1. What made you decide to become an author?
2. Why Biblical Fiction?
3. Why do you focus on short stories?
4. Will you ever write a full-length novel?
5. Where do you get your inspiration for your stories?
6. What kind of historical documentation do you look for when you’re researching?
7. Your Christmas story varies from what we are used to hearing. Tell me about that.
8. In Shadrach’s story, you don’t talk about the king’s banquet or the furnace. Why not?
9. What is a significant way your book changed since the first draft?
10. What was your hardest scene to write, and why?
11. Have you ever modeled a character after someone you know?
12. What is your kryptonite as a writer?
13. How has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself? 
14. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

What made you decide to become an author?

When I was in high school, I had an English teacher who encouraged me in my writing. In college, I started dabbling with fiction stories. This was before computers, so I still have handwritten copies of several in my filing cabinet. Then, shortly after college, a friend and I started studying the writing and publication process. Children came along and both of us set that aside. But I kept writing, and studying the craft. As the Internet opened up, I hung out on writing sites. I participated in NaNoWriMo a few years. But I didn’t have the time to seriously pursue publication. Now, with my youngest graduating, I’m entering a new season and it’s time to get serious.

Why Biblical Fiction?

Why not? They tell authors to write about what we know and what we love. I love the Bible. My mom impressed on my that the people of the Bible were real people, with real struggles, real joys, and real worries. What we read are tiny snippets of their lives. I’ve always tried to imagine what the rest of their lives were like. I want others to have that same wonder.

Why do you focus on short stories?

I feel like the short story allows me to embellish on the character’s lives without wandering too far from the Biblical text. I think if I were to try to write a novel, I would need to make up too much. Plus, short stories are perfect for Sunday school lessons or family devotion time.

Will you ever write a full-length novel?

I won’t say never, but right now, I’m loving how I can take, say the Christmas or Resurrection story, and tell it from the perspective of the different characters. I get the full story arc while exploring the lives of multiple people.

Where do you get your inspiration for your stories?

Where don’t I get my inspiration? Often, as I’m reading the Bible, someone will jump out at me and I have to figure out their story. People familiar with my books will know that most of the time, it’s a side character who’s mentioned in one verse (or not at all). But what did Mary’s parents think when she told them she was pregnant? What did James think as Jesus knelt to wash his feet?

Other times, a comment in a sermon will set the wheels turning. One day, my pastor asked, “When James was killed and Peter was released from prison, what did James’ wife think?” I don’t remember what the sermon was about (probably trusting Jesus) but I had to come up with the answer.

I think. I research. And I have to tell their stories.

Your Christmas story varies from what we are used to hearing. Tell me about that.

The traditional, Western retelling of the Christmas story has very little Biblical or historical basis. About the only things we have right are Mary was a virgin, she and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, and Jesus was laid in a manger (though the manger was most likely made of stone, not wood).

I think the misunderstanding starts with the translation of the word “inn.” In his gospel, Luke uses two Greek words that could be translated “inn.” The first, one, pandocheion, clearly means a public inn for travelers. Luke uses this word when he tells the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

The other word that might be translated “inn” is kataluma. It was used for any type of accommodation – an open-air khan, a public guest house, or the guestroom/upper room standard in homes of the day. Luke uses this word when he tells us where Jesus and the disciples had the Last Supper (Luke 22:7-38). This is also the term he uses to describe the place that was full when Jesus was born (Luke 2:7). Given Luke’s precision in reporting, it is likely he was speaking of a crowded upper room, not a public lodging place.

Additionally, homes in first century Judea didn’t have a separate stable. Animals were kept downstairs, just off the courtyard. There would not have been a stable for them to be cast off to.

There is evidence that the caves outside Bethlehem were used for keeping livestock. But homes were built in front of the caves, so, again, the stable was part of the house.

Finally, middle eastern hospitality would demand that, when Joseph stood in the town square requesting lodging, a homeowner would open his doors to the travelers. They could not have cast aside a young couple to navigate the birthing process alone as first-time parents. It would have been impossible. If it came down to it, someone would have given up their place to make sure they were safe.

But I don’t think it had to come to that. Joseph returned to Bethlehem to register his family’s land. So, he had family, who had a house – a house with a guest room that was too crowded to comfortably deliver a baby.

And about that delivery. The only reason we have Mary and Joseph skidding into town last minute is because there was no room in the inn. But, if they had a home to go to, then they could have been there for weeks or months before Jesus was born. And that fits better with “while they were there, the time came…”

Putting all these details together, the story lines up better with what is written in the Bible, what we know from history and culture, and it makes more sense.

So, what should I do with my manger scene?

Put it out. It’s a great conversation starter. And you can move the animals to the kitchen, right where their stall should be. Take a picture and post it on social media with #HopesArrival.

In Shadrach’s story, you don’t talk about the king’s banquet or the furnace. Why not?

I may tell those stories one day, but the focus of Shadrach’s story was showing how he, Daniel, and the others chose obedience well before the ham sandwich was put in front of them or they were standing in front of the furnace. They had chosen a lifestyle of glorifying God, no matter what.

