CWD Member Interview - Debbie Roome

Most Thursdays this year we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today’s Interview Debbie Roome

Question 1: Tell us three things about who you are and where you come from.

I’m a wife, mother of five, mother-in-law to two and grandmother to two, with another due in July! I was born in Zimbabwe and lived there until I was 25. My husband and I then spent a number of years in South Africa before moving to New Zealand with our children in 2006. It was a massive change for us but the best thing we’ve ever done. I decided when we arrived here that this was a chance to concentrate on my writing.

Question 2: Tell us about your writing. What do you write and why?

My main focus in the past has been romantic fiction as well as assorted nonfiction topics. The nonfiction titles were all inspired by life experiences. My book about cyberbullying was the result of a prolonged cyberbully attack after the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011. Loving Leanne is the life story of my sister who was born with mental and physical disabilities and passed away six years ago. Fly With Me is an inspirational book based on my experiences in the skies. 

I have also published several picture books. The one that has done very well is called What in the World is RTS. This is a story with pictures that explains the genetic condition my sister was born with. It has been very well received by the families with children born with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.

Other titles include four fiction books, a series of three travel books, a pictorial account of the Christchurch earthquakes and some books of short stories.

Question 3: Who has read my work? Who would you like to read it?

Family, friends and strangers have all read my work. The most positive feedback has come from my picture book about RTS. It has given families a simple yet visual medium to communicate the basic facts of their child’s condition. I’ve heard stories of children taking it to school to explain what their sibling struggles with, and families sharing it with friends. 

I would like a large cross section of people to read my work and be inspired and encouraged by it.

Question 4: Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps the most?

I normally get a story in my head and then jot down a basic outline. Each book has been different. Some I’ve started at chapter one and written the chapters in sequence. Others, I’ve jumped around and written chapters in no logical order and then fitted them together later in the process. With the picture books, I wrote the story and then worked with my illustrator to get the perfect pictures for the book.

Question 5: What is favourite Writing Craft Book and why?

I’ve read a number of writing craft books but to be honest, I don’t have a favourite. I believe each has contributed to my skills. 

Question 6: If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author , writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

Adele Jones was a great source of encouragement to me during a difficult time a few years ago. She kept in touch and made me feel it was worthwhile carrying on with my writing. 

Question 7: What are your writing goals for this year? How will you achieve them?

I won the FaithWriter’s Page Turner Contest 2015 with my fiction entry, Twisted Ribbons. Unfortunate circumstances and an upset made me lose my desire to write for an extended period of time. However, I have been working on the book for the last few months and aim to have it completed before Christmas this year. I’ve reached 52,000 words so am confident I can do it!

Question 8: How does you faith impact and shape your writing?

My faith is central to what I write and in all my books, I uphold my values of honesty, integrity and clean speech. I always imagine that I’m standing before the Lord, reading my work to Him. I ask myself if every word is thought provoking, interesting and whether it will encourage and inspire.

I am happily married to Kevin and have five wonderful children. Two of these are married and I have the best daughter-in-law and son-in-law I could wish for as well as two gorgeous grandchildren. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe and later spent 15 years in South Africa before moving to New Zealand in 2006. I work as a freelance writer and novelist and try to bring honour to God through all I do and write. When I'm not sitting at my computer, I enjoy photography and taking my dog for a walk. My husband and I recently pastored a church for five years but are now heading in a new direction as the Lord leads. Music is also an important part of my life. My favourite instrument is piano but I also play guitar and bass guitar. I'm a self-confessed travel addict and spend a fair amount of time wandering around New Zealand and further afield.

CWD Member Interview – Nikki Rogers

Most Thursdays in 2019 we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today interview: Nikki Rogers

Question 1: Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from. 

I’m a mother, teacher, Jesus-follower and author/illustrator of Created To Be children’s books. I currently live on the Gold Coast with my husband, two children, and four bantam chickens.

Question 2: Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc).  What do you write and why? 

I have written and illustrated 7 inspirational children’s books so far. I originally started writing books for my own children to help them understand valuable life lessons, encourage them with the truths that they are unique and inspire them to be all they were created to be. I now hope to inspire children all over the world with these messages and maybe even remind some adults to shine the beauty within. You can find my books at www.createdtobe.com.au

Question 3: Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it?

Many people have read my work. My books have been used as resources in schools and given as gifts to many children around the world. However, I would love every child to read my books; they may be just what kids need to hear.

