Trish Perry has been writing for over fourteen years now and has written four novels with another series set to release in 2011. Before discovering her love for writing, she was a stockbroker, student of Psychology, and worked in a Washington D.C. attorney’s office, among other things. All of this was simply preparing her for the challenges and joys of the writing craft. She lives in Northern Virginia with her “brilliantly funny son” and is grandmother to her “amazing grandson”. I am pleased to share an interview I had with Trish recently. She has graciously agreed to give away a copy of her book Sunset Beach to one fortunate winner!
Trish, thank you for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you taking the time to answer these few questions, letting us get to know you better.
1: How long did you write before you were published?
As you mentioned above, Casey, I wrote for fourteen years prior to publishing my first novel. I actually began publishing shorter pieces—poems, personal essays, short stories—a couple of years prior to getting my first novel contract. I’d say from the time I decided I wanted to write a novel and pursue publication, ten years passed before I received a contract. By that time my first novel was complete and I was about eight chapters into my next.
2: When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?
My elation was almost overshadowed by worry—would my friends and family be disappointed by the end result? Was I a one-trick pony? Was I fooling myself that the Lord wanted me to write? I had to do some serious praying before the Lord pushed those negative thoughts from my mind and I enjoyed the blessing of being published. So my second thought was grateful elation!
3: What do you find the hardest part about writing?
I think I answer this question differently every time I’m asked. I’d say the hardest part is remaining disciplined during the journey. I’m easily distracted. I’m not one of those authors who thrives in the middle of Starbucks, with hustle and noise all around. I can’t even have music playing when I write, because I visualize everything I’m writing as if I’m watching it on screen or as if I’m right there in the scene. Anything from the real world draws my attention away from the fantasy.
4: How do you coordinate time between writing and other responsibilities?
Not very well, lol! See my answer to #3, above. But I try to move all of my errands to days when I have to be out and about anyway. I love those days when I know for certain I won’t have to leave the house for any reason. Still, I usually let something slide when I’m under deadline. Either my working out slacks off, or the nurturing of my personal relationships does. Or—as is currently the case, since I’m taking classes right now—my coursework takes a back seat to the writing.
5: What are you working on now?
I’m working on my new series, The Tea Shop Series, for Harvest House Publishers. These romantic comedies are set in the lovely, historic town of Middleburg, Virginia. The tea shop is the setting that ties the books together, but it’s simply a thread, not the meat of each story. Each book can stand alone, with its own cast of characters.
The first installment is The Perfect Blend, about a young woman who elopes to Middleburg against the wishes and advice of her parents and friends, only to find, upon arrival, that her fiancé has stood her up. The story follows how she tries to make her own way in Middleburg, as well as who she meets and loves along the way.
6: Where can readers find out more about your books?
Visit my site at
http://www.trishperry.com/ I have a books page there, where I describe each of my already published novels.
7: What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?
I never set out with a message when I start any of my books, but themes reveal themselves as my lead characters grow. My books do have an overriding idea, which is that we need to turn to God for guidance in all things, big and small. I think that fits any sound Christian thought, whether it’s in a fictional character’s head or through a real person’s experience. No matter how good or how bad life is at any given moment, we need to constantly seek His guidance for the next steps in our lives.
8: Why did you choose this profession?
I didn’t notice how much I enjoyed writing until the mid 90’s, when I was getting my Psychology degree. I received quite a bit of encouragement about my written work from several of my professors, which helped me realize I liked to write. So I took creative writing courses, and by the time I graduated, I had changed my mind about grad school and decided to write instead. I may have to supplement my income via some other profession at some point, but I’ll always be excited about writing, if it’s what God wills for me.
Thank you for being with us today. Any final words for readers?
I’ve said this on numerous other occasions, but I think it’s important for Christian writers to consider. I mentioned above that I worried at one point whether I was truly doing God’s will by writing. Was my drive to write His will or simply my own desire? When I prayed about it, He gave me the peace of knowing that, if I constantly gave my writing to Him, I could be certain that His will was being done with it. If He wanted a particular book of mine published, it would happen. If He wanted me to write on a particular topic, He would draw me to it. If He wanted me to do something other than writing, He would lovingly guide me to whatever that something was. But He would never guide me by stomping on my efforts to serve Him with the gifts He gave me. When I constantly offer my work to Him, I know to follow my desire—He’ll line my will up with His every time.
Thanks for having me, Casey!
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