Interview with Melody Carlson and a Giveaway!

Hey girls! I'm very excited to be featuring an interview with best selling author, Melody Carlson. And stay tuned for the end where there is a giveaway for several copies of books signed by her!

1.        What does your writing routine look like?  
My office is located in a separate building (next to my home) and I usually get in there around 9am. I start out by doing office work (email etc.) and get into “serious” writing in an hour or so. I always pick up right where I left off the previous day. Although I might skim over the last chapter if necessary. Mostly I try to get right into actual writing. I like to let the story flow and if I allow myself to get bogged down with editing my prior work, it tends to hurt the book. For me, editing is something that comes later—after the book is completed. I pretty much keep “banker’s hours” by not working evenings or weekends (unless I’m crunching on a deadline).  

2.       What do you do to keep from getting distracted during your writing time?
 
As I mentioned, my office is off by itself. I also have a separate phone line out here. So, really, other than the woodpecker who sometimes hammers above my window, or my dog (a sweet yellow lab named Audrey) needing to “go out,” I don’t get many distractions. This is a good thing because the more years I write, the more I realize I need a quiet environment to create in. But back when I first began writing, I could pretty much write anywhere. I remember a time when our house was being remodeled and the only place I could situate my desk was right next to the refrigerator (and I had two teen boys at the time who were constantly hungry). Yet I sat there, with the fridge door opening and closing again and again, and managed to write a whole book.
 
3.       What kind of work goes into getting a book ready to get published? What do you find to be the hardest part of that process?  
Because I’ve written so many books, for so many years, this publishing process comes much easier to me now. It’s like anything—the more you do it, the better you should get at it. Also, I worked in publishing for a few years, so I learned a lot of things that help me now. However I do remember how stressful the editing process used to feel to me, back when I was getting started. I’d cringe to see pages of editorial direction. Fortunately, that’s changed. Also, I’ve always had difficulty with the pre-marketing material. This is specific information that publishers need long before the book is written (so they can design covers and write copy to sell it). But since I don’t outline my books, it’s always hard to provide them with the information they want. Sometimes I write the book first then give it to them.
 
4.       You have come up with so many different and amazing story lines. How do you continue to generate such amazing stories?  

I think writing is a gift—and it took me a long time to be able to admit that out loud. But when you do something that you can’t really explain, it just comes easily and naturally to you, that’s often because you’re gifted in that area. That’s how writing and storytelling is to me. Also, I like to remind people that there is no limit on stories. If you consider the population of the world…and that each individual has his/her own story, you can understand how unlimited the tales would be.  

5.       What was your inspiration to begin writing the Diary of a Teenage Girl series?  
A number of things inspired me, but most of all, I felt there was a need for some “honestly” written teen books in the Christian market. However, teen books had never been very popular in this market, so the publisher was hesitant. Then when I told them I wanted to write a book that dealt with all kinds of current issues, including sex, drugs, death…I’m sure they were a little worried. But they took a risk and to everyone’s pleased surprise the book took off. Sixteen books later (in that series) and they remain popular among teen girls.
 
6.       After having read many of your books, I am curious, which character in your books do you think relates the most to you?  
I feel like there’s a bit of me in all of my characters. In the Diary books, I think I might be a split of Caitlin and Chloe—isn’t that a crazy combination! But I probably insert pieces of myself into all my main characters. It’s just an easier way to write and I think, in the end, it comes across as more authentic.  

7.       What message do you strive to have shine through all of your books? What does this message mean to you?  
Grace, for sure. My biggest goal in my writing is to convey God’s grace for everyone, and story is a great vehicle for it. Unfortunately, it’s so easy to judge others and yet it’s something Jesus preached against over and over. He knew how destructive and hurtful it could be. So if I could get one thing across, in my books, it would be that God forgives and loves everyone, so why shouldn’t we? 

8.       How does your faith impact your writing? How has being a Christian author presented struggles while going through the publishing process?  
My faith is just part of my stories. Sometimes it’s in light doses, sometimes not so light. But because faith is a huge part of my life, I can’t really create without including it. As far as publishing challenges, I sometimes forget that, despite being Christians, my publishers are also human and they can make decisions I don’t agree with, or even mistakes. Sometimes I need to just forgive them and move on. But that’s true with all parts of life.
 
9.       What tips and advice do you have for girls who want to get published?  
Start out small. Writing for your school paper, or blogging online, or whatever it takes to get your words into print is valuable. And, remember, that not everything you write (no matter how cool it might seem) needs to be published. Allow yourself to write things that no one ever sees. All writing time is good practice. To focus too much on getting published can come back and bite you. It’s better to work at becoming a good writer…the publishing will follow. Some other tips are to join or create a critique group, read books on writing, attend local writers’ conferences. Also, it’s important to read the kinds of books that you someday hope to publish.  

10.    Aside from writing, what are your favorite past times? How do you find the time to enjoy these past times with your busy writing schedule? We live in a beautiful place and I enjoy being outdoors. Whether it’s a short hike or bike ride or cross-country skiing in winter, there’s plenty to do here. I also like to travel and garden and redecorate and cook. And I just took up knitting!

The Giveaway

And now it's time for a giveaway. Two (2) lucky winners will receive a special set of books written and autographed by Melody Carlson.

Winner #1 receives:

-Premiere: On the Runway

-Cat Walk: On the Runway

-Rendezvous: On the Runway

-Spotlight: On the Runway

Winner #2 receives:

-Carter House Girls: Last Dance

-Never Been Kissed

-Anything but Normal

Here's how it works:

The giveaway is open from today, Tuesday July 12 until Wednesday July 20th. The winners will be announced on Thursday July 21st. The first winner chosen using Random.org will recieve the first set of books and the second winner chosen using Random.org will recieve the second set of books.

To enter all you have to do is comment below with your favorite Bible verse! Please only one entry per person.

Be sure that you have your parents permission to enter, because if you win I will need your address to send you your prize.

*Images in this post provided by Melody Carlson*