Spotlight interview with Ann Shorey

I am excited to introduce my first author interview of 2009 Ann Shorey. Ann has graciously offered a signed copy of her latest book The Edge of Light. I read this book very quickly and became totally engrossed in the story. It is a wonderful historical novel full of love and trials set in Missouri in 1838. If you would like to win a copy please leave a comment at the end of the post and be sure to answer the daily question.

Welcome Ann please tell me a little about yourself.

I live in a beautiful area of southwestern Oregon with my husband, Richard. We’re empty-nesters, but see our grown daughters frequently. I love to read, cook, work in my flower garden during the summers, and play with my dog. Since I signed my contract with Revell, there’s just not enough time in the day to do all those things and write, too. So now I have to pick and choose, although the dog doesn’t realize that spending time with her is optional, not a necessity.

Those little pooches are demanding aren't they.

Now is your turn to brag about your work. What is your novel about?

The Edge of Light is about a mother’s choices when her husband dies suddenly and she’s left with three children and another on the way. It’s 1838 and Molly McGarvie lives on the Missouri frontier. How will she keep her family together when her unscrupulous brother-in-law takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself?

Who is the most important influence in your life besides God?

My mother. She blessed me with a love of books and reading. She’s gone now, but in hindsight I can see that most of what I’ve become has been a result of her influence.

I just love this picture of you and your mother. Let’s pretend money is not a factor. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

I’d go back to Australia. My husband and I spent three weeks there in 1994, but we only scratched the surface. I’d like to see it all, and be able to stay as long as necessary. Australia is a fascinating country.

That sounds delightful. I have always loved to travel.

What book are you reading now? What books are found lying around your home?

Right now I’m reading In Search of Eden, by Linda Nichols. On the top of my TBR pile is Cathy Gohlke’s I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires. I recently finished Gohlke’s William Henry is a Fine Name and loved it. Can’t wait to read Watchfires. We have bookshelves in almost every room in our house, and stacks of books on the coffee table and on our nightstands. I read general market fiction, literary fiction, mysteries, you name it. The “My Bookshelf” page on my website, http://www.annshorey.com/ , will give you more details.

I have been wanting to read Watchfires too. I am always trying to learn new ways to be organized in the office. What is your favorite organizational tool?

Oh my word! I wish I had one. I’ve seriously thought about hiring someone to come in and organize my office for me. I do keep my research information filed alphabetically, so I can go back and check details. I create a three-ring binder for each of my books. Character portraits, chapter logs, and maps and floor plans pertaining to the story are filed under labeled tabs. Otherwise, I rely on strategically placed piles of notes with headers written in red across the top. Things are pretty messy.

I love the idea of the three ring binders. I currently use accordion files.

What would you like your readers to say about your writing?

I’d like readers to say that my writing puts them in the story—that they can see, hear, and feel what the characters are experiencing.

Well, after reading The Edge of Light, I can tell you I felt like a part of the story.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not slaving over the computer creating another wonderful novel?

I enjoy taking care of my husband and my home. Baking and cooking are fun activities, as is visiting with friends. And of course, curling up with a good book.

What is your favorite verse from the Bible?

Isaiah 41:13. “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” This verse has seen me through some hard times. I’ve even closed my eyes and held my right hand out, so God could take it in His.

Ann that is a wonderful verse. It is so wonderful to know He is always with us.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Don’t quit. It took me dozens of rejections before I received my first contract. Use all the feedback you get to improve your craft, but don’t get hung up on rewriting the same book forever. Start something new and use what you’ve learned. Most of all, remember the timing is in God’s hands, not yours.

If you would like to win a copy please leave your name and an email addy in disguise (writebyfaith[at]writingland[dot]com) and answer the daily question.

Daily question: If you could live during any other time period than the present what period would you want to live in? I would love to live during the Regency era. Of course I would want to be part of the Aristocracy and wear lovely gowns and go to balls. I have always loved that time period. I think it is my love of fairy tales that appeals to that era.

*2 extra entries -subscribe to Write by Faith through email (let me know if you already do)

*3 extra entries-post a link to this post on your own blog (leave the link in the comment sections

*2 extra entries be a follower of this blog

I will pick a winner January 16th. Contest open only Canadian and United States and no P.O boxes please.