Friday, July 9, 2010

Janice Thompson and Anita Higman ~ Interview + Giveaway!

*I'm back with a new giveaway! Thanks for being patient, everyone!*

Your Barbour Heartsong 3-in-1 collection is entitled, Ozark Weddings. Tell us a little bit about the three stories.
Anita: All three stories are set in Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock, and Hot Springs. Larkspur Dreams and Castles in the Air are romantic comedy, while the middle story, The Love Song, is more dramatic in tone.

Janice: Larkspur Dreams is a lighthearted, whimsical tale that will appeal to inspirational romance readers, particularly those with artistic leanings. The Love Song reaches into the depths of the reader’s soul, dealing with the topic of overcoming past hurts. Castles in the Air provides a humorous look at the way we are perceived by others, and teaches us that our prejudices (comical as they might be) often keep us from the very thing God has planned for us.

Anita, you and Janice co-authored the three stories in Ozark Weddings. How do writers go about co-authoring?
Anita: There are a number of ways to co-author a novel. One writer might do the research and the other writer may actually write the story. Or co-authors may each choose a character and write from that character’s POV. In the three novels, I guess you could say I wrote the body and wings of the stories, and Janice helped to make them fly. She has a gift for critiquing.

Janice: Working with Anita is a breeze because she conceives and fully plots the stories then lets me add my thoughts/tidbits to give them flavor. She is so quirky and fun to work with, and I am very proud of the stories we have co-produced.

Were there times when it was hard to work together?
Anita: Janice is not only talented, but easy to work with. There were a few times in one of the novels that I found myself writing in a way that strayed from the general concept of a Heartsong romance. Janice made some good suggestions, which steered me in the right direction.

Janice: I can honestly say that I’ve never worked with anyone who was so willing to accept critique and/or take suggestions as Anita. She is a precious friend and collaborative partner. I already knew she was talented (even before we began this project) but had no idea how gracious she would be. Since I’ve written for the Heartsong line for years, I was able to “teach her the ropes” (as it were) and she was a ready learner! That’s not to say she hasn’t taught me a thing or two. I’ve learned much from her throughout this process, particularly as it applies to romantic tension. She’s far better at that than I am, and I’m happy to admit it.

Why did you choose to be a writer?
Anita: Ever since I was a little girl, I had this need to express myself in some sort of artistic medium. I’ve tried a number of things: piano, painting, decorating, and acting. But I’ve never been very good at any these endeavors, except writing. I guess really then—writing chose me.

Janice: Like Anita, I’ve always been artistic. As a youngster, I sang, danced and played the piano. I was also very involved in theater as a young person. I’ve been writing since childhood. I wrote my first novella in 6th grade, then went on to write musical comedies for the stage before turning to books in the mid-90’s. Like Anita, I can truly say that I didn’t choose writing; it chose me. Or, perhaps I should say that God chose it for me, as a gift.

When did you have your first success as a writer?
Anita: After several years of writing, I had some gradual success—books for children, books of one-act plays, and nonfiction for women. These successes were enough to keep me going toward my ultimate goal, which was to write novels.

Janice: This may sound a bit silly, but my first real writing “success” happened my senior year in high school, when I was chosen to help write the senior production. I had a blast, and the scene I crafted (a 1930’s/Busby Berkeley-esque “The Show Must Go On” scene) was a huge success. I can’t tell you what fun I had, or how great it felt for people to respond as they did.

Do you have any special methods of getting into the writing zone, such as favorite scents, music, or certain foods?
Anita: In the past I used to go to a French cafĂ©, order coffee and scrambled eggs, and then write a rough chapter. The noise, music, and bustle always energized me creatively. But now I’m more of a homebody, so I sit for long hours in my office, working on my stories.

Janice: An "ideal" writing situation for me would involve someplace like Starbucks (or otherwise) with a cup of my favorite hot beverage in my hand (to be discussed below). Ironically, when I'm at home, I can't stand having music going. I find it terribly distracting... something about the "beat" drives me nutty. Having the television on is okay, but it's often muted. Crazy, I know. I'm a fanatic about my Diet Dr. Pepper and several flavors of hot tea. I particularly love Earl Grey and Chai Latte, among others. And I'm nuts about hot chocolate in the wintertime. I'm also crazy about my puppies. I have two red mini-dachshunds named Sasha and Copper. They usually settle in next to me on the sofa, Sasha on my right, Copper on my left. When we're all in place (with a cup of tea or a Diet Dr. Pepper on the end table, depending on the season) I'm ready to begin. Of course, I usually have to weed through several emails (clearing a path) before I can actually start writing. Whew! Sounds like quite a process, doesn't it?! It's a wonder I get anything done at all!

