I think I need to retire...

Retirement is sounding really good right now. 

Ok, ok...I don't mean to say that I don't like my job - because I definitely do!  But, I have been thinking lately how difficult it is to find time to write and edit and read and do photography and work all within the same week.  I know that, being a writer, reading is important to honing my craft.  Editing is also important which means that I should add reading books about editing to my already long reading list.  In addition to that, I'm trying to refine a few full-length manuscripts for contests and publication which takes a long time.  If weeks continue like this one has, I will be busy every night this week leaving me... well, just about no time to work on anything.

Hum...am I sounding whiny?  Because that is never good.

I do have to wonder though, am I the only person that feels this way?  I'd wager a guess and say no.  How often do we find ourselves in positions where we have a desire to do one thing but find other things getting in the way?  I think that could translate to our spiritual walk, our relationships with friends and family, or (like me) our passions. 

I long for a day when I can wake up and make my way to my little desk and write!!! All day, every day.  Ok, with some photography scattered in there.  Oh yeah, and a cup of coffee or two (or three...).  Then I remember that the Lord leads us where He wants us.  If I were asked, I'd say that I know I'm supposed to be right where I am for now.  He may lead me in a different direction in the future but I know that He will lead me there when it's His time.

For now, I am confident in Him and His plans for me.  I am so absolutely blessed in my current job working for my church and moving into a new office space with an incredible window (pictured to the right).  I desire to live each day thankful and seeking out what I have to be thankful for!

How about you, my dear readers?  Do you face these desires?  Maybe not to be retired so you can do nothing, but to move into a state of freedom to pursue passions?  How are you coping with your current situation?  How do you stay content? 

If you have the time, I'd love to hear from you in the comments below :)

Joi Copeland {Writer Wednesday}

Please welcome Joi Copeland to Thinking Thoughts... 

Joi Copeland is married to a wonderful man, Chris, and has three amazing boys, She is living the dream in beautiful Denver, Colorado. Joi loves being a wife and mom and also enjoys spending time with friends over a good cup of coffee or tea. She's been a Christian for over twenty years. She's the author of two books, Hope for Tomorrow and Hope for the Journey, and one novella, Christmas Rayne.

What people are saying...

Holly Magnuson wrote about Hope for the Journey: I think you're an extremely brave author to tackle the topics you are in this story. So far in my reading you've captured these difficult topics tactfully and good emotion. I find myself feeling for the different characters. So far I'm loving it!

 

How to connect with Joi...

Like her page on Facebook
Follow her on Twitter
Check out her blog Cup o' Joy
Pick up a copy of her book Hope for the Journey
Connect with her on Goodreads

 

Author Interview | Joi Copeland

You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I am a Christ follower, a wife, mom, friend, sister, daughter, author, and barista. I started writing at an early age, but really decided to write when my husband, sister, and brother-in-law sat me down and told me it was time to pursue this dream of mine. My many ideas have kept me going. I pray about what I should write, and when.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I had a lot of fun writing the third book in my Hope series. It's at the publisher's now. It was neat to see this character, Arthur, come alive. He's old, quirky, and in desperate need of a Savior.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The hardest thing about publishing is having to read my manuscript so many times! It makes me nutty. I keep telling myself, “I don't want to read it again! I already know how it ends.” :)
...The easiest thing is picking out a cover and working with Comfort Publishing.

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...Hope for the Journey is about a marriage and some struggles couples may go through. Not every couple, but I know many do. It's also about family. I wrote it because I was walking the track while my boys were playing one day, and I really felt strongly about this topic and the need to write about it.

Do you have a favorite character? If so, why?
...One of my favorite characters is Emily in this book. She's strong, real, and amazing.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Struggles in this life are going to happen. But it's how we deal with them that matter. Do we forgive those who hurt us? Do we turn our backs on Christ when life takes a turn for the worst? I hope readers will walk away encouraged, uplifted, and at the point where they really want to forgive.

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Both for sure. I can take real life situations that have happened to others and turn them into fiction. So, for all of my books, not one situation is completely accurate of one person. Does that make sense?

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...To encourage people and cause them to see themselves in my characters.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Keep writing. Don't give up. You will get many no's, but you only need one yes!

