You know what I love? I love picking up a book by a new-to-me author and realizing within the first chapter I’ve come across a new fave. That’s how I felt last fall when I read Anne Mateer’s At Every Turn. I quickly gobbled up Anne’s first book, Wings of a Dream, as well.
In the months since, I’ve so enjoyed getting to know Anne through her blog, and I’m so pleased she’s here today with a fun Q&A…and a two-book giveaway! For a chance to win a copy of At Every Turn and Wings of a Dream, just leave a comment below. You’ve got until next Tuesday at 5 p.m. CST, at which time I’ll use a random number generator to determine the winner.
Enjoy the interview with Anne!
1) Okay, I LOVE historical fiction…and I love your novels! What inspired you to write historical romance?
I’ve always loved historical fiction. In fact, I can remember devouring huge Eugenia Price historical novels during my middle school years and wishing I could do the same someday. I didn’t really know what that meant at the time, I just knew the history fascinated me while the story and characters challenged my walk of faith.
2) Can you tell us a little about your writing journey?
As I said above, I’ve wanted to write since my young years–even back to elementary school reading Highlights Magazine!
But while I wrote and talked about wanting to be an author, I really didn’t know what to do with that until I got serious about publication. That happened in 2000, when my youngest child went to kindergarten and my grandmother died, fueling a deep desire to tell her parents’ story during the influenza epidemic of WWI as a novel.
Very quickly I realized I had much to learn about writing, and so began my journey. I set aside that original novel idea and learned to write and practiced writing, finishing 4 novels during that time. When I reached back and pulled out that original story idea in early 2009, it reached the finals of the Genesis contest, caught the eye of a Bethany House editor, and in 2010 earned me my first book contract!
3) One of my favorite things about your most recent novel–At Every Turn–is the hobby of the heroine: race car driving. How did you come up with that idea?
I was doing some general research on the pre-WWI years and ran across an article about an auto race–The Harvest Classic–that was run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in September of 1916. I was completely fascinated by the cars, the speeds, the money involved. I had no idea! The more I researched this era of auto racing, the more fascinated I became. Of course to tie it to a heroine in 1916 was a challenge, but then my quirky imagination managed to rise to the challenge!
4) What do you hope readers take away from At Every Turn?
I hope readers take away that God uses us exactly the way He created us to further His kingdom–that He gives us our passions and talents for a reason, and that reason is not to keep them hidden. Sometimes that means using interests or hobbies that are unusual or might not be understood by everyone else.
5) Can you give us a sneak peek into your next project? (I seem to remember you talking about writing a novel with basketball in it…or should I say, basket ball? 🙂 )
Yes! That is the book I am writing now–about a reluctant high school girls basket ball coach in 1917! It’s another book that has the kernel of its idea from a family story. 🙂 But right now I’m getting excited about my September 2013 release, A Home for My Heart, which centers around a home for orphan and friendless children in central Pennsylvania in 1910.
Note from Melissa: The cover for A Home for My Heart is so beautiful! Check it out here.
6) A lot of the readers of this blog are aspiring writers…the rest are kind enough to put up with a lot of writer talk! Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? (Or, for anyone pursuing a big dream?)
Don’t run ahead of God–and don’t assume He’s forgotten you if your dream doesn’t happen on your timetable. Determine to be His faithful and obedient servant, no matter the outcome, for His plans and purposes for your life are so much bigger than anything you can imagine. And that “bigger” might not be a public “bigger” but I guarantee it will be an eternal “bigger.”
*****
Anne Mateer has been writing and reading for what feels like her whole life. She has a passion to tell historical stories that illustrate eternal truth. Anne and her husband live in Dallas, Texas and are the proud parents of three young adult children.
More about Anne’s latest book, At Every Turn
Caught up in a whirlwind of religious fervor when two missionaries speak at her church, Alyce Benson impetuously pledges three thousand dollars to mission work in Africa. She’s certain her wealthy father will simply hand her the money. But when he refuses, she must either stand up in front of the congregation and admit failure, or raise the money herself.
Alyce harbors a secret passion for speed and automobiles. It’s 1916, and the latest advancements in car engines allow some to post speeds upwards of seventy miles per hour! When she discovers her father’s company has sponsored a racing car that will compete in several upcoming events–races in which the driver will be paid and could win as much as five thousand dollars in prize money–she conspires with her father’s mechanic, Webster, to secretly train and compete.
But as Alyce comes across needs in her own community, money slips through her fingers faster than she can earn it. And when her friends cast aspersions on Webster’s past, she believes she might have trusted the wrong man with her secret. Will Alyce come up with the money in time, or will she have to choose between her promise and the man who holds a piece of her heart?
Doesn’t that book blurb sound so fun? Readers, have you ever had an unconventional hobby or dream?
Remember, just leave a comment for an entry into the giveaway. Two commenters will win one of Anne’s books!
I was doing some general research on the pre-WWI years and ran across an article about an auto race–The Harvest Classic–that was run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in September of 1916. I was completely fascinated by the cars, the speeds, the money involved. I had no idea! The more I researched this era of auto racing, the more fascinated I became. Of course to tie it to a heroine in 1916 was a challenge, but then my quirky imagination managed to rise to the challenge!
