Author Ruth Axtell Morren - Free Book

Today we're talking with Ruth Axtell Morren. She writes wonderful books.

Welcome, Ruth. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

There is always a certain amount. I like what Georgette Heyer replied to someone who asked her why she never gave interviews: anything of importance was found in her books.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I have done some crazy things in my youth, some stupid things, some ‘out of my comfort zone’ things (since becoming a Christian) but I can’t really think of a quirky thing right now.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I first discovered I wanted to write—and wrote a brief spy novel, complete with illustrations—somewhere around the age of 12, but as far as seeing myself as a writer, that came much later, sometime in my thirties, after a few manuscripts and several rejections, when I knew I would always be a writer, whether or not I ever became published, whether or not it would simply mean I wrote in a journal. I was a writer. As Joyce Meyer likes to say, “It’s about your who, not your do.”

I love to listen to Joyce Meyer, too. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

My favorite stories are historical romances, but I will read any type of fiction if it’s been recommended. I recently read The Kite Runner and was blown away by it. Apart from the fine writing, as a Christian, it was fascinating to read about a Muslim culture. I love novels set in countries I know little to nothing about. In that vein, I just recently finished Vanessa Del Fabbro’s The Road to Home, set in post-apartheid South Africa, also a first novel. Another incredible book. I will read the occasional fantasy and am a fan of Karen Hancock.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have written 12 manuscripts, five of which have been/are being published, three are scheduled for publication, and three and a novella remain unpublished.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

It becomes a little more difficult with each new deadline. It’s a crazy business, and I now understand why pubbed writers tell aspiring authors, it isn’t over when you get that first contract.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I always read the credits after watching a film or DVD J. With most of my books set in England, I look for traditionally British sounding names. Some names have come off old cemeteries (Geneva in Wild Rose, for ex.). I used to read a genealogy column in a weekly paper when I lived in Maine, for typical names of that area for my Maine-set stories. And nowadays, more and more, I just Google.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Whenever I submit my will to the Lord’s will, even when it’s in tiny things throughout the day. And I can’t really be proud of those things, because it’s only by His grace that I can do them.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

You are asking a writer whose every spark of creativity gets used up in her manuscripts to be creative in this interview! Hmm. It would be some type of animal that observes a lot.

What is your favorite food?

I love all kinds of foods. We have a very ethnic household, Hispanic & Wasp on my side, Suriname & Dutch on my husband’s. We’ve both traveled a lot and are rarely afraid of trying something new. At this point in time, my biggest priority is probably healthy food. I’m a big lover of veggies, preferably homegrown.

We had a Dutch exchange student when my daughters were in high school. He was a real joy in our lives. Now shifting gears, what is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Coming up with plots. I always thought I was better at coming up with characters and thinking up dialogue. I think it all came together just by learning the nuts and bolts of the craft of storytelling.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Make sure you have a good paying job, which you like, on the side . Or a significant other, whose salary is comfortable enough to cover most of the household expenses. Seriously, it will take the pressure off trying to make a living at this business. You can take your time to be as creative as you like. Once you sell, you can take your time between deadlines to craft that perfect book.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

The Healing Season is a story close to my heart. Some might see it as a “Mary Magdalene” type story, which it can be, although I didn’t have her in mind when I wrote it. I see in it more an equivalent to today’s modern woman who may have given herself over to one too many men for a variety of different reasons, but who doesn’t realize how she’s selling herself short. Fulfillment and good self-image are not found in sex, not even in romance, only in Jesus Christ.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Through my website: http://www.ruthaxtellmorren.com

Thank you, Ruth, for spending this time with us. We look forward to seeing many more books from you.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy. Three people won books yesterday. Someone wins, it might as well be you!