Rebecca Shelley graciously accepted an invitation to visit our five local elementary schools and do a book signing at our local library. I’m so glad she did; I truly enjoyed getting to know her and her husband. Rebecca is the author of Red Dragon Codex and Brass Dragon Codex. The many dragon fans in our little community were so happy to meet an author and creator of dragons. If  you have a child who loves dragons, these books are a must read. Each book is a stand alone story, however, the characters from Red Dragon Codex make a cameo appearance at the end of Brass Dragon Codex so you may want to read Red Dragon Codex first.

The Dragon Codex books are a companion series to A Practical Guide to Dragons. Each book is written by a different author. The publisher wanted the books to be shelved together in bookstores and libraries so the author listed on the all the Dragon Codex books is R.D. Henham. In the forward to each book, R.D. Henham describes how he is assisted by many scribes in the telling of these dragon stories. I asked Rebecca to visit my blog for an interview so you could get to know this busy homeschooling-writer-student-mom (aka assistant scribe to R.D. Henham) as well.

Kate:  Your pathway to publication was a little different than submitting a finished manuscript. Tell us about it.

Rebecca: I submitted, as a writing sample, a book that I had written to Mirrorstone Books. The editor liked my writing and asked me to write a pitch for a book for the Dragon Codex line. I pitched her the idea for Red Dragon Codex. She liked it and asked me to write an outline. I wrote an outline and sample chapter from which she decided to give me a contract to write the book. I really enjoyed this process. It sparked my imagination, and I had fun writing the book.

Kate:  How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?

Rebecca: This is a terrific question. I don’t think I’ve ever written two books exactly the same way. Sometimes I start with a character, sometimes with a plot idea, sometimes with just an emotion. I think the one constant is a trick I learned in a writing class (unfortunately I’ve been to so many that I can’t remember exactly which one or who the wonderful teacher who taught me this was to thank properly. I’ll just have to give a great big THANKS to all the many teachers and mentors who helped me learn to write.)

When I start a new book, I picture myself sitting down with my back against a tree trunk. On the other side of the tree sits a storyteller. I say to the storyteller “Here’s the idea I have. Now it’s your turn. Go ahead and tell me a story about it.” Then I sit and listen to the storyteller. When she talks, I type.

I think what this process does is allows me to get beyond my critical voice and conscious mind into my creative self. I think writers need to find some way to get in touch with the creative side. This is my way. It takes trust, and it takes patience. Sometimes I have to write pages of my own thoughts about my own life and problems before I can even sit down to the tree and listen to the storyteller talk. I have to get all of reality cleared out of my head, because it is so loud and noisy I can’t hear the storyteller without silencing  my own worries first.

I guess that might sound strange to just sit down and write what an imaginary storyteller says. What about planning? What about outlines? What if, heaven forbid, the story teller gets it wrong? Well . . . I’ve written over twenty books. The storyteller hasn’t let me down yet. When I have to do an outline like with the Dragon Codex books, I’ve found that the process works the same. I tell the storyteller what I need and that I need it in an outline form, and the storyteller delivers. I find my subconscious or creative mind much smarter than my conscious one.

Kate:  That is such a unique and relaxing technique. What fascinates you about dragons? Why do you think other people are fascinated by dragons?

Rebecca: Dragons are the supreme symbol of power and might, cunning and wisdom, magic and make believe, and flight and freedom. Dragons touch on what is very best in mankind and what is darkest. I think there is something in each of us that cries out to be given voice, an inner dragon of sorts that connects with this universal symbol. Dragons appear in the earliest stories of mankind and continue through the ages and across cultures. Why? It’s a question I ask myself over and over and never tire of exploring.

Kate:  I had never thought about all that dragons symbolize–I think you’ve got something there. You’re a homeschooling Mom which is something I consider every year or two but have never done. I’m always interested in what leads parents to make this decision. So … how or why did you decide to homeschool?

Rebecca: My children begged me to home school them. I agreed to it, because I love learning. Nothing thrills me quite like finding out about the world around me: history, science, math, social studies, geography. It’s all fascinating, and the more I learn the more I have to write about.

A tried-and-true statement fed to every beginning writer is to, “Write what you know.” I used to hate that statement. I felt I had nothing of interest to write about in my own peaceful, picture-perfect life. Oh sure, I’ve had my problems but nothing as interesting as fighting dragons, going on quests, or flying with fairies. Why in the world would I want to write about my own very boring life?