Question 4: Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

My biggest challenge is marketing. I believe that my books were God-inspired and will be a blessing to many, but I struggle to promote my books and charge for them. I also often have my doubts about my ability, that I’m not qualified, and my books aren’t professional enough. 

To overcome these doubts, fears and challenges, I find it helpful to look over the many positive reviews I’ve received from people who have really appreciated my books and remind myself that God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.

Question 5: What is your favourite Writing Craft Book and why? 

I don’t know.

Question 6: If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

Naomi Eccles-Smith is an incredible storyteller, gifted illustrator and author of the Dragon Calling Series. Her books and illustrations are amazing!

Question 7: What are your writing goals for 2018? How will you achieve them?

I would love to get my books into the hands of more children and families, renew my passion for why I do what I do and start on a new book that has been on my heart for a while. I hope to achieve this by doing more author talks, gifting books to foster families and surrounding myself with people who encourage me and help me stay focussed.

Question 8: How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

It is in Christ we find out who we are and what we are living for. I feel a great sense of responsibility to be a good steward of what God has given me and I want to bring Him glory through my writing.

The main thing I want people to know is this: You aren’t here by chance. You are not an accident. You were created in the image of God and He is for you. He has amazing plans for you. Go and be all that you were created to be!

CWD Member Interview – Penny Reeve

Most Thursdays in 2019 we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today interview: Penny Reeve

Tell us about your writing. What do you write and why?

I’m a children’s and YA author so I enjoy being able to write in a variety or genres and styles. I’ve written picture books, non-fiction for children and junior novels (including the 2018 CALEB Prize winning Camp Max). Most of what I write explores Christian themes for young people, but in 2018 I launched my first YA novel (as Penny Jaye) for the general market. It’s called, Out of the Cages, and tells the story of two young girls trafficked into the brothels of Mumbai and one of them who escapes.

I probably enjoy writing for children because I have such strong memories of growing up and wondering about the world myself. I try to write stories or resources for young people that might help them navigate the world they live in. Stories that recognise their unique potential and value their contribution to life. I also try to write stories that point to hope. Our world can be pretty confusing and, at times, depressing. But it’s also amazing, and beautiful too. And God is still at work despite it all. I hope my stories gently highlight this.

Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it?

Most of my Penny Reeve titles are available in Christian bookstores like Koorong, so they are readily available for Christian families and schools. I’ve had some lovely feedback from people using my tween Bible studies both in church groups and family settings. 

My children’s novels and books often find their way into school libraries, and playgroups appreciate my picture books too. 

Books under my new author name, Penny Jaye, will have a wider audience as they are targeted at the general market. Out of the Cages is classified as a Young Adult novel, but – as commonly happens with YA titles – it’s been read by a lot of adults also. I’d love to see more young adults reading it too, as I believe it has some important things to say, not just about human trafficking and modern day slavery, but about the courage and hope it takes to heal.

Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

Well, I’m not sure my process is something set in concrete but there do seem to be some trends emerging the more I write. I generally start with a preparation stage: this involves initial research, brainstorming, basic character construction etc. I then may – or may not – do some planning and outline the general gist of the project. (This stage is usually more in depth if I’m working on a non-fiction project). Then I get to writing and try to produce a first draft. The ending is typically rushed and incorrect at this stage, but at least I’ve got something finished! I then head towards my editing process which usually involves more research, careful plot re-analysis, structural changes, ending rewrites and general rewriting. I genuinely enjoy all stages of the journey, even when I find them hard work. 

What is your favourite Writing Craft Book and why?

I’ve really valued Libby Gleeson’s writing craft books: Writing Hannah and Making Picture Books. (Unfortunately, I think they might both be out of print now.) I love the way she shares not just the tips and tricks, but the process of creating stories for children. 

If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

Too hard to ask for just one! But since that’s what I’ve been asked I’ll say Cecily Paterson. I really respect her tenacity and commitment to her craft. She’s written some great books for young people, as well as producing beautiful colouring books through her Firewheel Press. She’s also a terrific mentor and writing coach (check out her Red Lounge for Writers.) Personally, she’s been a real encouragement and valued writing friend who won’t let me settle for whinging when things get tough, but helps me see the big picture and get back to work.

What are your writing goals for 2019? How will you achieve them?

