I used to be a part-time model. I am a landscape photographer by hobby and a certified editor. I am single and I have no kids. I was born, raised and reside in Houston, Texas. My interests include traveling, music, movies, reading and tons of other things. I am a solitary person, which means I like to be alone a lot. I am a homebody and I have fun just staying at home most times.

My favorite types of books to read are thrillers and I love the old classics. I’m a very kind, sweet and down to earth person. It doesn’t take much to make me happy. Right now I got a lot of things in the works. I am in the process of possibly having my books turned into movies and my latest; Melody is in talks to become a possible play. I’m very excited by what life’s presented to me and appreciate where I am now in terms of my career and life.

Author Interview with Stacy-Deanne:

What compelled you to write your first book?

Stacy-Deanne: The excitement I got from writing is what compelled me to write my first book and to make a career out of the craft.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Stacy-Deanne: No, it just came to me suddenly really. I’d always had a great imagination and had written some short stories in school that people enjoyed but didn’t get the calling until I was nineteen this was when I got my first computer. A story awoke inside of me and I just had to write it down on paper. From that point on I loved writing so much I wanted to pursue it.

Tell us a little bit about your book/s.

Stacy-Deanne: My first published book is “Divas of the New Millennium” it’s a compilation music book published in 2005. My second is “Everlasting” a modern day Latino love story focusing on two teens published in 2007. My recent is Melody published June of this year. Out of my published and unpublished books, Melody has always been my favorite because it’s the first thriller and mystery I’ve written and it was very exciting to write. Melody is about a young woman who is convinced that her sister’s new boyfriend is hiding something. She decides to find out more about him but realizes that he is very dangerous.

Have you ever won any writing awards? If so, what?

Stacy-Deanne: Yes I’ve won various awards. The most recent are two 2007 YGA Literary Awards for “Most Anticipated Latin Romance Novelist” and “Most Anticipated Author of the Year.” I am also proud that I was profiled and featured in Heather Covington’s “Literary Divas”, a 2006 book featuring the top most admired African-American Women writers.

How did you feel the day you held the copy of your first book in your hands?

Stacy-Deanne: I was very happy. I was happier the first time I saw one of my books in stores. That’s when it became a reality for me that I’d become published. It was an amazing feeling and funny how even though you think you’re prepared to see your work truly out there, it throws you for a loop.

What type of music, if any, do you listen to while you write?

Stacy-Deanne: I’m a music lover and love all types of music but I do not listen to music when I’m writing. Most times when I write I like it to be totally quiet around me. I may have the television on low sometimes but most times I go without anything. It’s better for me to concentrate that way.

What inspires you and motivates you to write the very most?

Stacy-Deanne: Writing itself inspires me because of the joy I get from it. I actually live to write and it’s a part of me. It’s what I was put on earth to do. Life wouldn’t be worth living because to me, writing is basically all I have.

What one thing are you the most proud of in your life?

Stacy-Deanne: Being a published author of course!

What about your family? Do you have children, married, siblings, parents? Has your family been supportive of your writing?

Stacy-Deanne: I am single and I do not have children. I lost my mother in the end of 2006 to Leukemia. My dad is still living though. They’ve always supported my career and helped me out with pursuing it. My entire family is proud of my career and I am grateful for that.

The main characters of your stories – do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?

Stacy-Deanne: Actually when I create my characters they have nothing to do with people or me I know. They come alive on their own. It’s hard to explain but writers understand what I mean by this. You can’t really create the character in my opinion. You began writing, you think of their name and how they may look, but if you are writing compellingly, they come alive on their own and they become more and more familiar to the author. The author begins to get to know the characters and that’s how the story grows. My characters always end up surprising me and that’s the fun part of fiction to me. Sure, I write what they do, but their personalities come alive on their own.

When growing up, did you have a favorite author, book series, or book?

Stacy-Deanne: I always loved the classics. I never had a favorite book because I love to read so much that it wasn’t possible for me to love just one. My favorites include, The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. I love all of these authors and others including Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe.

