C. Kevin Thompson's Blog, page 14

The Author Behind the Story Series - Susan G. Mathis

Greetings from the surface of the sun! Well, actually, we're a little north of there, but close. "What's he talking about?" Jim Gaffigan, famous comedian, has a three-minute stand up routine on Disney wherein he likens standing in line at the theme park in Orlando in July to standing in line at the DMV on the surface of the sun. How true it is. Not just the Disney analogy, but the sun one. This summer has been brutal. I'll bet Colorado is cooler. And that's where our next guest in The Author Behind the Story series lives.

Please welcome to the sweltering, humid, "Why do I still live here?" (Oh, yeah...the ocean) Florida front porch, author Susan G. Mathis!


Susan, pretend you just met us in the Barnes & Noble checkout line. We are holding one of your books. We see you, and say, "Hey, aren't you her?" as we point to the back cover. Who is Susan G. Mathis?
I’m a versatile writer and author of five books including a novel, two non-fiction books, and two picture books. Crazy, I know. I love doing life with my husband, Dale, traveling, water aerobics, serving others, and enjoying time on Skype and in person with my four adorable granddaughters who live in South Africa.

So, you have already told us you're married and that you have children. Can you tell us a little about them?
I’m happily married to the man of my dreams, my co-author for my first two premarital books, my travel partner, and my best friend. He’s God’s beautiful gift to me.
I have two wonderful adult children, a son who lives in Sayulitas, Mexico, and a daughter (with four daughters) who lives in Cape Town, South Africa. How I ended up with two international kids boggles my mind!
Before you ever got a notion of becoming a writer/author, how old were you, and what were you doing in that time of your life?
My mother quips that I started my writing career when I signed my crayon drawings—on the foyer wall—with a great big “S”! Though I’m not sure that was the start I wanted, I can’t remember not writing.
My journey has been multi-faceted. I’ve taught Language Arts for nine years to 4-8 graders, had my own newspaper column, wrote missions curriculum, and have written just about anything God put in my path. As the Former Editorial Director at Focus on the Family of 12 unique publications and Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine, I’ve done a lot of writing and editing. Then, in 2008, Tyndale published the first of my two premarital books—Countdown for Couples, and then The ReMarriage Adventure. Last year my two children’s picture books were released—Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya: Love is Patient and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. And now I’m a debut novelist with The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy. It’s been a really fun journey!
I think you are the second former Language Arts teacher I've had on as a guest. Being one myself, I'm thinking the odds are high that many novelists had a previous life as an ELA teacher. But you had the added bonus of working in the newspaper industry as well as for Focus on the Family! Or as one of our daughters used to call it, Poke Us in the Family.
What educational background do you have?
I grew up in Watertown, NY, got my first degree in NY and my second degree here in Colorado. I’ve taught school, been a staff writer, been an editor, and now write from home. Yippee!
Watertown, isn't that where they get all the snow off the great lakes? We lived in western NY for almost eight years. We've seen out share of blizzards.
Where and why do you live where you do now?
I live on 5 acres overlooking the Rocky Mountains and Pike’s Peak. With such a beautiful view, writing is inspirational. The only thing missing is the ocean.
We've always wanted to vacation out there. Never been west of I-35, though. Why do you live where you live?
I live on 5 acres overlooking the Rocky Mountains and Pike’s Peak. With such a beautiful view, writing is inspirational. The only thing missing is the ocean.

When you look for a new home, what are the things that are important to you? 
I love our current home, but since my husband has Parkinsons' disease, one day we’ll have to transition to a one-level place. Must haves would be a view, room for our kids to visit, and near our loved ones.
When you look for a new car, what are the things that are important to you?
Hah! I just texted our salesman about this. We’re looking for a Nissan Rogue or Murano.

Besides the usual things authors face, has there been an unusual event that changed your perspective about being an author?

When I was writing my first two premarital books for Tyndale, I was working full-time as an editorial director at Focus on the Family, managing five magazines and four parenting newsletters. I worked about 60 hours a week and wrote at night and on weekends. The “unusual event” is that somehow, God multiplied my time and energy, and I don’t remember that time as at all stressful or hard. I still look back on it with amazement.
The Fabric of HopeI’m going to give you a shotgun list of favorites. List your favorite in each category, and if you can, tell us in one sentence why it is your favorite.
Favorite Food: Decadent LobsterFavorite Drink: Tea (in a lovely china teacup)Favorite Song: At the moment it’s “Oh My Soul” by Casting CrownsFavorite Non-Fiction Book (other than your own; besides the Bible): Depends on the season of life. I’m always trying to grow and learn. Right now, I’m reading writing craft books.Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” In fact, my novel is about this concept.Favorite Movie: Anne of Green Gables Favorite Actor or Actress:  Tom HanksFavorite Novel (other than your own): There are simply too many to list!Favorite Novelist (other than you): Ditto!Favorite Sport: I hated football until a friend patiently explained it to me. Now I love it.Favorite Team (Can be any sport, any level): Go Broncos!Favorite Subject in School Growing Up: English and HistoryFavorite Subject Now: English and HistoryFavorite Teacher in School: John Cecil, a Christian geology professor who was instrumental in leading me to ChristFavorite Time of the Year: Christmas, of course.Favorite Place to Vacation: Beach/Ocean, anywhere, anytime!