My main writing goal for 2019 is to complete my master’s thesis. I’m writing on how Christian spirituality is represented within contemporary Australian YA fiction. I’m really enjoying it.

Creatively, I've got a middle grade novel I'm rewriting and a couple of other projects brewing also. I find the best way to achieve my writing goals is to be deliberate about them. This means I schedule them into my weeks, make sure I hit word count targets and don't short cut the research processes along the way.

How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

My faith impacts my writing by shaping my perspectives. The writing life can be very frustrating at times, and also quite draining. We’re urged to market this way, and network that way. To keep putting ourselves forward and write more, write better. By keeping my heart on what I believe God has asked me to do it helps me keep these clamouring voices in perspective. To put my energy where it matters and to write the best I can. 

 Penny Reeve, also writing as Penny Jaye, is the award winning, Australian author of more than 20 books for children, including the popular Madison and Tania Abbey series.

Her books are are fun, real and empower kids to engage with - and respond to - the world around them.  Her most recent book, Out of the Cages, is a general market YA novel published by Rhiza Edge.

Meet Our Member: Jeanette Grant-Thomson

Most Thursdays in 2019 we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today's interview: Jeanette Grant-Thomson

Tell us three things about who you are and where you come from?

A very long time ago, I grew up in a beautiful old Queenslander in Corinda, Brisbane. We were an artistically talented family but a troubled one, so my growing up years were not easy. I often escaped into reading and writing. When I was about six, I suddenly recited a little four-line poem I’d made up. My proud father made me a notebook called “Jeanette’s Poems” and I proceeded to fill it. After a few years, my poems and short prose pieces were often published in the Saturday Telegraph on the children’s page.

Always keen on acting, while at Queensland University I attended a workshop at Twelfth Night. It was run by Jack Thompson, the film actor. Exciting times! I later did a year’s acting course at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre, then much later picked up my Speech and Drama training, getting my ACTL letters with Trinity College. I loved my thirty or so years of teaching Speech and Drama.

After a colourful time in the arty scene in Sydney, I began to question the meaning of life and became a Christian. This was a huge culture shock at first but gradually I became a very dedicated Christian and used my talents in church and other Christian areas. One high point in my Christian life was a prayer journey to Uluru with the Australian Prayer Network in 1999.

See my blog, godwhispersjgt.blogspot.com for further Christian adventures.

Sorry, it’s a bit long. The lines between my points are a bit smudgy.

Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc).  What do you write and why?

I’ve had a go at writing in most forms, ranging from poems to film scripts to the Teen Challenge newsletter. Then on to books.

I’ve often written because there was a need – e.g. Sunday School books and tracts.

I write mainly because I’ve always wanted to write, it just seemed to come naturally, and I’ve written whatever seemed right at the time.

Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it?

Hard one. Most of my books have had different target readerships. To my amazement, Jodie’s Story (my first book) has sold widely. I intended it for teenagers but it’s been read by people as young as twelve (no doubt some younger) and by other people of all ages. It’s been published in Canada as well and has sold in several countries. I feel it has reached its target audience and much more.

The other two biographies have sold mostly in churches or in musical circles.

My two proper novels (JS is also classified as a novel) have been slow sellers but have reached a wide variety of people, nearly all adults. I’d like to write a better novel and have it reach well-read adults. I’d also like to continue to write books that change the lives of readers, as with Jodie’s story.

Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

I’m unpredictable. Every book is different. JS began with the whole story I’d written in capsule form in a Teen Challenge newsletter so the book was easy to write. Now – cover your eyes if you like! – I didn’t do any rewriting or have it edited! And it was published almost straight away. (Presumably the editor from Anzea did something to scrub it a bit.) Teen Challenge were celebrating an anniversary and wanted it launched then, so pre-ordered some copies. Luck! (Or God!)

Mirage began as a true story. The publisher who accepted it went bankrupt and the lady’s situation had changed, so I rewrote it into a novel. A staff editor made some small changes.

Lantern Light – I wrote the climax first and then wrote from the beginning, rewriting the whole book about four times. I wish I’d had it edited! 

Challenges: I struggle a lot with time pressure, health issues and tiredness and I often get stuck with technological issues.

Praying helps a lot. I’ve even asked God to lead me re which character does what! 

Also I always ask several other people to read my manuscript before submitting it.

