Header Promotion
1. How long have you been writing for Steeple Hill?
I’ve written two books for Love Inspired Suspense, and have been with then two years.
2. What’s something you wish you’d known when you started your writing journey?
I think I was pretty prepared for this journey, but am so glad I joined ACFW (www.acfw.com). Everything I didn’t know, they quickly taught me. From what point of view was to how to approach editors and agents about my stories to how to actually craft the book. I think joining ACFW so quickly really made a difference for me.
3. What’s the most common writing question you get and what is your answer?
When did you first discover that you were a writer or some variation of that question. For me it happened in stages. From the time I was given a journal in third grade, I have loved to write. My journals were – and still are – often my way to communicate what is happening inside me to God. Then I met Colleen Coble in 2005 and my husband told her I wanted to be a writer. College, law school, starting a career, and starting a family had halted the dream of writing. But between Eric and Colleen that dream was encouraged. Colleen called herself my midwife because I would email her with updates on how much or little I’d been writing. She smiled and kept encouraging me. Finally, when I got my first contract I thought, this might actually happen! But each day when I sit down to write, it’s a reminder that this is a dream God has blessed.
4. How have you dealt with the rejection of your writing?
I’ve been very blessed in that rejection has usually been with the follow-up, but we’d love to work with you if you’ll… I’ve looked at this journey as a process and a large part of that is building relationships. That takes time. And I know I may not have the right project for a publisher at this point in time, but that doesn’t mean I won’t next week or next year. So I want to do what I can now to prepare myself to be ready for when that moment arrives.
5. Do you have a Bible verse that guides your writing? If so, what is it?
My life verse has been Psalm 37:4: delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. So much of my life has born out that promise. As I seek God and chase His heart, He has a way of changing me until my desires line up with His for my life. It makes for an amazing and scary journey.
6. What is your favorite writing book?
My favorite. Gosh, that’s a tough question. If I had to choose one, it would be James Scott Bell’s Plot & Structure. When I get stuck, all I have to do is pull that one off the shelf and in a few pages I’ve inspired again.
7. What is the most recent Steeple Hill book you’ve read?
Camy Tang’s Deadly Intent. LOVED IT. Great setting. Great characters. And great suspense thread.
8. What does your writing life look like?
I have three young kids, so my days are filled with homeschooling the oldest two – 9 and almost 6 – and keeping the 16 month old occupied. Then there’s gymnastics, piano, choir, etc., and I’m your typical soccer mom only it’s gymnastics in our house. So the bulk of my writing happens after the kids are in bed. So between 9 p.m. and midnight or later if I’m on deadline.
9. What advice would you give to an aspiring Steeple Hill author?
Read the books and then work hard on craft. Build your story and be willing to make revisions if the asked for revisions don’t change your vision. You may be surprised to find that it actually strengthens your book.
10. What is your favorite part about writing for Steeple Hill?
I work with great editors and am in a family of awesome authors!
Cara Putman
www.caraputman.com
