Posted by Nicole on May 28, 2010 in Story Behind the Story | 0 comments
We’re back with author Robert Elmer.
What was the greatest challenge with “Wildflowers”?
“The scenes where Hanne found herself in the worst trouble were the hardest for me to write. It was an emotional challenge, and I think readers will recognize those scenes.”
What resources helped you the most in your research?
“Books written during the forties, first person accounts… good thing I can read Danish!”
Why do you think accuracy so important in historical fiction?
“It’s fiction, but as writers of the genre we’re making the proposition to our readers that “this could have happened.” In order to stay true to that proposition, we need to do our homework, so as not to mislead.”
Can you share your journey to publication? What was the biggest struggle?“About my writing journey… I was a voracious reader when I was little, and always wanted to write things. In the third grade I put together a family newspaper and started writing essays just because. But I was a typical boy, too, and liked being out on my bike just as much as anything else. So I didn’t really start getting serious about writing until I was in intermediate and high school.
“Before I had a chance to write novels I was a news reporter and editor, advertising and PR writer, college administrator and pastor. Today I still write marketing kinds of writing. I have a degree in communications and Bible from Simpson College in San Francisco and an elementary teaching credential.
“I started writing books when my own kids were young, and penned the first draft of my first book in longhand, riding to and from work on the bus. And here I am, 56 books later! Whew!”
What advice do you have for a newbie authors?
“I do a bit of mentoring through the Christian Writers Guild, and have enjoyed leading a lot of writing workshops at Christian schools. I tell students not to give up, and not to choose a life path based on how much money they think they can make. Please! Even if they don’t end up making their primary living as a writer (most won’t) God still wants us to tell our stories to the world, and God still looks for people who will communicate hope through stories and writing. If not us, then who?”
Thank you for joining us, Robert! Check out Wildflowers of Terezin!
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Posted by Nicole on May 26, 2010 in Story Behind the Story | 0 comments
Welcome Robert Elmer, author of more than 50 books, including Wildflowers of Terezin, which I reviewed here. Here is a little about his books and writing journey.
Who are your major influences?
“Many of my fellow Christian writers have influenced my stories, people whose stories I’ve read and thought, “I’d like to write something like that!” Right offhand I think of Francine Rivers (Leota’s Garden), Lisa Bergren (The Bridge) and Bill Myers (Eli).”
What is your favorite historical era? What draws you to that era?
“I hate to use the word “favorite,” because it was an awful time, but World War 2 was a crucible of conflict and character that brought out the worst and the best in people. It’s a time I’ve always been interested in writing about.”
What do you enjoy most about writing historical fiction?
“I want my readers to lose themselves momentarily in the real world where faith matters and God is in control. Outside of my books, faith of course still matters and God is still in control. Problem is, sometimes it can get so foggy out here, it’s tough to really see. In my stories I pull away the fog and show let readers experience the world the way it’s supposed to be, whether that’s in the past, present, or future.”
Will you give me a quick synopsis of your book? “Here’s what Amazon says about Wildflowers of Terezin: Wildflowers of Terezin is a sweeping historical novel set against a backdrop of danger. A Danish Lutheran pastor’s complacent faith is stretched to the breaking point during World War II when he meets a young Jewish nurse Hanne Abrahamsen and becomes deeply involved in Resistance efforts to save Denmark’s Jews from the Nazi prison camp at Terezin, Czechoslovakia—also known as Theresienstadt.
“Challenged by his activist brother and swayed by his own attraction to Hanne, Pastor Steffen abandons his formerly quiet, uninvolved life and hesitantly volunteers to help smuggle Denmark’s Jews out of the country before a Nazi roundup. Steffen finds that helping his Jewish neighbors is the most decent, spiritual thing he has ever done. As he actually does God’s work, rather than just talking about it, Steffen’s faith deepens and he takes greater risks in his sermons.
“When things go terribly wrong and Hanne is sent to Terezin, Steffen finds his heart fully engaged. He undertakes protests and rescues that are more and more dangerous, never imagining where it will lead him, or the ultimate cost of his decision to get directly involved.”
What was your favorite part of writing “Wildflowers”?
“My favorite part was the feeling of connection to my Danish family’s story, and in representing the courage of the Danish people as best I could. It was the story I had to tell, and it gave me the greatest satisfaction to write.”
