Spotlight: H.B. Moore

Before we get on to our feature presentation (an interview with H.B. Moore, author of Abinadi and Alma), I have a confession to make. Yesterday I bought my book for the weekend. And I finished it several hours ago.

The book in question was The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. I didn't know it was the same author as who wrote the Gregor the Overlander series, which I loved! I knew this book was going to be good. I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down. So I should not have opened it.

I did anyway. MY BAD. Then I stayed up till midnight reading. How could I have known that the baby would wake me up at 4am, and I wouldn't be able to get back to sleep? Well, at least I put the time to good use.

I must add that this is the last weekend I will spend like this. When my husband is home (and he is home next weekend!), I will spend my weekends with him, not a book. Unless it's him and a book, which it often tends to be. (In fact, he might be mad at me for reading this book without him! I might have to read it again.)

And now, for our feature presentation! (Oh, and ignore the font changes in here. HTML illiterate = couldn't figure out how to make everything uniform.) If you missed the reviews of Alma and Abinadi, you can catch them here and here.

me: Hi, H.B. Moore! I'm so excited to have you here today. I love the way historical fiction takes us back to a place and time, shows it to us the way a history book never can. And your books do this with scripture. Why did you decide to write about scriptural history?

H.B. Moore: In 2001, I found myself at a crossroads in my writing. I had two ideas, one for a historical suspense novel set in the mid-1800’s (which I later wrote), the second a fictional account of Nephi and his family. I have long been intrigued by the tidbits I’ve heard in religion classes about Sariah and the women in Lehi and Ishmael’s families. I approached my father (S. Kent Brown), who had published non-fiction works on Lehi and his family, with the idea of fictionalizing Nephi’s story and asked if he was interested in co-writing it. After he hemmed and hawed, I realized I would have to undertake the project myself, knowing all the while that I would be hounding my father for information on a daily basis. I wrote the first five pages almost without stopping to take a breath. Then I brought them to my critique group, anxious about their reaction. They encouraged me to continue writing and assured me that there was room for it in the LDS market.

me: Nice of your dad to back you up! I imagine as you flesh out the lives of these characters, you get to know them on a personal level. Who do you think is your favorite character from the Book of Mormon?

H.B. Moore: I think Nephi’s story is probably my favorite. Although Alma is a close second. I admire their strength, their convictions, and their fortitude in the face of life-threatening challenges. It’s amazing to me that Nephi knew that what he was teaching his brothers would never be accepted. Yet he continued because it was the right thing to do. He had seen the future in a vision and knew that the Lamanites and Nephites would ultimately destroy each other. He moved forward in righteousness, patience, and learning. He wrote on the plates because he knew that thousands of years later, his testimony would change our hearts. You can’t ever discredit a man like that.

me: What LDS writers inspired you?

H.B. Moore: When I had finished my first novel, I went to a League of Utah Writers workshop that was taught by Jeff Savage. If you haven’t heard him speak, he is very motivating (a new career for him if this author stuff doesn’t work out). When I walked out of his class, I literally thought becoming a published author was possible for me. I kept returning to the League classes each month and learned from other published writers. Annette Lyon was the chapter president, and I looked at her and compared myself—we were both moms with 3 kids (she had #4 on the way), and her first book was just coming out. So I took inspiration from her and wanted to grow up to be like Annette.

me: That's so awesome! It's always cool when people actually figure out what they want to be when they grow up. What other writers inspired you?

H.B. Moore: Since I love reading mysteries, Mary Higgins Clark was very inspirational. I read her memoir, “Kitchen Privileges” and Ms. Clark says that she wrote her first novel by writing from 5:00-7:00 in the morning. She was a widow with five young children to support. Amazing! Also, I took a workshop from Rachel Ann Nunes—she said she wrote 2,000 words a day even if it meant staying in her pj’s. Also, when I moved from CA to UT in 2000, my sister-in-law handed me one of Richard Paul Evans’ books. I read it and thought: Wow. There was no mind-numbing suspense, historical research, or literary themes in that book—it was just a simple story told in a poignant way.

me: I can see how those people would be inspirational. They inspire me! I want to be like that. If you could be like one person, who would it be?