You
What is your favorite snack to eat when writing?
...Apples! :)

Do you believe in New Year’s resolutions? If so, care to share one of yours?
...I am a New Year's baby, so I always try to make some type of change for the next year. I really want to lose weight and be debt free. Two goals I expect to meet! :)

What’s one thing you are looking forward to in 2013?
...I look forward to seeing what God is going to do in my life and those around me. I see a lot of hope for 2013!

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Thank you so much Joi!  I love how you say that you pray about "what you should write, and when".  That is such an important thing - as writers we can easily follow our selfish desires and want to write about what we want but it's a gift from the Lord and we must use it for His glory, not ours.  

If you, my readers, are interested in other books by Joi, check out these titles below and make sure and get your copy! 

 

Get your copy of Hope for Tomorrow here...

You can purchase Christmas Rayne here or contact Joi at her facebook page here for your copy...

RE:View | Texas Wildflowers by Anita Higman

Set in four exotic locations in Texas and following the lives of the McBride sisters, Texas Wildflowers by Anita Higman will keep you entertained as well as intrigued! 

These four novellas set in Texas take on that "bigger than life" feeling almost everything in Texas has - they may be short, but they are not without rich flavor and sweet romance to boot.  I really enjoyed the pace of the stories.  Knowing that they are novellas, the plot tends to move more quickly than a full-length novel will, which allows you to complete a full story in one sitting if you have the time.  I recommend this compilation to anyone looking for a light read and who would enjoy a smattering of different locations and various characters tied together by family.  Anita does a good job of giving the sisters their own personalities and traits, as well as bringing in the "right" guy at the right time in their lives.

***

Rosy McBride faces something no woman wants to - being left at the alter by her husband-to-be.  Woven in this story are themes of family and the idea of looking outwardly when sometimes you'd rather not face "real life".  

For Lily McBride, a counselor with her own business, life appeared to be handing her something impossible.  When a potential client not only sparks Lily's astute counselor mind but also her romantic interest she must face the vows she's made as a counselor and make one of the hardest decisions.

Violet McBride is nothing like her online persona.  She is neither romantic nor daring in her lifestyle.  Happy to settle for the idea of companionship rather than love, she faces a shock when Morgan boldly enters the picture.  Will she give in to her less-than-practical side?

Giving up her job due to moral principles, Heather finds herself faced with a new resolve - to tell the truth, no matter what.  Will this help her or get her into more trouble?  Evan Finch also enters the picture with a random request that may just send them into a whole new life together. 

***

If you missed my interview of Anita on Wednesday, make sure and check it out [here].

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.  

Anita Higman {Writer Wednesday}

My guest for today is author Anita Higman:

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children and has four more books releasing in 2013. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

How to connect with Anita...
Website: anitahigman.com
Facebook: Anita Higman - Reader Page
And on Twitter


Author Interview | Anita Higman
[Anita had some questions prepared so they will differ slightly from previous interviews.]

You & Writing

Tell us a bit about Texas Wildflowers
...Texas Wildflowers is a 4-in-1 novella collection through Barbour Publishing. Each novella is set in an exotic location in Texas. They are lighthearted romances, and they’re all tied together with the four McBride sisters.

Which of the four novellas was the most fun to write? ...They were each fun to write in their own way, but my favorite character was Lily, the counselor, in Forget Me Not Lily. She was quirky and fun, relatable and loveable. At least that’s what I hope readers will feel.

Was it hard to write four separate stories and keep them fresh?
...That task was very hard, because it is so easy to repeat plot elements and character traits and bits of dialogue. I had to constantly check myself to make sure the stories and characters were as unique as they could be.

All these novellas are set in Texas. Are the towns and parks real?
...Yes, in fact one of the novellas is set in Big Bend National Park, where my husband and I went on vacation. So, when you read about the characters on certain trails, they’re real, and we hiked them!

Did you have a favorite book when you were a child?
...I loved fairytales. Cinderella was my favorite.

Do you have a vacation spot you’d love to visit?
...I’m dreaming of Ireland. My husband and I plan to travel there next summer. Can’t wait! Then I’m going to use the emerald isle as a setting in one of my novels.