If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

So many of you have given helpful input, ranging from technical to writing tips. Jenny O’Hagan, thanks SO much for your patient help with the tech side of life and for your clear, vivid prose in your books. Nola Passmore, for your writing tips. And Anusha Atukorala for your lovely writing and your never-ending encouragement, which I need so much. My favourite book from CWD is probably Rosanne Hawke’s Zenna Dare.

What are your writing goals for 2019? How will you achieve them?

I’d like to begin another book this year. Preferably a part-biography, part fiction. Faction. I’ll keep blogging just a little longer then have a break.

I’m waiting for the ‘right’ story to come my way. This has always happened so far. So here’s hoping it does again!

How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

I feel God gives me the ideas or leads people with stories to me. My goal in writing is always to reach people with the gospel or with the help Jesus gives.

____________________________________

Jeanette Grant-Thomson is a Christian author living in the Moreton area north of Brisbane. She has been writing in many forms most of her life. Her first book, Jodie’s Story, is in its third edition and has sold quite well overseas as well as here in Australia. She has written four other books and part-written several others. She loves having coffee with friends and walking in the country or spending time at the beach. 

Meet Our Members – Ian McIntosh

Most Thursdays in 2019 we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today interview: Ian McIntosh, Children’s Picture Book Author

Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from.

• I was born in Victoria, grew up in Normanton in outback QLD and now live in Townsville. 

Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc).  What do you write and why?

• I write children’s picture books and poems.  
• I write children’s picture books because they are the type of story ideas that come to me. I also love working with kids, so that works well with the way I think and write. I love writing for children because I can let my imagination run wild. It is also very rewarding to see a child enjoying one of my stories. 
• I write poetry because I have always liked rhyming. I have written a lot of bush poetry because of my experiences of growing up in the bush.  
• I also write kid type poems and poems with life messages. 

Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it?

• Lots of kids, parents and people who work with kids have read my stories.  A few publishers have read my stories too, but they didn’t like them. That doesn’t worry me because my stories are not meant for them.
• I mainly want kids to read my stories and also parents and people who work with kids, because they will get the most out of them.

Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

• I don’t really face any challenges when writing.  My stories tend to appear and I just let them come out however they do. I carry pen and paper with me all the time, as I never know when an idea is going to come to me.  
• What helps me the most is to just be open to any thought turning into an idea and to be ready to start to write when something comes.

What is your favourite Writing Craft Book and why?

• Not sure if I understand this question?  But I don’t have a favourite writing craft book. 

If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

• Jeff Townsend.  We spent some time working in the Christian music/products business together.  

What are your writing goals for 2019? How will you achieve them?

My main two are …

• Creating a program to help emerging authors to self publish their first children’s picture book. I am currently working with a team of people to help me put this together.
• Finish the text for my 4^th children’s picture book by August. I have a plan in place to help me to do this.  

How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

• I pray often and know that God spenaks to me a lot about words. I believe He has created me to write, and I feel His presence when I am writing. A lot of my writing is not overtly Christian however I write a lot of poems and stories that have a message in them that draws parallels to God and faith in God. 

Meet Our Members: Ben Dixon

Each Thursday in 2018 we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today interview is with Ben Dixon (aka Wolf McTavish)

Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from, Ben. 

I’ve had a lot of jobs over the years, I’ve pastored in several churches from NSW to Outback and North Queensland, but by far, my favourite job was in the Christian Bookselling industry. For over ten years I worked as a Bookshop Manager for a non-profit Christian book chain. You could say I married into it. When I moved to North Queensland to take up a position as a youth pastor I found the local Christian bookshop. There nice young lady who volunteered at this shop, and was also a member of my church, so it made visiting the shop all the more attractive.

After we married we were presented with two options, move out to a small outback mining town and continue as a pastor there or join the Christian mission as managers of a new book shop they were opening. We choose the latter. It was an interesting time. One of the things I loved about working for this small company was that there was a lot of job variety if you wanted it. I got to create several websites, train new staff and help set up shops in places like Mount Isa and Alice Springs.

By far my greatest achievement, and biggest challenge is parenting my four children and supporting my wife as she home schools them.

Tell us about your writing. What do you write and why?

Most of my writing can be described as non-fiction, I have a blog (and a YouTube channel) where I write about books, reading and why we should read. It focuses on science fiction mostly. I blog under the pen name Wolf McTavish.