If you had one person you could meet (think outside the Bible here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be?
My daddy, who died three months before I was born.
I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm sure (isn't the Christian life wonderful this way?...we CAN know, be sure...) you will get all eternity to sit down and chat!

If you had one person you could meet (think ONLY Bible characters here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be besides Jesus?
Queen Esther. What a strong woman!
What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?        
In 2000 I went on a missions trip to China. The day after we got there, the team leader asked to me to take a team of five teenagers into Inner Mongolia for five days. I was the only adult besides the Chinese interpreter. We took a train for 15 hours, sleeping with goats and chickens nearby, to a Mongolian city that had never had an American there. We had a wonderful time, which was broadcast on Mongolian TV, and because I was the only adult American, they called me President Susan! Crazy times sharing God’s love with thousands.
We know “Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers.” Is there a book you’ve read in the past five years or so that has helped you become a better you? If so, which one was it, and how did it affect your life?
Who Moved My Cheese: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your work and In Your Life by Spencer Johnson really helped me transition from working in the marketplace to working from home.
When you are looking for a book to read, what are the things that are important to you? 
I check out the reviews first. I love historical and historical romance, especially mid-to-late 1800s. It can’t have a poorly designed cover, or I pass it by.
What Bible scripture has impacted your life the most, and why?
My life verse is Nehemiah 8:10, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” I live by it!
Susan, it's been a pleasure! That's for taking the time to stop by and give our readers a glimpse into your life.

Readers, if you wish to get to know Susan even more, here are several ways you can do so:
BLOG: http://www.susangmathis.com/susans-blogWEBSITE: www.SusanGMathis.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/SusanGMathis/Twitter at https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathisPinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisautGoodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_MathisGoogle+ at https://plus.google.com/u/0/108568340293012416399
Thanks, everybody, for stopping by. I'm going inside now where the A/C is cold, the lemonade is colder, and taunt the mosquitoes as they try to get inside through the window.

Oh, and one more thing. Feel free to follow my blog!

Until next month,

Kevinwww.ckevinthompson.com





Kevin's Blake MeyerThriller Series - Book 1 Kevin's Blake MeyerThriller Series - Book 2 Kevin's
soon-to-be-rereleased
2013 BRMCWC Selah
Award-winning
Debut Novel

The Story Behind Art (A Seriously Write Blog)

"We were listening to Sirius/XM radio on the way to the beach over Memorial Day weekend. They were doing a countdown of the Top 100 most influential rock-n-roll songs of all time. I’m not sure who put the list together, but like so many of these kinds of countdowns, I took issue with many of the selections as well as where some were ranked.

However, one particularly interesting part of this countdown was an interview they did with Robert Lamm, one of the members of the group Chicago. Leading into the next song in the Top 100 (I forget which number it was), they replayed an interview from some time back wherein Lamm explained how he came up with the name to the song, 25 or 6 to 4. Have you ever wondered how that song got its name? Me, too."

Want to read the rest? Click HERE!


Coming Soon!The Serpent's Grasp!

The Author Behind the Story Series - Liz Tolsma

It's hard to believe summer is almost officially here (although for those of us in Florida, it's been here for a while). We started out as a tinderbox. Now we are about to start looking for Noah's Ark on the horizon. Dry one minute. Flooding rains the next. That's what we get for invading a swamp, I guess.

And should I note that we are nearly at the "six months until Christmas" stage of the year? Consider it a public service announcement. :-) 

It's also hard to believe that this is installment #6 of my Author Behind the Story series! How times flies!

This month, we want to welcome veteran author Liz Tolsma!

So, Liz, tell our audience, in 30-seconds or less, who Liz Tolsma is. Go!

I’m Liz Tolsma, a historical-writing, researching-loving, book-devouring, dog-crazy, gardening nut of an author who loves God, my high school sweetheart hubby, and our three children. I’m happiest in the woods or in or on the water – that is, when I’m not chained to my computer.

