Debut Author ~ Martha Rogers

Martha has been writing since early childhood when she wrote stories for her dolls and skits for her cousins to perform at family gatherings. Her book credits include the novella, Sugar and Grits, seven Bible studies, contributions to compilations by Wayne Holmes, Karen O’Conner, and Debbie White Smith. Martha has contributed devotionals to several anthologies including soon to be released Whispers of Wisdom for Step-Moms from Barbour. Martha taught school for thirty-six years in both the private and public venues. She and her husband Rex are the parents of three grown sons, grandparents of nine and great-grandparents to one Cade Matthew Mosier. They live in Houston, Texas where they are active members of First Baptist Church.

When did you decide to be a writer?
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I don’t remember because I’ve always been a story teller and then just started writing them down.

How long did you write before you sold your first book?
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Forever, or so it seems. Actually, I started writing fiction seriously in 1989, but didn’t contract a book until 2006 and then the next contract didn’t come until 2009.

Everyone’s journey to publication is different. Now that you’ve walked that road, what tips can you give to authors still hoping for that first contract?

Never, never, never, never give up. If you believe this is God’s choice for you, it will happen.

Was there something about the experience of getting published that was a surprise to you?

Not really. I expected a lot of revision and editing after turning it in. My publisher has been wonderful at every step, so the experience has been quite enjoyable.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

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I’ve learned to be disciplined now that I have deadlines. Before that, I wrote whenever I felt the story moving ahead.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

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Reading my favorite authors, critiquing my partners, and shopping although I don’t do that near as much as I once did.

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

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If I had to choose one favorite it would be Little Women. I loved Jo and wanted to be just like her. I read it when I was seven and then dozens of time since then. I still have two copies of it.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

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Reading others gives me ideas of how I can go deeper into my character’s POV and how I can show without telling.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

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Lucy started out as a contest entry and was much shorter. As I wrote for different editors, I expanded it and made it longer. Lucinda is a young woman who must face many changes in her life and learn to things others had always done for her. The story is about her growth and how she finds love, acceptance and forgiveness and finally becomes Lucy, a young woman of the west.

Where did you get your inspiration for Becoming Lucy?

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As I learned more about Oklahoma and its history, I knew I wanted to write a story set in that time frame. I’d always loved the musical Oklahoma! so that’s where I set my story.

Which character is most like you?

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Probably Aunt Mellie. The wise words she has for Lucy came from my own experience with our three sons and teaching girls in homemaking classes for so many years.

Who is your favorite character and why?

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My favorite character is Aunt Clara as she has a lot of love for the family and she stands up for what she believes.

Did you know how Becoming Lucy would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

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I usually plan the beginning and ending first then fill in the middle. I didn’t expect Aunt Clara to show up but she did and insisted on being a part of the story.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

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That God’s love is big enough to forgive anything we may have in our past, and He will reward our faithfulness with blessings we can never imagine.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

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I’ve sent out postcards and let all my friends know about the book. I’ve participated in various events where I could sell my book and I’ve set up several speaking engagements with other writing groups. I contacted a number of bloggers and they featured me on their blogs in January and February. I’m not sure what really works well. Some book signings are a bust and some are really good, but I haven’t really figured out why.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

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I’m working on book 3 in the series now. The title is Finding Becky and is about the young cousin of Lucy’s from book 1. She is now grown up and returned home from college with a lot of new ideas about women and their right to vote and do whatever they want in life.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

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Pray, persevere, and have patience.

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Martha is giving away a copy of her book, Becoming Lucy. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!