Jill Elizabeth Nelson Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.  

A. I am an introvert who enjoys public speaking and teaching. I crave healthy doses of solitude yet I love people. My heart is to bless all of my readers with encouragement and hope, as well as entertainment. I’d say “relaxation,” but I’d be lying. My goal is to keep you awake at night, perched on the edge of your seats.

On a personal note, I am a proud mama and a grandma. My hubby and I have been each other’s one and only for over 32 years.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A. My writer’s journey began as an introverted child with her nose constantly in a book. In the sixth grade, I was blessed with a teacher who perched on a stool at a certain time each day and read to the class from the most imaginative stories. Something in this process of hearing a story awakened a realization in me—I didn’t merely want to be a person who received pleasure from a good book; I wanted to be the person who gave that pleasure to others

I knuckled down right away and wrote my first novel—a perfectly awful mystery about a group of kid sleuths. Not a shred of that manuscript yet exists, and the world is grateful!

In between then and now, the dream of becoming a published novelist was born and died several grizzly deaths, until finally my “fullness of time” came. When doing speaking engagements about my books, I tell folks that if God can bring a dream to pass for this nobody in particular from nowhere special, He can and will do it for you!

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?  

A. Oh, my, so many moments of wonder and gratitude brighten the path of my journey. Among them was certainly the moment I got “the call” about my first book contract. The call came while I was attending a writer’s conference, and I was able to share my news with the other unpublished attendees, which was a great encouragement to them to see that it can happen. In fact, whenever I go out on speaking engagements, I like to tell my audience that if God can bring to pass a cherished dream for this nobody in particular from nowhere special, He can do it for them too!

Another moment of amazement was when I learned that my book, Legacy of Lies, won the 2010 Carol Award in the short romantic suspense category. For personal and family reasons I wasn’t able to attend that year’s ACFW conference, and the concept of actually winning the category was the farthest thing from my mind. I was humbled and thrilled to be a finalist and figured that was the end of it, considering the competition. When I opened my email to see the results the night of the conference banquet, I sat frozen for a long time with my hand over my flopped open mouth. I could barely think a coherent thought, much less speak! Probably a good thing I didn’t have to walk up to the podium and try to talk.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Frame Up?  

A. The title of the book pretty much sums up the situation. The two main characters share fellow feeling as chief suspects in murders that appear unconnected. Could the crimes be related after all? If so, then someone else surely committed the murders for which they are being framed—and that someone means for them to suffer. Can they uncover the truth before they pay the unjust price?

I’m particularly pleased with the cover on this book. The genius cover designers at Love Inspired came up with the art that so accurately reflects the title (Frame Up/A-Frame cabin) and content of the story.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Frame Up?

A. The two main characters in Frame Up share fellow feeling as chief suspects in murders that appear unconnected. Do you suppose the crimes might be related after all? If so, then someone else surely committed the murders for which they are being framed.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A . The condition of the heart is more important than natural gifts and talents; character trumps personality or appearance.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A. I’m not sure I would call this a favorite moment, because it’s anything but pretty. However,  it is one of the most heart-wrenching situations in the story. The hero comes upon the heroine’s teenage daughter on the brink of death and struggles to save her. Also, I greatly enjoyed writing the part where the creative, gentle-hearted David goes fierce in his love for the heroine and gate-crashes—literally.

Q: What inspires you to write?  

 A  A fire in my bones to tell Christ-honoring stories spurs me to write. I’m called to do it, and God would get on my case if I didn’t. I’d just as soon not make Him do that. LOL. My story ideas come from a variety of sources. Even a glimpse of an intriguing news headline can spark my imagination. My characters are often a blend of characteristics from people-watching. But I try never to pattern someone entirely after a person I know. I’d just as soon avoid that kettle of worms . . . can of fish? 😉

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?  

A. I thought I could actually make a significant difference in my sales if I did enough book signings and made enough personal visits to bookstores. Nowadays, I don’t stress out about arranging book signing events with every release. I’m more interested in getting the word out to my newsletter subscribers and fans on Facebook and my web site—or fine blogs like this one. The folks who like what I write and can’t wait for the next release are my best publicists. Thank you, dear reader friends!

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A. I began to do certain specific things simultaneously that played essential parts in bringing me to publication. I began writing—regularly and prolifically. I devoured books on the craft of writing and applied what I learned. I read mountains of books in the genre(s) I wished to publish. I joined on-line writers groups, such as American Christian Fiction Writers, and began attending writers’ conferences. And I also appreciated the day of the small things—writing and publishing articles and short pieces—which padded my resume and contributed to name recognition in the industry.

There is no such thing as an overnight success in any trade. Writing is no different. But there are breakthroughs and “suddenlies” that catapult a writer to the next level. All of the above are quality ingredients in creating one of those “suddenlies.”

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A. I’m working on the final round of edits on Shake Down, my August release. Shake Down features as heroine the best friend of the heroine in Frame Up, so the books are related though not sequels in a series.

I’m also working on a proposal for my next two books for Love Inspired.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A. I enjoy reading, spending time with my husband and kids/grandkids, and I enjoy serving the Lord in any capacity He calls me. By the time this blog entry is posted, my husband and I will be in Thailand on a mission trip.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A. Readers can visit me on the web at: www.jillelizabethnelson.com or look me up on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JillElizabethNelson.Author or Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JillElizNelson. I love to hear from readers.