Before you ever got a notion of becoming a writer/author, how old were you, and what were you doing in that time of your life?
The notion first struck me when I was in the fifth grade (I’m not saying how long ago that was), when my teacher told me she hoped I would be a published authress someday. Though my life took detours into school teaching and raising a family, it was an idea I couldn’t get out of my head.
Interesting. I too am in education. Makes me wonder how many authors have been accomplished educators, dabbled in it for a short time, or were in the middle somewhere before chasing this dream. Speaking of education, what is your educational background?
I started my college career at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in the speech pathology department. After a semester, it was clear to me that wasn’t what I really wanted out of life, so I changed my major to elementary education and transferred to Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. I chose those schools because they were colleges true to the Reformed faith. It was important to me to have a solid Christian education before I went out into the world, to have a biblical foundation for the rest of my life. I’ve never regretted that decision, and I’m thrilled that my daughter is going to be following in my footsteps.
Are you married? Single? Have kids?
My husband and I were high school sweethearts who endured four years of long-distance dating while we were in college. We’ve been married for twenty-eight years, and God blessed us with three beautiful children through international adoption. Our oldest and only son is 22 and serves as a U.S. Marine. We brought him home from Vietnam when he was 5 months old. Our daughter will be a high school senior in the fall and came home from Korea when she was 3 months old. And our youngest daughter came home from the Philippines when she was 5 years old. She has multiple physical and cognitive delays. We call her our “lifer” because she’ll always live with us, but she brings us so much joy.
I’m going to give you a shotgun list of favorites. List your favorite in each category and then tell us in one sentence why it is your favorite.
Favorite Food: chocolateFavorite Drink: decaf Chai spice teaFavorite Song: that changes from day to day. Right now, it’s probably Slow Down by Nichole Nordeman.Favorite Non-Fiction Book (other than your own & besides the Bible): Inside Out by Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck. Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:37-39Favorite Movie: Pride and Prejudice. The one with Keira KnightlyFavorite Actor or Actress: Tom HanksFavorite Novel (other than your own): That’s like asking me to pick my favorite child because I love so many! Favorite Novelist (other than you): See previous answer ;)Favorite Sport: baseballFavorite Team (Can be any sport, any level): My daughter’s high school volleyball team because they endured a tough, tough season with grace and dignity.Favorite Subject in School Growing Up: English and historyFavorite Subject Now: English and historyFavorite Teacher in School: Mrs. Rice, the teacher who inspired me to writeFavorite Time of the Year: fallFavorite Place to Vacation: on a beach.

If you had one person you could meet (think ONLY Bible characters here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be besides Jesus?
Mary. I’d love to find out what her life was like, raising a child like our Lord. It would be a fascinating discussion.
Besides the usual things authors face, has there been an unusual event that changed your perspective about being an author?
I battled breast cancer at the time my first book was released and I was editing the second and writing the third. It taught me that I’m stronger than I thought I was and that I can handle the pressures of being a published author better than I thought I could. Even with the fatigue that came with my treatments, I was able to meet all my deadline. I also discovered that I have an amazing, supportive family who wants this for me as much as I want it for myself.
What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?
Lots of people thought we were crazy for going to Vietnam in 1995, just 20 years after the war. We were warned we would get a very chilly reception since we were going to be in Hanoi, in the north. Nothing could have been further from the truth. We were welcomed with opened arms and fell in love with the country. I'd like to do something even crazier some day and live there for six months or so.
Why do you live where you live?
I live in Wisconsin because this is where I’ve been since I was 8. My husband and I love the quiet countryside, the beauty of this state, and the changing of the seasons (though our enthusiasm for winter is waning the older we get). It’s hard for me to imagine myself living anywhere else.
We know “Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers.” Is there a book you’ve read in the past five years or so that has helped you become a better you? If so, which one was it, and how did it affect your life?
It’s hard for me to pick out one book. I don’t really read non-fiction, so I don’t have any “self-help” books that I’ve grown from, but I do read quite a bit of Christian fiction. The books always have such strong themes and messages, and I glean a little bit of knowledge about myself from each one. In the characters, I see myself reflected, and I grow and learn from that.
When you look for a new home, what are the things that are important to you?
It has to be in the country, on some acreage where I can’t see my neighbors. It must be warm and inviting, and something I could make my own. My husband and I aren’t against fixing up homes because when we’re done, then they reflect our own personal style. I have to have central air, solid surface counters, hardwood floors, and lots of storage.
Funny you should mention those things. My wife and I are in the midst of looking for a new home in a new location. We keep going back to the mountains of North Carolina in our searches, looking for many of the same things you listed. Of course, that's if a condo on the beach doesn't work out! And judging by your answers, you probably get that sentiment, too.

What Bible scripture has impacted your life the most, and why?

Romans 8:28, which reads, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” When I was struggling with infertility, the Bible study I was attending studied this verse one week. It was the same week that another woman just my age announced her second pregnancy and someone else asked for prayer for their 16-year-old niece who was pregnant. I had reached my breaking point, and clearly told God I thought this was all very unfair. The Holy Spirit brought this verse to mind, especially the words “all things”. I questioned him several times to make sure I understood that this meant absolutely everything in life, even infertility. He continued to emphasize all things. That’s when I was able to come to terms with the fact I would never have a biological child and was able to embrace adoption as the way to build our family.

