Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Author Interview - Linda Evans Shepherd - Part 2

For those of you who missed Part I of the interview last Wednesday, Linda Evans Shepherd is a multi-published, award-winning author and speaker. She shared on her beginnings as a speaker, as well as how she and her co-author, Eva Marie Everson, collaborate on their books.

3) Welcome back, Linda! Where do you get your story ideas?

Once someone asked me how it feels to write fluff. HA! Eva and I don't write fluff. We write about serious issues - with humor. As Eva and I plan each book, we decide on the issues and challenges that our characters will work through. But we let our characters tell their stories themselves. It's amazing to see how the stories come to life.

4) You've also written a non-fiction book. What are some of the challenges writing both non-fiction and fiction?


With novels, I feel like I'm creating a parable, letting the fiction speak truth to the reader. But with my non-fiction, as in When You Don't Know What to Pray - How to Talk to God About Anything, I use my personal stories as parables to point to truth. Plus, I get to share my personal insights as well as deeper Biblical truths through my point-of-view.

With fiction, I spend my research time talking to people who have been through some of the scenarios in our books, but with non-fiction I spend my research time in deep Bible study and Biblical research.

5) When you have too many ideas for stories, how do you decide which ones to pursue?

You have to ask yourself the question, which story leads to the most compelling read? Once  you determine that, then you know which story to tell.

When it's my turn to write the next chapter of The Potluck Catering Club Series, I try to think of several scenarios but pick the one which seems more dramatic, fun, comical or exciting. Once I know which direction I'm heading, I let the character take over. It's a fun process.


Thanks for a great interview, Linda. At left is one of Linda and Eva's books. I haven't read any of them as yet, but they're on my Wish List.

Question for our readers:  How do you decide which story ideas are worthy of pursuit?







18 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

The same way she does. That was such a good answer!
Thanks for sharing, ladies. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Yes, like Jessica I really liked Linda's answer of which story subjects to pursue. I like the idea of picking the situation and see what characters do with it.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jessica -

You're welcome!

It's easy to tell Linda is a communicator. She zeroes in on the heart of the issue.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

When I'm writing, there's a sense of watching my characters and recording what they're doing. They often surprise me.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rhonda Schrock said...

Well, I'm writing nonfiction every week, so it's a little bit different for me. I suppose I simply write "where I'm at" that particular week. And I pray!

Diane said...

Characters and story lines that are familiar to me or my imagination are what I go with for now. :O)

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I echo Jessica and Lynn. And I want that beautiful book about prayer! :-)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

Prayer is #1. One thing nice about a column: you have plenty of experience meeting deadlines.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

Good strategy! What genre have you chosen?

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Shannon -

Thanks for stopping by. :)

I'm sure you can find Linda's book on Amazon. I found The Potluck Club series on there.

Blessings,
Susan

Jeanette Levellie said...

I loved this interveiw, Susan and Linda, since it had some unique questions. And I admire Linda for writing both fiction and nf--shows her versatility.

After trying several different ideas, I choose the one that feels right, way down in my spirit man, where only God speaks. I know it when it flows unstilted and lovely, like a spring of sweet water bubbling up from the ground.

Karen Lange said...

This interview was great; thanks so much to both of you! Love question 5, and love Linda's advice. I think I'll be taking that and putting it into practice.
Blessings,
Karen :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

Thanks! Linda made it easy. :)

When I have to force something, it never works out. Nothing beats writing an article or book that seems almost effortless.

Blessings,
Susan

D.S. White said...

Fabulous interview. I found your blog by way of google search of Kathi Macias backlinks. LOL.

I'm a new folloer

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

I thought she had some excellent ideas on how to choose a story line.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dee -

Welcome! Thank you so much for your kind words and for becoming a Follower. It's interesting to hear how people find the blog.

I post here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Just before Thanksgiving, you'll see a review of Kathi's book, Red Ink. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Linda said...

Thanks Susan and all for all your great comments. Susan,you really know how to ask great questions. Enjoyed our time together.
Love,
Linda Evans Shepherd
www.PotluckClub.com
www.WhatToPray.org

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Linda -

I enjoyed meeting and interviewing you. I'm looking forward to reading your Potluck Club book.

Blessings,
Susan :)