Author Interview: Rebecca Talley

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For her website click here
She blogs here

Rebecca, who are you as a person versus an author?

All I've ever aspired to be is a wife and mom. My greatest goal in this life is to stand in the celestial room of the temple with all of my kids there. I love being married and being a mom. I'm not so crazy about booger noses and sticky Kool-Aid messes on the floor, but I love watching my kids grow, I love to hear them bear their testimonies, I love to see them develop their talents, I love to listen to their questions.

I also love to teach. My favorite callings in the Church have been teaching, especially in Primary. I absolutely loved serving as the Primary chorister. It was so much fun.

I enjoy knitting, playing the piano, and redecorating the house, but have given most of that up in pursuit of writing.

I do yearn for a clean house and an organized basement so I can actually find my food storage (I know it’s down there somewhere).

After my kids are raised, I hope to serve a mission with my husband, travel to research my ancestors, and serve in the temple. Since I have a 3-year-old, that might be quite a few years down the road.

What genre(s) do you write in?

Mainly, I've written for children. All of my magazine stories have been targeted at children. I wrote a children’s picture book, “Grasshopper Pie” (WindRiver 2003), and I’ve graduated from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

I also write LDS romance and LDS women's fiction.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Probably a little of both. I think all good stories entertain, but the best ones also teach us a little about life and about ourselves. Through books, we can explore so much and learn so many things. I hope that my stories entertain, but also teach a little about how I view life and the world around me.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I try to write every day, usually in the afternoon while my youngest sleeps, after all the chores are done. But, some days I just write whenever I get the chance. My life can be crazy at times so I'm always thankful for any time I have to write.

Why do you write?

I've always loved language and how words sound. I love to string together sentences and use different words. I write because it’s my way of creatively expressing what’s in my head and in my heart (the world is grateful that I don’t try to express myself through singing). I love to see a story take shape and share my stories with others.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate--the darker, the better.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other? Why?

I write on a laptop. Unfortunately, my youngest child has learned how to delete my writing and reboot my laptop. He has even figured out how to get past my password protection.
I like that my laptop allows me more opportunities to write because it's so versatile. However, I also use a notebook to write longhand because I love the feel of the pen in my fingers and the smoothness under my hand as it moves across the paper. It's very tactile and I like that.

What do you love to read?

I read LDS fiction and children's books. I shy away from national releases because I'm afraid they will have foul language and/or inappropriate scenes. If I don’t want my kids to read a book, I won’t read it either. The books I read have to be suitable for my kids to read. I loved, "Stargirl," by Jerry Spinelli and "Princess Academy," by Shannon Hale.

What is your current book?

My current book is Altared Plans. Here’s the tagline, “Abandoned at the altar, Caitlyn vows to never love again. Will Travis change her mind or will it be déjà vu?” The story chronicles Caitlyn’s reentry into dating life at BYU. It’s a romantic comedy that is a feel-good, escape-at-the-end-of-a-long-day kind of book.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Keeping the commandments of God is the only way to find true peace and joy in this life.

Dogs or cats?

Cats. My mother gave my grandparents a Siamese cat shortly before she passed away. I lived with my grandparents after my mother’s death and spent a lot of time with that cat. I was devastated when he died in my arms because he was a connection to my mom. I guess I’ll always have a soft spot for cats.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I want to be remembered as a faithful member of the Church and as a devoted wife and mother. Having an eternal family is the very most important thing to me. I truly believe the words of David O. McKay when he said, “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” I want to raise strong, faithful, committed children who will marry in the temple and, in turn, raise their own children in the gospel.


Author Interview: Anne Bradshaw

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Anne Bradshaw

Her website is here

She blogs here







Anne, who are you as a person versus an author? What is your passion and what are your hobbies? Are you an aspiring gourmet chef or a budding chicken farmer? Do you yearn to travel the world or become a hermit when your kids are raised?

My inner self is quiet, shy, and not too confident. It’s taken many years to reach a point where I can pretend a confidence that’s not entirely real. It has taken much practice, prayer, and pushing to reach the stage where I can speak in front of people and not look terrified (I hope). I’m much happier alone in my office, writing, and communicating by email.

My hobbies include vegetable and herb gardening, photography, and getting lost in great books. I’m a lousy cook, but yes, chicken farming appeals. Years ago in England, we reared goats, chickens, and bees, and I really enjoyed those times. As for travel, if it weren’t for children and grandchildren spread around the country, I’d be perfectly happy staying home. Travel seems such a huge, uncomfortable thing these days, but it has to be done, unfortunately for me.

What genre(s) do you write in?

I’ve tried my hand at several—YA mystery suspense, adult fiction, poetry, non-Fiction, and screenwriting.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

I hope my work does both these things. I know I love to learn something new whenever I read a good book. But I hope the educational bits are woven in enough so they don’t feel like “telling.”

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I’m an early morning person and get most of my writing done between 5:30 AM and noon, though most days I keep going long beyond that—with exercise in between. And food, of course, I eventually remember to eat when my stomach demands. A day without writing (except for Sundays) doesn’t feel right anymore. I’m fortunate enough to make any schedule work as our children no longer live at home.

Why do you write?

Although I loved making up stories from a young age, I didn’t consider writing them down until in high school when an essay I wrote came top in an English class contest. I guess I was about twelve then. My first published short story as a young adult won a prize in a Millennial Star magazine contest in England. Looking back now, I shudder at the awful writing and can’t imagine why I won. Maybe I was the only entry.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Take me into an ice cream shop with a hundred different flavors, and Vanilla is my choice every time. Creamy, dreamy vanilla! My husband simply cannot figure it out.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other? Why?

It used to be longhand because I could sit anywhere I wanted and scribble away, but these days, the PC wins because I love the challenge of computers and discovering what miraculous things they can do. Plus, being able to copy and delete chunks of work in seconds is amazing. Beats the old typewriter any day.

What is your current book?

My current book, Famous Family Nights, will soon be in the stores. At a time when the world is going crazy, a book about keeping families not only intact, but also bonding and thriving, is something everyone needs, no matter what their beliefs.

This book is a unique compilation of touching, inspiring, and often-hilarious personal experiences from ninety well-known LDS people around the world. The stories highlight family home evening as a priceless tool for building strong, faith-centered families, despite the many obstacles of modern life.

For more information about Famous Family Nights, please click HERE.

There is also a YouTube trailer on YouTube, and a Facebook Group to join at Famous
Family Nights
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One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Life is all about choice and consequence. Put good thoughts into your mind; put wholesome, natural foods and pure water into your body; and live according to God’s laws. Each of these things promotes good health. Choosing the opposite leads to problems—physical, mental, and spiritual. Why not make the most of our time on earth by healthy living?

Dogs or cats?

I love them both—especially when they are babies—and goats, and horses, and Jersey cows.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I’d like to be remembered as a person who loved the teachings of Jesus Christ; who looked for ways to share them; and who didn’t offend. I hope my writing reflects these things and that it helps those who seek truth.

Pre-order links for Famous Family Nights:

Cedar Fort click here

Amazon click here

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