AN AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH RHONDA GIBSON

Today, I’d like to introduce an author friend, Rhonda Gibson, to my readers. She’s the first of many I hope to feature here. Rhonda’s newest book, What’s in Your Closet?, which she co-authored with her daughter Stacy, will be available this month. She's giving away a free copy of the book, so if you're interested, just comment below, and your name goes in the hat! Enjoy!

Welcome to Readin’ and Writin’ Stuff, Rhonda! Let’s begin with something fun. Could you share three interesting facts about yourself that might interest readers.

1. I am a cartoon addict, I love the older cartoons, Flintstones, Smurfs, Jetsons, Gummi Bears, Tom and Jerry… you get the idea. 2. I teach Sunday School in my church 3. I bead jewelry and wear it

Wow! Sounds like you have a busy life. Folks are always interested in the nuts-and-bolts of the writer’s job, so let’s talk a bit about that.

If you would, describe a typical writing day for your readers.

I write at various times throughout the day (meaning if I can work it in from 7am-8pm I do) Now what is set in stone is that I write from 8-10pm Monday-Friday. If you are a serious writer, you have to have a time that you won’t give up… 8-10 is my time for writing that I won’t give up.

What “writin' stuff” do you keep handy while you work? Research books, dictionary, synonym finder, notebook, post it notes, pens, stapler, my white out board that has my writing goals for the day, pictures of the time period and my characters (or people I think my characters look and dress like), my computer and a TALL glass of Diet Dr. Pepper… I can’t write without that. Well, I could, but I’m not going to. lol


Are you a chapter-by-chapter plotter, seat-of-the-pantser, or in between?
I am both. I start out as a pantser and then sit down and write out the chapter-by-chapter synopsis. The synopsis is a guide that keeps the pantser coming back to a true outline.

Do you set goals for writing, and if so, how well have they worked?
I set a daily and weekly goal of the number of words I’m going to write. They work because I hate to not make my word count for the day. I’m human and don’t always meet it but most days I do.

What advice would you give aspiring writers? Write and study the craft. Write some more and NEVER give up.

Every author I know is also an avid reader. What are you currently reading?
Tracey Bateman’s Heartsong Presents novel, A Season for Grace and The Bible

Is there an author who has influenced your writing? Who and why?
Bruce Wilkinson, he wrote a book called THE DREAM GIVER. It is a book that teaches you to follow the dreams God has given you. A must read if you haven’t read it.

Thanks for giving us a peek into your writing life, Rhonda.

I’m sure blog readers will be interested in picking up What’s in Your Closet? Below is a blurb about the book. For more information, check out Rhonda’s website: www.rhondagibson.com.

What's in Your Closet by Rhonda Gibson & Stacy Baron
Release Date: 2-12-2010

Emily isn’t looking for love. In fact, it’s the last thing on the young widow’s mind. She’s vowed to focus solely on her daughter. With Megan’s hearing impairment, the toddler has enough to deal with without Emily bringing a new man into the picture—one who undoubtedly wouldn’t be patient with a deaf child not his own.

David doesn’t think he’s looking for love—until he meets Emily. The woman is beautiful inside and out and has a streak of determination that’s matched only by the love she pours out to her adorable daughter. But Emily won’t have anything to do with him outside of his home-decorating project…that is, until she finds an old skeleton in his closet.

Never before has finding skeletons in the closet been a good thing, but solving the mystery of David’s skeleton may just be the blessing that convinces Emily to love him forever.