H.B. Moore: I would be my 5 year old. “Kitten-garden” sounds great right now. A couple hours of work, then the rest of the day is play-time.

me: Isn't it funny the way kids are? The entire days revolves around playtime. As long as they are constantly engaged, they're happy. But I guess that's how we are too. As long as we're engaged in something good, we're happy. Have you ever had to travel to research your books?

H.B. Moore: My Out of Jerusalem series starts out in Jerusalem (of course). I’ve lived in the Middle East off and on as a child and visited as an adult. But that was all before I started writing. So I haven’t technically traveled to a place that I’ve been currently writing about.

me: Wow, really? I'm jealous! I want to visit there so badly! What's your favorite part about writing?

H.B. Moore: Writing is a major creative outlet for me. Achieving my daily word count goal or some other milestone is very motivating and recharges me for other things in life. I love the first draft process—when everything can change and all ideas are fluid. It’s kind of like walking down the aisle at the fabric store and looking at all the different textures and colors of fabrics, rows of zippers, thread, and buttons. Each fabric choice will bring a different outcome to the project. You feel like there are a hundred different choices, and you just have to pick and choose.

me: I don't love the first draft stage! I'm all about getting it out ASAP so I an start the revisions. That's where the real fun lies! How do you do your revisions? Do you have a critique group?

H.B. Moore: Yes—I found them through the League of Utah Writers. Annette Lyon (mentioned above) announced one evening at the chapter meeting that her group had an opening. I told Annette that I was definitely interested. I had just won the “short story contest” sponsored by the group, so maybe that gave me a good recommendation.

me: What's your dream story (the one you can't wait to write)?

H.B. Moore: Most authors have too many stories to share. In fact, you’ll see some of the really big names out there using co-writers to get it all in. (James Patterson just signed a 17 book deal for the next 3 years, if that tells you anything). I wanted to write the ABINADI book for several years before I actually wrote it. I’ve also written a book that I love called QUEEN—an international thriller about the Queen of Sheba. Still trying to find a publisher for it.

me: If I were a publisher, I'd take it! What do you hope to accomplish as a writer?

H.B. Moore: My writing goals are pretty basic—to be able to continually produce books that I love and the readers will love. I love publishing in the LDS market, and I’d also like to add the national market to my plate.

me: Good for you! I'm glad the LDS market has been so successful for you. I hope you are able to break into the national market, also! That's what I hope to do someday. What do you do besides write?

H.B. Moore: I own an editing company (Precision Editing Group) so that fills in some of the blanks. Other than that, I still read a lot and I enjoy hobbies like sewing and crafty stuff. I spend my days from 3:00 on with the kids, which consists of homework, piano, lots of sports—it’s the season of football and soccer, with volleyball just starting.

me: Yes, I've seen your website for you editing company. You must be so busy! How clean is your house?

H.B. Moore: Right now? We vacuumed and cleaned bathrooms on the weekend. But the laundry is starting to pile up (again), and the kitchen needs a good scrub down!

me: I'm just working on this theory that writers don't like to take the time to clean. At least, that's my excuse. What's your favorite food?

H.B. Moore: My kids think I’m weird—I love soups, tomato soup, onion soup, egg drop soup. And chocolate—M&M Almonds are my fav right now. And anything with shrimp. Last week, I had mesquite grilled shrimp tacos from Rubios. Yum.

me: I'm a soup-a-holic myself. It's all I made for the first month of my marriage. If you weren't a writer, what would you be?

H.B. Moore: My major in college was Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Business Management. The two fields I’ve enjoyed working in the past have been retail and human resources. Retail is very time consuming—weekends, holidays, nights. But when I see the “modest clothing” on-line retailers popping up, I’m intrigued. I shop at them with my girls and am tempted to give them tips, but don’t. Human resources is very interesting, and if I had to ever work an 8-5 job, that would be it. But I’m happy to be in a very flexible job right now.

me: I'm so happy to see the modest clothing lines. (First I wrote clothes lines, but that didn't sound right.) Most are kind of pricey, but they have good sales. You're so versatile. Good for you for finding and doing what you like! Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. I'll watch for your next book, for sure!