I'm currently working on an adventure novel with a fantasy twist, along with a superhero novel, a non-fiction book for home schooling dads and two science fiction novels. I think I need to focus on one and get it finished.


When I was younger I tried my hand at writing a few science fiction stories. I presented them to my Grandfather to proofread and provide some feedback. He tore my stories to shreds and went to great detail describing how scientifically impossible my stories were. I know he meant well, but it did shake my confidence in writing.

Years later I discovered blogging, but as I looked around I noticed the internet was clogged with so many blogs already, some just waffly streams of conscious post that went nowhere. I decided that there was too much 'noise' on the internet already so why should I contribute to it as well. Then I read an article about how creating content (like writing a blog post) rather than consuming content passively is a far more rewarding use of your time and energy. It may be more difficult to do but this well eventually help you develop character. 

So, I decided instead of just reading books, I would review them. Rather than reading about books I would write about them. The other reason I decided to blog was for the experience. Recently my desire to write and publish some novels has been rekindled so part of my plan was to write more in order to improve my writing skill. 

We were all created in the image of God and have an innate desire to create as well. So in order to grow I believed we need to become creators, not for the recognition that might follow (even though that would be good), but for the sake of the process itself. My preferred way of creating is to write. 

Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it? 

Most of my work can be read online, it’s free to view on various platforms: Blogger, Medium, Wattpad and YouTube. I’ll add the links below so you can take a look for yourselves. 

My novels, though, haven’t been read by anyone yet. The exception would be the Adventure Story with the fantasy twist. My father has read a few chapters and told me to blow something up and I’m currently getting feedback on the first chapter from the Omega Sci-fi / Fantasy chapter. 

My target audience for the novels would be a general audience, with maybe the exception of the superhero story which I’m trying to write for my children to enjoy. 

Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most? 

For my blog posts, I normally read a book or an article which starts me thinking about a certain topic. I’ll write down some ideas that I have, then read what others have to say about that topic and grab some quotes. I’ll them mash that together into article.

Process

In regards to writing a novel this is my process so far:


· I come up with an idea and think about it for a while.


· Then start world building – basically I do a mind dump and write down everything about this universe: the characters, their backgrounds, the way the magic or tech works etc.


· Start drafting out a few chapters…


· Come up with another idea and start world building that universe.


· Get distracted by life, which gets in the way and give up for a few weeks before starting the cycle again.

Challenges

My greatest challenge is completing a writing project. But I find that becoming part of a community of like-minded writers, CWD is a good example, provides the encouragement that I need, along with the opportunity to help others by sharing my knowledge and story to encourage them.


So hopefully you feel encouraged :)


Silence would help me the most, but trying to work from home with four children who don’t know the meaning of silence, is definitely a challenge.

What is your favourite Writing Craft Book and why?

I have two for this list: 

· Writing into the Dark: How to Write a Novel without an Outline by Dean Wesley Smith 

· How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson 

I knew I wanted to write novels but I didn’t know where to start so I just kept reading more books on the craft of writing. In the introduction of Writing into the Dark, Dean Wesley Smith says he wanted to motivate writers to write and not be bogged down or scared by preconceived ideas of how you should write. It certainly helped me. After reading all those other books on the craft this was the one that really motivated me to start writing and stop being scared of starting. 

Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method was another book that I found really helpful. He claims that his snowflake method will work for people who plot, those who write without an outline and those in between. But the line that really stood out to me what this one: “You’re going to get lots of advice on how to write a novel. But that’s all it is. Advice. If you don’t like that advice, if it doesn’t work for you, then ignore it. If it does work for you, then run with it.” 

If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

That would be Adam Collings and Jeanette O'Hagan. Adam introduced me to this group and the Omega writers group and both Adam and Jenny have made me feel welcome within the group.

Also they both write the type of genre l love to read, science fiction and fantasy. I can't say how much I enjoyed reading Adam’s Jewel of the Stars novels and would recommend it to anyone who loves science fiction. I was privileged to beta read book two in this series and can say that both stories are better than a lot of the newer science fiction novels I've read over the last few years.

I've just started reading and enjoying Jenny's Heart of the Mountain fantasy series too. What I also like about both of these authors is the way they’re able to subtly weave in ideas about Christianity and their faith without breaking the reader out of the story. This is something I'm still working on with my writing. 

What are your writing goals for 2019? How will you achieve them?

