came out with the e-company. She bought several copies to share with her friends and relatives and she consistently asked me how my writing journey was going and told me how much she loved my story. “You just have to get that published,” she would say. She has a wonderful encourager’s spirit, and I benefitted from it.

Finally, I would have to say my husband. I am blessed beyond measure in the love of my life. He never scoffed at my dream, or put it down because it wasn’t making any money or going anywhere. In fact, he told me, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” Had he belittled my writing in any way, I don’t think I would be here today. I so appreciate him!

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•OakTara, which was founded in 2006, publishes inspirational fiction. What can you tell us about the company? And what is it like to be part of the OakTara family?

Answer: You can read more about OakTara by going to their website at http://www.oaktara.com. They are growing rapidly, and I think they are a company to watch over the next few years.

I’ve enjoyed being part of the OakTara family. On their website they have forums where many of their authors go to talk about different things and I’ve gotten to know several other OakTara authors through that and other venues like blogging. Their editors are great to work with, and I feel blessed to have a book out with them.

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Lynnette’s Debut Novel

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•Please tell us about Rocky Mountain Oasis.

Brooke Marie Baker, eighteen, has been sent west as a mail-order bride. As the stage nears Greer’s Ferry, where she is to meet the man she’s pledged to marry, she tries to swallow the lump of nervousness in her throat. Can it be any worse than living with Uncle Jackson…or Hank? she wonders. All men are the same, aren’t they? But with her parents and sister dead, she has no choice.

Sky Jordan, a rancher, holds a single yellow daisy in his hand as he watches the ferry cross the river. Ever since he’d found out his surly cousin, Jason, had sent for a mail-order bride, his mind and heart had been ill at ease. No woman deserves to be left with the likes of Jason. But now he questions his own plans to claim the bride for himself. Why am I drawn to this woman I don’t even know?

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Lynnette’s Journey Continues

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•Rocky Mountain Oasis is on the shelves, and OakTara has contracted the second book in your Shepherd’s Heart series. I’ve seen on other blogs that you have several projects going at present. Please tell us what they are and how you manage to work on so many at once.

I’ll start with the last part of this question first. I think God wires us all differently. I’m just wired weird, I guess. I already explained a little about why I work on several books at once, so let me tell you a little about each of my works in progress.

Under the Grape Arbor: Fitness trainer Taysia Green has had her heart broken, not once but twice, by Kylen Sumner. And now he’s home. Claiming he wants back into her life for good. But there are haunting secrets she’s never told him.

Presently Untitled: Damera’s husband Kent was murdered before her eyes and she basically shut herself off from the world. Now Kent’s twin brother is trying to get her to live life again, for the sake of his niece. But why does she keep finding things out of place at home – doors unlocked, cupboards left open? Has Kent’s killer escaped from jail?

Trail of Chains: East Africa, 1866. MacKendra Ryan stares in horror as a neighboring tribe captures the village her father has been doctoring. Her friends are chained together, children are killed. She wants to rush to their aid, but Trent Dawson, the annoyingly handsome adventurer who is only here to hunt and take trophies, holds her back with a hand over her mouth warning that now is not the time for action. But if not now, when?

Another untitled story, this one a fantasy of sorts: Sasha’s isle has been taken over by evil King Kourom who wants complete adulation from his subjects. But she has a dream. A great eagle warrior will come. And he does. The only problem is, he’s second in command of the king’s army and dead set on keeping his rank along with its perks.

Fair Valley Refuge: Victoria Snyder is adopted. No one knows. And she likes it just fine that way. Getting close to people only opens up the possibility of hurt. But when circumstances throw her together with 3 orphans and her handsome childhood friend, will she be able to resist his wooing?

Wow! Those are some compelling blurbs, Lynnette. I won’t be surprised to see those stories get snatched up when you finish them.

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Five Things Lynnette Has Around Her When She Writes

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~ Coffee, because it is a bad habit.

~ Total silence, because I get distracted by music and other people in the room.

~ Too much clutter because I can never seem to find time to sort through my stacks.

~ Access to the internet for quick research.

~ Chocolate if it isn’t all eaten yet.

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Five Accomplishments That Have Meant the Most to Lynnette

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~ I’d have to rank leading my kids into a relationship with the Lord first. I pray they continue to walk with Him so their lives will be full of happiness.

~ Marrying a wonderful man who loves God more than he loves me.

~ I’d always wanted to visit Zanzibar. I got to do that several years ago. Beautiful place – and my Africa novel is partly set on the island.

~ Finishing my first novel was quite an accomplishment. It felt good to get it done, even though I didn’t know if it would ever see the light of day.

~ Finding a publisher for the book.

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Lynnette’s Question for You

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

Oh, I like this! Well, I’m mostly a romance writer so, thinking specifically of the romance genre, what is it about a book that makes you want to read it more than once?

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Learn More About Lynnette

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

Visit her personal blog ~ http://www.lynnettebonner.com/blog

Visit her group blog ~ http://www.authorculture.blogspot.com

Friend her on Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/lynnettebonner

Follow her on Twitter ~ Lynnette Bonner

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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 November 20th. I’m giving away a wooden plaque with the words ~ and they lived happily ever after . . .

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To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by November 20th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On November 21st, 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 November 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 December 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.)

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Note: Offers void where prohibited.

Prizes will be mailed to US addresses only.

Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.