Sunday, July 25, 2010

OZARK WEDDINGS - Anita Higman & Janice Hanna Thompson - Free Book

I'm interviewing two of my friends to day. Welcome, Anita and Janice. Your Barbour Heartsong 3-in-1 collection is entitled, Ozark Weddings. Tell us a little bit about the three stories.

Anita: All three stories are set in Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock, and Hot Springs. Larkspur Dreams and Castles in the Air are romantic comedy, while the middle story, The Love Song, is more dramatic in tone.

Janice: Larkspur Dreams is a lighthearted, whimsical tale that will appeal to inspirational romance readers, particularly those with artistic leanings. The Love Song reaches into the depths of the reader’s soul, dealing with the topic of overcoming past hurts. Castles in the Air provides a humorous look at the way we are perceived by others, and teaches us that our prejudices (comical as they might be) often keep us from the very thing God has planned for us.

Anita, you and Janice co-authored the three stories in Ozark Weddings. How do writers go about co-authoring?

Anita: There are a number of ways to co-author a novel. One writer might do the research and the other writer may actually write the story. Or co-authors may each choose a character and write from that character’s POV. In the three novels, I guess you could say I wrote the body and wings of the stories, and Janice helped to make them fly. She has a gift for critiquing.

Janice: Working with Anita is a breeze because she conceives and fully plots the stories then lets me add my thoughts/tidbits to give them flavor. She is so quirky and fun to work with, and I am very proud of the stories we have co-produced.

Were there times when it was hard to work together?

Anita: Janice is not only talented, but easy to work with. There were a few times in one of the novels that I found myself writing in a way that strayed from the general concept of a Heartsong romance. Janice made some good suggestions, which steered me in the right direction.

Janice: I can honestly say that I’ve never worked with anyone who was so willing to accept critique and/or take suggestions as Anita. She is a precious friend and collaborative partner. I already knew she was talented (even before we began this project) but had no idea how gracious she would be. Since I’ve written for the Heartsong line for years, I was able to “teach her the ropes” (as it were) and she was a ready learner! That’s not to say she hasn’t taught me a thing or two. I’ve learned much from her throughout this process, particularly as it applies to romantic tension. She’s far better at that than I am, and I’m happy to admit it.

Why did you choose to be a writer?

Anita: Ever since I was a little girl, I had this need to express myself in some sort of artistic medium. I’ve tried a number of things: piano, painting, decorating, and acting. But I’ve never been very good at any these endeavors, except writing. I guess really then—writing chose me.

Janice: Like Anita, I’ve always been artistic. As a youngster, I sang, danced and played the piano. I was also very involved in theater as a young person. I’ve been writing since childhood. I wrote my first novella in 6th grade, then went on to write musical comedies for the stage before turning to books in the mid-90’s. Like Anita, I can truly say that I didn’t choose writing; it chose me. Or, perhaps I should say that God chose it for me, as a gift.

When did you have your first success as a writer?

Anita: After several years of writing, I had some gradual success—books for children, books of one-act plays, and nonfiction for women. These successes were enough to keep me going toward my ultimate goal, which was to write novels.

Janice: This may sound a bit silly, but my first real writing “success” happened my senior year in high school, when I was chosen to help write the senior production. I had a blast, and the scene I crafted (a 1930’s/Busby Berkeley-esque “The Show Must Go On” scene) was a huge success. I can’t tell you what fun I had, or how great it felt for people to respond as they did.
Do you have any special methods of getting into the writing zone, such as favorite scents, music, or certain foods?

Anita: In the past I used to go to a French café, order coffee and scrambled eggs, and then write a rough chapter. The noise, music, and bustle always energized me creatively. But now I’m more of a homebody, so I sit for long hours in my office, working on my stories.

Janice: An "ideal" writing situation for me would involve someplace like Starbucks (or otherwise) with a cup of my favorite hot beverage in my hand (to be discussed below). Ironically, when I'm at home, I can't stand having music going. I find it terribly distracting... something about the "beat" drives me nutty. Having the television on is okay, but it's often muted. Crazy, I know. I'm a fanatic about my Diet Dr. Pepper and several flavors of hot tea. I particularly love Earl Grey and Chai Latte, among others. And I'm nuts about hot chocolate in the wintertime. I'm also crazy about my puppies. I have two red mini-dachshunds named Sasha and Copper. They usually settle in next to me on the sofa, Sasha on my right, Copper on my left. When we're all in place (with a cup of tea or a Diet Dr. Pepper on the end table, depending on the season) I'm ready to begin. Of course, I usually have to weed through several emails (clearing a path) before I can actually start writing. Whew! Sounds like quite a process, doesn't it?! It's a wonder I get anything done at all!