How long have you known you wanted to be a writer?
...When I was very young (I don’t remember my age) I started working on a novel about a man from Mars who wanted to go to college in New York. I never finished that novel, but it left an impression on me. I knew deep down that telling stories was my dream, even though I didn’t get around to fulfilling it until I was in my thirties.

When readers finish the last page of Texas Wildflowers, what do you want them to come away with?
...I would love for them to be inspired, challenged, and entertained. If I accomplished even one of those things I would feel my writing time wasn’t wasted.

You

What are 5 things that your readers might not know about you?
...While I was in college I tried working in a pillow factory. I was terrible at it. I got so weary with the repetition I started yakking with the woman next to me. We got reprimanded over and over until I quit. I discovered one thing from that college job—talking is something I excel at.
...I once won a hog-calling contest at a banquet. I was not embarrassed, but I should have been.
...I have a bird phobia, and yet I love birds! (That is, from a distance.) My house is filled with the fake kind—prints on the walls, statues, and general bird doodads. Go figure.
...I keep some interesting treasures near me when I write—a wooden jewelry box my son made me when he was in school, a candle from the 1960s, a hat once owned by a famous mystery writer, the inner parts of a music box, a birthday card that plays The Twilight Zone theme song, and an old family toy helicopter that says, “Going up.”
...Thirty-four years ago I rappelled off a cliff alongside the man I was dating. We kissed in mid-air while dangling off that cliff. I ended up marrying that man, and we've celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary!

Where do all your ideas come from?
...Ideas flood in from everywhere—while I’m running errands, or chatting with a friend, or drifting off to sleep. I have pieces of paper all over the place with scribbles about book ideas and characters and titles. Sometimes I can’t read my notes later. I need a full-time assistant to help me stay organized. Any volunteers?

What's your favorite snack to eat when writing?
...Nuts & popcorn

Do you believe in New Year's resolutions? If so, care to share one of yours?
...Yes, I believe in New Year's resolutions. One resolution this year will be to spend more time studying the Bible.

What is one thing you're looking forward to in 2013?
...Traveling to Ireland for a vacation and for research.
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Thank you, Anita!  That was a great interview.  I love the fact that you admit it was hard to write four different novellas and keep them separate and unique! And here I thought it was just me ;)  I'm looking forward to the new books you have coming out this year - I bet they will be just as good as Texas Wildflowers.  I'm also excited for Friday when I'll be posting my own review of Texas Wildflowers - make sure you check back so you don't miss it! 

What I look for in a good book...

As a writer I asked myself recently, "Emilie, what is it that makes you say - 'that was a good book'?". 

Ok, so maybe I didn't say it to myself quite like that but I have asked why I liked some books and not others.  When you take out the obvious factors - well written, solid plot, relevant conflict - there are just some books I have enjoyed more than others.  Seeing as today is a holiday for me, I've decided to briefly tackle this idea.  I've come up with three books and three reasons (one per book) of why I liked these books.  It isn't a scientific study I'm doing here, just something a little more interesting than blogging about the fact that I cleaned my room this morning, did a lot of reading, and am thinking of eating leftover homemade pizza for lunch...

Reason #1{Happy Ending}

I'll admit right here and now that I am a sucker for happy endings. Very few times have I read a book that doesn't end happily and thought - yes, I'd like to read this again.  It doesn't mean the whole book is bad if it doesn't end happily, but to me reading is a journey and I will allow (haha yes... "allow") the author to take me through a lot of heartache and trouble as long as I know that it's "worth it" in the end.  "Worth it" to me means a happy ending.

"Kissing Adrien" by Siri L. Mitchell has been one of my top favorite books for a long time now (almost 8 years!) and, though the cover isn't my favorite (it's a little bright for me) I love how Siri composed this story.  The main character, Claire, isn't perfect but she is honest!  I read this when I was much younger after having read many Christian romance novels where the protagonist always seemed to be so perfect and I thought to myself, this author has captured something about Christianity and being a girl that is real.  All that to say, I love the ending of this book but I wont ruin it for you.  I'd suggest you pick up a copy for yourself! 

