Interview with Rhonda Gibson

Rhonda Gibson lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She writes in a small cottage that sits a few feet away from her house. Rhonda has three published projects at this time: One Heartsong Presents, To Trust an Outlaw (scheduled for release in August 2007) and two Barbour Novellas that are available now, Love Of A Lifetime from Scraps Of Love anthology collection and Stealing Home from The Bachelor Club anthology collection. She enjoys crafts, day hikes, and talking to writer's groups and readers.

What is the greatest historical novel you’ve ever read and why?

I am a big Lori Copeland fan. Her book, Glory is my favorite. She has a sense of humor that is awesome in this book. And the way she brings the Lord into a character's life is wonderful. I highly recommend all her titles.



My mother and grandmother were both big readers. My Grandma Abby read lots of historical fiction. She introduced me to westerns and later I discovered other historical novels at the public library.

How much time does it take to research your stories – what balance would you say there is between research and actual writing?

When working on a historical I spend half my time writing and half my time researching. I usually research a place and time before I start writing but I always have something that I need to look up as I’m writing. I want my books to be historically correct. So I spend a lot of time on-line and in dusty old books.

Describe for us, if you will, your writing style, as in plotter vs. seat of the pants. Do you put more time into developing characters or plot or are they equal?

I am both a plotter and a seat of the pants writer. I start out writing by the seat of my pants. I have the idea and I just let it flow. But when I come to a place where I feel like I need a plan, usually Chapter 3, I write out a chapter by chapter synopsis. The synopsis is my road map to finish the book. I develop characters as I write.

We look forward to hearing more from Rhonda Gibson on Wednesday.
In the mean time, leave your comments for a chance in this
Saturday's book drawing! This week's book title is yet to be
determined, so please check back tomorrow.