AND THE WINNER IS....

THE WINNER IS...Jenny Thornton of Seven Springs, NC.

Congratulations, Jenny! I know you will love Susan's book Inside Story. She is a great writer!

Thanks to all of you who read the interview and commented. A special thanks to those who followed me and commented.

Please come back soon to see what’s up at Write Pathway.

Interview with Susan Page Davis

Good morning Susan, and welcome to Write Pathway, a place for writers and editors to meet. We are so pleased to have you with us this morning. So let's get started with our interview.

What would you do with your life if you didn't write?

I would probably hold some 9 to 5 job, as I have two teenagers heading off to college in the fall. Before I wrote fiction, I was a news correspondent, so it’s hard to imagine not writing in some form.

How many rejections did you get before you published a book?

I can’t even remember. The first book I ever wrote was rejected about fourteen times. It’s never been published. But I wrote several more books before I was published. I’m guessing a total of at least thirty rejections.

How many books have you published? Are all of them published by Traditional publishers?

So far 32 novels and two novellas (not counting anthologies), and yes, all published traditionally. I have five more under contract and somewhere in the process between contract and publication, and one story collection I posted myself as an e-book that has never been a paper book, though the title story was published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. (Mailbox Mayhem).

Tell us a bit about Inside Story, the book we’re giving away next week.


Claudia Gillette is a high-powered magazine writer who wants to forget her small town roots as a Franco-American girl from Maine. She’ll take almost any risk to get a good story. Most people find her a bit overpowering, but Lt. Bill White is fascinated by her. Bill is part of a Navy special operations team supervised by Claudia’s brother-in-law. When she learns the unit includes a woman, Claudia knows she has to get that woman’s story for her magazine. She pulls some strings, and to Bill’s horror, she drops into his unit’s top secret mission at a critical moment.

What gave you the idea for the Frasier Island Series?

This is actually the third book in the Frasier Island series, but it can be read as a standalone. The series is about Navy personnel in unusual situations. Book 1 has three people guarding a secret on an island outpost (Frasier Island). Book 2 has Claudia’s sister, Marie Belanger, running for her life after witnessing a murder (Finding Marie). The idea for Frasier Island came first.
My son and I were discussing science fiction, and he said he wanted to write a SF book. One thing led to another, which was a challenge—who could complete a SF book first? Well, my book turned out to be romantic suspense, not SF. The only thing remotely Sci-Fi about it is the mysterious substance found in the water near Frasier Island. And my son’s book? He didn’t finish it, so I think I won.

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

I used to be a panster, but I reformed. Now I outline in detail before I ever begin writing.


Where do you find your story ideas?

The idea for Inside Story sprang from the earlier books in the series. Claudia appeared briefly in Finding Marie, when her sister Marie was missing. My readers loved Marie’s family (and her husband Pierre’s large French family too) and asked if I would write about the other siblings. So in this case, I had the character, Claudia, established as a journalist, the girl who left home and made good. She apparently “had it all,” but I knew she wasn’t happy with the life she’d made for herself. I wanted to tell her story and show her longing for the simple domesticity her sisters had. So I put Claudia in several intense situations and showed her unhappiness growing.Other starter ideas for books have come from lots of places. It could be something I’ve read or heard or seen on TV. It could be a nugget I discovered while researching something else, or an odd bit of trivia that caught my fancy.

Usually my story ideas start in one of two ways-—with a character I want to portray (like Claudia) or with a situation I populate with people who can best execute it (like the discovery of the mysterious “stuff” in Frasier Island).

What two or three things would you do differently if you were starting your publishing career today?

Go to conferences for fiction writers sooner (like ACFW). I would not assume some editor would read my book, love it, and publish it without changing a word.

Describe your favorite writing spot.

My desk, which is in a corner room. I can look out any time, but being in my familiar place with all my “tools” handy keeps me from being too easily distracted. I have lots of research books around me, along with files, printer, maps, and so on.

What is the first thing you do when you begin a new book?