I have an ambitious goal of completing and publishing two books by the end of this year. That was my goal last year but I ended up helping my wife publish a nature journal. (Still a win!) 

I believe the first and most important step to achieving this year’s goal is to finish a first draft of at least one of my projects.

(Could place image BenHeatherNatureJournal.JPG here with following link  Ben and Heather with the One Year Nature Journal. Click on link to find out more and purchase in Australia.) 

How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

I grew up in a Christian home and have been a Christian from an early age so I view everything that happens through a Gospel worldview and hopefully my writing and videos reflect that too. I’ve read some really good science fiction and fantasy novels which teach scientific principles or discuss philosophical and religious ideas as its part of the storyline in a way that seems natural. A good example of this, despite its name is Amish Vampires in Space which juxtaposes Amish, Christian and Secular beliefs, discusses each in detail and keeps the tension of the story going at the same time. It’s well worth the read. (See Adam Collings YouTube review for more detail)

This is what I want to do with in my novels, write them from a Gospel worldview and be able to have the characters discuss ideas like redemption or show these ideas through their actions without ‘taking the reader out of the story’ because it’s to cheesy or seems forced. This is something I’m struggling with but want to accomplish especially if I’m aiming at the general market.

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Ben Dixon spends his days taking photos of his beard and dog to post on his Instagram page, while his wife, Heather home school's their 3 children.

He is also on a quest for a good book. While Science Fiction is his favourite genre to escape to, he also enjoy Fantasy and Detective Fiction. In the non-fiction section he likes to read Theology, History and Leadership books.

This quest is never ending as there are always more good books to read.


You can read Ben Dixon aka Wolf McTavish's work at:

Blogger |  YouTube |  Wattpad | Meduim | Facebook | Twitter 

Title: CWD Member Interview – Susan J Bruce

Each Thursday we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.
Today's interview: Susan J Bruce (aka Sue Jeffrey)

Susan J Bruce with her greatest supporter - her husband Marc.

Question 1: Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from. 

I'll start with where I come from. I was born in Scotland but emigrated with my family to Australia a long, long, time ago. We arrived in Brisbane but spent some years moving up and down the Queensland coast with my dad's work, before settling in Brisbane. 

As a kid I had three loves: books, art and animals. Mum and I used to tempt stray kittens with food then catch, tame and re-home them. I was chuffed to complete my first solo kitten-catch when I was eight years old. Mum and Dad didn't believe me when I told them at six o'clock one morning that I'd caught a little silver-tabby tomcat. 'Go back to bed, dear,' was Mum's response. So I did. When I woke up again an hour later, Dad couldn't work out why there was a feral kitten in the kitchen. 

I didn't realise it at the time but I guess it was inevitable that I would study veterinary science. The thing most people don't know is that I nearly studied journalism. I often wonder what my life would have been like if I'd made that call? I think I would have enjoyed the challenge - and I might not have let my love of fiction slide like it did through my years of study and learning my science-based profession. 

But veterinary science suited me well. I moved to South Australia for my first job and discovered (after initial ultra-high levels of  stress) that I had a flair for the work. I enjoyed the interaction with the people and animals and later worked part-time in clinical roles even while I explored other fields such as church-based pastoral work and teaching part time at TAFE.  I think I'm one of those people who thrive on diversity 😁. 

The story of how I began writing is for another day but my love of words and a desire to learn the craft of storytelling led me to complete a Master of Arts in Creative Writing at Tabor in Adelaide and to complete a young adult (YA) novel as part of that process. It was a sometimes difficult, but always awesome, process and I have to give a shout out to the Tabor Humanities staff and all my fellow students. I learned so much and also that I have so much more to learn. When I finished that degree and needed some time to replenish my creative juices, my husband bought me a set of good acrylic paints. It took me more than six months to begin using them and to my surprise I discovered I could paint - you guessed it - animals 😃.

I'm still seeking publication for that YA novel (it won the unpublished manuscript section of the 2018 Caleb Prize) and have been involved in other projects along the way but a few months ago the veterinary clinic where I was working, closed. Some health issues have made it hard to find the right kind of work. That's not so great financially but my three great loves - books, art and animals remain - and now I can spend more time on all of them. 

Hey, I guess those are my three things. Funny how often we are closest to our true selves as children.

Question 2: Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc).  What do you write and why?

