Writing, publishing, and selling novels isn’t as easy as most people think. It can be frustrating and discouraging, which is why many writers stop before they ever see results. Tanya Eavenson felt that way too, but a chance encounter with a children’s book inspired here to keep going.

Here’s what Tanya has to say about her novel-writing career.

What genre do you write? How did you pick it?
I write contemporary and historical romance. And how did I pick them? I’m not entirely sure. I just turned on my computer one day and started typing away. =)

What are your favorite genres to read? Why?
My favorite genre to read is historical romance. I love history, no matter how much or little an author includes in a story. And the feel of being taken back to a time and place I can only dream about and add in romance, it’s alluring.

How long did it take you complete your first manuscript (published or not)?
My first novel took me a little over a week. LOL! No, it’s not published. Thankfully! But it was the beginning of my journey, and I’m so thankful it started with a story about walking by faith and not by sight. It encapsulates my entire writing career: past, present and future.

Have your follow-up novels been easier or harder to write? Why do you think that is?
My follow-up novels have definitely become easier to write. The more you write, the easier it gets. The more you learn and study the craft, the more novel writing begins to flow.

What’s surprised you the most about the book-publishing process?
I’m surprised at the differences between large publishing houses, small presses, and publishing indie. There’s so much to learn! But as with any author, I am always learning, always tuning my craft, and always shooting for the stars regardless of how I’m published.

What’s been the most challenging part of getting a book published?
When I first started writing, I was struggling to know how to go about being published and who to speak with, and I was getting discouraged. At the time, I remember sitting with a room full of children, reading this story about faith, hope, and trusting God. It literally brought tears to my eyes. The title of the children’s book was Tell Me About Faith by Joel Anderson. The Lord says that we must come to Him like little children, and there I was, needing to surrender it all, believing by faith and not by what I could see. As writers, and with every part of our lives, we must do the same, focus on God and walk by faith. To this day, it’s still challenging at times, but the journey is so much easier, and I can finally enjoy being an author.

What’s your favorite part of the publishing experience?
Without a doubt, the end. The feeling of finally holding a copy of my book in my hands… It never gets old!

For learning the writing craft, which do you prefer – books or conferences? Why?
I so enjoy conferences! To me, there’s nothing better than meeting and connecting with other writers. There’s such a thrill to be able to talk about the characters that live in your imagination like they’re your best friends. Writers are the only ones who really get you. That is awesome!

If you could recommend one writing conference, what would it be? Why?
Oh, goodness! I don’t think I can recommend only one when I’ve attended three and have really enjoyed them equally. So, here’s the three I’ve recommended to others:

1) Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
2) The American Christian Fiction Writers Conference
3) The Southern Christian Writers Conference

If you could pick any of your novels to be made into a movie, which one would you pick?
If I could pick a novel to be turned into a box office movie, I’d pick Restored. As to a Hallmark Channel movie, I’d say To Gain a Valentine.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for having me as your guest, Karin! It’s been fun hanging out with you and your readers! If you’d like to know more about me, my books, or you’d like to sign-up for my newsletter, please visit with me at my website www.tanyaeavenson.com. Until then, I hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day!

Thank you so much for appearing on my blog – have a blessed day!

Pediatrician Patrick Reynolds works wonders with sick children, yet when it comes to pets, he’s clueless. But caring for his sister’s menagerie while she’s on vacation is the perfect answer to working through a broken engagement. Hoping to escape the memories, he returns to his hometown, the last place he’d expect to find love.

Life as a single mom is never easy, but pet shop owner Amabelle Durand has found contentment. When an old friend returns to care for his sister’s pets, he enlists her assistance to keep the animals alive. But when Amabelle’s young daughter falls ill, she finds herself attracted to more than the handsome pediatrician’s medical skills.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, will Patrick and Amabelle miss out on the love they’ve always desired? Or will their love take flight under the stars on this very special night?

To Gain a Valentine, now available on Amazon!