Author Interview ~ Tiffany Amber Stockton

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood. Today, she is an award-winning author, speaker, online marketing specialist, and a freelance web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a toddler daughter, another baby on the way, and a vivacious Australian shepherd named Roxie. She loves to travel, sing, cook, and study history.

Her writing career began in high school with the publication of her first children’s book, but she didn’t pursue adult fiction until she wrote her first novel in 1999. She joined ACFW in 2002 and attended their annual conferences each year, receiving a request for a proposal in September 2004. Two years later, in December 2006, the request resulted in her first sale. And in January 2008, her debut novel released.

She has since sold eleven books to Barbour Publishing with more on the horizon. Three of her novels have won annual reader’s choice awards and in 2009, she was voted #1 favorite new author for the Heartsong Presents book club. Read more about her at her web site: http://www.amberstockton.com/.

When did you decide to be a writer?

You know, I have been asked this many times, and it’s never easy to answer. One response might be I’ve always been writing, since I was a little girl. But, I suppose the real moment when I decided to pursue writing professionally occurred in 2000 at age 24. I joined ACFW, submitted a manuscript in 2004, and received a contract in 2006 for my first novel.

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

After my 3rd book, I began to whittle down my critique partners to just 3 trusted individuals I knew could see my style and would critique my work with honesty as well as remain true to my voice. Prior to that, I struggled with what suggestions to accept and which ones to discard. It wasn’t until my editors at my publisher came back with their critiques that I began seeing the best people who would help me grow as a writer.

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

I used to be a disciplined writer…before my first child came along. With the adjustment, my writing sort of took a back burner, although I did manage to write 1-2 days each week. Now, pregnant with baby #2, and a new contract on a 3-book series, I realize I need to carve out time each day again in order to get these new books done.

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

I love listening to music, going for walks, or watching old movies. If I really need to take my mind off my deadlines, I get involved in cooking or baking something new. There’s also the Nintendo Wii and Solitaire too.

What is your favorite novel and what made it special?

That would be Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Her characters and the themes of love, redemption, and forgiveness resonate with me even to this day, nearly 20 years after I first read the book.

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

Seeing how they craft and develop their stories and characters and see their plots through from start to finish helped me realize where my own stories were lacking. I could make notes in their novels, mark up my own manuscripts, and do comparisons. Reading and analyzing what they did right has enabled me to strengthen my own writing and make my plots tighter. I also found the holes a lot more easily than before.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Michigan Brides is a collection of my second series of 3 books. All of them are set in Detroit, with some other locations in Michigan featured. Here is the publisher’s description:

Within the industrial boom during the Turn of the Century, three Michigan women react differently to their rapidly changing worlds. Felicity does a very noble deed only to lead her to a romance that would be banned by her wealthy society. Annabelle’s interest in a potato picker is barred by the stigma society has placed on his ruined family. Shannon has seen too much about industry fail, prompting her to reject the suit of one of Henry Ford’s employees. Can each woman find the faith to push through the barriers so they can embrace love?

Where did you get your inspiration for MICHIGAN BRIDES?

Although this is a compilation book of three other novels, the inspiration for each one came as a result of my editor sending me a list of states for which she needed some proposals. I selected 3 states, did some research on the historical settings and events in each state, then developed some story ideas based on that research. The set in Michigan was the one she liked the best. So, that’s the three books I wrote.

Which character is most like you?

I’d have to say Felicity Chambers, as I can walk the line between various “worlds” in society. I can mingle with those considered part of the working class, and I can hold my own with those of the higher society as well. But my heart lies with those who might be a little down on their luck and need a boost to get them going again.

Who is your favorite character and why?

That would be Shannon Delaney, because of her spunk and sharp wit. And there’s a small part of me that hesitates at the rapidly changing world in which we live, wanting instead for things to remain the same, to remain comfortable, without all the craziness of the “next big thing.”

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

Well, since I have to provide a detailed synopsis to my editor before each book is contracted, I had a general idea of the progression of each book in this compilation. However, there is still room for the characters to take on a mind of their own. Their verbal responses and actual dialogue almost always comes as a surprise to me. That’s what makes the writing journey so much fun!

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

I’d say the underlying theme in all three books is trusting in God to work out everything according to His perfect plan. He has it all under control, and He notices everything. Not a hair falls from your head without Him knowing. He’s got you covered. You just have to trust Him.

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

I have secured several spots on a variety of blogs, I’ve posted to Twitter and Facebook, I’ve announced the book on my web site, and I’ve been sure to list it with new releases on several e-zines, online publications, and email discussion loops. I’ve also run contests and giveaways for free copies. So far, it seems that blog tours and posting on Facebook have merited the greatest results.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

Right now, I am working on a new series for my editor, set in historical Delaware in the Brandywine district. My very first series was set in Delaware during the Colonial times. Now, I get to return to that little state and jump forward 100 years. An antique bookstore, as well as a special book, both factor into each one of the 3 books in the series. I’m looking forward to how each story will play out.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

To all writers, if you truly feel called to this profession, never give up! It’s not an easy journey, and the road is marked with a lot of roadblocks. But don’t let the stumbles keep you down long. Stand up, dust yourself off, learn from what made you fall, and keep going.

To all readers, keep buying the books of the authors you love. You are the reason they can continue to do what they love. Without you, we authors wouldn’t have a venue for our writing. Thank you!

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Want more? Stop by The Borrowed Book on Thursday for an excerpt from Michigan Brides by Tiffany Amber Stockton!