Keep Writing

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Lori Freeland. She is one of the contributing authors in 21 Days of Christmas: Stories that Celebrate God’s Greatest Gift, the second book in my Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. Her story is called “If Not for Grace.”

What inspired you to write this particular story?

I envisioned this scene in my head of a businessman making cookies with a little girl, and the story evolved from there. Christmas is centered around relationships. But for this compilation, I wanted to write something a little different, not your typical family interaction. I also wanted to inspire hope. I think the relationship between Blake and Chloe accomplishes both objectives.

Do you write part time or full time?

Somewhere in between. I have three kids at home, and I try to work around their schedules. I also do some editing, teaching, and coaching. I love encouraging new writers.

Where and when do you write?

My office is my bedroom. My favorite place to write is in bed with a cup of coffee next to me. With my kids’ schedules, morning works best. But when I can, I steal away for an entire weekend just to write.

What do you love most about writing?

Playing with the people in my head. My characters kind of create themselves, then let me listen in on their conversations. I love to see their stories unfold.

What do you find most challenging about writing?

Time. I’m a slow writer. I can’t put out a fast, sloppy draft and then come back and edit. I edit as I go. And that frustrates me sometimes. On the upside, by the time I write “The End,” I’m really finished.

What one piece of advice would you share with aspiring writers?

Keep fine-tuning your craft. And keep writing. There’s a fine line between perfecting and producing. Your favorite product may never sell—perhaps due to it being in a hard-to-fit genre, or bad timing, or an overcrowded market. And some products may never be polished enough to publish. But if you keep at it, something will work out eventually.

Thanks again for sharing with me and my followers, Lori!

Lori Freeland is a writing teacher and coach for the North Texas Christian Writers and a contributor to Crosswalk.com and Believe.com. She’s addicted to flavored coffee and imaginary people. When she’s not writing inspirational articles, she’s working on several young-adult novels. Visit her website, www.lafreeland.com, or look for L. A. Freeland on Facebook.