Liz, it's been a pleasure having you as part of our Author Behind the Story series!
Readers, you can get or stay in touch with Liz in the following ways:
Her Official Website: www.liztolsma.comHer Blog for Writers: Pencildancer Her Blog for Life in the Midwest: Midwest Almanac Her Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liz.tolsma.9Her Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/LizTolsmaHer LinkedIn Page: (With all those pages, makes you wonder how she finds time to write, right?)

Hope everyone has enjoyed the time together with Liz!
Until next time, May God bless you and America, and may you and America bless God!
Kevin 
You can visit Kevin @ www.ckevinthompson.com

A Blake Meyer Thriller - Book 1 A Blake Meyer Thriller - Book 2
Kevin's Selah Award-winning Debut Novel
coming out in second edition June 22!

Confessions of a Middle School Administrator (An ACFW Blog)

Like many of my writing colleagues, I have two jobs. The one I had when I entered this crazy business we call “writing,” and the job of being an author, marketer, bookseller, and all the other hats we authors wear. For me, one is by day, and one is by night. The first one “pays the bills,” and I often hope the second one will usurp the role of the first one someday.
At least, that is what I’ve been saying since my first book was published.


Read on...

Welcome to the Cuckoo's Nest (A Seriously Write blog)

I just got done with another session of Saturday School. The last one of this school year, actually (I’m writing this on May 20th). As an assistant principal of a public middle school, I must point out that there are other pieces to the educational puzzle besides reading, writing, and arithmetic. Acceptable behavior in a group setting is a biggie. Classroom disruptions derail the academic process, which is why we get together in the first place.
Unfortunately, in a society that is slowly lessening the consequences of laws and rules day by day, it’s harder to get students to understand why certain behaviors are unacceptable, especially in a school setting. I mean, they go home and hear parents and relatives talk that way, so why can’t they? They hear the profane language in the movies they watch and the music piping through their ear buds. So, why Mr. Administrator, Mrs. Teacher, do you have a problem with it?
Read on...

Author Behind the Story Series - Janet Grunst

Greetings from the sunny South! If we do not get some rain soon, it will be the Sahara West!

It's the second Wednesday of the month. That means it's time for another page in our "Author Behind the Story" series! This marks interview #5 of the series. I hope everyone has enjoyed the series so far as much as I have. It's fun getting to know new people. It's even more fun getting to know the authors behind the titles I see on Amazon, Facebook, the store shelves of Barnes & Noble, your local, independent bookstore, and elsewhere. A book title and cover is great, especially when it's a great cover. But who is the person who wrote the pages in between? That's why we're here. So, when you finish reading this page, you can scroll down our home page and catch the rest of the series!

This month, we welcome - to the blog "Where imagination meets eternity" (drum roll, please) - Author Janet Grunst! 

Welcome, Janet! So, here we go! Give us a quick bio. In fifty words or less, who is Janet Grunst?
I grew up in a Navy family and had the opportunity to live in many different locations, mostly on the west coast and east coast, but also in Spain. I was fortunate to be able to live most of my adult life in Virginia – my favorite place of all.
Before you ever got a notion of becoming a writer/author, how old were you, and what were you doing in that time of your life? 
I’d worked in the mortgage lending and banking industry prior to having children and knew that when the time came for me to seek employment outside the home I wanted to work in ministry. In my mid-thirties as a stay-at-home mom of two little boys I began writing two special interest columns in local papers. In one of the columns, I interviewed people in town who ran home-based businesses. It was fascinating to discover the creative things people came up with to market from their homes. That’s when the dream of writing fiction began to dog me. Could I write fiction while taking care of my children? God made a way.
That's cool. What educational background do you have?
I went to high school in Los Altos, CA and then to San Diego State for college. It was in the midst of the Vietnam War, and San Diego seemed a less hostile place for a conservative girl with a military background. I left before completing college because I was engaged to someone serving in Vietnam. When he got out of the Army, I worked in the banking industry so he could complete his college education.
So, what is your marital status? And do you have a family?
My husband and I were married in 2003. We met through Community Bible Study, the ministry I was employed in and in which we had both served for many years. Ken had a grown daughter, and I had grown sons. His son-in-law is a Colonel in the Army, my oldest son is a Commander in the Navy, and my youngest son is a Major in the National Guard in addition to being an intelligence officer in his civilian job. Ken has two grandchildren, and I have eight grandchildren, four of which are 15 month old quadruplets.   
I’m going to give you a shotgun list of favorites. List your favorite in each category and then tell us in one sentence why it is your favorite.
Favorite Food:   healthy~ fish———less healthy~ popcornFavorite Drink: healthy~coffee/ice water————less healthy~diet CokeFavorite Song:   Mary, Did You KnowFavorite Non-Fiction Book (other than your own & besides the Bible): Jesus Calling by Sarah YoungFavorite Bible Verse: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” John 1:12  (It helped me to mature to being a receiver, not just a believer — from religion to relationship.) Favorite Movie: There’s a tie 1. Pride and Prejudice (The 1995 version – most like the book – absolutely delicious!) 2. Ben Hur (The 1959 version)Favorite Actor or Actress: That’s tough. There are many. Charlton Heston, Susan HaywardFavorite Novel (other than your own): Pride and PrejudiceFavorite Novelist (other than you): Jane AustenFavorite Sport: To watch – golf. To do – walkingFavorite Team (Can be any sport, any level): The US Naval Academy – Go Navy ~ Beat Army!!!Favorite Subject in School Growing Up: History & EnglishFavorite Subject Now: HistoryFavorite Teacher in School: Can’t pick a favoriteFavorite Time of the Year: Living in Williamsburg, VA ~ it’s all goodFavorite Place to Vacation: Great Britain and Ireland
If you had one person you could meet (think outside the Bible here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be? 
Milton Hershey, a man who continually failed in business, before he created his chocolate empire. He built a town, homes, hospital, and schools for his employees and the needy.
I didn't know that about him. I just know he's been responsible for my weight gain over the years. I wonder if he'd build me my own Planet Fitness???