Check back on Friday to learn Elmer’s road to publication and his thoughts on historical fiction being accurate. And look for Wildflowers of Terezin from Abingdon Press in bookstores!
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Posted by Nicole on May 21, 2010 in Story Behind the Story | 0 comments
Will you give a quick synopsis of your books?
“May 3, 2011 is the tentative date for the release of, Secrets of the Heart, which is Book One of, The Ravensmoore Chronicles, a tale of romantic suspense where an English noblewoman meets a titled gentleman whose desire to practice medicine could ruin any chance for love. You can read the first chapter on my website under the Books tab. I’ll be sharing more information on books two and three at a later time based on recommendations at Strang/Realms.”
Can you share your journey to being contracted? What was the biggest struggle?
“That’s a novel. ☺ In a nutshell, I’d say, learning the craft, practicing the craft, coping with full-time job and trying to write, coping with family problems (child’s disability) and trying to keep the entire family and marriage going, and trying to write. Lucky, for me I’ve got a great hubby. Attending many conferences and workshops has really kept me going. I guess it’s all a struggle; it’s just that some parts of it are more difficult than other parts at different times.”
What advice do you have for newbie authors?
“Persevere, hope, stay in the word, surround yourself with intelligent people, and don’t work so hard on one manuscript hoping for publication that you don’t write more books. It takes awhile and I wish I’d written more novels, but I’m not going to be too hard on myself because I really did the best I could possibly do under the circumstances. And God really does know what is best for us. If I’d been contracted sooner I probably could not have kept up with expectations. Read outside your genre as well as in it, and read both CBA and ABA fiction.”
Were there ever times in your writing you lost hope and nearly gave up? What kept you going?
“My oldest daughter became severely depressed when she was eleven years old and suffers from a developmental disability known as a non-verbal learning disability (NVLD) similar to Asperger’s Disorder. In fact some specialists think that children with severe forms of NVLD also have Aspergers.
http://www.nldontheweb.org/ It was heart-breaking because these kids appear gifted until they reach the 4th or 5th grade and then- to put it gently- all hell breaks loose. Very complicated mental health issues ensued, and there have been many challenges these past ten years but also progress. That kind of family stress takes its toll. I constantly considered not writing at all.
“However, my relationship with Jesus, my church family, my hubby, both my kids, my crit group, conferences, prayer loops at ACFW and FHL, friends, and a whole lot of Bible study, on my knees prayer, and the writing process helped me keep my own sanity.”
Thank you, Jillian, for stopping by! Look for Secrets of the Heart from Realms in May 2011.
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Posted by Nicole on May 19, 2010 in Story Behind the Story | 0 comments
Author
Jillian Kent joins us from Cincinnati, Ohio, the home of Skyline Chili and Graeter’s Ice Cream. Her first novel, Secrets of the Heart is coming out in May 2011 from Realms.
When did you first start writing?
“I’m not one of those folks who can say they always wanted to be a writer. I really started writing back in 1990 when I discovered a local writing group. My timing was awful because I’d just had my first baby and was working full-time. I joined Ohio Valley Romance Writers of America and became a member of its parent organization Romance Writers of America. I don’t think I finished my first manuscript until about 1999 after I got my first computer. And I don’t remember the year I joined ACFW, but that changed my life and my writing career.”
Who are your major influences in writing?
“Let’s see, if you mean who did I read that influenced my writing, there have been many: Carolyn Keene, Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Daphne du Maurier, and more recently: Robin Lee Hatcher , Francine Rivers, Sidney Sheldon, James Scott Bell, Amanda Quick, Tess Gerritsen, Nora Roberts, Sharyn McCrumb, Elizabeth George, Elizabeth Thornton and a lot more.
“If you mean who helped me along the way, I’d have to say James Scott Bell, Kathleen Morgan, Linda Windsor, Mae Nunn, Tamera Alexander, Colleen Coble, Mary Lu Tyndall, Robin Lee Hatcher, all of ACFW and many from RWA.”
What is your favorite historical era? What draws you to that era?
“Regency England. I studied in England my senior of college with a group of my peers from Bethany College West Va. and fell in love with the country and culture. I’m still learning fascinating facts about this country and its people. I’m immersing myself in the workings of Parliament now for book two of my series.
“I’m drawn to this time period because of the illness (madness) of King George III and what transpired during the years he was still living but incapable of carrying out his duties. His son, known as the Prince Regent, Prinny was in power; a very interesting character.