What about now: who is your favorite author and what is your favorite genre to read?

Stacy-Deanne: Kay Hooper is my favorite author. My favorite genre is mystery, thriller and suspense. I can’t stand romance, sorry. LOL! I like a good love story within a story but I do not like the romance genre. I would prefer to read something challenging like a mystery. Now, a mystery with some romance is okay but I never liked the typical romance novels.

Hey, let’s get morbid. When they write your obituary, what do you hope they will say about your book/s and writing? What do you hope they will say about you?

Stacy-Deanne: First of all I hope this doesn’t happen any time soon, LOL. I hope that when it does happen, people will say how much my writing touched them. I hope that my death touched fans or readers of my work so much that they come to the funeral to show their respects. Just to have someone say how much he or she loved my writing would be great even if I didn’t know about it. I hope people say they admired me for following my dreams and encouraging others. I also hope that I die becoming a legend in the literary world. That is another part of my dream. I don’t want to just be a “writer”. I want to be a voice that lives on.

Do you have any pets? What are they? Tell us about them.

Stacy-Deanne: I don’t have any pets. I used to always have fish but they would stink up the house so I gave up on them. Also, no matter what I did, my fish would always die. I wouldn’t over feed them or anything. I think it has something to do with the structure of our home. Our home collects a lot of dust in some areas. It’s a big problem in Houston because of all the construction in the city. I think that the dust is what killed the fish. I’m no murderess! LOL.

Bring us into your home and set the scene for us when you are writing. What does it look like?

Stacy-Deanne: My computer is in the living room. It sits in a huge computer desk along with my printer, scanner and other attachments, LOL. I usually like to keep the blinds closed because I like dim lighting. I have a small lamp on the shelf above my computer and I use it while I write. I do not listen to music when I write but the television is on sometimes and sometimes it’s not. It’s a very peaceful environment and I make sure I’m comfortable so I can write.

Do you watch television? If so, what are your favorite shows? Does television influence of inspire your writing?

Stacy-Deanne: I love to watch movies and some things on cable. I don’t watch network television to be honest and I do not like reality shows. I basically watch DVD’s or On Demand. I haven’t watched network television in a while because I am not into most of those types of shows. I love Boomerang, the cartoon channel on digital cable, LOL. Anything I enjoy inspires my writing.

What about movies? Same as above.

Stacy-Deanne: Love them! I don’t go to the movies but DVD’s are my thing. I also like movies on cable if I come across a good one.

Focusing on your most recent (or first) book, tell our readers what genre your book is and what popular author you think your writing style in this book is most like.

Stacy-Deanne: I write mainstream fiction. My recent book, Melody is a mystery, suspense and thriller. It’s also classified as many other things. The story is along the lines of something thriller novelist Kay Hooper would write. She is also my favorite novelist.

How long did it take you to write your most recent (or first) book? When you started writing, did you think it would take that long (or short)?

Stacy-Deanne: Well, I originally wrote the first draft of Melody eleven years ago. In terms of length, I don’t think about that until I write the book. Once I edit it and cut things then that’s when I worry about the length. These days there is desired word count that authors should stick to so you basically already know the size the book should be by industry standards. I can’t remember how long it took me to first write Melody but probably three months or more. That’s how long it usually takes me to write a book.

Is there anyone you’d like to specifically acknowledge who has inspired, motivated, encouraged or supported your writing?

Stacy-Deanne: My mother who died Christmas Day 2006. She was meant everything to me and I wouldn’t have had the courage to follow my dreams if it weren’t for her and my dad. Rest in Peace mom.

Thinking about your writing career, is there anything you’d go back and do differently now that you have been published?

Stacy-Deanne: Honestly, I’d say no only because I appreciate even the negative experiences. They were what made it necessary for me to grow as a writer. I made mistakes like others do and though at the time, those mistakes hurt me I realized I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t learned from them. Also I am a person who believes in fate so I believe that whatever happens to us is supposed to so I never thought of changing anything. It’s just life, LOL.

What is your main goal or purpose you would like to see accomplished by your writing?