Make a 3-ring binder containing sections for contract, timeline, synopsis, and research topics. Later I add reader mail, correspondence, and whatever pertains to that book. My Inside Story binder contains a lot of information about the Navy, mountain gorillas, Peru, and guerilla warfare, for instance. I also make cards for each character with a thumbnail sketch of their appearance, relationships, and other facts I might want to refer to again (make of car, for instance, or key dates in their lives).

Have you received a particularly memorable reader response or peer honor? Please share.

I’ve written 15 books for Heartsong Presents, and this year their readers chose me as their favorite author. That was a huge honor, and very humbling when I look at the list of authors who write for them.

Congratulations, Susan. That is quite an honor---to be chosen as your readers favorite author. What’s next?

My historical romance, Captive Trail, will release in September. It’s part of the new Texas Trails series, from Moody Publishers. I’m excited to be writing this series with authors Darlene Franklin and Vickie McDonough. You can read more about it on my Website: http://www.susanpagedavis.com/historicals.html

Tell us about your e-books.

I recently had the rights revert to me for Inside Story, and have posted it as a Kindle e-book with a new cover (made by my awesome youngest daughter, by the way). I have 12 e-books now, and I love having that many books available to people who want to read on their computer or a book reader. See Inside Story at: http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Story-Frasier-Island-ebook/dp/B004TMMZ26/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1301060930&sr=1-1

Why do you keep writing?

Because I have a lot more stories to tell. If the Lord quits giving me stories, I’ll stop.

Well, Susan, I've read your Frazier Island series and loved every one. I wish you much success as you continue the journey to accomplish what God has laid on your heart. I'm sure He has many more wonderful stories for you to share with us. Again, thank you so much for sharing with us today.

CONTEST: Win a copy of Inside Story

You can be a winner today! Leave a comment for one entry or "Follow Me" for two entries. If you are already a follower, but have not posted your picture on the Follow Me site, you can add your picture for two entries.

Janice Hanna Thompson is back!


Write Pathway welcomes back Janice Hanna Thompson to talk about her latest book, LOVE ME TENDER:

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by to share in the excitement of LOVE ME TENDER, my latest inspirational romance. When I heard about the new “When I Fall in Love” line at Summerside, I flipped! Why? Because I love the ‘50s, and I love music! (The line is based on song titles from the 1930s to the 1970s.) I happen to be a playwright with a really fun musical comedy titled JOHNNY BE GOOD, a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I decided to put a twist on that stage play and turn it into a rockin’ romantic novel! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this “Hollywood Heartthrob” interview with four of the main characters from the novel.

Hollywood Heartthrob, “Man About Town” Columnist:
Welcome, readers! This is Sunset Sam, columnist for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, here to interview several characters from LOVE ME TENDER, a new book by author Janice Hanna Thompson. I read the book in preparation for this interview and had a hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Sweet Sal’s many times, of course. Everyone in Hollywood knows it’s all the rage. Where else can you get a big, thick cheeseburger, hot, salty fries and the thickest chocolate malts in the country? Now that I’ve enticed you with the food, let’s have a little chat with some of the key players in our story. We’ll start with Debbie Carmichael, daughter of the owners of Sweet Sal’s.

Sam: Debbie, could you tell us a little about what your day-to-day life is like?

Debbie: Most of the girls my age are in college, but I decided to stay in Laguna Beach and help my parents out at our family run soda shop. I have the best life ever! I live across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and love spending time at the cliffs, watching the waves lap the shore. When I’m at the soda shop, the jukebox is always playing. I’m gaga over Elvis’s new song, “Love Me Tender.” It’s all the rage with teen girls right now. Of course, I’m also head over heels for Bobby Conrad, but don’t tell my friends, okay? They think I’m more mature than most of the other teen girls who hang out Sweet Sal’s. Of course, I’m a little distracted by that new guy, Johnny Hartman. He’s so sweet and handsome, and I hear he’s a great singer, too!

Sam: Johnny, I read in another article that you came all the way from Topeka Kansas to Hollywood to make it big. How does Hollywood compare to Topeka?