Then it occurred to me–if what I know is boring, then maybe I need to KNOW something else. Since then I’ve delved into current events, history, modern and ancient cultures and gained a ferocious appetite for learning about and experiencing the world around me. Education is everything.

Kate:  As a homeschooling Mom, how do you find time to write?

Rebecca: I reserve one week out of every three months where the kids get off school and I don’t do anything but write. I’ve never been really good at writing at little bit every day. It takes me too long to get immersed in a story, to coax the storyteller to start talking and then to transform myself into the characters of the book, so I can write the story, experiencing it as those characters. It takes me one or two of such weeks to write the first drafts of my books. Subsequent drafts, editing, polishing, and submitting I do a bit at a time in the evenings during the rest of the year.


Kate:  There is something to be said for momentum, especially when the story is flowing. It’s hard for me to stop and change hats during those times. I envy your week of writing. How long does it take you to write a book?

Rebecca: One or two weeks for the first draft. Then maybe another six months to a year of tinkering (subsequent drafts) before I send it out. Of course, when I’m under contract and have a deadline, I really focus and get the subsequent drafts finished according to whatever time specification the editor gives me.

Kate:  What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Rebecca: Hmmm. Do I dare admit this? Yes I do.

I have a set of imaginary friends in an imaginary world whose story started way back in elementary school and is going on in my head all the time. I’ve worked through thousands of years. Generation after generation of a certain heroic family. Worlds saved and lost. Battles fought. Just this week one of the most heroic, noble, brilliant, military commanders of all time was lowered into his grave. His family is mourning as I write this interview. I can hardly believe he has fallen. Who will replace him?

I don’t usually write any of this, but it all forms a rich fertilizer of characters setting and conflict for the books I do write. In a sense my storyteller is never silent. The story goes on even in my dreams while I’m sleeping.

Kate:  That is fascinating Rebecca! There is an awful lot going on inside your head! What do you think makes a good story?

Rebecca: I like stories with heroes and heroines facing unbeatable odds and overcoming them. I like stories of magic and wonder. I like stories that speak to me about what kind of a person I really am and help me understand other people as well. I like stories that make me feel in the end that I can be braver, stronger, more true and courageous in my own life because I’ve read them.

Kate:  I see those values play out in the characters in your books. They discover the good inside themselves and become better. What other books do you have in the works?

Rebecca: I’ve got the first drafts done on three books that I’m tinkering with now.

The first is a book called The Elves of Lincoln Jr. High. I figure with so many books out about vampires and werewolves and such in school that elves really aren’t getting a fair shake. I love the t-shirts that say, “Vampires Suck. Elves Rule!”

Kate:  I’d love to read a book about elves.

I’m also working on a book set in ancient Mesopotamia with the main characters caught up in the machinations and intrigue of the gods.

The other book I’m working on is a contemporary inner-city fantasy complete with fairies and dragons, touching on the themes of runaways and family.

Kate:  Your storyteller sounds pretty busy. Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. I really enjoyed your answers and insights. Good luck with these new projects, and I hope to see them in bookstores soon!

Our local sixth graders interviewed Rebecca while she was here. Here’s where you can view the interview and learn more about Rebecca Shelley.

Places you can find Rebecca online:

Rebecca’s Website

Rebecca’s Blog

He’s published two books with a traditional publisher, and is currently in the midst of a kickstarter to get his third book printed. His books appeal to all ages. Seriously. But they’re not serious, they’re hilarious. Elementary-aged boys and girls will laugh at the antics of a family of six boys. Even the teenagers won’t be able to stifle their chuckles. Mom and Dad will relate all too well to the interesting situations created with a houseful of boys. I laughed and laughed while reading. These are the perfect family read aloud books. They’re also available on CD for those long car rides.

I really enjoyed talking with Marion (Matthew Buckley is a pen name) about his work and favorite writing conferences. I was especially interested in his latest project Almost Super. Plus, he introduced me to Kristi, a local writer. Hopefully, we can get together soon. Not only did Marion agree to the whirlwind visiting schedule, he also agreed to a blog interview. Now you can get to know this author, check out the kickstart program for his next book Almost Super, and see a movie trailer for the book.

Kate:  What inspired you to write your first book?