Stacy-Deanne: I’d like to inspire people to follow their dreams. I also want to be known as more than a writer but a legend years from now. When I die I want my work to live on like the great writers of past generations.

How has having a book published changed your life?

Stacy-Deanne: I’m more confident in my work because I know that I was good enough for someone to believe in me and publish my work. My life has changed because being published makes me an idol for aspiring writers (didn’t know they saw published authors that way until I was one!) and I connect with them all the time. I don’t think I would meet so many lovely people if I weren’t in this industry or published. The biggest thing is that I have fans now, LOL.

Many authors have said that naming their characters is a difficult process, almost like choosing a name for their own child. How did you select the names of some of your lead characters in your book/s?

Stacy-Deanne: For me it’s no big deal. I just choose a name and from there the character grows. I don’t think names are important in characters just personalities.

Have you ever had a character take over a story and move it in a different direction than you had originally intended? How did you handle it?

Stacy-Deanne: LOL, this is what happens all the time and I believe is supposed to happen with fiction if you’re writing well and have a strong story.

Is there any lesson or moral you hope your story might reveal to those who read it?

Stacy-Deanne: Well in Melody it deals with rape among other things so I would say that if anyone’s been a victim they should realize it’s never their fault and seek help.

Do you have any book signings, tours or special events planned to promote your book that readers might be interested in attending?

Stacy-Deanne: I plan to do a virtual book tour soon.

It’s said that the editing process of publishing a novel with a publisher is can be grueling and often more difficult than actually writing the story. Do you think this is true for you? How did you feel about editing your masterpiece?

Stacy-Deanne: I am an editor so I make sure my work is edited as much as possible before turning it in. I don’t find the editing process with the publisher grueling at all. All they do is make small suggestions about certain things and usually nothing major. It’s for the writer’s benefit because they’re pointing out things you may have missed.

Now that you are a published author, does it feel differently than you had imagined?

Stacy-Deanne: It’s funny that I can’t remember imagining how it would feel before it happened. I am just appreciative to be published. I’d researched the business for years and knew a lot before I got published so I didn’t have the expectations that some authors have. Some believe their whole world changes when they get published. That’s not true. It changes some but basically you’re the same person, you just got a book in stores, LOL.

Now, use this space to tell us more about who you. Anything you want your readers to know?

If anyone wants to read more about me I am all over the net, LOL! All you have to do is type in my name and tons of things will come up. I am on many social networks including My Space, Shelfari, Goodreads and Facebook. I also write articles for Articles Base.com. My articles are geared toward giving new and aspiring writers advice as well as tips for promotion. My books are available in stores all over the nation as well as online. It is very easy to track me down, LOL! I’m everywhere. Start out with the links below.

http://www.stacy-deanne.net
http://www.myspace.com/stacydeanne
http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/stacy-deanne/79527.htm (My articles)
You can reach me by email at: stacydeanne1@aol.com

Thanks for the interview! I enjoyed it!

Joel M. Andre was born January 13, 1981 in Cottonwood, AZ. He began writing back in 1994 on a personal level, discovering the passion and feeling the words brought him. Although more of a hobby at the time, he collected his works and in 1999 released the poem The Midnight Express. It received positive feedback, and was quickly followed by For the Salem Witch. To date Joel has released over 60 poems, and 3 books.

Pray the Rain Never Ends was the first book, which includes the poem he wrote for his nephew Christopher Andre. A gripping work that shows a different side to the creator of work that usually holds a darker flair.

The follow up book A Death at the North Pole brought a new side of Joel out. This was a dark journey through a winter wonderland, and provided a more in depth look at Joel and his long form writing.

Most recently Joel released the book Kill 4 Me, a technological ghost story, of a woman haunted by a vengeful spirit through the use of a cell phone and computer.

With a passion for writing, you can tell Joel loves what he does. Although some would say his imagination runs more left field, there is no denying his original thoughts and ideas will provide enjoyment for years to come.

You can visit his website at www.joelmandre.com.

