Interviewing an Author || Elaine Printy

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing a recently published author, Elaine Printy, about her writing and publishing experience for her first book, The Sign Upon His Head. Thanks for joining us, Elaine! (My questions will be in this color, and Elaine's answers will be in this color. ☺)

1. Where do you find inspiration for your writing?
I find inspiration from books I read, people I talk to, and many times I draw from things that I and my family have experienced! I am often inspired through reading books by Margaret Peterson Haddix, and watching the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogies.

2.What are you most looking forward to with the release of your book?
Hopefully travelling and talking about it! I would love to speak at conferences and encourage young Christian writers to write for Christ while still incorporating adventure and romance.

3. How old were you when you began writing The Sign Upon His Head?
I was sixteen when I began working on this book.

4. Do you have any insights to share from your publishing experience?
-First, be sure to have at least two editors that have gone over your book (peer reviews are great).
-When you're ready to publish, write a query letter. Then, as you pursue publishing, do your research on different publishing companies. One of the companies that had originally accepted my book for publishing went bankrupt (thankfully, before I'd accepted!) So definitely do your homework and read reviews. I'd also say, don't be afraid to try knocking on doors; you've really got nothing to lose!
-Once you find your publisher, be PERSISTENT. Don't be afraid to bug people; keep calling to check up on the progress (it's your book and your money, after all). When they say they're ready for you to review your book, the cover, and the pricing, check everything twice or even three times. Don't be shy about voicing your opinion.

5. What advice do you have for fellow writers out there?
-I'd say, don't make your book a sermon. The best thing is to do what C. S. Lewis did--wrap your message into the story, not your story inside the message. It's like putting your taco condiments on the inside as opposed to the outside. SHOW people your message; don't merely tell them. Make it so that they can't help tasting your message when they take a bite, even if they don't see where it's coming from.
-Don't try to put too MUCH moral or message in your book. If you throw too many objects at someone, they won't catch any of them. Leave people with one to three points to take away and nibble on.
-Another thing is to find what method works for you. Personally, I cannot write using pencil and paper. Find what's best for you-laptop, pen and page, etc.
-Writers read a lot--read your guts out, and don't limit yourself to only one genre. Occasionally watch a TV show or movie (like Lord of the Rings); it may surprisingly inspire you.

6. Where did you find the time to write? Did you have a schedule for writing?
Because I loved writing so much, I did it whenever I possibly could. You have to love writing to do it. I would say to write whenever you have time to do it. You may have to set aside time to write--twenty minutes, half an hour, or if you're lucky, a full hour. Otherwise, let's be honest, writing will not get done. There will be seasons of your life when it seems impossible to find the time--choose to turn off the television and pick up your laptop.

7. What about writer's block?
You may reach a point where you think your writing is terrible; plow through it! What I learned while writing my second book--write whether you're inspired or not. Inspiration will come. I've also learned that sometimes it's best to wait a couple of days if you don't have an answer. If you still don't, just fight through it; eventually you will reach the other side, and it will be awesome!

8. What are some ideas you have for promotion?
-Flyers, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Videos, TV stations, local radio stations, your local newspapers, local shops (everybody loves a local author), libraries, blogs, etc.
-Try to organize book signings when your book is published, and be approachable. Greet everyone you meet with a genuine smile and make some conversation! Also, talk about your book. Don't be shy!
-Create and memorize an 'elevator pitch' synopsis. You have about thirty seconds or less to grab a potential customer's attention. Make him WANT to read it.
-It is also very useful to have a method of payment for credit cards available.

9. That sounds like great advice! If you don't mind going a little deeper, would you tell us why you chose to write The Sign Upon His Head?
I started writing this book because I was frustrated with the way secular writers write. I was tired of having to put down books because I couldn't go a page without meeting with a cuss word. Also, some Christian writers tend to be dry. So I wanted a book I could read all the way through without concern for the content, and I believed that it was possible to have an exciting Christian novel with the Gospel message, and not heretical.

10. Thank you so much for answering these questions, Elaine! Do you have any parting thoughts for us?
In summary: Try. Knock on those doors; you've got nothing to lose. And my life quote is, "Life is awkward, so make it a story worth telling!" ☺

Books and their writers change the world-just look at the Bible!-and the world is in need of brilliant Christian authors. Will you be the next one?

Thank you again for joining us today, Elaine, and for inspiring us to be better writers. It's been terrific learning from you and from your experience!


If any of you have questions about Elaine's book or where you can purchase it, feel free to comment below or check out my previous post all about The Sign Upon His Head!

Blessings and Love,
Georgie Grace

Photo credits: Elaine Printy