I have officially passed 50K! It took me almost six weeks to get here. That means about the end of October, I should be wrapping things up!

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 51,443
actual: 51,544
Monday's goal: 53,544

Spotlight: Rachel Ann Nunes

Our spotlight today is on Rachel Ann Nunes, author of Saving Madeline.

If you missed the online review, you can find it here.


Me: Hi, Rachel! Thanks for driving traffic to my blog today! I mean, agreeing to do an interview with me! I have to say, I was very impressed with Saving Madeline. I really enjoyed it. I noticed on your blog that you've written many novels. When did you start writing?

Rachel: I came up with novel plots as early as ten and eleven, but the dream of being a writer wasn't concrete then. The first remembrance I have of really knowing I would be a writer was when I was twelve. I loved reading, especially fantasy and romance, and I wanted to make up my own stories. I wrote my first short story in the seventh grade and started my first novel based on that story at seventeen.

Me: Wow! Seems to be a common story. Writers get the call to write when they are young. My first novel is also a rewrite of a book I wrote in seventh grade. (Did I mention I also find ways to shamelessly plug my own writing while I do interviews?) I read a little bit about what inspired you to write Saving Madeline. Very fascinating. Can you tell us a little about it?

Rachel: Several years ago, shock radiated throughout Utah when an infant was found dead after ingesting meth she had found in a plastic bag on the floor of her home. What made this tragic circumstance even more notable and horrific is that weeks, earlier her father had forcibly taken her across state lines, hoping to protect her from her mother’s substance abuse.

Authorities found the child, placed her back with her mother, and sent the father to jail for assault and burglary. A little over a week later, the baby was dead and the mother was charged with desecration of a dead body for moving her daughter to cover up the drug abuse. All charges against the father were eventually dropped.

When I heard this story, I starting thinking, wondering about how far a father would go to save his child. Would the ends justify any means? I thought about it for more than a year before I actually came up with a story I wanted to write.

Me: I want to cry every time I hear that story. I'm so glad you wrote a book that helps bring it to light. Do you think this is something that happens often? Children dying from a parent's drug problem?

Rachel: Sadly, during my research, I found that the story of the father and baby were far from the only instance of a child becoming the victim of a parent’s drug use. There are many more instances, some of which I’ve written under the Author Comments for the book on my website at http://rachelannnunes.com. Keep in mind that though the idea for this novel was inspired by the true-life stories I researched, the plot, characters, and resolution in Saving Madeline are completely fictional. No actual experiences or interviews of real-life people were used in the text itself.

Me: That's why I say this book was 'inspired by a true story.' How many of your books are inspired by real life events?

Rachel: I think about 5 out of 29 of my novels were directly inspired by real events: a bridge collapse, the death of child, a kidnapping, a subway bombing. But of course the plot takes on its own life and becomes its own story. I've also written many "issue" type books where I do a lot a research of real events even though the story wasn't inspired by any one true event. Writing is basically combining a lot of what you see, experience, and hear about, with what you make up or simply "feel" you should write.

Me: One of my biggest fears is being a on bridge when it collapses! I know, what a silly thing to think about. I'll have to check that book out. What sorts of books do you read?

Rachel: I mostly read national women's fiction, paranormal romance, and general fiction for myself. With my kids I read a lot of youth fantasy.

Me: How did you get started in publication?

Rachel: I always knew I was going to be a writer, so when I finally became serious, I checked out all the writing how-to books from the library and started following what they said. I ended up writing three complete novels in a period of a couple years before my first novel (the third I'd written) was accepted by a publisher.

Me: I know so many people who have done that. I'm always impressed with the ability to write more when the other novels aren't published. I mean, it's not like writing a novel is something that can be accomplished in a week! Speaking of which, what's your favorite color? Yeah, I know, the question has nothing to do with anything. I'm just curious.

Rachel: Red. I like black and hot pink, too. Baby blue is nice.

Me: Is it only girls that can't narrow the favorite color down to one? Mine's purple. But I really like blue and green too. And orange. Would you rather swim in a lake, pool, river, or ocean?

