Interview with author Tiffany Amber Stockton on the Craft of Writing- Part 2

Welcome back to day 2 of my interview with author Tiffany Stockton!

6: What are the most common mistakes beginning writers make?

 Point of view confusion with too many points of view or switching points of view in the middle of scenes (which leads to head-hopping), too much telling and not enough showing (otherwise known as too much passive voice and not enough active voice), starting the story in a place that doesn't grab the reader or forces the writer to have too much backstory. There are others, but those are the ones that come to mind.

7: What are two things you wished you had known before you started writing?
One, how difficult it would be to gain “acceptance” being so young (I was published before I turned 30). Two, that selling one book doesn't mean you'll continue to sell. Rejections still come once you're published. It's a never-ending cycle, even when you've established yourself a multi-published author.

8: Why did you choose this profession?
As my bio says, I've been spinning yarns and embellishing stories since I was a child. I've always loved to read and write. Turning it into a career seems a natural choice. And now, I can't *not* write. It's just too much a part of who I am.

9: What advice/ encouragement do you have for the writers reading this today?
Writing is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, patience, perseverance and faith. And it won't happen overnight.

10: Any other helpful advice?
You have to maintain a teachable spirit and be open to constructive criticism, no matter how far along in your writing journey you get. In the end, the rewards far outweigh all the sweat and tears you shed along the way. Most importantly, if you feel this is the path for you, never give up!

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Writing is a tough profession and I know help of any kind is always appreciated.

Tiff: This is so true. It's not easy, but like anything else in life, if you truly believe this is the career for you, go for it! And don't let anything stand in your way. Also, try to find some other writers and readers to travel this journey alongside you. Their friendship, wisdom and camaraderie will be priceless!

Interview with author Tiffany Amber Stockton on the Craft of Writing- Part 1

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been embellishing stories and spinning yarns since she was a child. She began writing professionally in 2002, with articles and short stories, but it wasn't until 2006 when she sold her first book to Heartsong Presents. Promises, Promises released in 2008 and was quickly followed by Quills and Promises, then Deceptive Promises. She also has 3 more books in a second series set in historical Michigan. Tiffany (writing under Amber Stockton) finds writing to be her passion and loves to craft an inspirational novel, glorifying the Lord. I am pleased to share an interview I had with Tiffany recently. She has graciously agreed to share a few the lessons she has learned during her writing career. Thank you Tiffany, for being here today!


Thank you, Casey, for having me here. It's a pleasure to chat a bit with you.

1: How long did you work on your writing before you were published?
If you're asking in reference to my first novel, it took me 2 years to do the research and polish the story to publishable quality. However, I've been working on my writing skills since I was in high school, which was 12 years before my first book sold.

2: What are two mistakes you wish you had never made?
Hmm, that's a tough one. It sort of goes in line with regrets you might have. I firmly believe every decision leads you toward where you are now. My mistakes might have taken me on a side trail, but had I not made them, I don't know that I'd be where I am today. One was the decision to move to Alabama for a year before I was truly ready to leave the house. I should have moved out closer to home instead of 14 hours away. The second would be a somewhat ongoing one, and it's pushing people away or keeping people at a distance and acting like I've got it all together when in reality I could use the friendship and support. I just tend to avoid being vulnerable and admitting my needs since I was raised to be in control of everything and not show my weaknesses.

3: What resources did you find the most helpful for learning the craft?
First and foremost my membership in ACFW (http://www.acfw.com/) with access to a host of other writers, editors and authors, all willing to help, teach, guide and critique. Second, attending conferences, workshops and seminars where I could learn from others who had traveled this path before me. Third, writing sites and blog sites with writing tips. I'd say it's half what you know, and half who you know that gets you somewhere in this industry.



4: How does an author "find their voice"?
 By trial and error and writing, writing, writing. Some authors know it right from the start, but others can write several books before they finally “discover” it. The old saying is practice makes perfect, and that's true for writing as well. You can't “find” your voice if you're not looking for it while you write.



5: How do you protect your writing time?

Hehe, with an almost-toddler at home, this isn't easy. It's pretty much during naptime, late at night, or in the evenings or weekends when my husband is home and can watch our daughter. Of course, he's an author too, so we have to trade off when he needs to write as well. And sometimes, we just leave our daughter with family or a babysitter and go out to write at any restaurant with large enough tables to fit our laptops.

Please be sure and return tomorrow to find out what Tiffany thinks are some of the most comman mistakes beginning writers make (and many more :-)

Sunset Beach Winner!!!!

And the winner of Trish Perry's Sunset Beach is....

Deborah M!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations I have your email and will be sending you one soon!!

For those that entered THANK YOU so much! We had a great turnout and I appreciate the blog support as I am sure Trish appreciates the comment support for her book! :-)

Don't forget to enter to win Margaret Daley's latest release, Cowboy Protector. You can still enter until next Saturday.

Congrats Deborah!! Happy Reading!!

Another Reading Challenge Update

I read 4 books this week. Got a lot read over last weekend, caught up on a bit on my TBR stack and really enjoyed the majority of the novels!

