When You Write About the Human Condition, You Cannot Fail

So thrilled to welcome author and editor, Gail Delaney here to share with you a little about her life and her newest book.


Gail R. Delaney has been actively writing 'for publication' since 1996. The first novel she ever wrote is still sitting on her computer, waiting for the major rewrite that will make it acceptable. She says she has learned a great deal since writing that book, and it shows when she looks back at that rough draft.

Gail has had several novels published in the genres of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. Her novels have received several nominations and awards since she was first published in 2005.

Gail and her family recently moved from the cold and blustry east coast to Southern California, and is loving every moment of sunshine she can soak in -- without risking a sun burn.

SDC: Thanks so much for joining us here at A Pen for Your Thoughts. How would you describe your author vision and how does it come through in your voice when writing?

Gail: My goal with each book I write is to create characters that make the reader feel. Sometimes that means I make you happy, sometimes sad, sometimes angry... but the important thing is to express the truest emotions of the human condition.

I have been told many, many times by readers that they felt every heartbreak, every moment of joy, every emotion because I write such character-driven books. So, I guess that would be the way my voice carries through.

SDC:  You are both an editor and an author. Doing both must keep you extremely busy. How do you coordinate both writing and editing and working on the side, and still come through with time on your hands, and to still be who you are?

Gail: Well, I never have 'time on my hands'. LOL  Just the next project. I have to categorize my hours and days. Sometimes I have no control over what I do when ( I have a Monday through Friday 7 to 4 day job), but I edit on my lunch hour. I know my evenings are for updates, reviewing files, emails, etc. Weekends are for website updates, correspondence, etc. Certain things are done on certain days. And if there are not glitches or bumps, I try to keep Sunday afternoon for my own writing.

SDC: Do you ever thread faith, love, and hope along with the reality of life work together in your stories? If not that, what inspires you as a writer?

Gail: Oh, I definitely would say I do, now more than ever. Hope is a big element of the Phoenix series. Without hope, we would have given up. But, they are all real people. People who get colds, or want more time with the ones they love, or get frustrated with their work. And I've woven more elements of faith into my books in the last few years simply because as a woman of faith, I tend to write characters with the same thoughts.

SDC: How long did you have to wait before getting published the first time?

Gail: I started writing my first book in January of 1996. I didn't get published -- and it was my second book -- until 2005. So, it took me nearly ten years.

SDC:  What room in your home or special place do you like to be that often play a part in your story writing and, if so, how?

Gail: I have an office where I do my 'editor' work, so I don't tend to write there. It's my way of dividing the two. I have a comfy chaise lounge in my bedroom between my side of the bed and the window with a nice view of the television, and I can see right out my bedroom door to the stairwell. I always leave the door open so my children freely come and go if they want, and that is where I camp out when I write. Sometimes, if my husband isn't home, I sneak into his 'man cave' and sit in his recliner to write. J

SDC: How does your family correspond with your time to write and do research for writing?

Gail: I have to categorize quite a bit. This time is for this, this time is for this. But, if my family needs me then the schedule goes out the window. My children know they can come to me even if I'm at the computer, which is often. And we purposefully set aside time just for us. Whether it be church on Sunday, evening meals together, or Saturday running errands. It's together time.

SDC: As an editor, how do you deal with your slush piles, Gail? Also, what question would you like one of our viewers to answer to help me select the winner of your newest book coming out?

Gail: I suppose you mean how do I shift through the submissions? I'll put it this way... the further I get into your book before I stop, the better chance you have with me. If I'm on page ten and still reading, you've grabbed my attention.

My Phoenix series is set in the not-too-distance future on an Earth where First Contact has happened, and we are now faced with the reality we aren't alone in the universe.

Readers, tell me... do you believe in extra-terrestrial life? If not in full, do you think there might be the chance? No judgments, no need for debate... just let me know.

SDC: Now, that's an intriguing question. Thanks. Please include your URL and where people can find out more about you and your books.

My website is http://www.GailDelaney.com where you can read about all my books.

You can also 'like' me at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorGailRDelaney, which is a Facebook page for all my writing. I also have a specific facebook page for the Phoenix books alone, at http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixGailRDelaney

I have a free prequel short story for the Phoenix series, and if anyone would like a copy, they can email me at gail@gaildelaney.com and I'd be happy to send them one. Or, if you just would like to tell me something, ask me something, etc... email me as well.

To Our Visitors: Let's take one more look at Gail's interesting question.

Readers, tell me... do you believe in extra-terrestrial life? If not in full, do you think there might be the chance? No judgments, no need for debate... just let me know.

We look forward to your responses. I will be drawing the winner's name in a few days.