Send to KindleOur interview today is with Ruth Kyser. Thanks for being here today Ruth and for agreeing to this interview.
Answer: Over the years I have read thousands of Christian Fiction Books, especially Romance. Some of them are well written and others not so much. I particularly enjoy reading books that have happy endings, but tell stories of the characters’ struggles in everyday life. That is the type of book I write—books that I would enjoy reading. And all my books tell about God’s love for us and how he wants desperately to be a part of our lives. That is the whole purpose for my writing.
Question: Tell us a little about your “real” (Non-writing) life — family, job, church life. Does it give you inspiration for your writing? Does it get in the way of your writing, or are there times when you get help, from people or circumstances?
Answer: I work full-time as a Risk Manager/Insurance Agent. Because of that, I don’t have nearly the amount of time I would like to have to work on my writing projects. I do enjoy interaction with my clients though, and I think it’s important to still reach out to people in order to keep your writing ‘real’.
Question: Tell us about things you enjoy — what you do for fun or personal satisfaction?
Answer: I enjoy a variety of hobbies including (but not limited to): reading, sewing, quilting, cooking and baking, and genealogy. I also love music and play the guitar and piano—although I’m not very proficient at either one!
Question: Since you have several books out, tell us what you think works for promotion. What are your thoughts on ebooks versus print books and different ways to let people know about you and your books?
Answer: This is a tough question to answer as the market tends to change so quickly, you have to pay attention to what it going on and try and keep up with it. I use Amazon.com’s free promotion days when I’m able to, plus I post on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinetrest. eBooks are easy to promote through Social Media, and in today’s world, you have to use every chance you can to promote them. I think print books require a different type of marketing—more “going out to the people to sell” way of handling it. I’ve also printed up bookmarks and business cards which I hand out to people whenever I have the opportunity.
Question: Have you done anything writing-related, but besides your books, that seemed to get a lot of positive response? Something that encouraged you?
Answer: I’ve recently had several opportunities to speak to women’s church groups about my books, and even though I’m not a great public speaker, I’ve really enjoyed the chance to talk to real people about my passion for writing and using a gift I truly believe comes from God. I’m always encouraged by the interest and feedback I get at those speaking engagements. I love people and will talk about my writing any chance I get. My favorite part is at the end when I answer questions from the group!
Question: Tell us about your newest book. Make us want to read it.
Answer: My newest book (which I hope to have published VERY soon) is entitled, “The Whispering Sentinel”. It’s a contemporary Christian Romance with some mystery and some history thrown in for good measure. I would say it’s more of a ‘coming home’ sort of story, and is written based on some of my own childhood memories of visits to my Grandma’s house. There’s a lot happening in this book and I really hope my readers enjoy it as much as I’ve loved writing it!
Question: What is the “message” of your writing? (For example, is your purpose to encourage old-fashioned values, encourage romance, or do you have different purposes in different books?)
Answer: Several years ago I developed a Mission Statement which pretty much sums it up: “My goal is to write stories that entertain, but more importantly, educate readers about Jesus Christ and His love for them.”
Question: How many books do you have out?
Answer: I have four (almost five).
“The Dove and The Raven-A Christian Historical Romance”
“Endless Season” (which is a Christian Contemporary Romance)
“True Cover” and “True Cover-Book 2-Bluecreek Ranch”
http://www.amazon.com/True-Cover-Book-Bluecreek-Ranch-ebook/dp/B00BWDDEQQ/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1
These two are Christian Romantic Suspense/Mystery novels and are a series.
Question: What are your future projects?
Answer: I’ve had several readers wanting a “True Cover” Book 3. I’m not sure if there will be one or not, but I’ve been working on a little story line in my head and we shall have to see where it goes. I really enjoyed writing the “True Cover” books, so who knows? There may be a book three in the future.
Question: What is your writing style?
Answer: I write without an outline. I know, I know—that’s not how they teach you to write. But before I ever put one word down on paper, I already have the whole story in my head, nicely plotted out. After I get it written, I just have to go back and fill in the backstories, research for settings, and fill in the empty blanks. I’m a ‘seat of the pants” writer. I sit down, and I write! And I have to tell you all, I love it!
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Hi Ruth, I enjoyed your interview! Your books sound delightful; I am especially intrigued by your style of writing. I also work out the plot in my head, write the main parts of the story, and then go back and fill in. Glad to know I am not so strange after all! Best wishes and may God bless! Katherine