Reason #2 {The Right Lesson}

I cheated on this one... I used a series but it makes my point, so I hope you'll forgive me?  When I read, there are several things that go through my mind when both choosing and enjoying the book I'm in.  I often pick Christian romance books because I enjoy them and because that's the genre I typically write in as well.  I have come across many that have treated the gospel like a vegetable - it's not the favorite part but it's good for you so you just need to get past it an on to the better stuff (like dessert or something).  Not all books are this way, but I have found the best weave an accurate and believable story of redemption into the lines of plot and character that is not forced or unnatural.

Francine Rivers has the gift of writing that is real and filled with history without being dull with the details.  The Mark of the Lion Series has long since been a favorite series of mine.  Francine is the type of author that makes the story about Christ in the lives of her characters with believability.  The emotions and story are so real that you not only become attached to the broken slave girl, Hadassah, because of her life of hardship and forbidden love, but because of her unyielding faith.  In a small way, her faith encourages yours - even if she is a fictional character.  To me, this makes putting any of these books down very difficult.

Reason #3 {Outside the Box}

Lastly, there is nothing better than a book that is original.  I know it's said that there are "no original ideas" under the sun (a bad paraphrase, I know) but there are ideas that are better than others.  These are the ones that take your breath away, hold you riveted to the page, and don't release you until you until the last chapter.

"Thr3e" by Ted Dekker was one of those books for me.  I remember getting to the end and thinking...how is this possible?  Reading for a second, then third time, still didn't lesson the suspense or surprise (even after I knew the ending).  This book was not only well crafted, but it was an idea that isn't typical.  I find those types of ideas, whether for a suspense novel or a romance, to be the best kind. 

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So what do you think?  What makes a book "good" to you?  What don't you like when you're reading a book?  I'd love to hear more opinions on this! Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day :)

Georgiana Daniels | RE:View & Interview

I'm doing things a little differently this Friday.  Instead of just a RE:View post, I'm also including an interview with the author, Georgiana Daniels.

To start off, here's a little bit about Georgiana from her blogger profile:

Georgiana Daniels resides in the beautiful mountains of Arizona with her super-generous husband and three talented daughters. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor's degree in public relations, and now has the privilege of homeschooling by day and wrestling with the keyboard by night. She enjoys sharing God's love through fiction, and is exceedingly thankful for her own happily ever after.

How to connect with Georgiana:
Her blog: Good Times...Good Times
On Google +
At Harlequin Love Inspired
On Goodreads
On Amazon

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Author Interview | Georgiana Daniels

You & Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
....First, thanks so much for having me on your blog :) I can’t remember a time when I didn’t write! My first book was called Death on Penthouse Avenue, which I started—and didn’t finish—when I was twelve. But only in the last eight years have I pursued publication. Many times I wanted to throw my hands in the air and let it all go, but I believe this is where God wants me, and that’s what keeps me hooked in.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...My favorite book is always the one I’ve just completed. For some reason I always think it’s the best one yet—and maybe each one really is better than the last. I come to care so much for the characters that they all become favorites.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The hardest thing about getting published is enduring until getting “the call,” probably because there’s no guarantee it will come. That’s when you have to do it simply because you love writing and believe you’re doing what you’re meant to regardless of the outcome. Is there an easy part? LOL! I suppose coming up with the ideas and developing them are the easy bits, but as soon as I sit at the keyboard to start writing chapters it suddenly isn’t nearly as smooth.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...A Daughter’s Redemption is my first Love Inspired book. It’s about a grieving daughter who (unknowingly) falls in love with the cop responsible for her father’s death. I love the conflict this story presented to me, and I kept questioning how much could someone forgive.

Do you have a favorite character? If so, why?
...That’s like asking if I have a favorite child! So hard to pick a character because they all have qualities that are admirable and traits that aren’t, and like all of us they have issues to overcome.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...My hope and prayer is that people see areas where they can show mercy and also see God’s mercy toward us. Also I do hope that if readers have someone in their life they need to make things right with that they prayerfully take that step.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Pure imagination! Occasionally I’ll borrow a name, but the character the name is assigned to is total fiction. I did, however, borrow my parents’ dog for this book ;)

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...Providing clean entertainment that shows God’s love and His ability to take the worst situations and turn them around for our good is my desire. Mostly I just love telling stories!

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Hunker down and write, write, write! Learn the craft and develop thick skin—you’ll need it.

