Mini-Interviews: Three Authors, Same Three Questions

Greetings! Allow me to introduce Sarah McNeal, Maeve Greyson, and Shirley Kiger Connolly.



SARAH MCNEAL



Sarah has retired from Emergency Room nursing and now concentrates on "this thing that brings me such joy—storytelling." With her four-legged companions by her side, she is now able to devote more time to developing new stories, creating interesting characters, and communing with other authors who have a passion for the pen.





MAEVE GREYSON


Maeve writes paranormal romance filled with magic and love, mysteries of time-travel and legends, all with a Celtic flair. She's certain she was in Scotland and Ireland in a past life. Her writing partner is her sweet little dog Jasper. Her husband provides loving support in their secluded hide-away.




SHIRLEY KIGER CONNOLLY



Shirley writes historical fiction romances nonfiction devotional books. She is an active mom and grandma who loves cross-stitching and watching old movies with her husband. As a part-time farmwoman, she cares for her chickens, dogs, and cats.

Let's see how the three authors answered my questions:

1. How have your published novels benefitted you personally?
SARAH: I worked for years honing my craft as a writer, taking classes and getting rejections at rocket speed. When I received my first contract, it validated me. I became an author. I became published. Every new contract since then has given me the validation to press on, work harder and become better with each new published story.
MAEVE: Seeing my novels actually published gave me the affirmation I needed to keep writing. Often times, getting that first story sold is much like scaling the crumbling side of a sheer cliff. When you hold that publishing contract in your hands it’s like finally dragging yourself up to that safe ledge and plopping down to take a breath. Whew! I made it. I actually made it. I’m a REAL writer.
SHIRLEY: Just by the blessing God gives me for a job well done, and also that something I have written can hopefully minister or become a blessing to whoever reads it.


2. What do you do when you lose confidence in your ability to write a note-worthy novel?
SARAH: Writing is a job that requires that we work alone and, in our isolation, we tend to compare ourselves to others. The best cure for loss of self-confidence is a new contract. Talking about it to trusted colleagues and receiving validation from authors we respect helps to renew our belief in ourselves and our work. Give each story your whole heart.
MAEVE: I give myself a good hard shake and say, “Where was your writing career a year ago? Look what you’ve overcome so far. Snap out of it and get busy.” No wait. That’s what my husband tells me when I moan that I’ve lost the gift of words. I’m the luckiest writer in the world. My family supports me 200%.
SHIRLEY: I pray. I go for walks, spend time with my animals, or in my greenhouse, or read something by someone else.

3. What is the oddest thing on your desk, something that doesn't belong with your writing materials?
SARAH: A Jack-In-The-Box Pez dispenser and my Marine Band harmonica. They both cheer me up.
MAEVE: A pair of ear plugs. I need complete silence when I purge my dreams from inside my head and pour them into the keyboard. If I’m not home alone, I shove ear plugs in my ears so the rest of the family can go on about their business and I can disappear into my worlds.
SHIRLEY: I don't use a desk. My husband built me a laptop caddy so I can sit in my comfortable chair or wherever I feel like sitting. As I look at the table on my left right now, I see my camera, my checkbook, my coffee cup and some BILLS! LOL
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SARAH MCNEAL

Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride

http://www.amazon.com/Harmonica-Reluctant-Bride-Sarah-McNeal/dp/1461087732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306441512&sr=1-1 

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MAEVE GREYSON

Beyond a Highland Whisper

http://thewildrosepress.com/index.phpmain_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&zenid=33e8d945e64199dda8e2dea3ee832fdd&keyword=maeve+greyson&x=0&y=0

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COMING SOON

SHIRLEY KIGER CONNOLLY

Say Goodbye to Yesterday

(coming August 2011 through Desert Breeze Publishing)

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok  

THANK YOU FOR VISITING-
CELIA YEARY