Author Profile Interview
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Pennsylvania, but moved to Kansas after graduating from high school. I've called Kansas home since that time. I was reared in a Christian home and came to the Lord at an early age. Like most Christians, my faith walk has been filled with peaks and valleys, but His love and grace have sustained me. My husband and I are empty nesters and I recently retired from my position as a compliance analyst for the Kansas Insurance Department to devote myself to writing full time.
2. How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I have always been a prolific reader. However, back in 1990, I began commuting sixty miles each way to work everyday and during that time I began to develop storylines. I told my husband I wanted to try writing a book. I had an idea about a young girl coming to Kansas. After talking about the idea for some time, my husband told me to "quit talking about the book and write it." I fell in love with writing and have been doing so since that time.
3. What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
The ability to spread the message of Christ to those who wouldn't otherwise be receptive to the message.
4. How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?
It is my prayer that readers will see a message of God's grace and love and realize that no sin is unforgivable. Also, that Christians aren't perfect--they fail all the time. It is only through God's grace and forgiveness they can continue onward.
5. What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
I pray that God will give me a clear message for each of my books. Consequently, I am truly blessed when someone writes to tell me they've struggled with an issue and that the book has ministered to them and/or helped them deal with that particular issue in their life.
6. How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
Because I want all of my novels to carry a strong message of God’s truth, my relationship with the Lord continues to grow deeper.
7. Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
To travel more and continue learning. My Christian goal is to daily be a good witness for Christ.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
My husband and I both enjoy history. We generally spend our spare time traveling and visiting historical sites. Of course, I enjoy reading.
9. What can you tell us about your latest novels?
The series I am currently working on for Bethany House Publishers is Freedom’s Path. The first book in this series released in July and is titled First Dawn. I have completed the manuscript and edits for the second book,
Morning Sky, and am currently working on the final book, Daylight Comes. This series is set in western Kansas during the late 1800’s. Many people are unaware there were numerous “all colored” towns settled throughout the Midwest after the Civil War. Nicodemus, Kansas, is the one remaining town settled during that time. This series deals with sister cities, Nicodemus and Hill City—one white and one colored—both established by the same town company. Of course, Tracie Peterson and I co-authored the Bells of Lowell and Lights of Lowell series. The final book in the Lights of Lowell,
The Pattern of Her Heart will release September 1, 2005.
10. What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?
I have another historical series set in the late 1800’s in Illinois and I’m also working on a stand alone novel set in Arkansas and Oklahoma during the early 1900’s. That book will be my initial attempt at a first person novel—very exciting!
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