Comments 28
I have this book on my Kindle, but I haven’t had a chance, just yet, to get to it. I love your advice to writers and what you want readers to take away from this book. So true!
Thanks, Jessica!
I had the fun of meeting Anne at ACFW conference! I loved the idea of this story too–it’s still on my TBR pile which has grown in the corner since fall. I just finished my WIP and as a reward I get to spend the month reading:) Cannot wait to read this one!
It was great to meet you, too, Susan! I love “rewarding” myself with reading when I reach milestones. Enjoy!
Congrats on finishing that WIP, Susan!
Great interview Melissa and Anne! Anne, I really loved what you hope readers will take away with your books and your advice deeply touched me as well as encouraged me 🙂 Thanks so much for the TWO book giveaway, how generous and appreciated! Don’t know if this is unconventional or not, but I love playing video games. Your books are definitely on my TBR list, blessings!
Kara
So happy to give out the encouragement given to me! And who knows what eternal conversations or relationships playing video games will initiate!
I love your imagination, Anne! Your books sound fascinating! I also think it’s great how you stuck with your writing for so long before getting a contract.
Not sure I have an unconventional hobby, but my hubby and I used to exchange books and then have a literary discussion about them. Nerds, right? He’s far more reluctant to do it now that I’m reading so much romance. 😛
Ha! My imagination gets a little out of control at times! 🙂 And yes, one of my teachers in my early high school years told me I was tenacious, then told me to go look up the word. I’ve never forgotten that!
Yes, nerds. But my hubby and I can relate. 🙂 We often discuss books we’ve both read, although lately our reading habits haven’t been of as much interest to each other, like yours. But there are several authors we still always both read and then talk about!
I LOVE that about you and Mike, Linz. 🙂
Loved the paragraph that begins with “Don’t run ahead of God…” Love Anne!
It’s hard to live–I know I still struggle. But being aware is half the battle, right? Love you too, Wendy!
Interesting post and especially A Home for my Heart piques my interest. I’m sure you have lots more great historicals in the pipeline, Anne. Congratulations.
I’m glad A Home for My Heart piques your interest! 🙂 And yes, I hope to keep writing historicals. Research + my imagination = unending supply of ideas!
This story sounds so interesting. So glad Melissa introduced you to us. Most of my hobbies are conventional–pottery, jewelry making…it’s my jobs that were a little different–I helped my husband with our sawmill. Learned to work on equipment, cruise timber, keep books…oops that last one was conventional. Great post! hope I win your book.
Thanks, Pat! What an interesting occupation! I’ll be there aren’t many of us who know about sawmills! I love that we are all called to something unique, even if it seems like it is something “everyone” else does.
Pat, you continually amaze me at all you’re good at and have experiences! I had no idea you helped with a sawmill!
Anne, I relate to your writing dream! I dreamed of writing historical fiction since I was a little girl, but didn’t know how to go about it until I became serious about publication a year ago. I’ve had so much to learn and I have a long way to go, but your story encourages me. I love the premises of your books! Can’t wait to read them. 🙂
*Hello, Melissa!
Keep working, Gabrielle! I’ve grown more in my walk with Jesus over writing than almost anything else in my life. (Well, except for marriage and kids!) Be diligent on the journey God leads and leave all the “results” to Him. 🙂
I’m so, so glad you decided to get serious about writing fiction, Gabe because a) I love your writing and b) I love your friendship!
Wow, this books sounds great! I have always loved historical fiction, and now I can’t wait to read At Every Turn.
What you said really struck deep, about being God’s faithful and obedient servant. Something I am working on every day. It gets tough when you’re unsure of where your life is headed, but I remind myself to have patience and focus on Him! Thanks for sharing such encouragement!
No unconventional hobbies here, but my main hobby is baking. 🙂
“It’s tough when you’re unsure of where your life is headed.” I can relate to that, too. Rebekah! My BFF and I were discussing that just this week. So many changes and uncertainties. The only sure thing is to cling tight to the hand of Jesus and follow where He leads. And baking is a wonderful hobby! I wish it were mine. Unfortunately, I’m not very good at it. 🙁
At Every Turn sounds like so much fun to read! Sounds like one of those books that I wouldn’t accomplish a single thing all day and just sit and read. I honestly don’t know if I have any unconventional hobbies- they all seem normal to me- but maybe that’s just because I’m used to them!
Days of not accomplishing a single thing other than reading are so my favorite. 🙂 And yes, At Every Turn is definitely one of those books!
Lol! I hope it’s that kind of book, Laura! And I know what you mean I seem “normal” to me, too, but then I get out there and meet other people and think maybe I’m more unconventional that I thought! 🙂
I enjoyed the interview. I wanted to be a writer when I was a kid, would like to return to that dream someday. Thanks for your advice. God is in control and if things are meant to be they will be 🙂
I’ve always enjoyed historical fiction too and I love reading about strong women. I can imagine a women having a passion for automobiles would be quite unique! I don’t have any unconventional hobbies but always like reading about characters who do. Thank you for a lovely interview.
~ Na S.
So you remember her answer in #5? That book about basketball is here! “Playing by Heart” is about to release, and if you’ve enjoyed her previous novels, you’ll love this one! Anne and Bethany House are sponsoring a giveaway in celebration of the book’s release. Don’t miss out! Enjoy! https://promosimple.com/ps/58bc