Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been honored and delighted to participate in all four of the collaborative novellas by Write Integrity Press. I love working with other authors. The creativity it stems. The synergistic enthusiasm that builds. And I’ve enjoyed the stories that have been developed.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book, The Love Boat Bachelor, was the sequel to last year’s collaborative novella, A Dozen Apologies. Brent, a church pastor, is one of the men that last year’s gal didn’t choose. This year he agrees to help a buddy by stepping in as the chaplain for a Caribbean cruise ship. He doesn’t realize until it’s too late that the trip is a “Love Boat,” especially for singles. Each of the authors created a lady especially for Brent and set her in one of the beautiful ports of call.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a planner to the extreme. I use a program called Scrivener to set up my stories – even the chapters of these collaborative novellas. And I fill out the same data for each scene so I know exactly where I’m going as I write through it. The good thing about it is that I can pen my first draft quickly. The tough part comes when I veer off the course I’ve set. As much as I love the planning, there are times when the characters take me places I don’t expect.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Phyllis A. Whitney was my favorite author as I was growing up. I loved the way she twisted a romance into a mystery with just enough suspense to keep me page turning, sometimes with a flashlight under the blankets.
I love writing stories in that romance/mystery genre, but with a strong message of faith in the Lord. As far as the writing has gone, several authors, teachers, and mentors influence me. Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck. I love their writing series. Lena Nelson Dooley and Elizabeth Goddard have served as inspiration. Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s book, Rivet Your Reader with Deep POV made an impact on my writing as did workshops with Jim Rubart, Chip MacGregor and James Scott Bell.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a series of novellas set in Dallas. A crime scene cleaner is supposed to be laying low and staying safe in a witness security program. But she has a knack for ferreting out mysteries. Especially when they deal with people she cares about.
The first of the books is complete and the second is will follow quickly. So far, I have four “episodes” in all, but I’m thinking about spinning off with a second character and creating another short series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I know as a reader, I look at reviews. Sometimes from blogs, but always from Amazon and often on Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish the book. That’s the biggest part of the battle.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing. The marketing is important. The promotions are key. Networking, social media, etc. But keep writing. Without the books, I have nothing.
What are you reading now?
I just finished PETTICOAT DETECTIVE by Margaret Brownley. Thoroughly enjoyed the story. I’m about to start DEADLY ECHOES by Nancy Mehl. I do love a good mystery and suspense!
What’s next for you as a writer?
This novella series is a new experience. I’m also working on Write Integrity Press’s newest novella collaboration, and a group of Dallas authors are going to publish a collection of novellas this fall entitled Warm Mulled Kisses.
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?
The Bible. I really do love reading God’s love letter. But other than that, I just don’t have that many books I’d want to reread. I like finding new styles and authors, but I seldom read things a second time.
Author Websites and Profiles
Marji Laine Website
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