“It was later discovered that King George suffered from porphyria, a medical illness. However, there’s more to this very interesting story. You can click on this link for some amazing information.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/3889903.stm
What do you enjoy most about writing historical fiction?
“That it takes me away to another place and time.”
What resources helped you the most in your research?
“That could take awhile. I’d suggest you follow this link to one of my blogposts at
www.jilliankent.com and scroll down to Research Fun.”
Why do you think accuracy so important in historical fiction?
“It gives you a flavor for the people and society of that time. Did I tell you I majored in Sociology and Psychology in college?Can you imagine reading a historical novel such as a Regency and your hero suddenly reaches for his keys to the car? Okay, that may be a bit over the top, but you get my meaning. Also, there are a lot of readers out there who know their history and if you get too much wrong they are never going to read that authors books again.”
Tune in for part two with Jillian’s interview on Friday!
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Posted by Nicole on Sep 28, 2009 in Story Behind the Story | 3 comments
Cara Putman is a writer of historical fiction and contemporary suspense. She has won several alwards for her writing, and her historical novel, Canteen Dreams won the 2008 ACFW Book of the Year — Short Historical; Sandhill Dreams was a 2009 ACFW Book of the Year Finalist. She resides in Lafayette, Indiana.
When did you first start writing?
My first short stories were written as part of third grade – I still have that journal filled with stories about a frog and toad and their adventures. Since then I’ve kept a journal and now have a bookshelf filled with journals. Then in high school I started two novels: one exploring what happened to the Lost colony of Roanoke and the other set in Boston during the Revolutionary War. Then college started and writing went on the back shelf though the dream wouldn’t die. But that all changed in April 2005 when I told my husband told that I wanted to be a writer.
Who are your major influences?
I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful writers. And each day I discover more. I read voraciously and try to pay attention to what works in their books. ACFW (www.acfw.com) has made a tremendous difference in learning how to write and encouragement on the journey. But some of my favorite writers are: , Brandilyn Collins, Randy Singer, James Scott Bell, and Stephen James. There are so many amazing authors out there. Christian fiction is so broad and it’s awesome!
What draws you to the World War II era?
There is something heroic and romantic about that time period. A clear good v. evil battle. A time when the country pulled together behind a larger goal.
What do you enjoy most about writing historical fiction? How is this different than the other genres you write?
Historical fiction is fun though a lot of work. I picked a time period that I love and that makes the research more enjoyable. I love the twists and turns of suspense. That’s my greatest challenge right now – I love both genres!
What resources helped you the most in your research?
Using the internet to find the local resources/museums that have the information I need on various topics. For example, when writing Sandhill Dreams I made the trip to Fort Robinson and spent a day with the museum curator. That was incredible!
Why do you think accuracy so important in historical fiction?
One mistake can take a reader out of the dream. And once they’ve uncovered a mistake their looking – even if subconsciously – for other mistakes.
How did the idea for your historical series come about?
It started with Canteen Dreams which is set in my hometown of North Platte, Nebraska. That story was incredible: a town started a canteen that ran from December 17, 1941 through April 1946. Every troop train was met by volunteers from 125 towns who brought in food, coffee, books, magazines, birthday cakes, etc., for the troops. It was an amazing story I had to tell. And then I needed two more Nebraska based stories to round out the series. All three titles are being released in Cornhusker Dreams in November.
Any more plans for a World War Two series?
The first book in the Ohio series released in June. A Promise Kept focuses on a newly married couple and the challenges they face while opening their home to an evacuated British child. A Promise Born highlights a top secret project in Dayton as well as a great romance. While A Promise Forged focuses on the kid sister and her adventures in the All American Girls Professional Softball League, with a romance.
Can you tell me a about your road to publication?
The visible road to publication was short. Met Colleen in April 2005, attended ACFW in September 2005 where I met the Heartsong Presents and Love Inspired Suspense acquisitions editors, received my first contract at ACFW in September 2006, and now I have 7 books out with two more and the repackage releasing in the next six months. It has been an amazing journey.
What was your biggest struggle?
Making the time to consistently write. That time at the keyboard is critical. Without it, there are no books. And balancing the marketing with the writing is a challenge too.
What advice do you have for newbie authors?
Join ACFW (www.acfw.com). I am published in large part because of this organization and the teaching it offers as well as the relationships and conference.
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We’re back with author Robert Elmer.
Back for day two of the interview with author Jillian Kent!