JOEL M. ANDRE INTERVIEW:

It’s rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a ‘real’ job other than writing, and if so, what is it? What are some other jobs you’ve had in your life?

Joel M. Andre: Right now a majority of my focus is on my writing. I have worked in Human Resources, done the job of an executive assistant, and spent some time in a morgue.

What compelled you to write your first book?

Joel M. Andre: My first book was a desire to put all my poetry into a single collection. The follow up book, I wanted to make a statement, with dark and menacing tones, and I killed Santa Claus, turning it into a book of redemption and growth.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Joel M Andre: I have always wanted to be a writer, yes.

Tell us a little bit about your book/s.

Joel M. Andre:

In order of release:

Pray the Rain Never Ends – A Collection of my poetry over the years.

A Death at the North Pole – A story of redemption, and personal growth in a fantasy setting. This is my pride and joy.

Kill 4 Me – A dark tale about how simple events in life intertwine and touch the lives of others, sometimes even causing their very death. It is a technological ghost story to put it on its most basic terms.

Are you currently working on any writing projects our readers should watch for release soon?

Joel M. Andre: I have 4 books finished and coming out soon, www.joelmandre.com will keep your readers informed of my future books.

What type of music, if any, do you listen to while you write?

Joel M. Andre: I listen to Pink, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood and Alanis when I write.

What inspires you and motivates you to write the very most?

Joel M. Andre: My mind will demand I write if I go more than a day without writing something, so I have an alarm clock in my head that says. Hey, why aren’t we writing, it’s been so many days. Vacations and I don’t mix.

Is there an established writer you admire and emulate in your own writing? Do you have a writing mentor?

Joel M. Andre: I admire my sacred 3. Stephen King, Anne Rice and Poe. To me, they are the greatest writer’s of all time.

When growing up, did you have a favorite author, book series, or book?

Joel M. Andre: Three books growing up, ‘The Stand’ by Stephen King is the greatest book of all time. You can argue that fact with me, but it is my belief. ‘The Witching Hour’ by Anne Rice taught me the value of romance in Horror, and the importance of history. ‘The Complete Works of Poe’ defined me as a poet. Growing up, these 3 books were important to me, and I read them numerous times.

Hey, let’s get morbid. When they write your obituary, what do you hope they will say about your book/s and writing? What do you hope they will say about you?

Joel M. Andre: You just became my new favorite person! I hope they say my books inspired people to look deep into their souls, and to release their inhibitions. I hope they say I remained a kind and generous man, who lived for the passion of writing, with a humanitarian effort. I also hope it says I die old.

Location and life experience can sprinkle their influence in your writing. Tell us about where you grew up and a little about where you live now. If you could live anywhere you want to live, where would that be?

Joel M. Andre: I grew up in a small town called Cottonwood, AZ. I currently live in Sedona, AZ after moving back to the area from Phoenix, AZ. I am an Arizona native. Now if I could just get that interview with Tara Hitchcock, I can say I made it. If I could live anywhere in the world, Ireland would be #1 tied with Maine. But having my Arizona roots involved, I guess I will always stick around here. We have an awesome state.

Do you have any pets? What are they? Tell us about them.

Joel M. Andre: Every pet is my pet. I adore other people’s animals and just walk up and start talking to them.. Most of all I am a dog person.

Do you watch television? If so, what are your favorite shows? Does television influence of inspire your writing?

Joel M. Andre: I am guilty of watching TV. I love CSI & Ghost Whisperer. Television has no inspiration in my writing. But I would write an episode of Ghost Whisperer if they would let me. I got a killer idea! Jennifer Love Hewitt, call me!!

What about movies? Same as above.

Joel M. Andre: I watch horror films, yes. I try to keep up with what the genre is doing, so I can keep ahead of it.

Now, use this space to tell us more about who you. Anything you want your readers to know?

I’ve got quite a bit of surprises still in store for my readers. They can keep up with me at www.joelmandre.com. I also am available to my readers at joelmandre@joelmandre.com
I do read and respond to all letters. So, please feel free to contact me.