What is your best advice for aspiring writers?
Anita: If you feel called to write, don’t let people discourage you. I’m sure they don’t realize the impact of their words, but negative remarks can undermine our courage and joy. Comments similar to: “Maybe you weren’t really meant to be published.” Or, “Are you making any money at this yet?” Perhaps you’ve heard, “Why can’t you write like my favorite author?” Honestly, I could go on and on here. Writing is a great and honorable profession—one that can challenge, inspire, and change people’s lives. If you love words and love arranging them into stories, then don’t let the battering influence of dispiriting comments shatter your dream. Keep pressing on!

Janice: I often say this to young/new writers: Learn the craft, but don’t necessarily write what the publishers/agents/houses tell you to write. Trends change. Stick with the stories God places on your heart and if He intends them to be published, He will find the right publishing house in the right time.

What are your writing plans for the future?
Anita: I’d love to just keep doing what I’m doing. But I think I’d also enjoy writing novels for the young adult market.

Janice: I’m open to whatever God wants (and I really mean that). If He shifts me in a new direction (women’s fiction, for example) I’m following His lead! If He asks me to lay the writing down for a season in order to accomplish a different task, I’m open to that, too.

We’d love for you to visit our websites at www.anitahigman.com and www.janiceathompson.com. If you’re interested in our Heartsong collection, Ozark Weddings, it can be purchased in bookstores or ordered online at http://www.amazon.com/.

Thanks for inviting us to your blog!

~~~~~
*USA residents only, pelase*

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory, as is the email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND leave an email address.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

+2 Read and leave a comment on one of my recent book reviews.
**You can earn a total of 4 entries if you do all of the above entry options. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (July 9) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (July 15). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 16th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

24 comments:

Bluerose said...

i would love to be entered! :)
I'm a follower, and I posted a comment at your reviews of To Darkness Fled, It Had To Be You, and The Anonymous Bride.
bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

What a delight to win these books. A friendly collaboration brings about friendly reading. I'm a follower have left comments and I'm leaving my gratitude for being given the chance to win.

Blessed Be in Christ,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10@tx.rr.com

Virginia said...

am a follower.....I love the way Janice describes her co-writer as absurb...too funny....and I love the way she tells writers to write if they are called to that task. love her books. love your reviews. and loved 1. Hearts Awakening 2. A love of Her Own 3. It had to be You yes I want chances to WIN.....
vrush729(at)aol (dot)com

apple blossom said...

Oh, I'd love to be entered thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

**For a limited time you can earn even MORE entries! You will get two extra entries for EACH time you read and comment on any or all of the following reviews:
+2 The Bridegrooms
+2 It Had to be You
+2 The Anonymous Bride
+2 Hearts Awakening
+2 To Darkness Fled
+2 A Love of Her Own
+2 Seeds of Summer

Steve Capell said...

I found your review to be intriguing and one that I would take pleasure in reading.
Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway.

steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for running the interview, Carman! I'm tickled that you did!

Carman said...

Janice~ I'm always glad to help spread the word!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for having us on your blog. You've got a nice following of folks.

And thanks to each of you for entering the contest!

Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Carman said...

Anita~ Thanks for stopping by! :D

Linda Kish said...

These stories sound wonderful.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered into this. thank you
trishbazin@yahoo.com

Katie said...

Please enter me! I would love to read these books! They sound awesome! God bless!

~Katie G.

katiegalyean (@) yahoo (.) com

Katie said...

I am a follower.

Leah said...

This book looks really good!
i would like to be entered.
dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This book sounds intriguing, Please enter me carman sent me
scruggs3@ntct.com

Anonymous said...

please count me in...thanks :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

please count me in...thanks :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

email subscriber :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Katie said...

I commented on all the following:

+2 The Bridegrooms
+2 It Had to be You
+2 The Anonymous Bride
+2 Hearts Awakening
+2 To Darkness Fled
+2 A Love of Her Own
+2 Seeds of Summer


Thanks!

Edna said...

Please enter me into this great contest



mamat2730 at charter dot net

Edna said...

I left a comment on all of these

+2 The Bridegrooms
+2 It Had to be You
+2 The Anonymous Bride
+2 Hearts Awakening
+2 To Darkness Fled
+2 A Love of Her Own
+2 Seeds of Summer

mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

PeechieKeen said...

Please enter me!

kittenlover03@sbcglobal.net

Angie Vik said...

I've read other books by Janice Thompson and enjoy her writing. Please enter me in your drawing.

Angie Vik
angie_vik@yahoo.com

Jo said...

I have read a few of Janice's books and have really enjoyed them. Please enter me in the giveaway.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com