Giveaway and Author Interview: To Win Her Heart

Welcome to Writing for Christ Karen Witemeyer, it is great to have you here! Do you have an interesting fact about yourself the average reader probably doesn’t know?

I don't own a cell phone. How's that for odd? I'm a dinosaur and proud of it. Actually, it's more that I'm cheap and don't want to pay for the service. But wait . . . before you immortalize me as a principled heroine who refuses to be enslaved by technology, I must confess that with my oldest child about to turn 13, I doubt I'll be able to hold out much longer. By this time next year, it wouldn't surprise me if we had at least three cell phones floating around our family home.  For now, though, I wear my dinosaur badge with pride.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

I adore historical romance. In fact, I'm so addicted to it, I rarely read anything else. There is something about an historical setting that enhances the romance for me. Maybe it's the fairy tale effect of visualizing heroines in glorious ball gowns or rugged heroes dressed in dusty cowboy gear that sweeps me away. Whatever it is, I love it! And since I want to write what I love to read, I can't imagine writing any other genre.

Do you have a nugget of writing advice that has completely changed how you view writing?

RUE - Resist the urge to explain. I constantly remind myself of this one. So many times I want to make sure the reader understands my intent, and I'm tempted to explain the meaning of what just happened in the story. However, the rule of RUE has helped me edit out those unnecessary words. Trusting the reader to understand is a leap of faith. Yet we have smart, savvy readers. They don't need the message spoon fed to them. A few might miss my subtle imagery, but others will see it and appreciate it. A heavy hand just comes off as preachy. A joke explained is no longer funny. And dialog rehashed is boring. If I RUE as I write, I won't rue my wordiness later.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

Definitely the correspondence I've had with readers. Hearing that my stories touched someone makes all the hard work worthwhile. That is why I write, after all. To encourage women of faith in their walk with Christ. We all need an excuse to smile now and then, or a place to escape the havoc of our own reality. If I can provide a little joy or entertainment for someone, I am blessed. But every once in a while I get a message from a reader who mentions how a character really spoke to her during a difficult time in her life, or that the theme of one of my novels encouraged her to be a more godly woman. Those are the comments that stir my soul and send me to my knees in thankfulness that God could use such an ordinary vessel in such an extraordinary way.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

I'd love to have you visit me at my website: www.karenwitemeyer.com. I host a monthly giveaway of Christian historical novels from a variety of well-known authors as well as post interesting tidbits about my characters and the research behind their stories.

You can also find me on Facebook. Send me a message sometime. I'd be honored to chat with you.

Thank you for being with us today! 

Okay readers here is your chance to enter to win Karen's latest dynamite release!

Please leave an email adddress! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.


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Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.


Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on May 27th.