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:
The same way she does. That was such a good answer!
Thanks for sharing, ladies. ;-)
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.
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 :)
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 :)
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!
Characters and story lines that are familiar to me or my imagination are what I go with for now. :O)
I echo Jessica and Lynn. And I want that beautiful book about prayer! :-)
Hi Rhonda -
Prayer is #1. One thing nice about a column: you have plenty of experience meeting deadlines.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Diane -
Good strategy! What genre have you chosen?
Blessings,
Susan :)
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
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.
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 :)
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
Fabulous interview. I found your blog by way of google search of Kathi Macias backlinks. LOL.
I'm a new folloer
Hi Karen -
I thought she had some excellent ideas on how to choose a story line.
Blessings,
Susan :)
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
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
Hi Linda -
I enjoyed meeting and interviewing you. I'm looking forward to reading your Potluck Club book.
Blessings,
Susan :)
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