Matthew Buckley:  I wanted to become an author ever since I was little. If only somebody had staged an intervention, I might have been cured at an early age. It’s too late for me now; I’ve been bitten by the writers bug, and I can’t be cured.

Kate:  How much of the book is realistic?

Matthew Buckley: I would estimate that at least 90 percent of Chickens in the Headlights happened to me, my brothers, or my own sons. I basically took many separate experiences I had growing up, and had them occur to the Buckley family over the course of a single summer.

Kate:  I think that’s one reason your books are so funny and appeal to all ages–they’re real. Anyone who’s grown up with siblings can relate. What was the hardest part of writing your books?

Matthew Buckley: For me, writing is a painful process. I really don’t know why I do it. :) I write something and then feel bad when I re-read it. I edit it, edit it, and edit it some more. Throughout the whole process I’m convinced that I’m the worst writer in the world. The only payoff is after the entire process when I share something I’ve written with somebody else. I like to hear somebody laugh at something I’ve written. I guess for me, the irony is that writing is such a solitary and lonely process, but I do it because I like how it connects me with others.

Kate:  You had a good post about that on your blog recently. Do you have a specific writing style?

Matthew Buckley:  I like to think my writing is pretty laid back and easy. Both of my books, Chickens in the Headlights and Bullies in the Headlights are about 180 pages, and yet I meet 7-year-olds all the time who have read and enjoyed the books. At the same time, I’ve heard from many parents who said they enjoyed the fact that the books can be enjoyed by the entire family, and not just written for kids.

Kate:  How did your books change from the first draft to the published copy?

Matthew Buckley: I don’t think my books changed too much. They are always filled with grammar errors, and I always have about a thousand commas that need to be taken out, but for the first two books the story and structure stayed pretty true to the first draft.

Kate: What do your children think about your books?

Matthew Buckley: It’s funny because I wrote this book for my teenage brothers, but it’s been most popular with elementary and middle school grades. I love talking to kids who have read my books because they always have their own stories. I used to think that I had this totally unique experience growing up in a family of ten boys, but as I talk to folks who have read my book, I’ve realized that childhood experiences are pretty similar. I loved my childhood, and it’s always fun to talk to those who are right in the middle of it.

Kate:  I really liked the family element of your books. The brothers annoy each other, but they are each others’ best friends. Tell us about your current project Almost Super.

Matthew Buckley: My latest book is about superheroes, but not like any superheroes you’ve ever met. Rafter and Benny are brothers who are to get their super powers on Groundhog day. But when the day arrives, their powers are nothing like they expect. And to make matters worse, they have to return to school where their arch nemesis, a supervillain by the name of Juanita Johnson, waits to take them out. You can see a book trailer, as well as read the first chapter at http://www.almostsuper.org/

Also, the first book is available for a limited time through a site called Kickstarter. I’m excited about that project, and you can learn more at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/TwHistory/almost-super-a-novel

I also love to hear from folks who have read my books. They can e-mail me at marionjensen *at* gmail *dot* com

Kate: Thanks for visiting our schools with a great presentation and doing a book signing at our local library. I enjoyed getting to know you and having you visit my blog. Good luck with your kickstarter project. I hope it works for you! You can click on the link below to see an interview local sixth grade students did with Matthew Buckley. There are different questions so you can learn some more about him.

http://www.local10.tv/

Also, all you lucky authors attending the LDS Storymakers Conference will get to see and hear Matthew Buckley present and emcee.

After my last post, I decided to check out some of the other authors who will be at the launch party on March 16 at the Barnes & Nobles in the Gateway. I visited Kimberly’s blog and learned about her Favorite Things Giveway to celebrate the release of her debut novel I’ll Know You By Heart.

One prize in particular caught my attention: a session with her critique group. Oh I want it! But I couldn’t just blog about the contest here and leave it at that. I had to ask a perfect stranger if she’d be willing to do an interview on my blog. And she agreed. I’m glad she did because I could relate to so many of her answers and I feel like I’ve made a new blog friend.  I hope you enjoy gettting to know her as much as I did.

Kate: Where are you from?

Kimberly: I was born in Utah, and have lived here all my life, except for a short time in Florida where there was way too many BIG bugs.

