First of all, thank you Mrs. Wait for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions for us. We will be reading and reviewing your bookLessons Learned at Summer Camp soon, we would like to thank you now for the giveaway that you have agreed to hold at the time of our review. I’m sure one lucky winner will be thrilled to have an Ecopy of this book.
Now to the good stuff! It is so hard to make the interviews on a blog interesting. It seems like most blogs use the same questions with every author! I will try my best not to do that! I don’t want to bore my readers
What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was Freedom Race. I was living in NYC at the time and was inspired by all the creativity all around me. The storyline itself was initially a dream.
Do you have a specific writing style?
No, I don't think so. I'm given a story, write an outline and it just flows. Anytime I've tried to force a style or perspective it doesn't work. Most of my work has come through dreams or in the case of Captured, a nightmare. Sometimes a Bible Class or Sermon will pose a question that will inspire me. However as far as the actual "style", I don't think about it, the words simply flow.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I was a pretty lonely, shy child. As a result I spent a lot of time reading and daydreaming. In school I was always good at book essays and loved literature class. Eventually I began putting my daydreams on paper. My first short story was about Indians and ponies.
We are going to be reviewing Lessons Learned at Summer Camp so lets concentrate on that book a little. How did you come up with the title for the book?
The original title was God forgives, Why can't I? The book is based on real people, real events. I have been to camp, my kids have been to camp, specifically Bible Camp. So much of ones life is shared late at night around the campfire and in the cabins before bed. Thus, I staged the story at a summer camp where many lessons are shared and learned.
Is there a message in the novel that you want readers to grasp?
Absolutely, that's why I wrote the book. Don't go through life alone. You need friends, family, and most of all God. Never be silent. Make a choice. Don't let life live you.
Is the book based on experiences from your own life or the life of someone you know?
Yes. It's my life. It was an exceptionally difficult time in my life when I wrote it. Initially it was for personal use, never to be shared with the public. However as a select few friends and ministers read it and we discussed it I came to the realization that I was not alone and I would not be shunned. In fact, there were many other girls and women who have been or were in similar situations. Perhaps, I thought, I might be able to help someone break through their shame or demons or whatever they are struggling with.
Did you have any part in designing the book cover?
I took the photos in a state park, designed the cover around it. It's symbolic. We all have paths to travel down and never know what is around the corner.
If you had to do it all again would you change anything about the book?
One day I'd like to make it longer, include more detail.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Sharing it with my husband. Then my mother.
Are all of your books focused for a YA audience?
I don't really write specifically for the YA genre. I don't want to be lumped in with Twilight, Harry Potter, etc. I write what's been laid on my heart. I'd say my writing is Inspirational Fiction for teens through adult women. I don't write typical "Christian" fiction. My characters have problems, make mistakes, have doubts and fears. I don't whitewash anything.
I'd very much like your readers to put aside any preconceived thoughts about God or religion and especially about "Christian" fiction. Take the time to read the book with an open mind then think on it before drawing any conclusions.
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