If you had one person you could meet (think ONLY Bible characters here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be besides Jesus?   
The Apostle John, a man with many answers about the future.
Amen to that. Besides the usual things authors face, has there been an unusual event that changed your perspective about being an author?
In late 1993 I had to put aside my writing for many years because my life circumstances required I return to full time employment while raising two sons on my own. God was very gracious and answered an earlier prayer. I was able to get a job in ministry. Years later, with my husband’s encouragement, I returned to pursuing writing.
Why do you live where you live? 

We left northern Virginia eleven years ago to get away from the congestion and traffic. Williamsburg, VA, part of the historic triangle of Virginia (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown), was our retirement destination. It is a charming and interesting college town (The College of William & Mary – the second oldest college in America). It’s not far from the Richmond, Virginia Beach, the mountains, the beach, and rural countryside. It has a small town atmosphere in the best sense yet is also sophisticated as people from all over retire here. 
We know “Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers.” Is there a book you’ve read in the past five years or so that has helped you become a better you? If so, which one was it, and how did it affect your life?
One of my favorite devotionals that I read periodically is 31 Days of Praise by Ruth MeyerIt really inspires and motivates me to be intentional about praising God in all circumstances. In the early nineties, when I was experiencing many trials, I discovered it improved my attitude as I faced each challenge.   
When you look for a new home, what are the things that are important to you?
My husband and I designed the home we live in to meet our specific needs and wants. It is a ranch style with a walk-out basement and it overlooks a pond and two golf fairways. Ken is a golfer and a luthier, (a guitar builder) and wanted a large workshop in the basement with lots of light and a storage area for his woods. My writing space is on the main level at the opposite end of the house. Given that we are both introverts, it works beautifully for us. J
When you are looking for a book to read, what are the things that are important to you?
I enjoy reading historical novels, biographies, non-fiction, and history books. I’m usually drawn to them because it’s a subject I’m interested in reading.
What Bible scripture has impacted your life the most, and why?
“ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9  It’s a powerful reminder that no matter what I am facing, that the Lord is always with me.
Janet, it has been a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for taking the time to be  part of our blog series. May God bless your writing endeavors!

If you wish to connect with Janet, you can find her here:

Website:  http://janetgrunst.com/Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/Janet-Grunst-Author-385405948228216/Her latest Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Set-Free-Janet-Grunst-ebook/dp/B01MQK0SXR/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1491582911&sr=1-2&keywords=A+Heart+Set+Free
Until next time, 

Kevin

The Dark Side of Writing (A Seriously Write Blog)

All new writers believe writing to be one thing: writing. Create a story. Write a treatise. Get it published. Write the next story or dissertation. Get it published. Rinse and repeat. Again and again.

But alas, there is a power afoot which disrupts this creative flow.

Welcome to The Dark Side of Writing.

The Author Behind the Story Series - Penny Shane Richards

Greetings from the sunny South! 

It's the second Wednesday of the month. That means it's time for another page in our "Author Behind the Story" series! This marks Interview #4 of the series. I hope everyone has enjoyed this series so far as much as I have. It's fun getting to know new people. It's even more fun getting to know the authors behinds the titles I see on Amazon, Facebook, and elsewhere. A book title and cover is great, especially when it's a great cover. But who is the person who wrote the pages in between? That's why we're here! So, when you finish reading this page, you can scroll down and catch the rest of the series!

This month, we welcome - to the blog "Where imagination meets eternity" (drum roll, please...) - Penny Shane Richards!