Kate:  How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

Kimberly: A lot of the thoughts and feelings of the main character are based on my own experiences. I know what it is like to feel trapped in a situation that is out of your control, and I understand the worries and insecurities of being a single parent. Portions of the book were also influenced by my own religious beliefs.

Kate:  What does your family think of your writing?

Kimberly: My children think it’s cool.  They like telling people I’ve published a book.  My parents are proud of me and tell everyone they know.  My husband is very supportive.  He watches the kids so that I can go to critique group every week, go to book signings, and he’ll take care of them while I’m gone on my two week tour.

Kate:  So will your husband watch my kids when I win this critique group session? Just kidding–my husband is very supportive as well. He tells me I’m happy when I’m writing and always offers encouragement. Enough about me. We’re here to learn about you. When and why did you begin writing?

Kimberly: I love to read, and I guess in the back of my mind, I’ve always thought it would be cool to write my own book.  I met a friend in 2008 who is an aspiring author.  He had something like thirteen manuscripts written at the time.  I was intrigued and asked a lot of questions.  He encouraged me to start writing, and took me to my first writing conference—from there I was hooked.

Kate:   That’s the same year I started writing.  Here it is two years later and your first book is coming out. Wow! You must be a fast learner.  Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Kimberly: Yes, plotting.  I can come up with basic story ideas, with a beginning, middle, and end.  But I have a hard time filling in the details in between.  I like to get from one point to the next quickly, and I struggle to have enough words.  Some people in my critique group are prolific writers and are always trying to cut words out.  I have the opposite problem.  We joke about them giving some of theirs to me.

I also don’t really like to write about things I know nothing about.  I know some people love to research and learn about new places and things as they write—me, not so much.  Sometimes it’s necessary, but I avoid it if I can.

Kate:  Having enough words is something I struggle with as well. Would you describe yourself as a discovery writer or an outliner?

Kimberly: I’ve tried it both ways.  I find that my writing is much better if I outline.  I’m not strict about staying with the outline, but it helps me to know where the story is headed.  I also think outlining helps pace the story.  In an outline you can create an even distribution of conflict and high points, with slower, low points in the story.

Kate:  What do you think makes a good story?

Kimberly: I personally like stories that show a lot of character growth.  I want to see a character experience real-life problems and overcome them in unique and inspiring ways.

Kate:  Tell us about your novel I’ll Know You By Heart.

Kimberly: What happens when the love you thought you found is the one that puts you in mortal danger?

I’ll Know you by Heart is the story of Stephanie Roberts. As Stephanie runs from an abusive marriage and tries to safeguard her children, she finds support as she turns to Jared, a recent widower with trials of his own.  She soon learns that Jared might need more than she is capable of giving.  With Stephanie’s abusive husband and past looming, the difficulties they must overcome seem insurmountable.

I’ll Know you by Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity.  A story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal, it is ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

Kate:  Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?

Kimberly: The main idea for I’ll Know You by Heart came from me wanting to portray a character who seems weak and insecure but realizes her inner strength and relies on her Heavenly Father to overcome a very difficult situation.  I think there is a part inside all of us that is strong and wants to survive.  I hope that readers will be able to identify with my character’s strengths, but also their weaknesses and come away knowing that no matter what difficulties they may face, or how hopeless they may seem, there are happy days ahead.

Kate:  Hope is always a good feeling to have. Thanks so much for visiting today and good luck with your book launch!

Here are some places you can find Kimberly online:

www.kimberlyjob.com

www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberly-Job-Author

www.facebook.com/kimberlyjob

www.twitter.com/kimberlyjob

www.kimberlyjobrecipes.blogspot.com I expecially liked this site she calls What’s For Dinner? Kind of has a familiar ring to it don’t you think? I definitely need to try her Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Fast, easy, and all in a slow cooker–that’s my kind of recipe.

Frank agreed to come visit all five local elementary schools this past week and I even talked him into being a guest on my blog. Thanks Frank! He is a fantastic presenter who involves the students and he is a very genuine person. I highly recommend him to visit your child’s elementary school. His debut novel, Hashbrown Winters, will appeal to all elementary-aged children but most especially boys. It is a boy book. My daughters enjoyed it, but boys will love it. Its 94 page length makes it readable for second graders and even very strong first grade readers.

Kate: The setting for The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters is Pordunce Elementary. How did you come up with that name?