Dave Donelson’s career as a broadcaster, entrepreneur, and writer has taken him from the jungles of Australia’s Cape York Peninsula to the minarets of Riyadh. He’s climbed the spire of the Empire State Building, floated the Usumacinta River to the Mayan ruins at Piedras Negras in Guatemala, and photographed the tree-climbing lions and mountain gorillas of Uganda.

Dave’s inquisitive, active lifestyle finds its way into freelance writing and photographic assignments for magazines like Disney’s FamilyFun, Woodworker’s Journal, and Las Vegas Magazine. Closer to home, he writes features for Westchester Magazine as well as a regular column on golf. He is a member of the prestigious Metropolitan Golf Writers Association.

His first novel, Hunting Elf, began as an audio book at www.huntingelf.com and was published as a trade paperback in 2006. K9 Perspective called it “…a delicious romp through the suburbs of New York.”

Dave’s first book was Creative Selling (Entrepreneur Press, 2000), a non-fiction prescriptive described by Brian Tracy as “…a terrific book on selling.” As a business journalist, he writes for The Christian Science Monitor, Family Business Magazine, and dozens of trade publications serving industries from the automotive aftermarket to sporting goods retailing.

Dave has a BA in Rhetoric and Public Address from Missouri Western State University. He serves as a Trustee for the Westchester Library System, a consortium of 38 public libraries serving Westchester County, NY. He lives in West Harrison, NY, with his wife, Nora, and an ever-changing roster of dogs and cats.

Visit www.davedonelson.com for a selection of Dave’s work. You’ll also find him on MySpace, Facebook, Gather, and Amazon.

Dave Donelson Author Interview:

I am a writer by trade and obsession. I do freelance feature writing for about three dozen magazines and newspapers, blog all over the place, and have three books to my credit (or blame) so far. My most recent novel, Heart of Diamonds, is a romantic thriller about blood diamonds in the Congo.

Writing is actually my third career. I was in the television business for many years, then took an entrepreneurial turn and did quite well. I’ve always been a writer, though, it’s just that I didn’t start making a living at it until about ten years ago.

What I love most about writing is the discovery process. I’m insanely curious about just about everything: people, places, events, what makes things tick and why do people do the things they do. Writing gives me an excuse to pry and nose around. I’ve written about everything from the role of illegal immigrants in our economy to the sex habits of NY suburbanites; the battle between real estate developers and environmentalists to the horrible effects of endless war on the people of the Congo.

I also devote a great deal of time to libraries. I am a trustee and past president of the Westchester (NY) Library System, a consortium of 38 public libraries serving about a million people north of New York City. I lobby for funding, advise the director, and help set the system’s policies and direction. It’s very rewarding work that allows me to give back to my community.

It’s rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a ‘real’ job other than writing, and if so, what is it? What are some other jobs you’ve had in your life?

Dave Donelson: I’ve always been a writer, but have made a living at it for only the last ten years. My career arc, if you want to call it that, is kind of like James Patterson’s. I had a very successful career in the advertising sales end of television, then a second one as an entrepreneur where I started, ran, and sold some related businesses. I’m a full-time writer now, though.

What compelled you to write your first book?

Dave Donelson: My novel, Heart of Diamonds, was inspired by the story of televangelist Pat Robertson’s bizarre relationship with Mobutu Sese-Seko, the dictator who raped the Congo for thirty years. I first heard about it in a Time Magazine article I ran across. Robertson, the founder of the 700 Club, one-time Presidential candidate, and probably the most successful “man of God” on the planet, also owned diamond and gold mines, rain-forest timber concessions, and other very lucrative natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo thanks to his buddy Mobutu, who was the archetype of the brutally oppressive African dictator who stole billions of dollars from his country. When I read about what Robertson did in the Congo in the name of Jesus Christ, I had to write a book.

Tell us a little bit about your book/s.

Dave Donelson: Heart of Diamonds is my third book, but I consider it my most important. It addresses several themes including how important it is for individuals to stand up for what they think is right. It’s not a polemical book by any means, but I tried to make sure there was some depth to the characters and their feelings about the world they live in. Valerie Grey is more than just a beautiful TV correspondent; she’s deeply moved by the events she witnesses and the plight of the people around her. They make her question her own motives, which gives her character some heart.