My desire is to write, mainly for the general market (both YA and adult), in a way that encourages and inspires the reader. I want to uplift people, bringing hope where there is no hope and laughter where there are tears. I can't do that on my own but I believe that God can, through me. As authors we have the privilege of going with readers into their most secret places. Places where the troubles of the world are pushed away and where adventures can teach us how to slay our own kinds of dragons. 

I have found it hard to define the genre of my writing but animals tend to photo-bomb my pages. My writing group once challenged me to write a story that didn't contain animals and when I read it to them they laughed because I'd failed miserably. That is probably why they asked me to be the editor for our group's short story anthology, If They Could Talk: Bible stories told by the animals (Morning Star Publishing) which was an awesome project to work on.

If They Could Talk: Bible stories told by the animals

I've tended to be a genre butterfly (you can read about that here) and enjoy writing all kinds of stories but in the last couple of months I've realised that most of my ideas for longer works involve mystery and suspense. I love beautiful prose but a good story is also important to me, preferably stories of overcoming, suspense and intrigue. My WIP is a time slip romantic thriller and I have an idea for an amateur-sleuth mystery which I think will be a lot of fun to write - so stay tuned.

Question 3: Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it?

If They Could Talk is marketed to Christians who want to see God's word from a fresh perspective. But as I've said above, I really want to write for the general/mainstream market. Maybe it's that genre-butterfly tendency but I'd like to reach both adult and young adult readers who like suspense and mystery, flavoured with romance and hope. 

Question 4: Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

Procrastination is my nemesis. I also have a chronic illness that makes me sore and fatigued most days so I'm not as productive as I'd like to be. I'm working on ways to combat this, like establishing a better routine and really appreciating the good things I have, like my awesome husband, who supports my crazy desire to be an author. It's easy to get depressed when life throws rotten onions your way but I'm learning the value of switching my thinking. Hey, I get to write and paint 😃. What an awesome privilege it is to be a co-creator with God.

Question 5: What is your favourite Writing Craft Book and why? 

There are so many - I can't think! As a newish writer Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird encouraged me and showed me how to persevere. More recently, Story Genius, by Lisa Cron helped me refine my ability to craft story. 

Story Genius by Lisa Cron

It's not a craft book but late last year I had the privilege of attending a Margie Lawson writing immersion on the Gold Coast. Margie is an international writing coach and her focus is on crafting awesome prose. If you can get to one of her immersions you will be inspired and empowered.

Question 6: If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

That would be my friend and mentor, Rosanne Hawke. When I was in Rosanne's classes at Tabor I'd get this glow-in-God feeling as if there was nowhere I'd rather be than in that place, at that time. Rosanne always went the extra mile for all of her students. In the years since graduation Rosanne has remained a good friend and has encouraged me repeatedly not to give up.

Question 7: What are your writing goals for 2019? How will you achieve them?

To begin with I'd like to find a home for my YA novel and get my website up and working. I'd like to finish my WIP, at least in second draft form, by the middle of the year and indie publish a short story collection. I also want to begin work on the amateur-sleuth mystery that's brewing but I have another YA novel that's been buzzing around in my back-brain so we'll see which one wins.

How will I achieve this? Bird. By. Bird.

Question 8: How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

One of my favourite quotes on this topic comes from philosopher Jacques Maritain. 'If you want to make a Christian work, then be a Christian and simply try and make a beautiful work, into which your heart will pass; do not try to "make Christian".' 

This is what I strive to do as I write to encourage, not just Christians, but ordinary people, made in God's image, who don't yet know him.

Reference: J Maritain, Art and Scholasticism - Chapter VIII. Downloaded from  https://maritain.nd.edu/jmc/etext/art8.htm on 02/01/19

Susan J. Bruce, aka Sue Jeffrey, spent her childhood reading, drawing, and collecting stray animals. Now she’s grown up she does the same kinds of things. Sue has worked for many years as a veterinarian, writes stories filled with themes of overcoming, adventure and belonging, and loves to paint animals. Sue won the ‘Short’ section of the inaugural Stories of Life writing competition and recently won the 'Unpublished Manuscript' section of the 2018 Caleb prize. Sue is the editor of 'If They Could Talk: Bible Stories Told By the Animals' (Morning Star Publishing)and her stories and poems have appeared in multiple anthologies. Her e-book,'Ruthless The Killer: A Short Story'is available on Amazon.com. You can check out Sue’s animal art on Facebook.