Frank: That’s an interesting question. There are actually 2 reasons. My elementary school was called Providence Elementary and since I write a lot from my experiences, I thought it would be cool to make the name of the school close to my own. Secondly, if pronounced right, the school’s name is Poor Dunce and that’s cool too.

Kate: So I did pronounce it correctly. What are your best and worst memories of elementary school?

Frank: Best memories would be the close friends I had growing up. I’m still in touch with a couple of them. You definitely need good friends at school and they were the best. I had tons of adventures with them. Worst memories: My Whiz Peterson moment in the third grade (that’s a crazy story to be shared one day), and getting in trouble with my very own Ms. Borfish who ruled the cafeteria. That’s not her real name of course, but she struck fear in all of our hearts, but you know; now I realize it was a good thing. She gave me plenty of material to work with on my Hashbrown Adventures.

Kate: That’s the way to put a positive spin on bad memories. Are you an outline writer or seat of the pants writer/multi-drafter?

Frank: Seat of the pants. Definitely. More like spur of the moment. It is not uncommon for me to sit up in the middle of the night and trip over my bed heading toward the computer because an idea just hit me. Writing this way can be stressful, but it’s also very adventurous. You never know when a great story will pop up.

Kate: I guess that beats trying to decipher handwritten notes in the morning. Your main character, Hashbrown Winters, coaches students on how to give a great show and tell presentation. Tell us about your favorite show and tell experience.

Frank: I used to get in a competition with another kid in my class on who could tell the most outrageous show and tell stories and have the class believe us. We tried to outperform each other every day. Some of our stories involved jumping out of airplanes, volcanoes and biker bandits to name a few.

Kate: Hmm…maybe that’s why my children’s teachers assign topic themes for Show-n-Tell. What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses as a writer?

Frank: I think one of my strengths is writing comedy and I definitely was blessed with an odd childhood. That always helps. I struggle with grammar and I can be very impatient with my stories. I try to force the ending at times and that just doesn’t work.

Kate: Having read your book I would have to add strong characters as one of your strengths. You introduce a lot of characters in a short time, but the reader is able to keep up because they are so distinctive. I think the nicknames help out there. You have a day job so when do you find time to write? What’s your writing schedule like? Can you give us a visual picture of where, when, and how you write?

Frank: I usually write at night or on my days off. My writing schedule is sporadic. Generally, whenever I can find a peaceful moment with no distractions, I can start to work on a story. So far I’ve always written on my little laptop computer that rests on a television tray in my bedroom. I’m really weird. I like to type and talk at the same time. It can become awkward if we happen to have guests or family staying with us.  I also think up dialogue while I’m driving in my car to and from work. Of course, then it just looks like I’m talking to myself… which I am.

Kate: Wish I could type and talk at the same time–I’d get a lot more writing done. What was your inspiration for writing The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters? How has it changed from the first draft?

Frank: Hashbrown was just a fun getaway from other stories I was writing. I took memories from my childhood and went crazy with the exaggerations. The story hasn’t changed much from the initial draft, just a lot of edits where I clearly misspelled words.

Kate: What do your children think about your book?

Frank: My oldest son has his own worn-out copy that he slept with under his pillow for the longest time until he moved on to better things (Diary of a Wimpy Kid.) My youngest son giggles at the parts with the talking cockroach, but he’s a little young to really understand. And my baby (18 months old) is just happy when I give her a clean diaper.

Kate: A marble plays a key part in The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters. Did you play marbles as a child? Are you a collector?

Frank: I owned a few marbles, but I was no pro like Hashbrown. I have a little collection now which includes my own Bull Basher.

Kate: What have you enjoyed most about being a published author?

Frank: Definitely my chance to meet so many awesome kids and teachers. It really has been the highlight of this whole adventure. Whenever I hear of a kid that has laughed while reading my book I almost get teary eyed. That’s why I do it!

Kate: Thanks for stopping by today!

Frank also agreed to be interviewed by three sixth graders while he was here.  This is a link to that interview. It has completely different questions so you can learn a little more about Frank and his book. Frank is running a Create-a-Character contest for his third book in the Hashbrown series. You can find out more at Hashbrown Winters.com.

Last January I tagged along with my husband to his business conference in Provo so I could do some clearance shopping. On my second day there I browsed a Deseret Book store without any children. For the first  time in ten years, I was free to read the back cover of any book I chose. It was there that I first picked up Abinadi by H.B. Moore. That brief synopsis renewed my interest in historical fiction. It used to be all I read.