Give us a quick bio. In fifty words or less, who is Penny Richards? 
Among a few other things, I’ve worked as an interior decorator, store clerk, short-order cook, caterer, B&B owner, and florist’s helper. I love my God, my small town, learning new things, forensics, and anything creative. I believe in all the old-fashioned values of hard work, respecting people and property, fairness and honesty.
Before you ever got a notion of becoming a writer/author, how old were you, and what were you doing in that time of your life?
I was in high school, had always been a voracious reader, wrote poetry and liked to draw.
What educational background do you have?
I finished my first year of high school in Illinois, and then my family moved to Hot Springs, AR, my sophomore year, where I graduated. I had no desire to go to college, plus, back then, mostly the smart/or rich kids went. I had the grades, but I would have hated it. I was extremely shy back in those days. My high school offered something called Diversified Occupation, and you could take several different things for very little money.  I thought I wanted to be a nurse, but my grandmother was horrified and said, “I’ll pay for beauty school if you take that.” I said, “Okay!” LOL So I went to beauty school my junior and senior years in the afternoons and a month in the summer. It’s come in handy through the years.
I also finished a two-year long correspondence course from Chicago School of Interior Decoration when my kiddos were small. Very intense, but I could work at my own pace. I’ve used that a lot through the years, since my husband and I flipped mobile homes and houses before it was the going “thing.”
I’m also a Master Gardener.
Ugh. Gardening. Lawn Work. Landscaping. Those are all four-letter words to me. I know some people love it. They say, "Oh, it's my therapy working in the garden or the yard." After I work in my yard, I need therapy. Physical. Psychological. Spiritual. The gamut. So, my hat's off to you if your a Master Gardener. Now, next question. I'm going to give you a shotgun list of favorites. List your favorite in each category and then tell us in one sentence why it is your favorite:
Favorite Food: Country cooking, though I don’t turn down much of anything. Favorite Drink: Sweet tea. I may be Northern born, but am a Southerner through and through. Favorite Song: “Poeme” by Giovanni. It is so beautiful it makes me cry when I hear it.Favorite Non-Fiction Book (other than your own & besides the Bible): DEVIL IN A WHITE CITYFavorite Bible Verse: In His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalms 30:5Favorite Movie: ROB ROY. It is the story of an honorable man and shows what true love is.Favorite Actor or Actress: Paul Newman
Favorite Novel (other than your own): THE MISTRESS OF THE ART OF DEATH. It’s rich in historical information, has a very different, complicated heroine, mystery and story line.Favorite Novelist (other than you): Ariana Franklin. Author of the above book.Favorite Sport: Baseball or golf. I had grandsons who played both.Favorite Team (Can be any sport, any level): St. Louis Cardinals, baseballFavorite Subject in School Growing Up: EnglishFavorite Subject Now: HistoryFavorite Teacher in School: All of my English teachers.Favorite Time of the Year: Autumn. I like the colors, and the fact that the earth is getting ready to rest for a time.Favorite Place to Vacation: A lake somewhere. I’m not a fan of the ocean, hot sun, or rugged, rocky mountains. I like green, and shade and lakes and creeks so clear you can see the bottom.

