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 CT: What book is coming out, or has come out, that you would like to tell us about? RH: My most recent release is "The Secret of Us." It's a story about 'marriage'...both long-term and new. It's about "love"...and how hard it can sometimes be...and also how rewarding! (Plus, I just LOVE the cover!) CT: In "The Secret of Us," Laura and Donnie Dunn are a couple who have been married for 23 years. As Donnie's business thrives and their daughter plans her wedding, homemaker Laura Dunn questions personal dreams that she left behind. This story is so universal that it could touch a cord in many lives. How did this story come to you? RH: I've been married thirty-three years and I felt I had something to say about "marriage." (And I felt 'nudged' to write about it.) From the reader mail I've received it seems "The Secret of Us" has struck a chord...and has been helpful in helping others realized what this institution of marriage is all about. CT: You have been successful with your "Coming Home to Brewster" series. What were the highs and lows of writing a stand-alone book as compared to a book in a series? RH: After writing a five-book series, I was looking forward to the challenge of writing a stand-alone story. What I didn't realize was how "hard" inventing a whole-new-world (and the people in it) would be. I had grown comfortable with my familiar characters and the town where they lived, writing this new story stretched me in ways that were challenging...and good! CT: What would be the one nugget you would like to share with your readers concerning "The Secret of Us?" RH: I'd like my readers to know that marriage isn't always 'easy'...but it is "worth it!" Love is the greatest...even when it's hard. In fact, it's the challenges in married life that can make for a deeper relationship. CT: When and how did you originally come up with the idea for the "Coming Home to Brewster" series? In your mind, did you see this project as a series or as a stand-alone, single title? RH: I didn't originally intend to write a series...until my publisher asked. When you are facing your first book contract the answer to the question, "Can you do this as a series?" is, "Yes!!" ; ) I'm not a fan of series that require you to read all the books (in order) to keep the story straight. I kept that in mind as I wrote the five books in the Brewster series and hope each novel stands-alone as a story-within-a-larger-story. CT: In the Brewster series, you have written about some real-life situations with depth and caring. The power of friendship and God's mercy is woven throughout the series. Would you like to comment on this? RH: "Friendship" is one of those heart-issues for me. I absolutely LOVE having friends and cherish each one dearly. It's friends (both family and otherwise) that make each day special. God's mercy...goodness, how would we get through a day without His grace? I do my best to share with my readers the daily struggle it can be to be a Christian. We all have doubts and questions on occasion. We all 'mess-up' now and then. God is BIG enough to handle anything we can ask...or do. That's what I write about...real life. CT: How do you choose your characters, or do they choose you? RH: I start a book by thinking of a topic that interests me. Somehow the characters in the book just sort of "appear" once I start thinking about the story. As I write more people show up...sometimes they just walk through a scene, other times they have more of a story to tell. Oftentimes they surprise me! (And, yes, I know...I sound 'certifiably crazy.' It's all part of being a writer! LOL) CT: When you're writing, whom are you writing for? What type of reader do you envision picking up your books? RH: I often call my writing 'therapy-on-a-page.' I write in order to wrestle with topics that are on my mind. Friendship, contentment, depression, aging, purpose, and marriage are the issues I've examined on the pages of my books. I guess you could say I write for all the readers who are going through similar life experiences. I'm hoping to resolve something in each book and hope my readers do the same by the end of my stories. CT: How do you prepare each day in order to write? RH: I get up, get dressed, do some Bible reading and praying, eat breakfast, make a pot of coffee, and then SIT DOWN and begin. It sounds a LOT easier than it is! CT: What type of writing schedule do you keep? RH: When I'm not on-the-road speaking (or taking some time off to enjoy our too-short North Dakota summer), I get to my computer around nine in the morning and write until 12:30...break for lunch and then write some more (or do some of the "business" of writing...like answering e-mails). I try to write 4-to-5 pages each day...on rare occasions I write more. Whew! CT: If you could choose to have one strength of another writer, what would it be and from whom? RH: Oh, that's easy! I'd write f-a-s-t-e-r! I really wish writing would come easier for me. It doesn't. Ever. Sigh... CT: How do you see your writing as a spiritual discipline? RH: I see my writing as a way to share with readers the accessibility of God in our everyday lives. That said, I know God has given me the 'gift of words.' I do my best to use that gift for His good purpose by telling the stories He's given me. CT: What is one of your favorite Scripture verses, and why? RH: Psalm 118:24 I clung to this verse early on in my life after my dad passed away (I was 17). I learned each day is new unto itself...and it was up to me to find (with God's help) reasons to rejoice...in spite of my grief. CT: In addition to your website, roxannehenke.com/, where else may our viewers find you online? RH: There is a fun interview (with little-before-seen-photos) on my publisher's website. Check it out! CT: Parting words? RH: Thanks, Catherine, for the challenging questions! And I want to thank anyone-and-everyone who has read my stories!! Here's wishing you good books and time to read them! CT: Thank you, Roxanne, for a great interview! We appreciate your sharing your time with us. Readers, I can easily say that Roxanne Henke is one of my top favorite authors. Her stories will grab you and place you smack dab in Brewster, ND. Her stories of friendship and God's grace will refresh anyone's souls. Share them with a friend. Interview by Catherine Terry |
