Thank you for joining us for our final installment, part four, of our interview with author Trina Boice. If you missed parts one, two, or three, click on these links to catch up.
Trina, how long have you been writing, and when did you sell your first book?
I’ve had dozens of books swirling around in my brain for years. I can think of book ideas faster than I can write them. Many times I’ve had a terrific idea for a book, only later to see it sitting on a shelf in Barnes and Noble, written by someone else who beat me to the punch. I knew some day I’d be an author and so when I was about nine years old I began collecting famous quotes, stories and ideas into a little box. The box evolved into eighteen file cabinets and now I’ve scanned everything into my computer.
My first book was published in 2004 by Spring Creek Books. My publisher has been extremely supportive and has published all six of my books with more on the way! It’s really great to find a publisher who wants to help build your writing career rather than just print a single book for you and then move on to other authors.
How do you decide what topics to write about? Does your publisher make suggestions?
I presented a gigantic list of manuscript ideas to my publisher a few years ago and he put them in the order he was interested in publishing them. Timing is everything. Sometimes he’ll bump one of my suggested books for a book he wants me to write. He has a really good feel for the market and so I trust his preference.
What type of writing schedule do you have?
I try to write when my kids are in school so that I’m not taking time away from them. I don’t ever want them to resent my writing or feel that it is more important to me than they are. I always keep a notepad with me in my purse, my car and by my bedside so that I’ll be able to pen sudden bursts of inspiration. Ideas will pop into my head at the most random time and simple things I see during the day will trigger thoughts that I want to write down, so it seems I’m always reaching for a pen and paper.
What have you always dreamed of writing, but haven’t yet?
That “must have” book, the one you see everywhere in all of the stores, the “it” book, the one that inspires, uplifts and changes people’s lives. What is it? I don’t know, but I’m working on it!
What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?
One of the coolest things ever is to hold a finished book that I’ve written in my hand. I love having written probably more than the actual writing itself. I love seeing one of my books on a book shelf in a book store. I enjoy writing when I’m in the “zone”, when words just flow and ideas fill my head all the way down to my typing fingers. I really get a kick out of book signings and talking with people about more ideas. The part I dread is having to run away from the Paparazzi…..just kidding. I don’t like it when I have a deadline and my brain feels dead with no inspiration. I don’t like it when I have a looming deadline and I’m forced to sit and write rather than spend time with my kids.
Thank you so much for spending this time with us, Trina. It’s been a lot of fun.
Once again, here is a list of Trina’s books:
“Sabbath Solutions: More than 350 Ways You Can Worship On The Lord’s Day”
“Easy Enrichment Ideas: Thinking Outside The Green Gelatin Box”
“Climbing Family Trees, Whispers Through The Leaves”
“Bright Ideas for Young Women Leaders”
“Great Ideas for Activity Days”
“Parties With A Purpose: Exciting Ideas for Ward Activities”