Author interviews have become one of my favorite posts. While there are similarities to the publication journey, there are always unique perspectives and experiences that come from each author.
I hope you glean information and strategies that will aid you in your journey.
Today’s interview is with Vickie Phelps. Her book, Postmark from the Past, released in Nov. 2015 by CrossRiver Media Group. Vickie writes fiction and nonfiction to encourage, inspire, and influence. She has published 200 articles in both regional and national magazines. Vickie is the author of five gift books with Barbour Publishing and co-author with Jo Huddleston of How to Write for the Christian Marketplace and Simply Christmas. She is also the author of a devotional book, Psalms for the Common Man.
You can connect with Vicki at vickiephelps.com
Why did you write Postmark from the Past?
I am a believer in miracles and I love the Christmas season. I wanted to combine the two ideas into a story that would share the spirit of Christmas with readers and let them see a character experiencing a miracle.
Did you work with a critique group or an editor to fine-tune your manuscript prior to submitting to publishers?
I had a critique group that met in my home on a weekly basis for several years. I can’t tell you how important that has been to my writing. I learned so much from the other writers. We prayed before every session and we were very open and honest with each other about our work. If honest evaluation doesn’t happen in a critique group, the members won’t benefit from the time spent together. Just hearing someone say, “oh, what a lovely story” does nothing to help the writer improve.
If you’re giving a critique, you need to make suggestions that will improve the story and you need to really care about seeing that author progress. If you’re on the receiving end of the critique, you need to develop a tough hide and not take suggestions and remarks personally. Our group not only read and made story suggestions, we also edited for punctuation, spelling—anything grammar related.
How do you keep yourself motivated to write?
I believe writing is a calling for me, not just a hobby or a career, so I’m responsible for the call to write. Sometimes I may not be as motivated as I need to be, but I need to remember who I’m writing for and why. I need to remain faithful to the call. I find that spending time reading my Bible and having prayer before I start writing gets me in the right frame of mind to write.
Many writers dislike marketing, but we know marketing is a major part of what authors do these days. How do you feel about marketing?
I don’t enjoy marketing. I don’t like the limelight. I just like to write books and stories for people to enjoy. I have to remind myself that those people won’t know about the stories I’ve written if I don’t do something to get the word out.
I worked in book sales for an independent bookstore for 18 years. A lot of good books never get heard of or read because authors don’t take the time to spread the word that they’ve written a book.
So I encourage myself to spread the word to others so my books will be read. I try to do something every day that will let readers know about my work. It may be a group email, social media, mailing postcards, or donating a book to an organization—anything that will let people know what’s available from me.
What did you know going into the publishing process that helped you the most?
- When I first began writing, I had a writing mentor who was a professional writer and editor. One of the things she told me early in my writing career was that the mark of a professional was someone who would accept constructive criticism. I try to keep an open mind to those who share their opinions with me. I may not always like their suggestions, but it’s important to hear what they have to say and examine my work to see if their suggestions will improve the manuscript.
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Publishers aren’t going to do extensive promotion. That’s your job.
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Choose your battles. Don’t fuss and argue over every little thing.
Vicki, thanks so much for being here today and sharing your wisdom. With your extensive list of publications, it’s obvious you’re doing things right. Where can we buy Postmark from the Past?
You can buy directly from my publisher, crossrivermedia.com, or at Amazon
If you have a question for Vicki, use the comment box below.
ABOUT POSTMARK FROM THE PAST
In November 1989, Emily Patterson is enjoying a quiet life in West Texas. She lives in the same house she grew up in, has a great job, and good friends. But emptiness nips at her heart. Then a red envelope appears in her mailbox. It’s a letter from Mark, who declares his love for her, and promises to come to her if he makes it home alive. But who is Mark? She flips the envelope over, but there is no return address and it is postmarked 1968. Over the next few days more letters mysteriously appear in her mailbox and odd things start happening. Is someone playing a cruel joke? Her friends say it is the season for miracles. As Emily seeks to solve the mystery, can she risk her heart to find a miracle in the Postmark from the Past?
Enjoyed your books very much. Am using ” Pslams for the Common Man ” as part of a daily devotional.
“Postmark from the Past” was a delight to read. I am so careful on what is read, and was thankful for a book you could not put down. Will we have more! Hope so! Good interview. Very insightful.
Patsy, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed Postmark and the interview.
Good to hear this encouraging word about critiques and marketing from Vickie. I loved Postmarks from the Past.
Critique groups are wonderful places to learn the craft. It was in a critique group that I began to recognize the weaknesses in my own writing because the more experienced writers pointed out errors and gave them a name–e.g. that’s passive voice, or your dialog is weak. It’s also important to have specific guidelines about how the group is going to work, otherwise the strong personalities in the group can kill it, and I’m speaking from experience on that one.
Debra, you’re so right about the need for guidelines in a critique group. Every member of the group deserves equal time and consideration. Without guidelines, this doesn’t always happen. Whenever someone new joined our group they received a copy of our guidelines and mission so there would be no question how we functioned as a group.
I never thought about the group having a mission, but I can see the need. How did you develop one?
Kathy, thanks for sharing your comments about the interview and Postmark from the Past. Glad you enjoyed the book.