Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you get your ideas?

For most authors, ideas are a dime a dozen. Everything we see, hear, read, or dream can cause us to ask "what if?" And away our imaginations go.

A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE (and the next two books in the series) began with the question "Who says a woman can't do a man's job?" Each of the three heroines have unusual occupations for women of that era (1915-1918).

FIRSTBORN began with the title. Right in the middle of a conversation with a group of women, the word "firstborn" popped into my head. No apparent reason. We weren't discussing books or children. Just there it was, and I knew right away that it was the title for my next story. However, it was several more weeks before the story that went with the title began to gel.

RIBBON OF YEARS was "birthed" as I watched the Columbine tragedy unfold on TV. I watched the suffering parents, especially the Christian parents, and I asked myself, "How do you walk out your faith in the face of such a tragedy?" The more I pondered the question, the more I began to realize I didn't know anyone whose life hadn't been touched by hardship or heartache of one kind or another. So what did it mean to "walk by faith"? And then I found Miriam, a woman of faith whose life is touched by many sorrows, and yet her faith grows with each passing year.

I never worry about running out of ideas. I worry about having enough time to get all my stories written.

Which is the favorite of your own books?

That's like asking me which daughter is my favorite. It's impossible to answer. Each book was special in its own way or I wouldn't have written it. However, the books I have yet to write always seem like they will be my favorite. That's because they are still perfect in my imagination. I haven't run into any plot problems yet and all that I want to achieve in the telling of the story seems possible.

What's your work day like?

I'm up around 6:30 a.m. Work out. Have my devotional time with my Bible, journal, and worship CDs. Check email. Finally, to work by about 8:30 a.m. I write about four hours a day and fill in the rest of the day with all the many details that make up the "business" of writing.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I average two books per year, but no novel seems to follow the same schedule as another.

What did you do before you were a writer?

First and foremost, I was a wife and mom (my favorite "job" of all). Secondary to that, I had a career in office administration. I thrived in business management situations, and I still love that aspect of my writing career.

Do you have a favorite hero from the Bible?

Other than Jesus Christ Himself, I think King David from the Old Testament and Peter from the New Testament would top my list of Bible heroes. They were flawed men but they were passionate for God.

Will you read my manuscript or write my story for me?

Sorry. No. My obligations to and contracts with my publishers simply do not allow me to do so. There are many places where aspiring writers can find help. If you are truly interested in writing a novel, begin with getting yourself the latest copy of The Writer's Market and/or The Christian Writers Market Guide. The library is filled with "how to write" books so check out what's on the shelves. Mostly, you will learn by doing. Sit down and write. And read, read, read.