What inspires you and motivates you to write the very most?

Dave Donelson: I need a good story idea, something with an unusual hook like the Robertson-Mobutu connection. I read a lot, the NY Times and Wall Street Journal every day, a dozen magazines and two or three books a week, and that’s where I find them. Fortunately, the world is full of story ideas.

What about your family? Do you have children, married, siblings, parents? Has your family been supportive of your writing?

Dave Donelson: I have two grown children of whom I am very proud. Then there is my wife, Nora, who is a tremendous help. In fact, I couldn’t do what I do without her support. It’s tough to live with a writer like me—I’m very selfish. I have a huge need for big blocks of solitude followed by a desire to have hours of conversations where I try to talk through various characters or plot problems. She went with me to Africa to research Heart of Diamonds. She was not only a great companion on the trips, but she kept me out of trouble, too.

The main characters of your stories – do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?

Dave Donelson: Every character has a little bit of me in them simply because I have to imagine them in the context of my own life experiences so I can decide what they would do in theirs. On the other hand, I tend to pick and choose personality traits and even bits of life stories from other people to make up my characters. Valerie Grey, the protagonist in Heart of Diamonds, goes through a career jolt similar to one experienced by a friend of mine in television news, for example. Pat Robertson isn’t the model for the Reverend Gary Peterson, the televangelist in my novel, but I suspect his mental makeup is pretty similar.

Bring us into your home and set the scene for us when you are writing. What does it look like? On the couch, laptop, desk? Music? Lighting, handwriting?

Dave Donelson: There’s no question I have an office setup most writers would die for. I work in a cottage about fifty paces from our house, complete with kitchen, bath, and bedroom. I use the entire living-dining room as an office, with my computer set next to a window where I can stare into the woods. There’s also a worktable on the other side of the room where I can spread things out. The room is lined by half-height book cases and the walls above them are covered with my photos and paintings. I disappear there every morning about five AM and don’t come out except for meals.

What about movies? Any favorites?

Dave Donelson: I don’t watch much television, but I like movies. My books tend to be very cinematic. It was kind of funny, but when Blood Diamonds with Leonardo DiCaprio came out, I had just finished Heart of Diamonds. Nora and I sat in the theater agog at the opening scenes, which could have been lifted almost verbatim from my novel.

Focusing on your most recent (or first) book, tell our readers what genre your book is and what popular author you think your writing style in this book is most like.

Dave Donelson: Heart of Diamonds is a romantic thriller with overtures of Ridley Pearson, John le Carre, and Frederick Forsythe. There’s a high-concept plot about a diamond smuggling scheme that involves the White House, an American televangelist, and the President of the Congo. TV reporter Valerie Grey uncovers the scheme and fights to tell the world about it. She’s also wrapped up in a big romantic love triangle and struggles to resolve that conflict throughout the book. Heart of Diamonds is set in the middle of the civil war in the Congo, which is the root of the humanitarian crisis that country is experiencing today.

Now, to tell us more about who you. Anything you want your readers to know?

One of the most rewarding things about publishing a book these days is the opportunity presented by the websites and blogs like this one to have a dialogue with readers. You can buy Heart of Diamonds at any bookstore or online, then learn more about the book, me, and the people of the Congo at www.heartofdiamonds.com or one of my blogs like heartofdiamonds.blogspot.com. I love to talk to readers, so please leave a message if you visit.

Debora M. Coty is a seasoned raconteur (storyteller), a raqueteer (tennis player) and a racketician (loud laughter). Also a freelance writer and newspaper columnist, she’s had over eighty works published in international magazines, newspapers, trade journals and anthologies. You can visit her website at www.deboracoty.com.