Rachel: I'd choose the ocean in a heartbeat. I love the ocean, sand and all. My husband was born by the ocean, so his love of it has probably influenced me. I love floating in the water, seeing the endless stretch reaching out forever. I adore sitting on the warm sand and reading a book, or playing soccer and volleyball without my shoes. It's a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids.

Me: Do you like to read in bed?

Rachel: I love to read anywhere, but especially in bed!

Me: Ha! I knew it! I'm a bed-reader too. What about eating and reading? Do you like that?

Rachel: I'd love to eat chocolate while I read, but that's terrible for my figure, so I try not to eat and read.

Me: Well, okay. How long does it take you write a book, from start to finish?

Rachel: Usually about five months. In the old days when my children were tiny and didn't need so much driving around and help with homework, I could do it in two or three.

Me: Really??? You mean these are the good years? For some reason I thought it would get easier when my kids got older! You know, the self-sufficiency thing...but wow, five months for a book? And that's your slow time?? How do you do that? Do you have a critique group?

Rachel: Not so much a critique group as author friends who exchange manuscripts with me, and a few friends who are readers who give me feedback. Also, my daughters often read my manuscripts.

Me: What do you do for fun with your family, besides read your rough drafts together?

Rachel: We go swimming, play soccer. Go to family camp. Watch seasons of movies together, read together. We're all big readers.

Me: If you could change one thing in your writing career, what would it be?

Rachel: I think I'd focus more on what I wanted to write instead of what my publisher expected of me. I'm only now exploring stories that have been waiting a long time to come out. That's not to say I haven't loved all my stories. I've been really happy with my progress so far, plus I've been able to publish and work from home. It's not easy, but satisfying.

Me: Very, very good point. I'll have to remember that. I am happy you're able to create what you really want to know. Thanks for sharing, Rachel! And good luck with your writing!

(That's it, guys. Interview's over. You can go now.)

Oh, and don't forget. If you comment, you get entered into a chance to win her book!

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 40,573
actual: 40,652
tomorrow's goal: 42,652

Spotlight: T. Anne

Okay! I'm finally getting online. The boys and I are making a surprise trip up to Missouri tomorrow to see Daddy. I sent Mark a letter to let him know we were coming, but apparently the Drill Sergeants are holding on to letters this week. Luckily, Mark borrowed someone else's phone (the Drill Sergeants are collecting phones, too) and called us. So I got to tell him. Otherwise, it really would've been a surprise. (The fort is giving them a three-day pass because of Memorial Weekend, that's why we're going up.)

But today we have a wonderful guest with us! T. Anne from her blog White Platonic Dreams. I've only recently met this lady and I'm so excited to get to know her more. Please welcome her!

Me: Hi T. Anne! Okay, before we get started, I gotta know: What should I call you?

T. Anne: T. Anne something. I haven't quite pinned down my nom de plume. My daughter is rooting for T. Anne Princess, or Crown. It's nice to be thought of as royalty, I suppose. In actuality I descend from the Hun's. I'll wait till she's a little older before bowling her over with that little tid bit.

Me: Okay...T. Anne the Hun. You're right, Princess sounds better. So! T. Anne Princess. Tell me about your writing! What is your work in progress?

T. Anne Princess: Oh I'm so glad you asked! Currently I'm working on the third book in a young adult series aimed at the Christian market with strong cross over potential, entitled The Rockaway Island series. It's modeled after the old school Sweet Valley High series but with modern dilemmas and an oh-so-awesome cast of characters, free of vampires and zombies. Mostly.

Me: Mostly?

T. Anne Princess: No, really, there are none of those.

Me: Breaking the mold, huh? Sounds awesome! I remember Sweet Valley! Oh, I was a fan.
What's the plot, since you have no vampires?

T. Anne Princess: The series rotates around the life of Laken Alexander, a freshman at Crystal Bay high. Each book is rife with it's own mishaps and horrors. It's written in first person with a light edgy sense of humor... like say that of a fourteen-year-old girl? Oh wait, she is fourteen! Perfect. It's written perfectly. I hope to grow the series throughout her high school years, following Laken to college and potentially the grave and beyond if publishers allow. I can dream, right?

