Readers Ask Penny…

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

When I was seven years old, I decided I wanted to be a writer and loved to create books out of cardboard. I loved telling stories, even when I was quite little and would tell my sister and cousin stories. In fifth grade, I won in the Young Authors contest at our school and had my first poem published in a children’s magazine shortly thereafter. My parents bought me my first typewriter (ok, I’m dating myself!) when I was 10 years old. I would sit and type up stories on that electric gray typewriter for hours on end. In high school, I wrote “books” for friends (although this time with a computer).

Although through the years, I changed my mind several times, I always came back to wanting to be an author.

Where do you get the ideas for your books?

I give all the credit and glory for my ideas to the Lord. Sometimes I joke and say I need to live to be 106 to write about all the ideas He has given me!

Where do you get your ideas for the characters in your fiction books?

The characters in my fiction books are a potpourri of many different people. I love to people-watch, so this gives me a great resource for characters. For example, I will take the hairdo of the woman in the mall, the nose of the woman in the airport, the eyes of the woman in church three rows up, and maybe some personality traits of two or three people I know as acquaintances. I combine all of these attributes into one person to develop my characters.

Which is your favorite to write – fiction or nonfiction?

I love writing both fiction and nonfiction and feel blessed to write both. However, my very favorite is women’s fiction.

What is the favorite book you have written so far?

I would have to say the Montana Skies historical romance series is my favorite so far. I love the passion the characters possess and the strong themes, such as forgiveness, hope, and redemption found in each book.

What is something interesting about your writing that most people don’t know?

Unless asked to do otherwise, I will never write a story with a sad ending. Real life is difficult. Why would I want to write something that has a tragic ending? Not to say that difficulties don’t arise within the characters’ lives because they do, but my endings will always end on a happy note!

What is your favorite book to read?

The Bible.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I have many of them! Two of my most favorite fiction authors are Sharlene MacLaren and Loree Lough. I also enjoy Karen Kingsbury. For nonfiction, I would have to say Pastor David Jeremiah, Beth Moore, Stormie Omartian, and Jennifer Rothschild.

What are some of the magazines in which your work has appeared?

My articles have appeared in numerous publications including Woman’s World, Brio, MomSense (official MOPS magazine), Victory in Grace, ePregnancy (print version), Grit, Woman’s Touch, Vibrant Life, Village Family Magazine, Teenage Christian Magazine, Hopscotch, Idaho Magazine, On the Line, and many more. My work has also appeared in several anthologies.

What type of work did you do before you were a writer?

I have worked in the past in the state social services department, as a legal assistant, bank teller, retail clerk, aerobics instructor, bookkeeper, and administrative assistant. My favorite jobs of all are being a wife to my husband Lon and a mom to our two children.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends and hiking, camping, canoeing, volleyball, gardening, bike riding, and target practice.

How do you market your books?

I speak at churches, festivals, and organizational meetings. I also market my books through a lot of social media – Twitter, Facebook, Shoutlife, Linkedin, etc. I have appeared on TV shows, both national and regional (including the ABC Family Channel), and numerous radio programs (including Campus Crusade for Christ and Moody Broadcasting).

What ministries are closest to your heart?

That is a tough question! I have a servant’s heart and therefore have many ministries that are close to my heart. Pro-life organizations are one of the ones in the top spot, as well as programs for orphans and orphan adoption, Christian radio, and supporting our missionaries.

I also consider women, children and families to be my ministry. As such, choosing movies that are family-appropriate is very important to me. For a constantly-updated listing of family-friendly movies I have personally viewed and would recommend, please see my blog.

What advice do you have for new writers who wish to see their work published?

First, if you are serious about being a writer, pray that the Lord would guide and direct your paths. Give your writing completely to Him and ask that whatever you write glorify Him and further His Kingdom. If you are serious about writing Christian books and/or articles, take time to study the Bible. Join a couple of writing groups – perhaps one online and one in your town. Attend writer’s conferences and network with other writers and learn from those who have succeeded as authors. Join an organization that offers support and valuable insight to those who write in your genre. For example, I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Read as many quality books as you can about the art of writing. Carry around a notebook with you that you can write notes on for ideas – believe me, ideas don’t just come when you’re sitting there staring at your computer monitor! I have had fabulous ideas come to me while at the playground with my children, while attempting to go to sleep at night, and while on an airplane. Always be prepared! I offer even more tips on my blog.

When did you become a Christian?

I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior at a church camp when I was 16 years old. Later, at 26, I rededicated my life to the Lord.

What is your favorite verse in the Bible?

I have two: Psalm 19:14 and Psalm 91.