Amber Stockton has something to say! Come on IN!

(Tiffany) Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since she was a child. Today, she is an author and freelance web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart, along with their daughter and border collie in beautiful Colorado. Amber has sold eight books so far to Barbour Publishing with more on the horizon. Other credits include writing articles for various publications, five short stories with Romancing the Christian Heart, and contributions to the books: 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage and Grit for the Oyster. Read more about her at her web site: http://www.amberstockton.com./

SKC: Many welcome greetings to you, Tiff. I think I’ve had you on before, so this will be a great opportunity to hear some updated news! What books or project are you working on now? Tell us about the circumstances that got this underway.

Tiff: Right now, although I don’t have any current contracts, I am working on two historical series. The first is set in Wyoming featuring a socialite artist from Philadelphia who accepts a teaching position out west so she can sketch the wondrous landscapes. She befriends a cattle baron and learns the ways of a ranch while discovering a simplistic way of life that fulfills her in ways far beyond her imagination.

The second series is focused on silver mining in Colorado, featuring 3 siblings who sold their mine to run a ranch but find their mine is still irrevocably entwined in their lives.

SKC: Both sound great. Do you still write under various pennames and how does that change with what you write? Or do you work under your own name?

Tiff: I began writing under Amber Miller, but when I married, I changed to Amber Stockton. Amber is my middle name, so I don’t know that I consider it a pen name as much as an alternate.  As far as I know, unless my editor asks me to change, I will be writing as Amber Stockton from here on out.

SKC: You last time told us you had been writing all your life, but did not get serious until much later. What has been the biggest factor in keeping you going, Tiff?

Tiff: That’s an excellent question. I’d have to say it’s the knowledge that what I write might touch someone’s life and be the words they need to read or hear. To imagine that the words I pen might be used by God to bless someone else is a powerful thought. Another factor is knowing that with each story I write and sell, I am able to stay home with my daughter and not have to go to work outside the home. That alone is enough to keep me writing the rest of my life.

SKC: I love that. How important it is to TOUCH SOMEONE'S LIFE as you say. Do you still work with CBA, or have you felt an interest in writing for the ABA as well? What are your thoughts about inspirational writers writing Crossover Stories?

Tiff: Yes, right now, I am working exclusively within the CBA. I don’t have a problem with inspirational authors writing crossover stories as long as their faith and their beliefs aren’t compromised simply for the sake of a sale. And personally, I haven’t had a desire to write for the ABA except perhaps in children’s books. That doesn’t mean the option isn’t still there should a door open, though.

SKC: It's nice that we all have choices, isn't it. I believe you once told me you often get writer’s block. How has that changed or not changed for you as you spend more time writing?

Tiff: Before I had my daughter, my “block” would happen because I wouldn’t know where to take the story. Now, the “block” occurs because I don’t have a lot of focus time. My mind and attention are so divided now with a lot of the focus going toward my daughter and her needs. But my husband is fantastic in taking over baby duty to allow me to write in the evenings and weekends. And nap times are a blessedly silent time that allow for some great focused writing phases. Of course, with this division, I have learned to write a lot faster and just get the story down. There is always time to edit and improve later.

SKC: That time for focus hits the nail on the head. I just spoke to our last author about that very thing. What is your advice to the aspiring writer or to someone who just thinks about the art?

Tiff: Writing is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, patience, perseverance and faith. And it won’t happen overnight. You have to maintain a teachable spirit and be open to constructive criticism, no matter how far along in your writing journey you get. In the end, the rewards far outweigh all the sweat and tears you shed along the way. Most importantly, if you feel this is the path for you, never give up!

SKC: What do you do during the waiting period when editors are looking over your manuscripts?

Tiff: Write, write, write. I keep writing books. I seek out opportunities for articles. I work on marketing the books I have out and I look for outlets to pitch new stories in the hopes they might sell. Basically, I do anything that might help bring in the income and keep the career going.

SKC: We are looking forward to the book you have for one of the readers here. What is the one thing you would like to know about a follower of this blog, A Pen for Your Thoughts, Tiff?

Tiff: What *I* would like to know? And not one thing I’d like the follower to know? Hmm…I suppose I’d like to know whether that follower is a writer or a reader, and if a writer, where in the writing journey the follower is. If a reader, the favorite types of books the follower likes to read.

SKC: Thanks for that. The answers that come in will help all writers. It’s been a joy having you here, Tiff! Be sure to tell us where we can find YOU and your books in the days ahead.

Tiff: You can always find me at my web site or my blog. I update my books page with my latest releases and books coming soon. So, if you want to keep up with my career, you can check that page on my site. I also have a group on Facebook called Amber Stockton Readers that you can join. There are weekly discussions on my books and fiction in general. Then, my blog features author spotlights and book giveaways each week. Here are the URL’s:

http://www.amberstockton.com/

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117209102310

http://amberstockton.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much, Shirley, for having me here today. It’s been a pleasure. And of course, I’d love to hear from you [and the others] in the comments. Thanks [to all] for coming by today.

Readers and writers: Now, for you. Take a few moments to respond to the above reflection in RED. Thanks so much. I hope you win the book!

Congratulations to Wendy Marple of Delano, Minnesota! You are our new winner. Woo Hoo! Watch for your book and be sure to try again anaother time.