Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My first novel was published in 1998 with Barbour Publishing, in 1999 the second was published and I was contracted by Harlequin’s Love Inspired line. Today I have 69 published novels as well as numerous reissues. Before becoming a novelist, I was a high school English teacher and following my master’s degree a counselor for many years. I taught university English for 5 years and then became a freelance writer until I sold my first novel. I’ve won numerous national awards including an ACFW Carol, two Romantic Times reviewer’s Choice for Best Love Inspired of the year. Two Holt Medallions, two Booksellers Best and numerous others. I am now writing for Winged Publications.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Say Yes in Tucumcari. When traveling from Michigan to Sedona, AZ where we spent the winter…until we moved to Sedona in 2016, I fell in love with the small town of Tucumcari, NM noted for its prominence on the Mother Road Route 66. My latest book is third in a Tucumcari Series, A Trip to Remember Book 1 and A Tucumcari Christmas book 2. Each book revolves around the same characters and are romances with humor. My next book, Over Her Head, is a reissue and is romance with loads of humor.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When on a deadline, I write seven days a week with no set hours or word count and only stop when I run out of energy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robin Jones Gunn, Secrets, was the first inspirational romance I read many years ago and I knew I could write that type of book, although I found that I needed a lot of craft honing that I didn’t know about. I love books by Maeve Binchy, Kristin Hannah and books that focus more on story than on a quick romance.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on numerous books. I am updating the reissue, Over Her Head, which is a humorous romance, but I have three other contracts due in 2017 so those will be coming to life soon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have always used social media to promote my novels as well as a Newsletter to readers and even one to my snail-mail readers, but I am learning that sites such as yours–Awsomegang–is an excellent way to promote. You have collected the names of people who love to read and they can select from the genres they love.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Too many writers think they can write an amazing book without knowing how to write. I’ve been asked by many to read their books and though I don’t have a lot of time, I sometimes agree to read the first five pages. By page one I can usually see the writers problems, some serious problems, that will turn off readers who like good writing. So honing the craft is a must. Connecting with critique groups, writers’ organizations, magazines and books on writing. Would you want brain surgery from someone who decided he could cut into your brain and fix it? I don’t think so, and most people don’t want to read a novel by someone who has no training in how to write an excellent book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn to understanding and use good pacing. This was written to me by an editor who liked my working but saw a major flaw. I had no idea what to cut from a novel or to hold off on the information so that the book moved the plot forward. I know now.
What are you reading now?
When writing, I do not read books so I have a huge pile of books in my Kindle to read, but the last book I read was Girl On The Train. I also saw the movie. The book was excellent and I enjoyed the movie.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a couple of series that I would like to write. The first is a romance about three sisters who live in a small town and each will be the focus on one of the books. One of the stories has lived in my mind for years. Another series is set on a college campus and will be a suspense with romance. One will involve a student, one a college professor, and the other a college counselor. Those are quite well developed in my head.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Goodness, if peanut brittle were a book, I’d take it. Since you asked about books — Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, An anthology of Mary Steward’s novels, and the Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gail Gaymer Martin Website
Gail Gaymer Martin Amazon Profile
Gail Gaymer Martin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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