Contests Authors Book Reviews Photography Freelance Viewpoints
Editing Marketing Writing Prompts Photo Prompts Workshops Winners

Monday, October 26, 2009

Is it too early for Christmas?

Today is an exciting day here at Pix-N-Pens, for several reasons! My first post today will be the reason WHY we're celebrating, and the second post today will be HOW we're celebrating!


On October 13th, the book Christmas Miracles by Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson was released - and I (Tracy) am honored to have my story, "Miracle of the Nativity," included in the book!


As I was arranging promotion for the book on other blogs, I thought it was odd that I wasn't doing something similar here at Pix-N-Pens, so I asked our precious Debbie Roome to interview me for here, and for my Examiner.com page. And then I decided just an interview wouldn't do for Pix-N-Pens, so in the next post, I am announcing a really cool contest with CASH prizes!

But we'll also give away an autographed copy of Christmas Miracles - all you have to do is leave a relevant comment on any post during this entire week, and you'll be entered to win. You can leave up to ten comments (one per post, two posts per day if we have them) for a chance to win.

Christmas Miracles makes an AWESOME Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. You can buy them here online, and you can find them at Barnes & Noble, some Christian book stores, and some Wal-mart locations. (Some have asked, so I'll share a shamless plug - personally, it benefits me most if you purchase from any of the links in this post, or any of the amazon links on this blog or my Web sites.)


Now, here's Debbie's interview. Thanks, my friend.


1) What is your greatest desire in relation to your writing career?

Well, that seems to change over time. My greatest desire - for all aspects of my life - is to stay in God's will, wherever that takes me. Sometimes it seems like a rollercoaster ride, but looking back, I can see His hand guiding me through certain things to get where I am now. Isn't He awesome?


2) Tell us about a book that has had a profound impact on your life.

As a reader, you know I can't name just one! LOL! I was an avid reader from a young age, so I was reading adult books by the time I was 8 or 9 years old. During those years, although I can't pinpoint the exact times, my grandmother - Nanny - gave me three books for gifts. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, and God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. All three of those books had such an impact on me that I continue to re-read them every couple of years. Tim and I just finished reading together God's Smuggler - it was his first time - and I enjoyed it more than ever. And now we're reading The Hiding Place. Think of the impact that these three lives have had worldwide - it's mind-boggling, and so totally God! The authors encourage and inspire me to lead a life open to God's leading, and to have the courage to stand strong in the midst of difficulties, and to share my faith openly, as often as I can.

3) What is the craziest most reckless thing you have ever done?

You want me to admit this in a public forum?

4) What is the most fulfilling part of your day-to-day work with writing and writers?

As an editor, the most fulfilling part is hearing back from a client. The waiting between the time I hit 'send' to return their edited manuscripts until I see a reply in my Inbox is excrutiating. I don't know how he or she will respond to my edit - whether my suggestions will be accepted or not. Thankfully, only three or four times (out of over 100 clients) have I had negative responses. The positive responses have been tremendous. One client recently sent a note that said, "You've made my story better than I ever thought it could be, and made me a better writer." It's very satisfying to know something I truly enjoy can have such an impact.

I also love to hear about clients receiving contracts and winning contests!

As a writer, getting into my characters heads and putting flesh on them to the point that they become real to me - that's awesome!

5) What is the most embarrassing situation you have ever found yourself in?

Again, you want me to answer this in a public forum? I don't do embarrassment well. My face turns beet red at the slightest provocation, so airing my embarrassing situations in public would only set me up for future embarrassment!

Thanks for a great interview, Debbie!


Read another interview over at CWE.


Be sure to check out Virginia Smith's Web site this week - she's giving away a copy of Christmas Miracles, too!


And check the next post for a big contest announcement! You could win one of three CASH prizes or a HUGE box of books!


Tomorrow, we'll share a fun interview with the authors of Christmas Miracles - Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson.






post signature

2 comments:

Deborah M said...

It's never too early for Christmas. I love the Christmas season and it will be here before you know it. I actually got out one of my daughters stuffed doggies that barks Christmas songs. Just getting in the mood!
Please enter me in the contest.
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com

Hope said...

Please enter me in your drawing.
onepilgrim86(at)yahoo.com