Janelle Mowery Interview

I'm so excited to have my good friend Janelle Mowery with me today. Janelle is one of the first people I got to know when I joined American Christian Fiction Writers. We became crit partners and supported each other as we traveled the road to publication.

Born and raised in southern Minnesota, Janelle Mowery spent hours reading a great many books in her childhood years. Her love of history, mystery, and stories led her toward her dream of writing novels. When Janelle is not writing, she loves reading, watching movies, researching history, and spending time in the great outdoors. She now resides in Texas with her husband of twenty-one years and their two sons. You can learn more about Janelle at www.janellemowery.com

Welcome, Janelle. I want my readers to get to know you like I do. Tell us what made you want to become a writer.

I’ve always loved to read. In fact, I have around the age of six holding my favorite Christmas present…a book. Around ten years ago, my sister told me I needed to read a book. It was by Lori Wick. I loved it and ended up reading everything she had out. It was while reading one of her books that I was certain I could write a story. I sat down at the computer and my journey began.

Did you encounter rejection on your writing journey?

If so, how did you handle it? Oh yes, I’ve been rejected. It’s funny, the very first story I wrote was almost accepted the first time I submitted. The editor of one house loved it and wanted to contract it. I thought I’d be one of the lucky few who had never been rejected. Alas, a few months later, I received a call from that same editor saying they were cutting back on how many historical manuscripts they contracted. Mine was one they decided against. That was the first of several rejections. I didn’t take it well. I was so far up in the clouds that the fall was long and hard. That was probably the hardest rejection. With the others, I’d be down for a day, then dig back in and get back to work.

What are some highlights of your professional journey toward that first sale and how did you feel when you found out about it?

The highlights? Meeting other authors who became great friends. I can see God’s hand all over my journey. He led me to a copy editor who encouraged me. She’d seen enough of my work that when she was in a position to acquire manuscripts, she wanted me to write a story for her. I received a phone call months later tell me that I was being offered a contract. I think my shout of joy was heard all over the county.

What is the title of your current book?

My current title to be released is Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho.


Give us a short blurb about the book.

It’s 1869, and chaos rules Silver City. As Rebekah Weaver recovers from an accident that has left her badly burned, she worries that her father’s handsome new assistant won’t see past her scarred exterior. Deputy Marshal Nathaniel Kirkland is working undercover to investigate a series of explosions in the mines and businesses of Silver City. When ominous notes begin appearing on townspeople’s doors, Nate needs Rebekah’s help to uncover the identity of the perpetrator. As they work together, Nate begins to speculate that Rebekah’s “accident” was really a case of intentional sabotage—and that she might still be in danger.

Which character in the book is your favorite? Why?

I guess it would have to be Rebekah. Though she’d been through a horrible ordeal, she still maintained her relationship with the Lord. Yes, she had her doubts, fears, and times of insecurity, but she always ran to the Lord to get her through. She learned the hard way that true beauty comes from within.

What is the last book you read that impacted you? How did it affect you?

I was blown away by Susan Meissner’s book, The Shape of Mercy. Not only is Susan an artist with words, but she beautifully illustrates how important grace, mercy, and redemption should be in each of our lives. It’s a story that will stay with me for years to come.

What do you learn from reading other writers’ work?

There’s something to be learned from every book. Pacing, plotting, characterization, dialogue. If you’re looking to learn, each book has the ability to teach.

What are you currently writing?

I’m doing more editing than writing. I’m working on book three of a series, Colorado Runaways, contracted by Harvest House. I’m also on the beginning stages of writing another story for a Christmas anthology due for release September next year.

Do you have any other advice for a beginning writer?

Oh, there’s so much. First, read a lot. Then write a lot. Never give up. Enjoy the journey toward publication, even the rejections. It’s all part of the process and you’ll learn something from each step. One last thing—network, network, network. The contacts you make are such a huge part on the road to publication.

Good advice, Janelle. Thank you so much for being with us today. I know my readers have enjoyed learning more about you.

Janelle would love to give you a copy of her book. If you would like to receive a free copy of Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho, leave a comment for Janelle. You can't win if you don't comment.