In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook…the latter two with sporadic results. A former contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine, Suzanne’s work has appeared in many magazines. Her first novel, Copper Star, a World War II love story, received three literary awards. Since then, she has published two more books and has five books under contract. Suzanne is a popular retreat speaker and teaches Precepts at her church. Find Suzanne on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

Joanna Bloss is the author of God’s Gifts for the Grad (Barbour, 2009) and has written for a variety of publications including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. She is a certified personal trainer, graphic artist, and currently working towards her master’s degree in clinical psychology. She lives in the Midwest with her four children. Keep up with her busy life at http://joannabloss.blogspot.com.

Faith Tibbetts McDonald, a former contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine, a newspaper columnist, freelance writer, professional speaker, and lecturer at Pennsylvania State University, received the Reader’s Pick award for an article published in Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Faith has contributed to numerous books including Women Ask, Women Answer: Questions Women Long to Ask, Answers They Need to Know (Thomas Nelson, 2008). Faith lives with her husband and three children in Pennsylvania. Visit Faith on Facebook.

Author Interview: Debra M. Coty, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Joanna Bloss, Faith Tibbetts McDonald

We’re inspirational writers from the four corners of the country who got together through a writers conference in California in 2006. We were all on different legs of our writing journeys but were united by the desire to pen a motivational book for writers that affirms, builds confidence and inspires, while at the same time offering pithy practical guidance. All the things we wish we’d known when we started out.

The four of us represent many walks of life: single moms, married 30+ years, lots of kids, few kids, financially stable, struggling to make ends meet, ADD, focused, social butterflies, private, career women, homemakers, sensitive, steel magnolias…but we share a common passion about our faith and our writing. We view our writing as an extension of our faith and feel called to share what we’ve learned to help other aspiring writers along their own writing journeys. We’re more than delighted with wonderful reader responses to Grit for the Oyster: 250 Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers.

It’s rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a ‘real’ job other than writing, and if so, what is it? What are some other jobs you’ve had in your life?

We’re a cross-section of Americana. Suzanne writes full time and Deb, Faith and Jo work full or part-time. All of us are freelance writers for magazines, newspapers and anthologies. Suzanne raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Deb’s an orthopedic occupational therapist and piano teacher, Faith’s a writing instructor at Penn State University, and Joanna is a certified personal trainer and graphics artist. We are all moms and squeeze precious writing moments from full schedules. As you no doubt know, writers write. Even when you’re not physically tapping at the keyboard, ideas are marinating in your brain.

What compelled you to write your first book?

Grit for the Oyster isn’t the first book for Suzanne and Debora. Suzanne is the award-winning author of two inspirational romance novels Copper Star and Copper Fire, and Debora had previously penned a popular inspirational historical novel as well, The Distant Shore (the sequel, Billowing Sails, is set for release this December). Suzanne birthed the idea of writing a powerful motivator for aspiring and experienced writers, offering wit, wisdom and inspiration to take that first step and persevere through the writing journey. There are many books that address the mechanics of writing and getting published, but not about the heart of writing. The other three of us eagerly jumped on board and Grit was soon underway. It took a year to research and write the book, but bestselling author Terri Blackstock calls Grit for the Oyster, “A great way to start each writing day…a treasure trove of encouraging words for writers.” Award-winning author Ruth Ellinger considers Grit for the Oyster, “The Writer’s Bible.” Foreword writer Sally Stuart claims, “(Grit) will inspire you with the words of other writers who have traveled this same road.”

Are you currently working on any writing projects our readers should watch for release soon?

Suzanne has a novel, For the Love of Dogs, due out in February. Following on its heels are four contracts with Revell/Baker, stacked up like airplanes waiting to take off. The first is non-fiction, Amish Peace in an English Life, and the following three are fiction books about the Amish (titles pending).

Debora is looking forward to the release of Billowing Sails (the sequel to The Distant Shore) in 12/08, and is totally excited about Mom Needs Chocolate: Hugs, Humor and Hope for Surviving Motherhood, Regal Books’ featured Mother’s Day release in 3/09. Everyday Hope (Barbour Publishing) will follow in 8/09 and Barbour has recently initiated discussion concerning a book project for 2010.

