What did you do before you were a writer?
I worked in business in banking and overseeing monetary transfers of corporate banking accounts in Atlanta. I provided support in hardware and software for managing traffic in Radio and T.V. stations like WTBS across the U.S., and also wrote customer service manuals (which, believe it or not, really did help my writing skills!), then coordinated corporate conferences (which I loved doing). Though I've enjoyed my business background, I'm enjoying what I'm doing now and have quickly discovered that a business background comes in handy when marketing a published novel.

When did you first decide to write a novel?
I first considered writing a novel in 1999. But I need to go back a bit farther to really get to the "seed" of where all this started for me. In 1995, my mother-in-law, Claudette Harris Alexander, shared a book with me, one she thought I would really enjoy. I was busy and let time go by without reading it. She asked me again if I'd read it. Several times. I said no, but that I would. The best laid plans...

Very unexpectedly, Claudette died that same year from a brain aneurysm. Weeks passed, and as I was cleaning bookshelves downstairs, I happened across that little volume and immediately sat down and read it. Claudette was right! I felt an immediate connection with the thread of hope woven through that gentle love story"Love Comes Softly, by Janette Oke, originally published by Bethany House Publishers in 1979. That sent me searching for more inspirational fiction published not only by Bethany House, but elsewhere in the Christian Booksellers Association market (CBA). I devoured it, and developed a strong interest then in historical fiction.

A few years later my husband and I were driving back to Colorado from Texas late one night. I finished a novel, turned to him and said (only joking at the time), "I think I could write one of those." Without blinking, he said, "Well, do it." Competitive at heart, I nodded and said, "Okay."

My first novel made it to the review board at Bethany House Publishers in 2000, after which I received a very nice rejection letter. That novel is now safely tucked away in my desk drawer"right where it should be ! Writing that first story was a learning experience for me that I took to heart. I then determined to set about seriously studying the craft of writing.

When did you sign your first contract?
In October 2004, Bethany House offered me my first contract, a three-book deal to write historical fiction. Fountain Creek Chronicles, published by Bethany House Publishers (www.bethanyhouse.com), is a three-book historical series set in the Colorado Territory 1860s - 1870s. Rekindled, Book 1, is currently available. Revealed, Book 2, is to be released in November 2006. Untitled, Book 3, is scheduled for release in mid-2007.

Do you read your reader mail?
Yes, and I love to hear from readers! Writing is wonderful and frustrating. It can fill me up and then suck the life right out of me! All in the same morning. Writing is a solitary activity, and I'm a very social person and enjoy interacting with people. So the hours on end spent in my make-believe world, while enjoyable most days, can be lonely at times. Like most other writers, when I'm in the middle of writing a novel I get caught up in the story, swept up in the plot or character emotions or conflict. But during the course of writing a novel, over months and months of working on the story, it's easy for a writer's confidence to lose its footing. I start questioning if the story is really okay. Or not. That's why it means so much for authors to hear from readers. I always try to keep in mind that I write for an Audience of One"for the Lord Jesus Christ. And while that doesn't ever change, it's nice to occasionally hear from readers that they have been encouraged or have connected with a character or situation in some way. That's even better than chocolate! ;)

I want to write a book. What should I do?
My first advice is to write, write, write! Then study the craft! I've listed several books below that are part of my library and that I keep close at hand. I'd also encourage would-be writers to check out American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) at www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com. ACFW is a professional writers organization dedicated to equipping authors in the craft of writing Christian fiction. Their affordable annual membership offers online classes, critique groups, and an annual conference that's among the best in the industry. The knowledge I've gained through my affiliation with ACFW, along with the relationships I've made there with other writers, have made all the difference!

Suggested Reading for Writers:
Stein on Writing by Sol Stein
How to Grow a Novel by Sol Stein
Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell
Getting Into Character by Brandilyn Collins
Goal, Motivation & Conflict by Debra Dixon
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain
Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

Will you read my manuscript?
I'm unable to read prospective manuscripts, but I would strongly encourage you to read the books listed above and to join a professional writer's group such as ACFW.

Did you study writing in high school or college?
While I've always enjoyed writing and dabbled it in when I was younger, I never formally studied the craft of writing until recent years. I'm grateful for the education, both academic and spiritual, that I received at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GACS), and later at Harding University. My education strengthened my belief system and core values, building on the foundation that my parents, Doug and June Gattis, had already laid in my life.

What do you hope to leave with readers after they read your books? That real hope is found only in Jesus Christ. The world searches for hope in so many other empty, dead-end places. While the 3-book series Fountain Creek Chronicles deals with marriage and trust issues, along with deception and betrayal, woven through every story is the underlying truth that hope is always found in Christ. Life will often be hard. Disappointments will come. We won't always be happy, nor should that be our goal in this life. Authentic hope, as well as grace, dwells only in Jesus.

Do we have any in common?)
Coffee"
Human Bean's Rocky Mountain Latte

Favorite "New" Restaurant"
Stoney River (their little rolls with honey butter are to die for!!)

Junk Food"
I'm trying to be more disciplined in this area, so my splurge these days is air-popped popcorn with sea salt and butter

Non-fiction"
Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Historical Fiction"
The Mark of the Lion Series
By Francine Rivers

Romance"
Redeeming Love
By Francine Rivers

Bible Study"
Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself

Song"
Rescue Me
by Wynonna

Music Group"
Little Big Town (love their harmonies)

Female Song Artist"
Alison Krauss (and Union Station)

Male Song Artist"
James Taylor
(Still, after all these years)

Movie"
Sound of Music

TV Show"
The Closer (The first show in this new season was heartbreaking!)

Favorite City"
Nashville (Where we've just moved!)