Writing Isn’t All I Do, But It Comes Close!

Posted by on May 26, 2017 | Comments Off on Writing Isn’t All I Do, But It Comes Close!

Writing Isn’t All I Do, But It Comes Close!

Writing isn’t all I do. However, anything can turn into the idea for a story. Almost anywhere I go can turn into research for a story. I interview a lot of people. This week, a little something about me while I attend a writer’s conference!

 

Fabulous Fridays

Writing Isn’t All I Do, But It Comes Close!

My entire day disappeared. The chiming of the clock above my desk never registered as I considered my years of family research in light of the new Ancestry DNA information I received. The same thing happens with a good Bible study. Timers and responsibility hold little power over me when I am studying something I enjoy. If I’m not writing, I’m thinking about writing.

Beyond family and friends, I have five favorite pursuits, writing, reading, leading Bible studies, family history, and mountains. The passion to find my ancestors encompasses it all. Once discovered, they become dear friends who find their way into conversations, influence my reading interests and vacation stops, and look down on me from photos hanging above my desk. What did these people believe and how did their faith influence their lives? My family indulges me when I take off on one of my tangents. They put up with me writing when I let other things go.

I may write fiction but my love of a true story developed at the knee of my great aunt, listening to her tales of the Old West and of riding for help after witnessing the shooting of her father and older brothers in their corral. My desire to understand what happened has led me to reading choices, libraries, courthouses, and trips. It has reunited family members who didn’t know each other existed and filled countless hours and my file cabinet.

Writing Isn't All I Do, But It Comes Close!

Not long ago, my husband and I traveled to his boss’s ranch to watch the cattle branding. A few weeks later, we headed to a local Celtic Festival. If the travel involves Jeep trails, ghost towns, and old cemeteries, I’m even happier. Put this girl in jeans and hiking boots with a map and mountain road and I’m in my element.

My heart’s desire is to write a series of novels based on my pioneer ancestors who have been in this country since the 1600’s and have traveled from New York to North Carolina to New Mexico. I’m fascinated by their bravery, hardship, and sacrifice to make this country what it is today. They were survivors in a harsh environment where only the strongest were successful.

So how did I end up writing a contemporary inspirational romance set in Scotland? I became fascinated with all things Scottish when I discovered a family tree as a child. My husband and I spent our 30th anniversary there, though I have not finished locating my ancestors. The vacation happened long before I decided to write a book, but the research helped with both. A dream about a kilted Highlander on a misty mountainside covered with sheep and my European immigrant husband made me wonder what it might be like to take a trip and fall in love.

The “land of my dreams” led to my first published book and I have a lot more research and traveling to do. I’ll keep you updated on my progress with writing my pioneer stories!

© Copyright Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, May 19, 2016

Norma Gail author About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagailwrites/

Book Links:Land of My Dreams cover photo

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170

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