Interview with Maggie Brendan, Day Two

Maggie Brendan is a member of American Christian Writers (ACW) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She was a recipient of the 2004 ACW Persistence Award. An active student of Colorado’s history, topography, and botany, Maggie has spent years studying both the landscape and the rich folklore of the early territory of Colorado.

Her first novel, No Place For a Lady (first in the Heart of the West series) will be released in January 2009. The Jewel of His Heart will be released in Fall of 2009. Maggie is also quoted in Word Weavers, The Successful Writer’s Critique Groups, released in June. She currently leads a writer’s critique group that is in its fifth year. A screenplay of her first novel has been optioned to Hallmark.

Maggie has experience in media and print production and has a particular interest and affinity with radio. She also writes reviews for some of her favorite authors, which can be found on her blog, http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com.
Maggie is married with two grown children and four grandchildren. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, singing, painting, scrapbooking and being with her family. She lives in Marietta, GA.

Welcome back! Do you find a particular theme recurring in each of your stories? If so, how does that theme relate to your own life experience?

I think my novels show a character’s dependence on God throughout, as well as how the character grows spiritually while trying to adjust to circumstances in her life.

Do you think your novels reflect your entire personality? Is there a hidden side of you that would surprise your readers?

Oh, I think maybe just a little. I’m really a more spirited gal like Crystal in the first book and a romantic at heart. But I can be just as spiritual and soft too. I’m pretty transparent so it’s hard for me to hide how I feel about anything.

Do you work in a designated office or in various places? What spot is your favorite writing area. Do you have a scheduled time you go there?

For the last four years, I’ve had a really beautiful office with windows all around. My desk faces the woodsy backyard, which is pure enjoyment for me and a dream come true. Now that the leaves have fallen, I can see houses across a natural stream.
I go to my computer every morning by 8:30 or 9 and work until lunch then go for a two mile walk. I return refreshed and work until 5 or so. I try to do this at least four days a week, but sometimes on a weekend, I’ll speed a couple of hours if time allows. When I’m on deadline, it’s definitely 5 days a week and I’ll work after supper as well.

What is the most helpful marketing strategy you've used to promote your books?

Since I’m really new at this, I’m still in the process of learning. I believe that networking with other writers is a good place to start to build a list of influencers through writing groups. I read and review books that I enjoy and hope they’ll reciprocate for me. I’ve also lead a writer’s critique group that I’ve led for more than 5 years now. I believe a lot of selling is word of mouth to your friends and acquaintances. I make myself a familiar face at my local Christian bookstore and other stores, and then contact them to do a book signing.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my third book in the series Heart of the West, Kickin’ Up The Dust, though I don’t know if they’ll keep the title. My first book, No Place For A Lady, was written as a screenplay and has been optioned to Hallmark. We hope that they’ll produce it in 2009.

Any final thoughts for us?

Always finish what you start and be persistent. Then continue to be a reader of all types of books, not just your genre. Attend writer’s conferences and stay connected to other writers to keep your sanity. Lastly, but most importantly, keep your heart focused on God, acknowledging him who blesses you with the gift of writing to create the most satisfying stories that will leave your reader feeling satisfied and hopefully inspired.

To enter the drawing for Maggie's novel No Place for a Lady, leave a comment with your email address in the form name(at) company (dot) com. Drawing closes at midnight this Thursday.