AN AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH DARLENE FRANKLIN

This month, I’m happy to welcome inspirational author Darlene Franklin to Readin’ and Writin’ Stuff. Darlene has experienced great success in the publishing world this year. Between now and the end of the month, leave a comment here for a chance to win one of Darlene’s books. A name will be drawn for every fifteen comments.To increase your chances of winning, go to Darlene’s blog (listed at the end of the interview) and leave a comment there, also.

Welcome, Darlene. I’ll begin the interview with congratulations on your latest contract, the third Vermont book. How many of your titles are published? I have six books in print with nine more promised. The earliest, Romanian Rhapsody, came out in 2005. Most recently, Wild West Christmas came out last fall. I have four books scheduled for publication for this year. I’m still pinching myself!

It sounds like you’ve been really busy! What can you tell us about your current WIP?I am alternating between two WIPs. I am about to start revisions to my second Vermont historical romance, Bridge to Love. How can Calvin Tuttle keep his farm going during the infamous Year of No Summer (1816), pay the bank—and win the heart of the banker’s daughter? I’m also working on a longer historical novel, Ohio Bound, another Year of No Summer story.

Are you a chapter-by-chapter plotter, seat-of-the-pantser, or in between?Since I write for Barbour, I’ve had to plot chapter-by-chapter. On the few occasions that I have started out seat-of-the-pants, I’ve ended up doing a chapter-by-chapter plot eventually.
But ... some people plan scene by scene. I don’t. Consider this chapter description from the middle of Prodigal Patriot (due out this July): “Josiah warns the Reids of continuing animosity among the Tories, and his father’s hardened stance. He can tell they are wary of his presence, and he jumps into helping them with the farm. Although working both his farm and the Reids’ wears him out, the thought of seeing Sally again spurs him to continue the effort.” It takes work and seat-of-the-pants thinking to flesh that out into action and story.

The plots you’ve mentioned sound intriguing. Where do you get ideas for your stories?Ideas come from everywhere. The first two Vermont books (Prodigal Patriot and Bridge to Love) are based on folktales from Vermont; the third book, Love’s Raid, is my “what if” extension of the northernmost battle of the Civil War (St. Alban’s Raid.)
Ohio Bound was inspired by a place (Maineville, Ohio): my couple moves from Maine to Ohio. Two of my stories were inspired by natural disasters (Colorado’s greatest snowfall, 1913; and the “Great Gale of 1816” in Rhode Island).

And where do you get ideas for your characters?Often the character suggests the story—or vice versa. Annie Oakley suggested Lucy Ames, the sharpshooter heroine who appears in my novella in Wild West Christmas. When I learned about a lighthouse destroyed during the 1816 hurricane, I knew I wanted to write about a lighthouse keeper. When I read a paragraph about a vintage clothing story, my mystery heroine, Cici Wilde, jumped full-formed into my mind. They are not based on people I know, but they all have bits and pieces of me.

I understand you read a lot. What are your current reads?I’m reading fewer books than usual for me at the moment: Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon by Mirralee Ferrell; The Captain’s Lady by Louise Gouge; Surprised by Prayer, a terrific Guideposts volume about unexpected answers to prayer; and The Lord God Made Them All by James Herriott.

Thank you for your time, Darlene, and God's blessings on your writing.

Readers, don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a free book. For more information on Darlene’s books, visit her blogsite at
http://darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com/. Leave a comment there, also, and increase your chances of winning a free book.

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.

Gathering all the Write Stuff

When I retired and decided to start writing seriously, it took me awhile (like a couple of years) to get myself organized. First came a new desk and bookshelves where I could keep books, notes, and other resources handy. As time passed, I found myself wanting to write other places besides at a desk. Sitting at the PC for too long hurt my back and neck. When we traveled and I took pictures, I needed a place to store the pictures and take notes about settings and new story ideas.
So a couple of years ago, I bought a new laptop. I think I’ve written more since than in the previous four years. It’s so nice to be able to reach all the resources I need (including the internet) and still enjoy the comfort of my recliner!
Besides the laptop, I keep several other items handy while I’m writing.
• A good thesaurus
• A good dictionary
• Bible
• Bible Commentary
• Outlined “how-to” ideas from successful authors
• Books and notes from writing classes I’ve taken
• Personal copies of best-selling novels — I use these to study point-of-view, plot, character development, chapter beginnings, cliff-hangers, descriptive vocabulary, transitions, overall length, etc. (May as well learn from the best)
• Pencil and notebook (although most of the time I use the computer to keep notes about upcoming chapters, plot twists, or small changes I need to make, I sometimes just make notes and review them at the end of the writing session).
I hope what I’ve learned helps another beginning author. Have ideas to share? Feel free to leave comments, and thanks for visiting my blog!