Patricia “PacJac” Carroll is a fiction and non-fiction author, a wife, mother of a grown son, and an active member of her church. She enjoys all the comforts of city life while living in a country sitting on several acres of land on the outer fringe of the Fort Worth/Dallas area.
Patty, as her friends call her, is part of the critique group I belong to and I consider her a good friend. She has written two self-help how-to books for writers. Her books explain in simple language some very basic, but necessary, steps and concepts that will have you wondering “now why didn’t I think of that” and also some “Ah-ha” moments of enlightenment. She also writes historical and contemporary books and is presently working on an end-time novel that may shake you to your core in wondering if this could truly happen.
Welcome, Patty. I want to thank you for agreeing to do this interview. It’s a pleasure to introduce you to some of my readers who might not be familiar with you or your work.
Q: What sparked your interest in writing and when did you begin?
A: Actually what started my writing journey was a column in the Star Telegram. I got irritated at the man’s views and sent a letter to the editor, and they published it. That was many years ago. My journey has been a long winding road, but an enjoyable one.
Q: What would you say is the catalyst that drove home the fact there is more to writing than what you first imagined?
A: That would be the big white page on the monitor and the blinking cursor. And add to that my first steps into a critique group where I discovered my writing wasn’t perfect. J
Q: Patty, you and I belong to several writers’ and critique groups together. Why do you feel it is necessary to belong to these groups and why do you keep attending?
A: There is nothing like another pair of fresh eyes and perspective to help edit your writing. Add to that the fellowship, encouragement, and the networking and it can be an invaluable part of a writer’s life. That and then there’s the chocolate J
Q: Yes, I think in our critique group there is always plenty of chocolate to celebrate, console, or just share. You and I attended the American Christian Fictions Writers’ Conference 2008. And I know you have attended several other conferences in the past year. Why do you feel it is important to attend, and what is one thing you have learned from the ACFW conference and North Texas Christian Writers’ Conference you would like to share with us.
A: Networking. To be able to submit your work you need to either have an agent or attend a conference. They are great places to meet and connect with editors, agents, and other writers. And the teaching is great.
Q: You just recently wrote two non-fiction books. One: Things I Learned on the Way to the Last Page, and the other: Writing ~ It's Your business.
Would you give us a short rundown of both of your books and how they might help each of us in our quest for becoming better writers?
(To any of my readers that are not familiar with her books but might be interested in purchasing Patty’s books, they can be ordered in e-Book form only at her Web site: http://www.patriciapacjaccarroll.com/.)
A: Things I Learned on the Way to the Last Page: I attended many conferences, and realized there were concepts that weren’t being taught. I had a desire to help other beginning writers and wanted to tell them the things that I had learned over the years and wished I’d known when I started writing. I also wanted to make it simple. I have many books on writing, but most of them sit on the shelf. They are too complicated. I wanted simple. I include basic writing tips and examples that will tighten, lighten and intensify your writing. Included are basic tips on using your computer, formatting, and worksheets for characters and setting.
Writing ~ It’s Your Business: I know the Lord gave this book to me to help me. I am not the most organized person in the world. A definite piler instead of filer. So this book is to help organize time, projects, and expenses. I’ve included worksheets that can be used in Excel or if you like print them out. This is a must if you are serious about writing as a career.
Q: What is one piece of advice that you would offer to a potential newbie writer or maybe one that is struggling in their writing?
A: Just one? With trusting in the Lord being a given, I would say find a writing partner or group that you can become accountable with and that is also a critique group. We need each other. Writing is a lonely art. And those small words of encouragement and smiley faces can help keep you going.
Q: Patty, you have several completed books. Please give us the name of your books and a small blurb about each of them.
A: Down to Earth –A contemporary Romance
Will she choose the one who’s awakened her heart or settle for security? Only faith will tell.
Jenna Lairdon, a widow with two small children and a snippy mother-in-law, steps out of the fog of depression and realizes she needs a loan to save the family sheep ranch. She has an appointment with the banker, an old flame who’s still interested in her. But before she can go to meet the banker--Clay Carter falls out of the sky and lands in her oak tree.
The stranger ignites places in her heart she thought buried with her husband. Torn between the security the banker offers and the fire in her heart for Clay, Jenna tries to seek God, but her faith is as depleted as her bank account.
A storm throws Jenna and Clay together. But when her faith becomes shaky, she tells Clay to leave. When Clay’s wild friend drops by to take him to Los Angeles, Jenna is jealous. Jenna excepts a dinner date with the banker, but an unexpected phone call shortens dinner and the banker’s plans, and Clay is in for a crash landing.
Will she lose the family ranch and choose the wayward skydiver who’s awakened her heart or settle for the secure banker and lose a chance for love?
Only faith will tell.
Golden Dreams – historical fiction set in 1865 on a wagon train to California
Beaten and scarred, Katy dreams of going West. Tired of an aimless life, Rev is headed East. Until their paths collide, and together they flee a killer and journey to the land where hope never dies.
Q: You have just started a new book on the end-time. Since this is different then your normal type of writing (if normal can even be used when it comes to writers and their writing), how did you come up with the idea, and what do you look to accomplish with this book. Will it solely be entertaining or will it be prophetic in nature?
A: This book started itself, beginning with a writing spree at Barnes & Noble into what I termed a ‘weird story’. As it progresses, I believe it will be prophetic and entertaining. I find it both exciting and intimidating. I know that this book will need to be bathed in much prayer. And the way our world is going—I think I better hurry up and finish it.
Q: How do you approach a writing project? Are you a “seat-of-the-pants” writer, or are you a plotter? And explain how your particular approach works for you.
