Identity is a fast paced LDS mystery, while the soon to be released Soulfire is a inspirational Book of Mormon novel built around the story of Alma the Elder.
What is your favorite line, scene, or character from one of your books and why?
My favorite scene is from Identity when Shawn is sitting in the airport waiting to leave for his mission and sees a picture of his sister, only the picture is of a woman who looks like his sister and then realizes that his sister is in danger. The reason I love this scene so much is that I picture my brothers being that kind of brother...to stick up for their family.
Why do you write in the genre you do?My problem is that I am so eclectic that I write in several genres. To me I just want to tell a great story.
What are you working on next?Aside from finishing up the edits for Soulfire, I'm revising a YA general fiction written from the view point of Jake the Jerk (as I fondly call him). When Penelope, a homely, awkward seventeen year old with a secret, moves to Palmdale and is in four of Jake's six classes, he is put in a position to either be a great benefit to her or to save face with his football team by steering clear of Penelope. I'm still working on the pitch for this one.
Do you map out your stories beforehand or do you let the characters direct the story?A little of both. When I write, I know the premise and how it's going to end. I like to interview each of my characters and learn as much about them as I can before I start writing my story so that I am very well acquainted with them.
In one word describe the best thing about being an author.Readers!
In one word describe the worst thing about being an author.Weight-gain
When did you know you wanted to be an author?The desire to be published actually happened when I was in my junior year of high school. I had this amazing creative writing teacher who thought everything I wrote was brilliant and encouraged me to send my work into literary magazines. I chickened out. At that point in my life, I was afraid of rejection.
How do your beliefs shape how/what you write?Being LDS I want my stories to uplift and build testimony of Jesus Christ. Even in my Non-LDS stories, I want my readers to come away wanting to be a better person.
What's the last book you finished?Variant by Robison Wells. I couldn't put it down!
What's on your nightstand now?Isaiah for Airheads by John Bytheway, my Book of Mormon, and my Kindle--I'm reading Shifting by Bethany Wiggins
Which author (dead or alive) would you most like to have lunch with?Janette Rallison--She is my fellow yellow after all.
Book you read that you wish you hadn't.I can't think of one. Most books that I just can't get into I put them down, or give them away, or even **don't gasp** throw them in the trash.
Book that changed your life.The Book of Mormon
If they were to make a movie of your favorite book, who would play the leads and why?I'd want to open it up to LDS actors and give them a shot at a movie!
Book you most want to read again for the first time.Stargirl by Jerri Spinelli
What book would you give to a child?You are Special by Max Lucado-this book still brings a tear to my eye.
And the 16th Question is: What the best writing advice you ever received?
ReplyDeleteThe best writing advice? Hm...I've received so much over the years. Believe in yourself and never give up! That's two, does that count, Marsha?
ReplyDelete