Blog Hop!

 

Last week my writer friend Peggy Archer invited me to participate in a blog hop interview. She sent me some interview questions to answer (see below). Then I'm supposed to tag three other writers to answer questions, too. Check out Peggy's answers to the questions on her blog, posted  July 2. Feel free to leave her a comment, and tell her I sent you!

Here are my answers:

What are you working on right now?

I'm finishing up Tackling Tough Topics with Faith and Fiction, a unique resource book for adults who work with young teens. The book is designed to help teachers and parents introduce sensitive topics and guide kids in using their faith when facing tough challenges. (The topics really are tough to talk about: pornography, modesty, substance abuse, cyberbullying, materialism, dishonesty, etc.) Each chapter includes a relatable story about the topic as well as helpful material like background information, a suggested activity, discussion questions, and scripture references. Pauline Books and Media will be releasing the book next spring. 

Why do you write what you do?

I was a teacher for many years, and I look at writing for kids as another way to teach. I particularly like writing fiction because it doesn't just tell young readers what they should do. Stories draw kids in and show them how to apply values to "real life."

How does your writing process work?

Very slowly! I decide where I'm going – what the main character's journey is – but it takes me a good while and a lot of rewriting to figure out how he/she is getting there.

What is the hardest part about writing?

Rewriting and rewriting and rewriting on and on and on until the story is the best I can make it. (See above.) If I'm not sick of a story, then I haven't worked on it enough! It's tough, but when a story is finished…aah! What a great feeling!
Thanks for the tag, Peggy! Check out Peggy's answers on her blog.
Now I'm tagging the following three children's authors. Be sure to check out their blog posts on these dates:
Posting on Monday, July 15: Virginia Wright
Posting on Wednesday, July 17: Donna Shepherd
Posting on Friday, July 19: Sherry Ellis