A: I am a seat-of-the-pants for sure, but I did learn that there are things I can do to help my impulsiveness. When you get an idea for a story, I suggest that you write a synopsis right then and there. The story will still change some, but at least you have a rough roadmap to help carry the story through and finish it. I also am a believer in getting to know your characters. Interview them, make a chart, whatever it takes to get into their skin.
Q: This is one of my favorite questions I love to ask each interviewee, and I’m amazed at all the different answers I receive. Would you give us one scripture verse that holds a particular spiritual insight or promise to you? And tell us why.
A: Mine is Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
While going through a particularly bratty time in my spiritual walk, I saw that the kids in the confirmation class at the church I attended were being given a verse as the Pastor confirmed them. In a mood, I thought to myself how I didn’t get one of those. The Lord ever patient and good asked if I wanted one. I said yes. And He gave me Psalm 37:4. I didn’t know what it was until I looked it up. Wow! And I would have to say that has been the story of my life. Thank you, Lord!
Thank you Patty for a wonderful interview and some very good advice.
If any of you would like to purchase either or both of Patty’s eBooks on writing, contact her at http://www.patriciapacjaccarroll.com/. Some of the simplest things Patty has addressed in her eBooks are things that have plagued experienced and inexperienced writers alike. She explains the concepts in a simple and down-to-earth manner. The e-Books are also great for a quick handy reference.
Until next time—may your words and direction be the path He would choose for you and may you walk boldly in and possess it to bless others.
“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7NIV
Blessings,
Janice Olson
Home to JaniceOlson.Com
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Marcia Gruver Interview
Marcia Gruver, the author of Diamond Due, is a full time writer who hails from Southeast Texas. Inordinately enamored by the past, Marcia delights in writing historical fiction. Her deep south-central roots lend a Southern-comfortable style and a touch of humor to her writing. Recently awarded a three-book contract by Barbour Publishing, she’s busy these days pounding on the keyboard and watching the deadline clock.
Marcia’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW); the Christian Authors Network (CAN!); Faith, Hope, & Love (FHL)-the Inspirational Outreach Chapter of the Romance Writers of America; Fellowship of Christian Writers (FCW); The Writers View; and a longstanding member of ACFW Crit3, her brilliant and insightful critique group.
Lifelong Texans, Marcia and her husband, Lee, have one daughter and four sons. Collectively, this motley crew has graced them with ten grandchildren and one great-granddaugh ter—so far.
Welcome Marcia.
Being a Texan myself, I was quite interested in your historial book Diamond Duo. You couldn't have picked a prettier setting or a better part of Texas that is more filled with riverboat history than Jefferson, Texas. The Big Cypress Bayou with it's lovely cypress trees filled with hanging moss is the stuff of poets. But enough of that, you're here to answer some questions, so let's get to it.
Please tell us about your first contract and how it came about.
Each year, at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, Barbour Publishing awards first contracts to lucky recipients. In 2007, they thrilled me out of my skin by awarding me the first three-book contact ever awarded at the ACFW conference. I’m trying very hard to live up to the confidence Barbour has placed in me.
Has being a published novelist differed from your expectations?
Yes. I’ve discovered that when you do it right, it’s actually work.
Do you plot your novels out or are you a so-called seat-of-the-pants writer?
I used to fly by my seat from start to finish. My first experience with working a plan came after discovering Randy Ingermanson’s snowflake method for plotting a novel. After working through Karen S. Wiesner’s First Draft in 30 Days, I’m a born-again plotter. These days, I don’t think I’d do it any other way. I sort of like knowing where I’m going when I sit down to write.
Describe the place you write in most often.
Awhile back, my hubby spent far too much on a desktop computer for me. We set it up on a big desk in my office and attached all the geeky peripherals we could find. Um…I use it to play PC games. For some reason, I prefer to curl up in the corner of the sofa squinting at my laptop.
Has being a writer brought you closer to God and if so, how?
Not really closer. More in tune, maybe? I just know there’s no step in the writing/marketing process that I could pull off without His guiding hand. That teaches you to report on a regular basis for your marching orders.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
The first draft. Once you’ve developed characters, tweaked the plot, and come up with a satisfying ending, that’s when the fun starts. You can let your fingers fly while you flesh out the story. At this stage is when the surprises come. One of your characters gets a mind of their own and takes off in a direction you didn’t have the vision or the foresight to predict. Or your heroine gets sassy and insists on having her way on some minor detail that winds up the most important scene in the book. I love this part. The first draft is when the magic happens.
How have your life experiences helped you as a writer?
I believe all of life’s experiences are fertile fodder for fiction. Try saying that three times really fast.
I’ve traveled some bumpy roads in my time. I was a hippie in the 60’s, a yippie in the 70’s, a groupie in the 80’s, and a yuppie in the 90’s. Who else but a bona fide baby boomer can say that? At the dawn of this new century, I’m just a droopy—with a passel of kids and grandkids. I long to impart to them the nuggets of wisdom old granny picked up along the way, but since none of them will listen, I’m wrapping fictional stories around the lessons I’ve learned and slipping them to the rascals. Like hiding spinach in applesauce. Not to compare God’s grace to a slimy green vegetable, but the truth is both of them are good for you.
Thank you, Marcia, for a great interview.
If you would like to purchase Diamond Duo, click here: Diamond Duo
For all of you interested in learning more about Marcia Gruver, please visit her Web site: http://www.marciagruver.com/ and also check out her blog "The Yielded Quill" at http://www.yieldedquill.blogspot.com/.
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