How Does Wishing for Miracles Keep You in Suspense?

A bit of suspense is always welcome over here. Join me in welcoming another new kid on the block, K Dawn Byrd.
K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance. Queen of Hearts, a WWII romantic suspense released in April and was Desert Breeze Publishing's bestselling novel for the month. Killing Time, a contemporary romantic suspense released August 1, also with Desert Breeze Publishing.

SKC: It's good to visit with you here, K. Dawn. What inspired you to come up writing suspense? Tell us about the circumstances and a little about how your publisher found you.

KDB: Suspense is my favorite genre. Throw in a little romance and we have a deal! Since I love reading books that are heavy on the suspense, it made sense to write them. I don't like to read books that move slowly and suspense keeps the plot moving along nicely.

I became friends with Michelle Sutton after e-mailing her to tell her how much I enjoyed her book, Danger at the Door. Michelle recommended that I submit my work to her publisher, Desert Breeze. The rest is history.

SKC: How long had you been writing before you got your first contract? And tell us how you dealt with your patience while waiting.

KDB: I'd been writing for about two years, which really wasn't all that long compared to some. During that time, I read and studied everything I could find on the craft. Killing Time is the first book I wrote and was edited probably a dozen times because I'd read another book on craft, learn something new, and tear it apart again.

SKC: All authors, even new ones, have advice for other new authors coming into the field of writing. I’m not sure if you consider yourself simply a newer author or soon to become a more established author, but what would your best advice be to aspiring writers?

KDB: I recommend that you write something every day. You'll be surprised at how quickly the words add up. Don't forget....study, study, study.

SKC: Excellent advice. Sometimes inspirational writers have a hard time being accepted in the “real” world (Outside of CBA). What are your thoughts about inspirational writers writing Crossover Stories or writing for a smaller press?

KDB: I don't have a problem with inspirational writers crossing over into the secular market. Maybe it'll lead someone who doesn't normally read inspirational books into the CBA market as they search for more books by that author.

SKC: You seemed to do well from early on, which is quite unusual for many writers. Tell us what gets you started on those first five pages of a brand new story.

KDB: What gets me started is a really good plot. I'll spend a few weeks plotting and researching if I need to do so. After I've filled out a character worksheet and feel like I know my character really well, I throw her into the story with what I hope is a good hook that draws the reader in.

SKC: The best way to keep that character from becoming too cardboard, yes. How would you advise putting together a proposal for getting ready to talk with an editor or agent at a conference? And what is one way you would put your best foot forward?

KDB: I can't really give much advice on this because I've never attended a conference. My first will be the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference in September. I plan to design a sell sheet and one sheets for the books I've completed in order to prepare. I've studied the market and chose my editor interviews carefully, and hopefully, will be sitting down with someone who buys what I write.

SKC: I wish you the best then. I got to go to my first conference with ACFW last year. Sadly, this year I will miss. I noticed that you were a book collector like me. What types of books do you collect, and how does your avid love for reading help you with your writing?

KDB: I have over a thousand Nancy Drew books from the 1930's forward. At one time, I carried a notebook with me and was working on completing over 20 different series of books. Some of my favorites are the Blythe Girls, Hardy Boys, Connie Blair, Dana Girls, and Beverly Gray. I haven’t added anything to my collection lately. Whenever I find a Nancy Drew book in an antique store, I can't help myself...even if I have ten copies of that title!

SKC: I will be careful not to go to the same store as you at the same time! We might be racing for the same books! I can just see you in an antique store. Let's move on to another note. After you finish your present project, what plans do you have?

KDB: I'm a history buff and would like to write a Flapper Girl story.

SKC: That would be interesting. You mentioned that you have a book you would like to give to one of our readers. Think of a unique question you would like to ask one of our reader/writer if you were here talking with her or him face to face.

KDB: Both my hero and heroine had recently lost loved ones to cancer. If God gave my characters one miracle, they would most likely request a cure for cancer. If God gave you one miracle, what would it be?

SKC: What a super question. Thank you. I'm really looking forward to the responses. Please let us know any other way we can find you and your books.

KDB: e-mail: kdawnbyrd@yahoo.com   Sites:  http://www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/   http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/  http://www.amazon.com/  http://ebookstore.sony.com/  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooks/index.asp

SKC: Ah, you've given us lots of choices. That's great.

KDB: Thank you for hosting me. I'll be happy to give away an ebook to one of your readers. (If you don't know how to read ebooks, check out my blog for instructions on how to download the free Kindle app to your PC or laptop. http://www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/  )

SKC: Thank you for sharing that. A lot of people haven't yet gotten a handle on what these ebooks are all about and how to get them easily.

For those reading this interview and writing in, don't forget to respond to K Dawn's great question. Please leave your E mail address too..

Thanks so much...

 THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR CROSSING OVER AND JOINING US.WE HAVE APPRECIATED YOUR COMPANY

Congratulations to Ann Lee Miller of Gilbert AZ. You just won KDawn's book!