Rhonda Gibson lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and two beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life, and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. She speaks at conferences and local writing groups. You can visit her at her website or blog, where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God. Visit Rhonda at www.rhondagibson.net
What time of the day do you write best and why?
I’d have to say mid-day. I tend to want to play online too much when I first go out to write.
How long do you write every day when you have a deadline looming?
At least three hours
How long do you write every day when you don’t have a deadline looming and why?
I write two hours; usually that’s how long it takes me to get my word count in.
How do you begin writing a novel?
I make a header with my name, address, phone number. That way I don’t start with a blank page. Then I try to imagine some sort of action or dialogue from one of my main characters that will get the story started. That beginning will change sometimes but it gets me going.
Are you a before you ever write your novel planner? If so, how do you plan? Do you use any outlines, books, formats when you plan your novel?
I have learned to be a planner. I start off with a story idea and then start a synopsis/outline of the story. Often times I will go to history books as I write the synopsis, that helps me keep the story rolling.
Where did the idea come from for the novel you are working on right now?
I truly believe God inspires all my stories. This book is part of a series of books that spin off of my last book, His Chosen Bride.
Do you use any visuals for inspiration? (or anything else?)
I use maps a lot!
How do you get through the “murky middle” of your novel?
Remember that synopsis I mentioned earlier? It’s a lifesaver. It and I have some type of action going on so that I don’t get bogged down in the characters everyday life
Do you revise every day? If so, how do you organize your revising? What is your revision technique?
Yes, I read over what I’ve done the previous day and then tweak what I’ve already written. This is helpful for revising but also to get me back into my story.
Do you have a writing group, or a trusted reader for your novels? If so, how does that work? Do you meet weekly, or only when you have a novel due? Do you share your materials online or in person?
I have a couple of people that I read for and they read for me. Usually I send them my complete story when I’m done. If I get behind on my deadline, I sent them several chapters at a time so that we finish at the same time and I make my deadline.
What have you learned about your method of writing after publishing your book(s)? Has it changed? If so, how?
My method has changed. When I first sold I was a non-planner. Now I do my synopsis/outline and the writing goes smoother.
What advice about a writing method would you give to any new writer?
Everyone is different. Find what works for you and go with that. You might be able to write a whole book without a synopsis and write the synopsis last. I will tell you, that you must study the craft of writing. Someone will have a method of writing that will work for you. And if you don’t enjoy the way you are writing now, change it.
Is there anything you would like to add about writing?
Discover what it is about writing that you find enjoyable and do that because writing has to be fun! At least for me it has to be