H. Schussman's Interview with Delia Latham

Delia Latham Interview

Heidi:

First, Delia, tell us a little about yourself.

Delia:

I wear many hats as a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. But above all else, I treasure my role as princess daughter to the King of Kings! Hubby and I are in the process of moving from Tehachapi, California to East Texas. It'll be great to be closer to our four grandchildren! :)

Heidi:
What genre do you write?

Delia:

I have one novel that is Women's Fiction, but I write mostly Inspirational Romance, so I guess that's where my heart is.

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Delia:

I always say I was born with a pen in my hand. lol … Truth is, I can't remember a time when I wasn't writing something. First it was little poems and songs, and then short stories. I graduated from that to writing country western music, and then to newspaper journalism. But I always dreamed of writing a novel...thank God He finally opened the door for me to do that. My first novel was published in 2006.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Delia:

Packing! lol … Actually, I'm working on the first book in a 4-book series that will be set in and around the Central California coastal town of Cambria. I'm also working on a Christmas novel that will a part of Pelican Book Group's Pure Amore imprint, which promotes chastity before marriage. We're hoping to reach a multitude of young people who have never been taught the value of the gift they can give their wife or husband, if they treasure and protect their virginity until they're married. I'm very excited about these books. They come in a time in society when young people are being taught "safe sex" rather than abstinence. Many of them have never been taught the value of chastity, and we're hoping to touch a few young hearts with these romantic stories in which the hero and heroine choose to treasure that once-in-a-lifetime gift.

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Delia:

I suppose there's something of myself in most of my heroines, although it isn't intentional. My son says my first heroine - Hannah, in Yesterday's Promise - is me. lol … She really isn’t, but she's a singer, and I sing as well. She's much prettier and much sweeter than me! :)

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your workspace?

Delia:

Have laptop, will travel. I usually write kicked back in the recliner in my living room, because I haven't had a real office in Tehachapi. Hopefully that will change when we arrive at our new home, because I much prefer writing in a dedicated office space. I even find that it's easier on my body, because I get up and move around more when I work at a desk.

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite authors?

Delia:

I have many favorites...and I read a lot of genres that surprise people, given the fact that I write inspirational romance. I love epic stories of good vs. evil, like Stephen King's The Stand and Robert R. McCammon's Swan Song.But I grew up on Grace Livingston Hill, and I love Janette Oke, Lori Copeland, Mary Connealy, Vickie McDonough...and so many other Christian writers.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?

Delia:

Query letters have never been hard for me. Synopses, on the other hand, are a different story altogether. I used to panic at the very thought of writing them - I'm a seat-of-the-pants writer, and often have no idea where the story's headed when I first start writing. But since Pelican Book Group requires the synopsis, I've learned to have at least a basic plot in mind, and it has helped. I still don't outline or draw up fancy charts, but I do have a beginning, middle and end in mind. I have to, so I can write a synopsis! lol

Query letters are actually fun. I usually look for something very catchy to start with...something that will make that editor want to read more. The letter should show a sample of your writing style, and that's what I always strive for. It should be just as exciting and interesting as the story itself. If a writer can accomplish that, he/she is guaranteed the editor will at least finish reading it. There's no guarantee she'll be as excited about the story line as you are, but if you can get her to finish reading, you certainly have a better shot than if she stops reading at the second paragraph because she's bored. Hook 'em, just as you try to do with your readers!

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Delia:

Never, never, never, never, never, never, NEVER give up! 

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you/etc?

Delia:

I had an amazing mentor when I was younger. She was my pastor's wife and my biggest source of personal confidence. She always believed in me, and encouraged me to write, even when I didn't think I could do it. She was unforgettable, and I'll always be grateful for the influence Rita Mae Dawson had on my life. My only regret is that I didn't get my first book published in time for her to read it...but I know she would've been proud! :)

I’m sure your readers would like to know more about you. Could you share some links for them?

Of course, here are my links:

Website

Blog for Readers

Blog for Writers

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Heart's Haven series, which I write with three other authors...we have several Heart's Haven collections. The collections: Heart's Haven: The Beginning; Heart's Haven Holidays; and A Heart's Haven Easter.  Each collection consists of four books, each book written by a different author. More information on Heart's Haven can be found on my website. We also have a Heart's Haven Facebook page.