Author H. Schussman: H. Schussman Interviews Delia Latham

Heidi~

First, Delia, tell us a little about yourself?

Delia~

I'm a mother of four adult children, nanny to four grandchildren -- a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. I live in East Texas, although that's happened very recently. I was born, raised and lived in California's San Joaquin Valley up until my husband retired, and we suddenly became gypsies... moving first to Oklahoma, back to California where we enjoyed a pleasant stint in Tehachapi, and then to Texas to be nearer our grandchildren. One never knows where life will eventually take them.

Heidi~

What genre do you write?

Delia~

I write inspirational romance -- mostly light-hearted, but I like to throw in the occasional dose of deep, wrenching pathos.

Heidi~

When did you start writing?

Delia~

I was born writing. lol Actually, I'm not sure how far that is from the truth. My earliest memories have me toting some type of notebook and a handful of pencils with me wherever I went. I wrote little stories, poems, songs...whatever came to mind -- and my mind was always busy!

Heidi~

What are you working on now?

Delia~

Right now, I'm mostly promoting my most recent series, Paradise Pines, which is set on California's Central Coast, in Cambria. I've taken a little hiatus from writing, but will be diving in again right away to write a novella for a Christmas collection with a few of my dearest writer pals.

Heidi~

Who is your favorite character in your stories?

Delia~

I can't even imagine trying to choose just one! In Paradise Pines, it's probably Summer. But I really loved Spring Raine, as well...and Autumn, and oh, yes -- Winter! See what I mean? I did love all of my seasonal heroines. Shay Light, one of the secondary characters, was another favorite.

Heidi~

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Delia~

Many times. I think all authors tend to write a bit of themselves into their characters. We can't help but do that! Who we are is bound to come through in our characters actions and reactions, even when we try not to let it happen.

Heidi~

Where do you write? Describe your workspace?

Delia~

I do have an office... but I often write in my living room. My loveseat, with the center console brought into full use as storage, has become my "lazy writer's desk." I've recently found, though, that I was reclining too much and causing problems in my legs. So I'm trying to write at my desk more, even though I enjoy being where I can see my children and grandchildren when they come traipsing through my house at odd times. I do find it necessary to actually hide away in my office at crunch time, when I'm desperately trying to meet a deadline.

Heidi~

Who are your all-time favorite authors?

Delia~

I grew up reading Grace Livingston Hill, and she had a huge influence on my writing style. Janette Oke is another favorite from years ago. I also enjoy some of the more modern, humorous Christian authors like Mary Connealy and Vickie McDonough. I also love a good suspense story, and even those with a touch of the paranormal. So many good authors...so little time!

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~

Oh, I love writing query letters...said no author, ever! Query letters are the bane of most authors' existence. For me, the key is to not over-think them. I try to make my queries sound as natural as possible, and I try to have some fun with them. Even editors enjoy a little humor now and then. Of course, there's still a certain core format that needs to be followed, but originality is a wonderful thing!

Heidi~

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

Delia~

All the usual things~ Don't give up. Do your homework. Write every day. Yada, yada, yada. Add in one more thing, and push it right up to front of the list: PRAY. Pray long and hard about your writing career before you commit to having one. And then pray before every writing session, inviting God into the pilot's seat, while you slide gracefully into the co-pilot's corner. Having the right hands on the controls goes a long way toward successful landing at your desired destination.

Heidi~

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

Delia~

My dad's brother was my pastor as a child and throughout my teen years. His wife was an amazing woman...talented, funny, anointed, and completely unforgettable. She saw potential in me when I saw none. She knew before I did that I should be writing, and encouraged me in that direction. Without her influence, I doubt I would ever have found the courage to write a book, much less get it published. My only regret is that she didn't live long enough to see it happen. But somehow, I think she knows... :)

Heidi~

Any new releases coming out?

Delia~

Yes! Summer Dream, which releases May 19^th. Here's the blurb:

Summer Callahan isn’t in Cambria for the beach or the ocean or the pine-scented air around Paradise Pines Lodge. She’s there as a companion to her flighty cousin, Deah—with the understanding that they will have separate agendas the entire time. Summer just wants to be left alone to dream up the romance novels she writes under a pseudonym.

But never in Summer's wildest writer's imagination does she dream of being caught in an undertow and almost drowning, only to be rescued by a wealthy artist. And when Logan Bullard proves hard to shake, Summer fears for her heart—especially when Deah sets her sights on Logan.

But at Paradise Pines Lodge, what's meant to be has a way of happening...at the best time and in the best way. Miss Angelina Love—who may or may not own the place—has an "in" with Heaven's own "department of romance." And she's determined to see Summer and Logan together.

Heidi~

How can your readers learn more about you and your books?

Delia~

I'm not hard to find, but here are a few key online locations: