PART II
Kimberley Woodhouse
What is the worst writing advice you got?
Did you choose your genre, or did it choose you?
What advice would you like to give new authors that would help them?
Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty fiction and nonfiction books including THE HEART OF ALASKA series and THE TREASURES OF NOME series.
Kim and her incredible husband of thirty-plus years have two adult children. She loves the gift of story and is passionate about music and Bible study.
Kimberley Woodhouse has won multiple awards for her
historical novels, which are filled with adventure and romance.
In A Gem of Truth, book two in the SECRETS OF THE CANYON series, Woodhouse plunges readers deep into the recesses of the Grand Canyon in search of a legendary treasure. Themes of honesty, love, and one’s worth regardless of their past are intricately woven together in this captivating historical narrative.
What is the worst writing advice you got?
“Wait for the muse to strike so it will be brilliant.” Worst advice ever.
Between plotting, character development, dialogue, scenes which is easiest for you, and which takes a lot of effort?
Between plotting, character development, dialogue, scenes which is easiest for you, and which takes a lot of effort?
I’m a bit of an organized-planning-freak. So plotting, developing the characters, research, and all the planning are fun for me. Writing the first draft takes the most of my effort and is my least favorite. And then I absolutely LOVE the editing phases.
What is your schedule for writing?
What is your schedule for writing?
I’m a full-time author. I have five full-length novels releasing in 2023 (three historicals, two romantic suspense), four full-lengths in 2024, five in 2025, etc. So, my schedule is pretty consistent. I’m always researching one book, writing the synopsis for another, writing the first draft of another, and editing another. I divide my day/week up into increments for each one. I have a planner for my planners – no joke LOL – and I have one specifically for my writing. In it, I have all my deadlines and plan out my word-count for each day and each project. Most working days, I put in about ten hours.
What do you do if you get stumped?
What do you do if you get stumped?
Sometimes, I take a fifteen-minute walk to get everything flowing again. Sometimes, I read over my research and notes. But most times, I just keep writing. Find a different scene to start and go from there. Some of my favorite quotes are hanging in my office where I can see them over my three monitors.
“Get to work. Your work is to keep cranking the flywheel that turns the gears that spin the belt in the engine of belief that keeps you and your desk in midair.” – Annie Dillard, The Writing Life
“If you wait for inspiration to write you’re not a writer, you’re a waiter.” – Dan Poynter
“Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.” – Samuel Johnson
Did you or do you make any sacrifices to be a writer?
“Get to work. Your work is to keep cranking the flywheel that turns the gears that spin the belt in the engine of belief that keeps you and your desk in midair.” – Annie Dillard, The Writing Life
“If you wait for inspiration to write you’re not a writer, you’re a waiter.” – Dan Poynter
“Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.” – Samuel Johnson
Did you or do you make any sacrifices to be a writer?
More than I can count. Especially those first years. I remember a friend of mine—who was a best-selling author—telling me that writing was an occupation where you put in all the work years ahead of time and hoped for the reward about ten years down the road. Makes me laugh to think about it, but there is some truth to that. Right now, I sacrifice a lot of other things (i.e., say “no”) so that I have the time to write (again, it’s my full-time job). But I wouldn’t trade it – I love it.
Did you choose your genre, or did it choose you?
Hmmmm. I would have to say both. 😊
What is the best way you found to market your book?
What is the best way you found to market your book?
Word of mouth is still the best. Readers are the best. When they get a hold of your book, read it, and then tell people about it? Makes my heart sing.
Did you actively build a network of readers and if so, how?
Did you actively build a network of readers and if so, how?
I do. My website is a great place for people to find me and sign up for my newsletter and blog. Then on social media, I do my best to stay active and get to know readers there. The biggest thing I want people to know is that I’m just an ordinary, normal person. I want to be real. And my hope is that they feel comfortable being real there with me.
Are you on the Social Media Highway and if so, do you schedule times to post?
Are you on the Social Media Highway and if so, do you schedule times to post?
I am! Although I rarely schedule things unless it’s something planned coming up. Most of the time, I like it to be organic and random so I can simply connect with people. My VA makes graphics and things for me, but I still do all my own social media because I want it to come across authentic.
What advice would you like to give new authors that would help them?
Study the craft. The publishing business isn’t fast. And it shouldn’t be. Take your time. Be patient. Learn all you can and keep on learning—no matter how many books you’ve written! Don’t try to put something out there before it’s ready in the beginning. Be disciplined and diligent in your writing. Persevere. And one more time… be patient. Keep writing!
Kim and her incredible husband of thirty-plus years have two adult children. She loves the gift of story and is passionate about music and Bible study.
Kimberley Woodhouse has won multiple awards for her
historical novels, which are filled with adventure and romance.
In A Gem of Truth, book two in the SECRETS OF THE CANYON series, Woodhouse plunges readers deep into the recesses of the Grand Canyon in search of a legendary treasure. Themes of honesty, love, and one’s worth regardless of their past are intricately woven together in this captivating historical narrative.
You can connect with Kimberley at
kimberleywoodhouse.com.
kimberleywoodhouse.com.
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