How long did it take for you to get published and what was the journey like?

LAE: I always find this question difficult to answer. You see, I have been writing all my life and had little things published along the way. I wrote a novel one summer while teaching high school, but didn’t do much with it. Then, for many years, I played around, stopped, played some more. >From starting to take writing really seriously, I’d say two years.

Tell us about your call story?

It was July 18, 2005. To say the least, my life was stressful. We were moving in two weeks, my job was rocky, and my husband was about to start law school. I’d also given myself until ‘August 1 to sell or give up writing.

My agent called me at about 9:30 in the evening. She’d been on a plane heading to a conference when the editor called her and had just gotten the message. I knew excitement would set in later, but I was so tired and stressed, it was more like someone had just shot me up with Novocain. I was too stunned and overwhelmed to even say much but “Wow, cool,” like some dude.

For those who aren’t familiar with your work, tell us what you write and who you write for?

LAE: I write historical romance usually with a bit of mystery and suspense. My focus is the nineteenth century England and America. At present, my publishers are Avalon Books and Barbour Publishing. My stuff varies from sweet secular to inspirational.

How long does it take you to complete a book, start to finish?

LAE: Right now, I’m blessed enough to have lots of time to write, so I’d say three months, four if I have to do a lot of research. I try to treat writing like a job and spend a minimum number of hours a week at my desk writing.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career?

LAE: I’m debating here how personal to get and think being as personal as possible without burdening anyone with too much information is helpful to other writers. First of all, a lack of self-confidence. I’m still stunned than anyone wants to read, let alone buy, my books. And my National Readers’ Choice Award sits on my desk for me to look at to remind me it’s true. Sometimes, though I really have to push through that veil of doubt, especially about ¾ way through a manuscript. The second major challenge is the logistical ones of having a disability. Technology makes writing possible, but sometimes, people’s attitudes aren’t what they should be, blocking my way.

Do you believe in muses?

LAE: I believe in the guiding of the Holy Spirit.

What influences and inspires you? Any authors?

LAE: Music inspires me. All kinds from classical to heavy metal. Other authors? Many have influenced me over the years. Now, I tend to read books outside my genre so as not to subconsciously imitate their style. Movies inspire me. Nothing like a Bogart or Hepburn movie to get my creativity going. No, I’m not that old; I just love old movies.

What’s your take on self promotion? What have you found to work the best for you?

LAE: Self promotion is utterly crucial to an author. Get one’s name out there as often and prominently as one can. One can be annoying, of course, and I believe in the minimum 25 times seeing a name to act principle. So I do a lot of blog visits, blogging myself, and interviews. I also participate on many lists and am helpful. I’ve sold a lot of books to people I’ve taken ten minutes to help with a writing or research question.

What do you think of social networks? Are you on any of them?

LAE: I’m on Shout Life, but don’t participate much any more. It’s called a lack of time. I do think social networking is really important and need to work it into my schedule to get on more and participate more. Again, it’s that name recognition thing. And readers like to be in touch.

How about blogs? Do you read them? Write your own? Guest blog? What do you think works best? And do you have any favorite blogs or blog posts?

LAE: Blogs are a blessing and a bain. I write on two regularly www.seizethechance.blogspot.com and www.romanticinks.com, I guest blog, and I read blogs a little too voraciously.

What’s your opinion on having an agent? Do you have one currently?

LAE: I think one needs an agent. Even with publishers who don’t require one, an agent helps get one’s work in front of the editor and can negotiate the contract that most think is boilerplate. And, yes, I have one. Tamela Hancock Murray of Hartline Literary Agency has been my agent for six years.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?

LAE: Be persistent. If you can stop writing, then you probably should. Otherwise, keep writing, completing, and submitting.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

LAE: See above. This is a combination of advice from two successful writers, Sandra Brown and Joe Beverley. Write, then write, then write some more. Learn as you go. Listen to editors and critique partners.

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