It’s my pleasure to kick off the summer by introducing you to author Delia Latham. Without further ado …Delia3 - web

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Please tell us a little about yourself: Born and raised in a place called Weedpatch, I enjoy multiple roles as a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but I especially love being a princess daughter to the King of Kings. I’ve got a “thing” for Dr. Pepper and absolutely love hearing from her readers. I write inspirational romance, and am currently contracted through White Rose Publishing and Vinspire Publishing.

You can contact me at any (or all!) of the following locations:

Her website

Her blog

Facebook

Twitter

Why did you start writing? I was born with a pen in my hand, of course! OK, so that’s an exaggeration, but seriously…not much of one. Some of my earliest memories are of me toting around a pen and notepad, making my little scribbles inside…writing. Before I knew how. And after I knew how, the picture’s the same, just bigger—me and the notepad.

How did you start writing? Well, I think #2 answered this one, mostly. I can add that I became involved in the school newspaper the moment I was old enough to qualify. Then, as an adult, I was a Staff Writer for a large daily newspaper, and I also freelanced articles to a top-quality regional magazine. Those were the writing jobs that helped me get my children raised. Once I’d done that, I started thinking seriously about writing a novel.

How did you select your genre? I think most of us write what we read, and I’ve always read mostly romance. Finding that I could turn my passion for all things romantic into something I can write and still glorify God made it even more exciting.

What is your writing day like? I write at night, after the rest of the world is asleep. I work best when no phones or doorbells are ringing, no one’s sticking their head in my office to ask where something is, and I’m not expected to run errands…or shop…or do anything else except write. The earlier portion of the day is used for networking and marketing, and I try to keep evenings (before the rest of the world goes to sleep) free to spend time with my husband.

How do you organize your writing? (outlines/note cards/post-its) I’m a die-hard SOTP writer, but I do write at least a general synopsis—editors tend to want them. J Plus, it helps to have some idea where the story’s going. I also use the internet to find look-alikes for my characters, at least the hero and heroine. I print them out and keep them pinned to a bulletin board near my desk, so they’re handy when I’m writing descriptive “stuff.”

What’s the most surprising thing a character has “told you”? That he was an angel. (Travelin’ Jack in Goldeneyes)

Do you have a list of characters that you’re saving for future use? What kind of information do you keep on these characters? I really don’t. Is that awful? My characters are born right along with each storyline.

What does your work space/office look like? Well, since I’ve become the owner of a laptop, it looks like whichever room or other location I happen to write in. The room in the house that is supposed to be “The Office” rarely gets used.

What is your go-to snack when writing? Well, there’s always a glass of Dr. Pepper at my elbow. To be honest, I don’t usually eat while I’m writing (my fingers are too busy!)…except for those rare occasions when my husband saunters by and drops a couple of Dove chocolates on my laptop, or next to my Dr. Pepper. He knows I can’t resist those little bites of Heaven! lol

If you could only recommend one NOVEL, what would it be? Why? Seriously? Come on, that’s not even fair! lol  Don’t you mean “only one NOVEL” per genre?

Oh, all right then. My all-time favorite novels (there are two) would surprise my readers, since neither of them is romance. But since I’m talking to what is almost certainly an inspirational romance readership…I’m going to go with an entire series, and recommend Vickie McDonough’s Texas Boardinghouse Brides. Fun, romantic, exciting…great books!

If you could only recommend one CRAFT book (writing, no crocheting), what would it be? Why? Oh, good! Since you’re talking about the writing craft, maybe I can give you an answer. I don’t think I’ve ever broken the cover on a crocheting book. lol  Again, there are so many wonderful books on the writing craft, it’s hard to choose just one. But the one that made the most impression on me in the least number of pages, and that I have recommended over and over again, is Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Just thank you for having me on your blog! It’s been fun. I enjoyed your questions–even the really hard ones.

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LexisHeart_72_med2Lexi’s Heart, by Delia Latham: Forty-three-year-old Lexi Carlisle’s abusive marriage ended three years ago. Deeply scarred by the experience, and helplessly watching her beloved mother succumb to Alzheimers, Lexi is devastated. After selling her fancy home, she rents a cottage in Heart’s Haven, a special place unlike any other. Slowly learning to live again, she despairs of ever delivering the message of love that burns within her heart for her ever-worsening mother. But Mitch Gaynor, a handsome Christian author, reminds Lexi that with God all things are possible, planting within her battered and distrustful heart the seed of hope for a miracle. But can she open her fortressed heart to God? And is Mitch a part of His plans for her future?