You

What is your favorite snack to eat when writing?
...How did you know I snack? It’s a problem because I really can’t seem to squeeze words out without something to munch on. Lately it’s been cashews. I’m trying to switch to gum only ;)

Do you believe in New Year’s resolutions? If so, care to share one of yours?
...Over the years I’ve tried resolutions and come to the conclusion that if I want something badly enough, why wait for the New Year? I’m trying to be more intentional on a daily basis. We’ll see how it works out!

What’s one thing you are looking forward to in 2013?
...So many wonderful things are happening in our lives right now that it’s hard to pick! Right now I’m praising God for opening the windows of Heaven after a dry season, and I’ll be grateful for His daily bread :)

Thank you so much for this great interview Georgiana! I can see you passion for writing and love how you have shared that with my readers (and with me!).  I can't wait to see what's next for you and your writing.

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RE:View | A Daughters Redemption

Set in Pine Hollow, Arizona, this beautiful story of redemption follows Robyn Warner through the trials of an inheritance she never expected.  When her father is killed in an accident in town, everyone wants justice but no one realizes the price that will be paid to extract that justice.

Robyn, a typical California girl, finds herself in the middle of family struggles, the ghosts of her past, and a future that seems impossible to reconcile.  Will her heart grow fond of Pine Hollow and fonder for this curious handy man with a vendetta to fix of the cabins as well as a secret that could keep them apart forever?

I really enjoyed this book by Georgiana!  After reading the back cover I began the book wondering  how she was going to work past the obvious road blocks setup in the story.  I was pleasantly surprised at the end and how it was all worked out.  This is definitely a book you will not want to put down!

To purchase this book you can go to Harlequin Love Inspired or to Amazon. 

H.G. Ferguson {Writer Wednesday}

Today I welcome H.G. (or Harold) Ferguson to the blog!  He is the author of New Blood, a "speculative fiction" novel providing a fresh, original "take" on the vampire mythology from a thoroughly Biblical worldview.  If you're getting tired of the typical vampire story and love to read Christian fiction, this is the book for you!

How to connect with Harold:

Publishers website: Written World Communications
Youtube trailer (also included at the bottom of this post)
Recent interview on Ralene Burke's Character Post


Author Interview | H.G. Ferguson


You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing? ...I’ve always been a storyteller from my earliest memories. Even when “playing” with my small plastic soldiers and figures I was always making up tales and ensuring the bad guys got what was coming to them. Memorably. Even then. It was only natural that as I grew I turned to writing, though it has taken a lonnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggg tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime to “break through.” I keep writing because the Lord wants me to, as He wants all of us to use our gifts to the praise of His glory.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I don’t think I have a favorite book per se. My favorite authors are HP Lovecraft (my mentor in certain key ways), J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Robert R. McCammon. Lovecraft, the master of atmosphere, suggestion and understatement -- Tolkien’s spiritual depth for which you must dig, like the treasure hidden in a field -- Lewis’ Christian faith permeating everything he wrote -- and McCammon’s riveting, lush you-are-there prose -- all have enriched the way I write. To all of them I am most indebted.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...There is nothing easy about being published. If there were, it would not be worth anything. The hardest thing was learning to honor the commitment I made to accept editorial direction. When you promise to work with an editor, you check your ego at the door. This does not mean you allow the editor to wrest away your work and obliterate your voice. I was blessed to have two excellent editors, Dale Hansen and Kristine Pratt, whose suggestions improved the story in certain key places, such as the scene where Rebecca nearly burns to death in the sun and the ritual washing scene between Rebecca and her adoptive mother Singing Star. Dale’s suggestion in the former and Kristine’s suggestion in the latter took both these scenes into some pretty cool directions which had not occurred to me. That’s what great editors do. Learning to work with other people’s directions is often a challenge. But it can -- and should, since you promise -- be done. 

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...I wrote New Blood because I wanted to tell the truth about being a vampire. Contemporary vampire stuff presents vampirism as fun, cool and empowering -- they have become godlike beings, and don’t you want to embrace the darkness and be a vampire too? For Rebecca, vampirism is a curse, an infirmity, a thorn in her flesh. Though it is not supernaturally based, my take on vampirism preserves the abandoned notion that being a vampire is not fun. I wanted to show such a person, afflicted with such a nightmarish reality, persevering and sustained by the Grace of God. It’s also a metaphor for sin, something which afflicts us all, whether we like to admit it or not. I wanted to show, above all, as Rebecca might chant, Christus Victor! Christ is the Victor! Victor in that He loves Rebecca, has redeemed Rebecca, and has a purpose and plan for her life IN SPITE OF WHAT SHE IS. More of this plan unfolds in the second book, which I am working on now.