And they are...

The Elevator by Angela Hunt
The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter
The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorella
A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

Thanks for logging in everyone!

You still have today to enter to win Trish Perry's book, Sunset Beach. Please click on the book cover to the right. Winner will be announced tomorrow!!

Book Review: A Constant Heart

I love a pure and endearing love story. And call me strange, but I love a love story where two people are thrust into a marriage they don’t want and falling in love despite that fact.


I was skeptical about A Constant Heart when I started it. I wasn’t sure if the premise could hold up a 380 page book. Love and beauty being a curse? Would it drag? I am so thrilled to say that I was blown away! This novel evoked so many different emotions in me. Fear, love, anger, sympathy. I learned so much about 16th century English royalty and the dynamics that played so strongly in those people’s lives-none of them good! Love was a forbidden emotion, one that could mean the difference between keeping and losing one’s head. About half way through the book I wasn’t sure what the ending was going to bring and it took all my strength not to peek! What was going to happen to the characters and would the ending be satisfactory? It made for a past paced, high emotional impact story.

While certainly not a story filled with action and mystery, it is a sweet love story that must conquer impossible odds. I think that is why I loved this novel so much. Two people that must decide between pleasing everyone around them or finding the love they long for in each other. A beautiful story that intrigued me from beginning to end. Siri Mitchell has found a new fan!

Read an Interview With Me and a Blog Award

Good Morning Everyone!

A few days ago I was given the chance to interview with fellow blogger (and friend) Ashley of After All ....Tomorrow is Another Day.  I was honored to be her first guest in a series of interviews she will be doing with bloggers. We talked about my blogs and the writing I am working on right now. Be sure and visit, it's a fun interview (I think) and Ashley has a cute blog!! Plus, you'll learn a bit more about my blogs and what I am giving away right now!


Also, I was recently sent an award from Cathy at Word- Vessel (be sure and check it out, she gives away 3-4 books a week!)

She presented me with this "Honest Scrap" award. Thank you, Cathy!!

Now, I have to say 10 things you might not know about me and then I will pass it on to a few blogs. :-)

Ten Things You Might Now About Me:

1: I would love to professionial barrel race, but we don't have a horse. :(
2: I was homeschooled my entire time in education (thank you Daddy and Mama!)
3: I spent 9 years in 4-H raising a market lamb every year.
4: I am the oldest of three
5: I was born in Bethel, Alaska
6: I am addicted to entering contests to win books :-)
7: Goodreads is one of my favorite sites. :-)
8: I have no artistic ability, but I attract friends that are amazing artists.
9: I stayed up until almost midnight watching the Olympics this year.
10: I have more Christian books on my shelves then the public library. LOL! (no surprise right?)

I am passing this award onto:
Ashley at After All...Tomorrow is Another Day
Carman at Christian Book Giveaways
Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot

Thanks everyone and have a great day! Don't forget to check out the interview! :-)

Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Cowboy Protector

Margaret Daley has been spinning stories for as long as she can remember. From the earliest road trip to today as she completes her 66th novel. Her novels contain a strong faith element with ordinary people, striving to overcome life’s challenges. Besides writing for Steeple Hill Love Inspired, Margaret has been a teacher to special needs children and is a wife of thirty nine years as well as a mother to one son and grandmother to four girls. I am pleased to share an interview I had with Margaret recently. She has graciously agreed to give away a copy of her book Cowboy Protector, her March Love Inspired Suspense, to one fortunate winner!




Margaret, 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?

I wrote for three years before I became published for the first time. But I did have a dry spell for eight years after I sold 20 books. Thankfully I didn’t give up but continued to write and came back to sell 46 more.

2: When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?

I could hardly believe it. When I hold each of my books in my hand, I thank the Lord. The thrill never goes away.

3: What do you find the hardest part about writing?

Description—when I write a story I always have to go back in and put description into the story (make myself do it).

4: How do you coordinate time between writing and other responsibilities?

I’m pretty disciplined and organized which helps a lot. I set a word count for the week. If I don’t make it for one day, I write more the next.

5: What are you working on now?

I’m working on Christmas Bodyguard, the first in my Love Inspired Suspense series called The Guardian, Inc. It is an agency of female bodyguards.

6: Where can readers find out more about your books?

My web site has excerpts on a lot of my books up as well as information about my books—past, present and future. My web site is http://www.margaretdaley.com .

7: What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

I want to write an entertaining story that leaves the reader uplifted and with hope in the end. I often write about forgiveness and trust in my books.

8: Why did you choose this profession?

I’ve always been a storyteller from when I was a little girl. I had to learn the craft of writing but the stories just come to me. So in many ways the profession chose me.

Thank you for being with us today. Any final words for readers?

I love to hear from readers. I have a web site and a blog (http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com). I’m thankful for every reader who has read my books.


Readers: For a chance to win Cowboy Protector please leave a comment with a valid email address. This contest is random and a winner will be chosen using Random.org. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries.

You must reside in the U.S. to enter.

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