Later that year I met Heather (H.B. Moore) at the BYU Publishers Fair and learned about Precision Editing Group; a business she runs with four other authors. From there I found their blog Writing on the Wall where I read nearly every post. Next, I discovered Heather’s personal blog My Writer’s Lair. When she posted on her blog that she was giving away copies of her newest book Alma to bloggers willing to write a review, I volunteered–with conditions. I said I’d prefer to do an interview and she agreed! So thank you Heather for being a guest today.

Heather weaves fictional and historical characters together in a way that keeps you turning the pages even though you know how the story ends.

Kate: In your book Alma, you help set the scene for readers with descriptions of food and clothing, especially capes. You also refer to their homes as huts. Which part of researching ALMA was the most personally interesting to you? Were there any facts, symbols, or themes that you would have liked to include, but they just didn’t make it into the story?

Heather: I found it very interesting that Amulon was able to track down Alma (through the Lamanites), and eventually rule over the people of Alma. Talk about full circle, it was as if Alma could never get away from the wicked priest. I also found it interesting that Helam is obviously an important person toAlma, yet we don’t know his relationship. In my books, he is the brother to Abinadi, but in the scriptures all we know is that he was one of the first to be baptized in the Waters of Mormon, and later the land of Helam and city of Helam were named after him.

One of the challenges of writing a novel based on a historical time period, is that I can’t explore every avenue or character. My son asked if I was going to write a book about Limhi—and I told him no. But his story would make a great novel.

Kate: I agree. I really liked your characterization of Limhi and I’d read more about him. I also liked how your choice of fictional characters set up the story in so many different places, yet eventually all tied back to Alma. If readers would like to read up on Book of Mormon history, are there any books you would recommend?

Heather: Hugh Nibley has published quite a bit on the Book of Mormon—you’ll learn more than you ever wanted to know by reading his works. Others include publications put out by the Neal A Maxwell foundation (formerly FARMS), John Sorenson, S. Kent Brown, and various scholars. I always include a bibliography in the backs of my books. There is also an interesting documentary film called Journey of Faith that details Lehi’s trail.

Kate: I might have to track down that film. It sounds interesting. Some of your viewpoint characters are real people from the Book of Mormon. How or why did you choose to do that? Can you take us through your thought process?

Heather: Other authors shy away from writing POV characters that are actual persons in history. There is still plenty of value from doing that, but I wanted to write in a very direct form. I didn’t want to write about a family who was Nephi’s neighbor, or a family who was cousin to Abinadi, or a best-friend with Alma. I wanted to write about the actual prophets. When I’m drafting, I review the entire story line and choose 3-4 POV characters. The main character, of course, in Alma is Alma the Elder. Then I decided to have Amulon as a POV character, even though he is the antagonist, because he is in so much of the story and what happens with him is off-stage most of the time from what happens to Alma. One of my “formulas” is to choose a POV female character as well. Since we know very little about the women in the Book of Mormon, this character is obviously created just for the storyline. In Alma, two women made it into the final cut. So I have a total of 4 POV characters, 2 from the actual scriptural text, the other two as supporting cast.

For me, personally, to read a book through a historical figure’s POV, I feel drawn deeper into their world. The experience becomes more intimate and personal, and even though I know it’s fiction based on history, as a reader (and writer) I’m able to experience the emotions more fully.

Kate: I was surprised that Abinadi and Alma were viewpoint characters. It was completely unexpected. I don’t know why since the books are titled Abinadi and Alma. What are you reading right now?

Heather: I just finished reading “The Historian” by Elisabeth Kostova. It’s a novel based on the history of Dracula—very interesting from a historical standpoint. I also just finished reading “Christmas Jars Reunion” by Jason F. Wright, great story and message. Dan Brown’s “The Lost Symbol” is next on my reading list, along with several dozen other books!

Kate: The Historian sounds quite fitting for this time of year. What are your favorite books to give — and get — as gifts?

Heather: I love historical stories like “The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford and I read a lot of LDS authors. I give those a lot as gifts because I believe in supporting my industry, plus a new book is always coming out so it’s the perfect gift.

Kate: Jamie Ford’s book is on my to read list. Many writers describe themselves as character or plot writers. Which are you?