Johnny: There’s really no way to compare Topeka to Los Angeles. People out here (in California) are more up on current styles, the hottest tunes and the hippest actors and actresses. Back home, folks are so grounded. That isn’t always the case here in L.A. I hope I don’t sound too stuck up when I say that back in Topeka, I was a big fish in a small pond. And because my dad’s a pastor, I had plenty of opportunities to sing in church. But out here in L.A. no one even knows who I am. My agent, Jim Jangles, is working hard to get me a gig on television. I’m auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts soon. Say a little prayer for me!

Sam: Bobby, I understand you were slotted to sing at the fundraiser at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe, but had to cancel. Could you explain your sudden departure?

Johnny: Yes, I was scheduled to sing at the fundraiser, but just got word that I’ll be filming my new movie that same weekend. I was really disappointed to have to tell the Carmichaels the news, but hopefully they understand. I think it’s going to be okay, because my agent, Jim Jangles, is sending his latest prodigy—a kid from Topeka named Johnny Hartman—in my place. I hear he’s quite a singer.

Sam: Sal, could you tell our readers about some of the Hollywood stars you’ve met over the years?

Sal: First of all, thanks for including me in this interview! It’s been decades since I was a teen, but I still secretly read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine. (Shh! Don’t tell my husband, Frankie, or my daughter, Debbie!) I’m blessed to be the co-owner of Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach, and I’ve met a lot of stars who’ve come through on their way to places like Dana Point and San Diego. Some of my favorites are: Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ozzie and Harriet. There are dozens more, of course. I want to personally invite all of your readers to stop by Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe so that they can see the photos on our walls! And while you’re here, why not enjoy a creamy chocolate malt?

Sam: Debbie, a little birdie told me that you and the other girls in Laguna Beach are gaga over Elvis, Pat Boone and Bobby Conrad. Now that you’ve gotten to know (and love) Johnny Hartman, what would you say sets him apart from the other great singers you’ve known?

Debbie: Oh, no doubt about it. . .Johnny isn’t just a great singer, he’s got a heart of gold. I especially love his strong faith. Unlike so many of the other singers in town, he doesn’t put himself first. With Johnny, it’s God first. . .all the way! And when he sings. . .man! That voice! It’s a smooth as velvet. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so dreamy! Talk about handsome!)

Sam: Johnny, you’ve been asked to fill in for Bobby Conrad at the Laguna Beach fundraiser. Can you tell us how you’re feeling as you look forward to the big day?

Johnny: I don’t mind admitting I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Thousands of girls from Orange County and beyond are looking forward to seeing Bobby Conrad in person. Now I’ve been asked to fill in for him. I’ll be lucky if they don’t boo me off the stage or toss rotten tomatoes at me! Hopefully, my new love song—the one I wrote for the gorgeous Debbie Carmichael—will win them over. I hope so, anyway!

Sam: Bobby, many Christians have a hard time hanging onto their faith once they achieve stardom. You seem so grounded. What’s your secret?

Bobby: I always try to honor God in everything I do—whether it’s movies or songs for the radio. There’s a verse that I love, and it’s one I try to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The way I look at it, if I make a choice to put God first, He’s going to bless me above and beyond anything I could ever ask for, anyway. Even if He didn’t bless me, though, I would still serve Him. It’s really the only way to live a fulfilling life. (And trust me when I say that people out here in L.A. are looking for ways to live a fulfilling life!)

Sam: Sal, we were sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. How is he doing now?

Sal: Praise the Lord, Frankie seems to be doing a little better. His heart attack several months ago really shook us up. And we got behind on the mortgage, which has made me a little nervous. Still, I choose to trust God. And now that everyone in town is banding together to put on the fundraiser to save the soda shop, I’m feeling more hopeful than ever!

Sam: Debbie, is there anything you’d like Hollywood Heartthrob readers to know as we end this interview?