Do you have a favorite character? If so, why?
...Oddly enough, Singing Star was my favorite character in the first tale. A practical Mohawk mom, having been touched by Christianity, who becomes the true and real mother Rebecca never had. She discerns the truth about things with an unnerving bluntness tempered by heartfelt compassion. Her “spiritual battle” with the lies of Angelique at the ritual washing scene is a key point in the presentation of her character. Guess who wins, Heh-ya!

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...God’s unconditional love for Rebecca, and that the Lord can take the most horrible thing (vampirism) and redeem it to the praise of His glory!

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...I would say both. Sometimes ideas shamble into my head all on their own, other times real events ignite the creative spark. I am primarily visual, and often pictures will set things in motion. The challenge in this case is not to copy what’s in the picture, to allow it to be inspiration, not reproduction.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?...To tell the Truth in a way in which it has never been told before, whether that Truth is the death of Jesus on the Cross for our sins or what happens to a human body when a blunderbuss goes off pressed against it. I want my stories to be true -- true to human and salvation history as accurate as I can make it, true in emotions and experiences, true in every sense. For example, when Rebecca “vamps out” at critical times in the tale, the air becomes quite sanguinary. This is not due to my penchant for gratuitous violence. It is due to the truth of what four long fangs as weapons will do to a human body. And when a human body is savaged like that, it will bleed. And bleed. And bleed. Copiously. And with gusto. Why? Because that is what would actually happen. It rings…True. If I were to “tone that down” it would cease to be….True. And if that violence is not depicted as…True…then neither is the Gospel Rebecca presents twice in the story. Like Tolkien, I want my “world” to be True because what I am REALLY aiming for is the Highest Truth of all -- that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for our sins. If my “world” is True, then so will be the Gospel I present. For me, it all hangs together as one. If people cannot accept my “world” as True, they will do the same with the Gospel, i.e., this guy’s religion is as hokey as what he writes.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Always be yourself. Do not imitate other writers, even your favorite writer. Do not try to be that person -- you’re not. You are as unique as they are. This doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t LEARN from other writers, you should. As I said, I admire Lovecraft for atmosphere and suggestion, but imitating his peculiar diction and speech patterns won’t work today. Similarly, I can learn a great deal from McCammon about vivid description, but I will not attempt imitation. Learn from your favorite writers, but do not imitate them. Also, resist to your dying breath today’s dumbed-down destruction of style, supposed “ten rules” for writing and that ilk. The English language is one of the richest and most expressive forms of communication on this planet. Do not impoverish your writing by slavish adherence to forms, rules, ad infinitum et nauseam when these forms and rules ravage what writing is all about -- individual creative expression, not repetition of mindless mantras.

You

What is your favorite snack to eat when writing?
...I don’t snack much. And I’m not addicted to an unspecified soft drink, and I resent the implications. I can neither confirm nor deny.

Do you believe in New Year’s resolutions? If so, care to share one of yours?
...No, I don’t really believe in such. But I’ve made a commitment to a closer walk with my Lord in 2013 than in 2012.

What’s one thing you are looking forward to in 2013?
...That Rebecca’s audience will grow in 2013, should the Lord be so kind, and that the powers that be in Christian fiction will realize that horror is just as acceptable in God’s eyes as historical romances and Amish courtships.

Thank you from my heart for the interview. It is an honor to appear on your blog. And as Rebecca herself would exclaim, “Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!"

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Well thank you Harold! I think your idea for the book is refreshing!  I'll admit I read all of the Twilight series (no, I'm not comparing them haha) as well as several other vampire novels and I will say that the stories can be very entertaining.  I look forward to getting a chance to read New Blood with this fresh perspective on what it would actually be like to be a vampire and be redeemed!

I thought I'd include the trailer to his book New Blood below.  I'm excited for the idea of this different genre and hope that you make a point to check out this intriguing tale!