Heather: I’ve made a bit of a shift. I started out as mostly plot writing, but now I am mostly a character writer, although the plot stays pretty strong. But the questions I ask when I’m making decisions on a book are about the character arc—how will this character grow from point A to B? And part of that growth takes place through plot, but most of it through the character’s internal conflict, adding in the character’s reactions to the plot elements.

Kate: What do you find to be the hardest part of writing?

Heather: Staying motivated when there are so many other distractions. When I’m writing, I love it, but it’s hard to sit down and do it when you feel pressured to meet a deadline.

Kate: What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses as a writer?

Heather: I am a multi-drafter, which means that I don’t have a tight outline to work from. Even though my current published works are based on an already established outline in the scriptures, I still start out without knowing exactly where I am going. This can be a strength in keeping it fresh, but a weakness of writing myself into a corner. I am also easily swayed, meaning that someone might make a small suggestion to me about a plot element or character, and I’ll say “that’s a good idea” and it pops up in the book.

Kate: What are your goals for the future?

Keep writing 1-2 books a year. Keep publishing. Travel a lot more—now that my kids are getting older.

Kate: I read that you have a book you are submitting to the national market. What can you tell us about it?

Heather: Yes, I’ve written an international thriller based on the hunt for the Queen of Sheba’s tomb. It’s a modern-day treasure hunt, so to speak, but the reader also learns about the life of Queen Nicaula through her own eyes. I have an agent who is “shopping” for publishers. I plan to write a sequel that will uncover some mysteries surrounding the Egyptian King, Ramses II, and the book of the dead.

Kate: That sounds intriguing and like you did a lot of research. You have a nonfiction book being released next year about women in the Book of Mormon.  How many women do you spotlight? How did you do research for this book? Is there an overarching theme to the book?

Heather: My non-fiction book is titled Women of the Book of Mormon. I have twelve chapters, highlighting twelve women found in the Book of Mormon. The research was very slow. For example, I found about two sentences in a published LDS encyclopedia about one of the women. Not helpful at all. Again I turned to my trusted sources: FARMS journals, Hugh Nibley, various scholars who wrote about the prophets and hinted about the women in their lives. The theme of the book is that the women, while in the background for most of the stories, had a tremendous influence on the lives of our great Book of Mormon prophets.

Kate: I’m so curious who the twelve women are. Besides reading and writing, what do you like to do?

Heather: My kids all play sports, and they are into drama (musical theater), so it’s a lot of fun for me to watch them in their activities. I always have a book in the car so that I can snatch reading time when I’m waiting for a practice to get over, or we have to be 30 minutes early to a game. I also enjoy sewing and making jewelry as well.

Kate: Thanks for the interview. I enjoyed learning more about you. Good luck with your future books.

Mostly I stand in awe of these ladies like my mom, mother in-law, and Karen who put their families first. The characters in Karen’s book Uncut Diamonds demonstrate this commitment to family. No matter the hardships they face, Marcie and Shawn determine to get through it together. They may be frustrated with finances or long work hours to the point of arguing, but are never selfish enough to let it destroy family relationships.

Kate: How long have you lived in Utah?

Karen: We moved here in 1990, almost 20 years!

Kate: What is your favorite place that you’ve lived and why?

Karen: I loved living in northern California. We were there just under five years, and the whole time it felt like vacation. Well, at least for me and the kids. My husband was working pretty hard, but my kids and I loved it–we spent a lot of time at the beach, at parks, at malls, driving to Watsonville for fresh fruits and vegetables, driving to Monterey and Santa Cruz– and just enjoying the California lifestyle.

Kate: My Mom is from northern California–so it was our vacation. What are the most challenging aspects of being a mother of ten children?

Karen: My challenges varied at the time, depending–financial, schoolwork, time constraints, fighting among siblings, noise level in the household, and my own inadequacies. Like any family, there is no end to the challenges. In a large one, everything is multiplied, enlarged and expanded. Including the blessings and the joy.

Kate: I kinda expected to see sleep deprived in there. What is most rewarding about raising a large family?

Karen: The fact that we are like a community among ourselves. There’s such a bond of shared affection, talents, interests, and a feeling of specialness that we are “the Gowens.” I suppose it is prideful, but we can’t help it. The kids have all had friends who want to be adopted into “the Gowens.”

