No questions???

[Amy Wallace]

Okay, you all. There has to be at least one question you'd love to ask. Right?

I've gotten to do a number of really fun interviews lately, so please feel free to ask away. I'd be happy to talk about any aspect of writing, Ransomed Dreams, or life in general.
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Amy Wallace
Wife to wonderful hubby David 12-31-94
Mom to three incredible blessings
Beloved child of the King
I Thessalonians 5:16-24

[~*LakenJade~*]

Hmm...I know there is a question I want to ask you somewhere in my brain. I will just have to come back and post it when I find it. I've already heard you answer many questions...that I can't think of one.
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~*Laken Jade Bailey~*

[graceful]

Hi there. Just stumbled across your site. Looks nice; I especially like the idea of "heart chocolate." Truly, we just need to taste and see that the Lord is good.

One question I have is about writing. I have struggled with reading "too much" My hubby says I'll read anything that isn't nailed down. In truth, I have a very hard time keeping it in perspective. I like to write [when I don't feel that I "have to."] Anyway, how did you feel that the Lord was calling you to write?

Also, how do you carve out the time to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, as the case may be

I have started on a romance novel, set in the late 1880's. I have about 20,000 words, but I guess I have stalled in the writing process.

As well, I have the ideas for 4 other novels in my head.

Sometimes the whole process seems a little stressfull.

Any comments you have would be appreciated.

Thanks, Linda

[Amy Wallace]

Linda,

Welcome to the Heart Chocolate site! So glad you found us! And many congratulations on starting a novel.

Thanks for asking some great questions. I'll start with carving out time.... this is a hard one because we live in such a busy world. Here's what works for us:

My best answer is that I schedule my days in such a way that we start out spending time with God, followed by schoolwork, and then I do my writing work. I do business related things at nap/quiet times or after my kiddos are in bed. The bulk of my writing is done on Saturdays when my hubby and kids clean the house and run errands. My family's support and practical help make it possible for me to write.

How did I know the Lord called me to write? An interesting series of things happened that made His call clear. First, my husband's belief in me and his nudging me to try my hand at writing. Next, came a dream that I couldn't shake and knew was from the Lord. After that, there were contacts only God could have brought my way and then an accident (I caught my toddler from a nasty fall off our porch, tearing a tendon in the process.) which provided the time I needed to write my first book.

All this time my family and I were praying, and beyond the circumstances there was a peace that this was our path. We jumped in with both feet and God has shown us how to order our days so that I can do what He's called me to do. This has not come without sacrifices. No dream does. But there's a strengthening peace that we are where God wants us to be.

One of the best things I did for my writing career was to join ACFW (www.acfw.com) ~ an AWESOME group for Christian fiction writers. I've made friends, found incredible critique partners, and learned so much from the email loop and wonderful conferences. I'd strongly encourage you to check the website out and pray about joining.

I agree with you that the process of writing is stressful! But I think of a butterfly or a baby bird emerging. That process of birth is difficult, much like creating a story. It helps me to remember that if we are obedient to the Lord's call on our life, whatever that is, He has promised to equip us for each task.

Keep dreaming big and seeking Him, Linda!

Amy
_________________
Amy Wallace
Wife to wonderful hubby David 12-31-94
Mom to three incredible blessings
Beloved child of the King
I Thessalonians 5:16-24

[graceful]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to reply to my myriad questions. I have also had some unusual dreams about writing. I take it that you are homeschooling?

Thanks, as well, for the encouragment.

I have visited the website for ACFW. I am not sure whether or not I would be eligible to join, as I am a Canadian. "Apple Annie" manages the "Dancing Word" website, and she actually invited me to join one of the online writers ink groups. [I did so]. Our church has a writer's group that I attend, as well.

The one comment I seem to hear the most is, across the board, is: "I really enjoyed the story..." Whether that means a lot or not, who knows

Anyway, thanks for your time. I wish you all the Father's best.

In Him, Linda

[Amy Wallace]

Hey, Linda!

Glad I could be a help and encouragement! Yes, we homeschool. This will be our eighth year and my first with all three participating. We're prayerfully looking forward to it.

I'm glad you have the Writer's Ink group and your church writer's group! Having time with other writers is a huge blessing. You are still welcome to join ACFW, even if you live in Canada. We have a number of international authors from Australia, Africa, New Zeeland, and Canada.

I would encourage you to keep writing and praying about the comments critique partners or other writers give. Writing is a very subjective field and you'll hear as many different opinions on your work as you ask people to look at it. But a good critique group will help you hone the areas you're weak and help you play up your strengths.

God's best to you!
Amy
_________________
Amy Wallace
Wife to wonderful hubby David 12-31-94
Mom to three incredible blessings
Beloved child of the King
I Thessalonians 5:16-24