Me: Yeah, I guess that's allowed. After all, you must've been dreaming when you thought up the name 'Laken'! That's totally cool, though. I love those sorts of books. That's kind of how I see my series with my main character, Jaci. She's fifteen and I want to follow her into college. At what point are you in the submission process?

T. Anne Princess: I've actually received some excitement over the series from a few different agents. I'm just waiting for responses and making sure I get at least one rejection a day, it keeps me at sanity's edge. That's where I function best.

Me: Ahh!!! Good for you! That's so very exciting. How long has this process been for you?

T. Anne Princess: It's been a little less than half a year. I was focused primarily on my literary fiction prior to this.

Me: Oo, literary fiction. Brave soul. I'll skip those questions for now. Enough about your writing! Who do you live with?

T. Anne Princess: Many a mammal. My wonderful husband-person who I lovingly refer to as Soprano, our three sons, one daughter and two furry children who shed something awful.

Me: I'm dying to know why you call him Soprano. No answers? Okay, I'll come up with my own. He reminds you of someone off "Meet the Sopranos"? Hmm. Where do the Princess and Soprano call home?

T. Anne Princess: I live in the urban sprawl that is Los Angeles. We are currently a glowing ember on this spinning blue marble, so all prayers are welcome.

Me: Yes, I'm sure you need them. What's your favorite thing to do on a hot, breezy summer day? (And I know you get a lot of hot ones in LA.)

T. Anne Princess: Lay by the pool and listen to the kids have a splashing good time.

Me: What's your favorite movie?

T. Anne Princess: The Princess Bride and Ground Hogs Day. I'm not too big on movies, I read mostly, while feigning interest in whatever Soprano's watching. Shh... don't tell.

Me: Mum's the word. So, what do you want to be when you grow up?

T. Anne Princess: Organized, well loved, very old and if there's still time, a published author.
Me: At least you have realistic expectations. Do you have any pets?

T. Anne Princess: A golden retriever who is almost 10. He is destructive beyond belief but he has a sweet side too. Also we have a pekingese and he's the cutest one on the planet, I do believe. He's in charge of the golden. We also house a small yet exquisitely graceful Beta fish named Tinkerbell.

Me: Wow! I'm so excited to read your books. Be sure and tell me when you get a contract!!! It was so fun to meet you!

And that's T. Anne Princess. Or T. Anne Crown. I guess she can still change what she's known by. Be sure and stop by her blog and say hi! Oh yeah. Don't count on seeing me again until Tuesday. Have a happy holiday!

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 32,072
actual: 32,162 (+2,090)
Tuesday's goal: 34,162

Spotlight Friday

I am directly stealing this idea from Sara Eden. She's doing a "Friday Friends" or something like that in an effort to make more friends. So I decided to do the same! She didn't copyright the idea, so I don't feel bad using it. Plus she's so cute. She totally reminds me of my dear friend Abby. (Hello, Abby! No, I haven't forgotten you, I just never ever call or email. I still love you!)

Sometimes I'll spotlight authors, famous celebrities, and millionaires looking for a tax break. Other times they'll just be people like you. In fact, it might even be you!

Today I'm having some serious doubts about my sequel. I'm afraid it won't be as good as the first. The first one went through so many drafts. I just don't have the time or manpower to take that long with this one! What if I finish it and my editor laughs? Scoffs? Doesn't want it?

Silly thoughts. I have to get the first draft done. I'm sure most authors feel jittery, nervous, even uncertain. I do need to make things realistic. Did you know the FBI actually has a page on their website for artists? IE, authors and filmmakers. They have an 'info request' hotline just for us! Isn't that awesome??? It's so nice when people cooperate with you.

On another note, I think I'm being too easy with myself. I set my goal to 1,000 words a day but consistently hit at least 2,000. Sometimes, though, I start playing online because I think, "I already hit my goal for the day." So I'm bumping my goal up. 2,000 words a day. Hold me accountable, people! I'm pumped. At that rate, first draft might be done by the second week of October.

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 18,683
actual: 19,354 (+1,671)
tomorrow's goal: 21,354