What kind of historical documentation do you look for when you’re researching?

First, I look for archeologists and historians who attest to the reliability of Scripture. Their worldview is going to affect how they interpret the data. I certainly read research from others with a secular view, but I keep in mind that all research conclusions are skewed by the worldview of the researcher.

Then I examine how they look at history. Some people will take any story that sounds good and publish it. We end up with so many inaccurate details from historians like this. One person will pull an artifact or historical quote out of context and create lore around it. And the lie is spread around the world before the truth laces its shoes.

For this reason, I prioritize research from degreed archaeologists and historians. They are used to examining and evaluating research.

Which comes first to you – Plot or Characters – and why?

I kind of cheat – the plot is given to me. I stay close to the Biblical narrative while exploring the everyday lives of the characters and how they will react to the situation.

What is a significant way your book changed since the first draft?

In Hope’s Arrival, we looked at each story individually, all the way through the editing process. Weeks before the final draft was due, we finally put all the parts together and realized Anna’s story was nearly identical to Simeon’s. I had to totally rewrite Anna’s story. I loved the old version. But the new version adds depth to the overall story and brings another layer of Hope.

What was your hardest scene to write, and why?

I really struggled with the Wise Man’s story. There are so many traditions associated with the Wisemen, and we know so little. I didn’t want to misrepresent who they were by favoring one theory over another. Then one day I landed on a historical tidbit that cemented his character without committing to any of the common theories.

Have you ever modeled a character after someone you know?

I don’t think I’m creative enough to make up someone I don’t know. Anna has a lot of characteristics of my mom and my pastor’s wife. The little shepherd is a lot like my youngest daughter. And the scribe is very much like my husband. I think I’m most like Noah’s wife.

People who attend church with me recognize snippets of our pastor’s wisdom that I drop into conversations. I’m a people watcher and constantly making mental notes about characters.

How do you keep yourself motivated to write?

I set goals. I wanted Hope’s Arrival to be released for Christmas 2024. I set the schedule of everything that had to be done to make that happen and realized I either had to keep moving or push it off for another year. I’m doing the same thing with Hope’s Fulfillment. I don’t have time to play around. But I also have to keep marketing Hope’s Arrival and Relentless Obedience.

For my day job, I have to contact customers, follow up with employees, and turn in timesheets. In the same way, I don’t have a choice about writing or not. It’s my job. I have to get it done, no matter what I feel like.

What is your kryptonite as a writer?

Research. I am passionate about ensuring my stories are Biblically and historically accurate. Sometimes I’ll get stuck on a problem (Where would a blacksmith forge be located?) and will spend days researching. Ironically, it’s often these details that get cut in the editing process.

How do you balance writing and everyday life?

I grab bits of writing time whenever I can. My job is flexible. I often have an hour or more where I need to be available for a customer but am free to do whatever I want. I choose to write.

I also set aside one night a week for a block of uninterrupted writing.

On the personal front, I have my work schedule. It’s flexible, but I do have to block out time for that. I try to take three or four days a week to play a game with my youngest daughter and anyone else who happens to be home. And once a month, we have a family night. Everyone comes home with their significant others. I prioritize those things that are important.

That means I’ve had to cut things that aren’t important. I don’t have games on my phone. I have one social media account that I check, maybe, twice a week. I don’t watch TV or movies. We save lots of money because we don’t need to pay for subscription services.

It’s about prioritizing those things that are important.  

What do you think is the best way an author can improve their writing skills?

Write intentionally. Read books and listen to podcasts on craft. Join a writing group that is focused on honest feedback for improving writing.

And read, read, read. Do you find yourself crying over or fretting about a character? Put a sticky note on the page then, after you finish the book, come back and analyze the scene. What did the author do to evoke those emotions.

Do you find yourself bored? Take a good look at the writing and find out why.

Be intentional.

Whom do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?

My mom and sister get the first copies of my work. The rule is, very first drafts only get criticized if they are Biblically inaccurate. But once I start revising, they tear it to shreds. And I love them for it. I’m blessed to be part of a writing group at my church. It’s filled with amazing writers who will tell me when something doesn’t work. Then, of course, my editor makes me sound brilliant.

How has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself? 

I’m not sure the act of writing or publishing has changed me, except to help me focus. But, writing the stories helps me see myself in the people of the Bible and understand, more deeply, who Christ is in me and who I am in Him.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write! Do it. It’s a great journey.

Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, both to keep going and to improve.

Study the craft of writing. Read good books, listen to craft podcasts. And keep practicing.

The 10,000-hour rule applies to writing, too. It might not take 10,000 literal hours to master the skill, but it does take years of focused, intentional practice. You aren’t going to get around it.

Imagine turning on a hot water faucet. The water is going to be cold at first. If you turn it off, you’ll never get the hot water. You have to let it run to get what you want.

That first book you write is not going to be publishable. That’s okay. Write it anyway. We call it the trunk book. It belongs in a trunk in the attic, where no one will read it. But you have to write that first book to prove to yourself that you can do it, and to get the hot water flowing.

So, write intentionally. Study intentionally. And surround yourself who will help you improve.