            If you had one person you could meet (think outside the Bible here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be?  
That’s a hard one. Margaret Thatcher?
If you had one person you could meet (think ONLY Bible characters here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be besides Jesus?  
Mary, the mother of Jesus. I’d like to know what He was like as a child.
Besides the usual things authors face, has there been an unusual event that changed your perspective about being an author?
Trying to keep my career going while also helping my husband with his business. We were always self-employed, and I worked side by side with him most of the time. Also, trying to balance my work and family. I didn’t always do the best job with that.
What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?   
This was VERY scary to me. In 1991, my agent contacted me and said he had a client who had started a mainstream novel about a woman trying to break through the glass ceiling in big business. This man was a world renowned seventy-something scientist/businessman (helped develop the intercontinental ballistic missile, TRW to name a couple of his accomplishments) who wrote non-fiction books related to his work. Would I be interested in working with him since he had no idea how to write fiction? Uh, yeah! At that time, my mainstream novel about horse racing had won the Reader’s Choice Award for Best Single Title. So, we read each other’s work to see if we thought we would be compatible. He flew me to Los Angeles for four days, and we worked together, plotting and working out the kinks.  This was HUGE for me, since I am a fraidy cat when it comes to doing something like that.  I don’t think  I left my room unless it was to have breakfast with him. The work was a true collaboration. He provided all the business/technical/ “insider” type of information to me on cassette tape, and I transcribed what I needed and did the actual writing.            We spent six months getting about 140 pages and a synopsis ready. It was sent to various houses, but unfortunately our agent got very ill, was out of the office for almost half a year and the agent handling his clients didn’t do us a very good job. Meeting and working with Dr. Simon Ramo (shameless name dropping) was one of the highlights of my career and my life. I could call him at any time and get put right through…unless he was talking to Bush the first which he did every day during the Gulf War. My brush with true fame.
Why do you live where you live? 
I live in a small Arkansas town of less than 300 people and LOVE it! I don’t like cities and traffic and hustle and bustle. I can leave my UPS packages at the local printers to pick up. People know you by name. This place is very supportive and has some wonderful people.
We know “Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers.” Is there a book you’ve read in the past five years or so that has helped you become a better you? If so, which one was it, and how did it affect your life? 
My son gave me a copy of JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young almost five years ago. There is nothing in it that I don’t know as a Christian, but it helps remind me of certain things, and it’s relevant every year, no matter what’s going on in my life. There are days it is so on target that I sometimes think God shuffles the devotionals so I’ll read a certain one just when I need it! I can’t tell you how many I’ve bought the book and given to others.
When you look for a new home, what are the things that are important to you? 
No subdivisions! Trees, trees, trees! A little land is good. I’m not too picky, because I can see the potential in any wreck of a house and love working on them.
When you look for a new car, what are the things that are important to you?
Nothing new. Dave Ramsay made a believer out of me. As long as it looks reasonably okay, has four wheels, air and heat, I’m good to go. I’m not one who is after status in home, car, clothes, etc. I’m just simple, plain old me.
When you are looking for a book to read, what are the things that are important to you?
I like to read almost anything, including non-fiction. I love reading Medieval historical mysteries, and psychological thrillers. I’ll pick up a genre I don’t normally read if it’s recommended.
Are you married? Single? Have kids?
I’m a widow for more than 4 years now. My husband and I were married 50 ½ years. I’m the mother of two boys (both of whom are grandparents now) and one daughter (ditto), grandmother of nine, and great grandmother of 3 ornery, precious little boys, 4, 7 and 9.
I’m sorry for your loss, Penny. I'm sure the Bible has helped you over the years deal with your loss. What Bible scripture has impacted your life the most, and why?
“My grace is sufficient to you.”
This line seemed to be spoken in my mind at a time I was going through a very difficult time. I was having a lot of trouble forgiving someone who had hurt me and mine badly. I cried almost all the time, and didn’t sleep. When I heard those words in my head out of the blue, my world seemed to shift back into place and I was able to forgive and move on.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about you, or anything we didn’t cover? 
Even after writing and selling more than 40 books, I’m still very insecure about my work and worry that it will fall short.  As a dear friend of mine once said, “the book in my head is never what comes out on the page.”

I like that because I can relate. You always feel like it could be better, too. Well, Penny, it's been a pleasure having you on my blog site. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and give us a picture of the person behind the many titles you have produced so far. Take care, and may God continue to bless your writing!
Dear Reader, if you want to get to know Penny more, you can visit her here:
Website: www.pennyrichardswrites.com
Twitter: @pennyRwrites
Facebook: Penny Richards, Author, Lilly Long
Until next time, God Bless you, and may you Bless God!
Kevin

Where Imagination Meets Eternity (A Seriously Write Blog)

Come check out my blog entry for Seriously Write in March 2017!

The Author Behind the Story Series - Debra Webb Rogers

How do you like my glasses?
They belong to my granddaughter.Greetings from the sunny South! Hope everyone is thawing out up north.

It's the second Wednesday of the month. That means it's time for another page in our "Author Behind the Story" series! I hope everyone has enjoyed this series so far as much as I have. It's fun getting to know new people. It's even more fun getting to know the authors behinds the titles I see on Amazon, Facebook, and elsewhere. A book title and cover is great, especially when it's a great cover. But who is the person who wrote the pages in between? That's why we're here! So, when you finish reading this page, I've listed the page linl for our previous authors, in case you missed them! 

This month, we welcome - to the blog "Where imagination meets eternity" (drum roll, please...) - Debra Webb Rogers!

Welcome, Debra! Give us a quick bio. In fifty words or less, who is Debra Webb Rogers? 

I spent the first decades of my adult life working as a professional ballet dancer. I danced with the Birmingham Ballet, The Israel Ballet and the Florida Ballet. When I left the world of performing, I began my current job: teaching dance at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, a public performing arts high school in Jacksonville, Florida. When I’m not writing, my hobbies include genealogy and various artistic endeavors, from tatting to art.

That's interesting. I would never have equated tatting and ballet dancing, So, before you ever got a notion of becoming a writer/author, how old were you, and what were you doing in that time of your life?
I wrote little stories and poems when I was in elementary school! I actually thought about becoming a writer at that time, when a professional writer came to my school and talked about how he wrote books. I was fascinated!