Debbie: Yes, I would like people to know that it is possible to live in Hollywood—to be a big star, even—and still be a person of faith. I’ve witnessed it in Bobby Conrad’s life, and in Johnny’s, too. I’d also like to share that putting your trust in God is really the only way to go. Some problems are just too big for us to handle on our own. When my dad got really sick, I made up my mind to try to “fix” the situation. What I’ve learned is this—only God can truly “fix” anything. And trust me when I say that His “fix” is far greater than anything we could ever dream up!

Sam: Thanks so much, folks! It’s been a great interview.

Well, there you have it, Hollywood Heartthrob fans. This is Sunset Sam, signing off for this week. See you next time!

***************************

Janice's book can be purchased on her site at www.janicehannathompson.com or at http://www.amazon.com/.


~ YOU CAN BE A WINNER. ENTER TODAY~

GIVEAWAY INFO: Janice is hosting a giveaway on her facebook page(http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson). To enter, leave a comment on her page with the name of your favorite ‘50s star (movies or music) and explain why you liked him/her. The drawing to win the Be-Boppin’ ‘50s Basket (filled with great ‘50s memorabilia) will take place on the weekend of October 29th – 31st. Why? Because that’s the same weekend Janice is directing a local (Houston) production of JOHNNY BE GOOD the musical comedy that served as inspiration for LOVE ME TENDER.

Write Pathway Welcomes Alice Wisler

Hello, Alice, and welcome to Write Pathway. I’m thrilled to have you here to share some special thoughts about your life and your writing journey.

Hi, Ann. Thank you for inviting me to join you.

I know that you spent a good part of your life in Japan. Has growing up as a missionary kid in Japan influenced your writing?

I think spending my childhood in Japan has given me a global view. I've always been interested in other people, cultures, and countries. Both my elementary and high school had kids from all over the world. I love to travel. My novels have an international scope to them even though they are all set in North Carolina. For example, the one coming out this October, Hatteras Girl, has a Korean-American as the main character.

Do you ever cook Japanese food at home?

Since I spent so much time in Japan, my favorite foods are Japanese. I love sushi—the real Japanese kind without the cream cheese and avocados. Yes, I will make several dishes that are sentimental to me. My husband and kids like using the Japanese bowls and chopsticks when I make sukiyaki, nabeyaki, or udon for dinner.

Alice, I recently attended one of your “Writing the Heartache” workshops. Did your writing journey begin with writing your heartache? Did becoming a writer come from your need to do this or have you always had that “writer” somewhere deep inside you?

Ever since I was six in a plaid skirt and red tights, I wanted to write. I used to write stories and illustrate them with stick figures. Then I’d staple the pages together. My first grade teacher had me read the stories to the rest of the class and even to the third and fourth grade classes.

Before my son Daniel died, I had some pieces published in Standard Publishing’s devotionals, the Upper Room, and a short story in a David C. Cook publication called Sprint. But after he died in 1997, my writing took on a new level. I wrote to keep sane and was amazed when told that my articles and poems helped others in their grief.

How did you transition from writing about Daniel and the heartache to writing novels? And when did you begin your first novel? How long did it take you to write Rain Song?

Rain Song was a work-in-progress for about eighteen months. I started it in 2004 and worked on it off and on. I changed it from first person to third and then back to first. In 2006, an agent said she loved the novel and wanted to represent me. Ever since I was little I wanted to write a novel. So this has been a life-long dream for me.

Most writers attend writers conferences to learn how to improve their craft and to pitch their books to agents and publishers. Did you pitch your books at a writers conference? Would you like to recommend your favorite conference?

I have never been to a writers’ conference. I found my agent online; I’ve yet to meet her in person. I sent a query email to her at the end of August 2006 and she said she liked the story line and asked to see the first three chapters. After she read those, she wanted the whole novel. I had to rewrite it quickly as it was not yet completed in the new version. My agent called two weeks after receiving the entire manuscript to say she loved Rain Song and wanted to represent me. I was contracted nine weeks later for a two-book deal with Bethany House.

Your books are written in first person. Since I have found few books written in first person, I was eager to read Rain Song and How Sweet It Is. Why did you choose to use first person?