Joanna recently pitched a novel and a non-fiction series to publishers and is completing them while awaiting replies. She has learned to be as productive as possible in the waiting time—“It keeps me from camping out next to the mailbox and frightening our mail carrier.”

Faith is waiting for replies from magazines regarding articles submitted for publication. She uses her waiting time to work on an epistolary novel with a co-worker and is also writing a book of personal essays entitled “Lose Weep, Find Keep.”

What inspires you and motivates you to write the very most?

Our greatest inspiration was a scripture taped to each of our computer desks and included in the first page of Grit for the Oyster: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin,” (Zechariah 4:10). When we hit bumps in the road while writing, or got stuck in potholes, we’d go back to this verse and break the intimidating task down into accomplishable, bite-size “small beginnings.” That’s great advice for writers, you know: write something every day; length doesn’t matter. We were motivated to write this book to share our learning experiences with others who want to write their own stories…maybe a memoir, or precious family story, or even a novel that is aching to be told. And by the responses we’re getting, there are lots of them out there.

How long did it take you to write your most recent (or first) book? When you started writing, did you think it would take that long (or short)?

It took about a year to write Grit for the Oyster and another eight months after the publishing contract was signed before it came out in print. Suzanne and Debora found with their previous books that waiting is a significant part of the publication biz…Literary Limboland, Publication Purgatory, The Manuscript Netherworld. In fact, several chapters are devoted to that very subject in Grit. The average time between contract and publication is 1 to 3 years. Sometimes it feels like perpetual pregnancy – you’re constantly anticipating a baby that is never delivered.

What is your main goal or purpose you would like to see accomplished by your writing?

To inspire those just beginning their writing journey and to encourage the experienced writer to persevere. The creation of a lustrous literary pearl takes time. And a lot of friction in your oyster. You can’t rush the process but you can prepare by learning what to expect (how the industry works), and how to deal with the fluctuating tides (success and rejection).

Is there any lesson or moral you hope your story might reveal to those who read it?

Reach for your dreams. Courage. Endurance. Hope.

Do you have any book signings, tours or special events planned to promote your book that readers might be interested in attending? If so, when and where?

All of us are speakers and would be delighted to share with writing groups, women’s events or civic organizations and can be reached via www.gritfortheoyster-book.blogspot.com, our dynamic writer’s blog that is brimming with awesome tips and applicable ideas. Debora (for southeast regions) and Suzanne (west coast) conduct critically acclaimed writing workshops for schools (kids) and adults, which are listed with other speaking engagements on our websites, www.DeboraCoty.com and www.suzannewoodsfisher.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for our free newsletters, which will keep you abreast of special events, contests and upcoming books.

It’s said that the editing process of publishing a novel with a publisher is can be grueling and often more difficult than actually writing the story. Do you think this is true for you? How did you feel about editing your masterpiece?

Edit is a dreaded four-letter word for all writers, but a necessary part of the process. One of our chapters is entitled, “Even Editors Need Editors” and another is even more succinct: “The Manuscript is Perfect; We’ll Change Everything!” We were fortunate to have an excellent editor in Vintage Spirit’s Dawn Carrington, and although a few nit picky punctuation/grammatical typos slipped by all of us, we were pleased with the result. It never ceases to amaze how five pairs of eyes dissecting a manuscript dozens of times can still miss a few faux pas.

Now, tell us more about who you. Anything you want your readers to know?

Thank you so very much for hosting us. Our books can be found on Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble online (www.barnesandnoble.com); Deb sells hers through her website as well: www.DeboraCoty.com

Romance readers, be sure to check out Vintage Romance Publishing’s (www.vrpublishing.com) special get-one-free deal, which includes Suzanne’s Copper Star and Copper Fire, and Debora’s The Distant Shore and upcoming Billowing Sails. The deal also includes Grit for the Oyster in the Vintage Spirit line.

Aspiring writers, don’t forget to check out www.gritfortheoyster-book.blogspot.com
and Suzanne and Deb’s individual blogs: www.suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com and www.DeboraCoty.blogspot.com