What educational background do you have?
I went to Pompano Beach Senior High School in Florida, and then to Florida State University where I received a B.S. degree in Education. I also performed with their dance department. I chose FSU because of their education program, their dance program, and because it is such a beautiful place.
  You know Debra, I'm a Gator fan. We have two favorite teams: The Gators and anybody playing FSU. So, to invite you onto my blog is definitely a God thing (J/K). I do think we're gonna get you guys in football in 2017, but I digress. Are you married? Single? Have kids?
I am married (for 22 years) to my wonderful husband Sam. I have an equally wonderful adult stepson, Chris. Sam and I share our home with two cats and one dog.
  I’m going to give you a shotgun list of favorites. List your favorite in each category and then tell us in one sentence why it is your favorite.
Favorite Food: Anything chocolate Favorite Drink: A glass of merlot on Friday nightFavorite Song: Ghost in This House by Alison Krauss, and The Dreaming Fields by Trisha Yearwood Favorite Non-Fiction Book (other than your own & besides the Bible): Books on historical unsolved mysteries – like the Lost Colony of Roanoke.Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 6:25-27 (Because I am a worrier!)Favorite Movie: Somewhere in TimeFavorite Actor or Actress: Christopher WalkenFavorite Novel (other than your own): The Thirteenth Tale by Diane SetterfieldFavorite Novelist (other than you): Terry KayFavorite Sport: Ice skating and gymnastics (as an observer, not a participant)Favorite Team (Can be any sport, any level): Jacksonville JaguarsFavorite Subject in School Growing Up: ArtFavorite Subject Now: HistoryFavorite Teacher in School: Victoria Leigh (ballet instructor)Favorite Time of the Year: SpringFavorite Place to Vacation: North Carolina Mountains

            Debra writes under the
pen name Violet RightmireIf you had one person you could meet (think outside the Bible here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be?
I’d like to meet Serge Diaghilev. He wasn’t a dancer or choreographer but he changed the face of ballet in the early 20th century, and influenced many dancers who became famous and went on to pass on his legacy.


If you had one person you could meet (think ONLY Bible characters here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be besides Jesus?
I have always wondered about the unnamed woman Jesus forgives for adultery. I’d like to meet her and learn her name, find out more about her, and what her circumstances were. I think she would be a fascinating person to meet.

I heard a comedian say once he thought the reason why the Jewish leaders tossed their stones to the ground when Jesus said what He said ("Let he who has no sin cast the first stone") was because Jesus was writing their girlfriends' names in the dirt. Wouldn't you love to know what He was doodling in the dirt? Okay, besides the usual things authors face, has there been an unusual event that changed your perspective about being an author?
This is an interesting question for this particular moment in my life. Last month my husband almost died of a double pulmonary embolism. But God was with us every step of the way, and I am so thankful for the miracle we received. My husband is home now and recovering well. It makes me remember that everything is in God’s hands and in His time. As far as how this relates to writing, I remind myself about this when my latest manuscript collects rejections.


Ugh. We all know about rejections. Been here. It's simply part of the business. On that sour note, what’s the craziest thing you have ever done?  
Accepting a one-year contract to join the Israel Ballet when I was barely 22 years old. I’d never been out of the United States, didn’t speak the language, and had no idea what I was getting into!
  
Why do you live where you live?Debra's writing assistants
I live in Jacksonville, Florida, because I accepted a contract to dance with the Florida Ballet. I stayed because I love Jacksonville’s unique combination of big city amenities tucked into a small town atmosphere. I live in a 1923-era cottage in a lovely, walk-able historic district called San Marco.

  We know “Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers.” Is there a book you’ve read in the past five years or so that has helped you become a better you? If so, which one was it, and how did it affect your life?            I read My Name is Maude by Katherine Murray Steele. It is the true story of a young woman who taught in a one-room schoolhouse in a remote mountain community in the 1920s. The author’s matter-of-fact details about the difficulties of everyday life in such a remote location made me think about (and appreciate!) all the things we have today that we take for granted – like indoor plumbing and central heat!
  
When you look for a new home, what are the things that are important to you?  A new home must have the right “feel.” It would be an old house with character – floorboards that creak, windows that rattle, angled ceilings, and a potential for secret hiding places. In other words, it would be very much like the house I have now!


When you look for a new car, what are the things that are important to you?
I just purchased my dream car this past summer: a blue Subaru Forester. My husband and I spend lots of time in the North Carolina mountains and an all-wheel drive is a necessity.

  When you are looking for a book to read, what are the things that are important to you?
I look for something different. In fiction I love a story with some mystery, some historical basis, and also a hint of the paranormal. I also love non-fiction books in history, biography, or science genres. Any books I think about long after I finish them are the best! I love being haunted by a book.


What Bible scripture has impacted your life the most, and why?
 John 3:16
  Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about you, or anything we didn’t cover?
Just as I love being haunted by a book, I hope my novels do the same for my readers.
To find out more, please visit my website: www.debrawebbrogers.com

Thank you, Debra, for taking the time to visit with us! We hope your writing dances to new heights, and we pray your husband continues to recuperate fully.

And may God bless all of you, our readers, as you bless God.
Kevin

PS - If you missed the first two ABTS entries, click below:
Jan. 2017 - Kristin Neva
Feb. 2017 - Buck Storm