One of my favorite authors, Elizabeth Berg, writes in first person. I guess you often write what you enjoy reading. Amy Tan wrote the Joy Luck Club in first person—that is another of my favorite books. First person is the easiest and most comfortable style for me to write in.

Your latest book, Hatteras Girl, comes out in October. Is it also written in first person?

Yes, and my fourth novel due out in October 2011 is also in first person. I guess I’m just a first person type of gal.

What gave you the idea to write Hatteras Girl?

I love my time spent each year on the North Carolina coast. The Outer Banks is especially meaningful to me. Part of me has wanted to run a bed and breakfast, except I think I'm probably too lazy to do a good job. So I let Jackie and her friend Minnie, have the desire to run one—the old Bailey House—located in Nags Head. The house is not without its problems and the handsome realtor does not help in the long run. There is romance in the novel, because I think when you are on the North Carolina coast, it's always romantic.

Tell us a bit about your novels.

My first novel, Rain Song, is set in Mount Olive, NC, home to the famous Mount Olive Pickle Company. The title was taken from a Japanese children's song because the novel has a connection to Japan. How Sweet It Is takes place in the Smoky Mountains, right in Bryson City, NC. All my novels deal with special recipes because cooking and eating well are important aspects to living well. That’s what Virginia Woolf said and I agree with her.

Since you are a North Carolina author and your books so far have been set in NC, I’m sure you are a big seller in your state. Personally, that’s one of the things I loved about your books; I knew all the settings very well. Does the setting of a novel matter a great deal with regard to who buys it?

I think people generally like Southern fiction. Southerners find it comforting and northerners find it nicely peculiar.

You told me that you are facing a deadline with another book. Would you like to share something about what we can expect or do you plan to surprise us?

The tentative title for my fourth novel is A Wedding Invitation. This novel takes place in Falls Church, VA, Winston Salem, NC and the Philippines. It’s a story about second chances. Samantha, the main character, spent a year in a refugee camp in the Philippines as a teacher, and when a student from her past meets her again in a cemetery in Winston Salem, all sorts of interesting things happen.

The journey to publication is often a struggle and can be very discouraging. Is there a word of advice or encouragement you’d like to pass along to beginning novelists who are trying to get published?

Write often. Read the authors you like. Edit, edit, edit. Try to avoid as many clichés as you can. Stretch your vocabulary and observe the world around you to get a handle on realistic dialogue. Keep striving for your goal. It can happen. Hang around those who encourage you and believe in your dream.

Alice, thank you so much for sharing about your writing journey. Every time you share, you help other aspiring writers.

Come back next week to learn more about Alice and her

Writing the Heartache ministry.

And the Winner is...

Alice will give a copy of How Sweet It Is to the winner of the September contest. Be sure to leave a comment to enter the contest. Become a follower and you can enter twice. Tell your friends to visit http://write-pathway.blogspot.com/ and enter the contest. Winner will be drawn September 30.

More With Janice Thompson

"How To Get Started as a Freelance Writer"

Join us for a Webinar on May 4

Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now
at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/849708201

Join full time author and teacher, Janice Thompson, as she shares the inside secrets to getting started as a successful freelance writer. With 20 years experience, nearly 60 published books, and tons of published articles to her credit, Janice can help you to get started, the RIGHT WAY. Webinar topics include:What is "freelance" writing, anyway? Where do I go to learn the writing craft? Where's the money? How do I get my foot in the door? How do I get an editor to sit up and take notice? What tools and resources do I need to get started? How much does it cost to get started? Get the information you need to get started on your freelance writing career. Sign up for this webinar today. It's FREE!

Title:

"How: To Get Started as a Freelance Writer"
Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the Webinar.

System RequirementsPC-based attendeesRequired: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000

Macintosh®-based attendeesRequired: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Please feel free to share this announcement with your writing groups! We can host up to 100 in the room.

Janice Hanna Thompson
"Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters!"
MY WEBSITE: www.janiceathompson.com
MY FREELANCE WRITING COURSE: www.freelancewritingcourses.com
MY LATEST BOOK: It Had to be You (Revell)