Kate: That prideful feeling of belonging  to the best family is something I was searching for in a husband. I was always proud to be a Hoth growing up and I wanted that for my children. I found it with my in-laws. You’re right, it is a sense of community. What things are you passionate about?

Karen: Besides my family–the Gospel, definitely. I love the Gospel and I love the Church. Being a convert, I remember what it was like not having this in my life. After family and church, it would be books, writing, and food. I also love to knit. I am passionate about yarn. And about my pond. I have a plan to write a book of essays on pond life called “The Sunburned Fish and Other Adventures of Backyard Pond Life.” That will probably come after “House of Diamonds.” It’s in outline stage.

Kate: You definitely have to post pictures of this pond! That sounds like a fun book. Do these interests influence your writing?

Karen: Most definitely, especially family. I don’t think I can write anything that doesn’t express my philosophy or make statements about what I feel about family. Not necessarily my family, but the concept of family in general. That is what both my books were about really–home and family–and how with effort they can survive all kinds of threats and challenges.

Kate:  Did you read the intro to this interview before you answered? That was the take home message I got from reading your books. What’s your writing schedule like? Can you give us a visual picture of where, when, and how you write?

Karen: I sit in a comfortable chair. I write outlines and summaries on my laptop, with scenes thrown in here and there. Then I print those up, and write the first draft in longhand. The second draft is written on my laptop “copied” from the longhand version, with a lot of revision going on at the time. From then on, I revise from the computer, occasionally writing scenes on paper with pen.

Kate: Wow, longhand. What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses as a writer?

Karen: I’d say my strength is my ability to edit my work. I can set it aside for awhile, come back and see it freshly and know just what needs fixing. I’m not in love with my own writing. I am willing to “kill my darlings,” as they say. Also, I love to delve deep into a character and make that character like a real person. One of the greatest compliments anyone can give me is when they talk to me about Marcie or Shawn like they are real people. “Marcie this or Marcie that.” “Marcie and Shawn–” I love that, because then I know I created the characters to be real to a reader.

A weakness is that I am not plot-driven in my writing, and this is a disadvantage because many readers today enjoy a strong plot. I plan on being more plot-driven in my next one.

Kate: What is your favorite part of writing?

Karen: People. Making characters into real people. Taking things that are of interest to me in actual people and putting them in characters here and there. When the characters start to take shape, I get very excited and have a hard time stopping.

Kate: In your book Uncut Diamonds, the main character, Marcie relies on knowledge that her ancestors survived hardships and so can she. Is this a theme present in your own life?

Karen: Yes, because my Grandmother Julia Marker (the Grandmother Wilson in Uncut Diamonds) used to tell me stories about her growing up days on the Nebraska prairie. Her wonderful stories became ingrained in me. She told about the hardships as well as the fun times, and it was all very real in my mind.

Kate: In the introduction to your book Farm Girl you state, “Farm Girl is written by me as folklore collector rather than by me as author.” Can you explain how writing as a folklore collector is different from your writing as a fiction author?

Karen: I used my mother’s voice for that, not my voice as an author. I recorded her stories, and then I organized and edited them to make a cohesive narrative that people might enjoy reading. It isn’t accurately folklore, because when collecting folklore, the collector is not supposed to change or edit or organize. I have to admit to being a bit creative with that.

Kate: That’s really interesting because my parents each wrote their family histories and gave them to us (their children) for Christmas one year. Reading Farm Girl was so similar to reading my parents’ histories because the memories were often grouped by themes and not always in chronological order. How would you recommend others go about collecting the folklore of their families?

Karen: I am glad you said “collecting” because that’s what it involves. Farm Girl is like a collection, because it includes the stories of my mother’s and grandmother’s lives, and also the photographs my grandmother took as an amateur photographer, very unusual in a farm wife of the 1920′s who had no formal education.

I prefer typing rather than taping, because I can type really fast and there is no tape recorder to add interference. Then later, after the session, the collector can go back and organize the stories. I would suggest the sessions involve as few people as possible, to avoid distractions and interruptions. And they need to be long enough to allow the subject to delve into their memories and get talking, but not so long to tire him out. Often, when tired, the subject will say, “Well, that’s all I can remember.” And later, at another session, more will come.

Kate: Thanks for visiting today and sharing your thoughts.