What is your best advice for aspiring writers?

Anita: If you feel called to write, don’t let people discourage you. I’m sure they don’t realize the impact of their words, but negative remarks can undermine our courage and joy. Comments similar to: “Maybe you weren’t really meant to be published.” Or, “Are you making any money at this yet?” Perhaps you’ve heard, “Why can’t you write like my favorite author?” Honestly, I could go on and on here. Writing is a great and honorable profession—one that can challenge, inspire, and change people’s lives. If you love words and love arranging them into stories, then don’t let the battering influence of dispiriting comments shatter your dream. Keep pressing on!

Janice: I often say this to young/new writers: Learn the craft, but don’t necessarily write what the publishers/agents/houses tell you to write. Trends change. Stick with the stories God places on your heart and if He intends them to be published, He will find the right publishing house in the right time.

What are your writing plans for the future?

Anita: I’d love to just keep doing what I’m doing. But I think I’d also enjoy writing novels for the young adult market.

Janice: I’m open to whatever God wants (and I really mean that). If He shifts me in a new direction (women’s fiction, for example) I’m following His lead! If He asks me to lay the writing down for a season in order to accomplish a different task, I’m open to that, too.

We’d love for you to visit our websites at http://www.anitahigman.com/  and http://www.janiceathompson.com/ . If you’re interested in our Heartsong collection, Ozark Weddings, it can be purchased in bookstores or ordered online at http://www.amazon.com/ .

Thanks for inviting us to your blog!

It's always a pleasure to host each of you.

Readers, just a bit more information on Janice. She recently debuted an online fiction course. For more information, feel free to check out this link: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs082/1103439157887/archive/1103480517933.html

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

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28 comments:

Unknown said...

This book looks SO good! :) Please enter me! :)
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

MaureenT said...

Sounds interesting, and sounds like you had a lot of fun working together. Thanks for giving me a chance to win a copy of your book!
Maureen

Linda Kish said...

Sounds like some good stories. Count me in, please.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Sandy Jay said...

This sounds good. Please count me in. Thanks

forwhlz at gmail dot com

Jan Cline said...

Im always fascinated by a collaboration. And I like what was said about writing what is on your heart not what you are being told the trend is.
Enter me please!
Blessings to you both.
jancline at ymail dot com

Unknown said...

Lena, thanks so much for running our interview! I'm tickled pink that the book has released. I know the readers will enjoy these three stories. :)

Bakersdozen said...

I would love to read this. The stories sound interesting. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

Nancye said...

Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Patsy said...

Sound like a great book. Love the setting of the book in Arkansas. I live next door in Mississippi. Count me in on the giveway.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone!

Thanks for dropping by to leave a comment and for entering the contest. Have a great new week!

Blessings,
Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Anita Yancey said...

Sounds like a great book. I would love to read it. Please enter me.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Megan said...

Sounsd like a fantastic book! Thanks Lena!

rbooth43 said...

Janice,I'm a fanatic about Root Beer and several flavors of hot tea, including Chai Latte.Anita and Janice, Thanks for encouraging new writers. I am a reader who loves to read books from new writers. I also love books about mountains and weddings.

rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

misskallie2000 said...

Anita and Janice, I enjoyed your interview. I think it is great that authors can get together to write great books. Thanks for stopping by to chat.

Please count me in

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

holdenj said...

Thanks for the info and chance to win! It sounds like they enjoyed that joint process ok!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

apple blossom said...

Please include me in this giveaway. Thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

You're all so positive in your comments I wish I could give you each a free book!

Thanks again for stopping by and have a loverly week!

Blessings,
Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Molly said...

I love these interviews, Lena! And I am a HUGE fan of Anita's and Janice's so this giveaway is AWESOME! Please enter me!

Blessings,
Molly

Stacielynn said...

please enter me...thank you!
blessings,
stacie may

Coolestmommy said...

Sounds like a wonderful read.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

Bakersdozen said...

I love romantic comedy. Please enter me! vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

grannyvon said...

I am always amazed by books that have two authors. I guess God just puts like minds together. I would love to win this book, thanks for the chance. ybutler@oppcatv.com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I would love to read this book! dancealert at aol dot com

rubynreba said...

Sounds very interesting! Thanks!

wmmahaney said...

Sounds like a fun read.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net

Katie said...

Please enter me! It looks wonderful!
God bless!
~Katie G.

Benita said...

Please count me in. I'd love to read this book.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Cíntia Mara said...

I love collections and series, so I'm already interested in this.