An Interveiw with Jill Elizabeth Nelson

1. How did you get interested in writing?

In the sixth grade, my wonderful teacher would pull up a stool each day and read to us from the most imaginative books. I gradually began to realize that I wanted not only to enjoy the stories someone else had written, but to be the person who gave others the kind of pleasure I received from good books. That year, I penned—er, penciled my first novel, a perfectly horrible mystery tale. Not a word of the story exists today, and the world is grateful.

I’ve been writing in one capacity or another ever since, but only in 2005, with my first book contract, did I see the fulfillment of my dream to become a novelist. I turn fifty next month, and am living testimony that God is faithful to bring to pass the dreams He puts in a person’s heart. But He does it in His way and in His timing. I’m quite certain I wasn’t ready to handle the demands of the occupation prior to this. Besides, raising my four children had to come first.

2. How do you fit writing into your day?

In order to accomplish what must be done, meet deadlines, etc., writing must be a part of every day. Consistency wins the battle. Some days I write more than others, but I’m always writing. Since I work a full time job outside the home, I do most of my writing in the evenings and on weekends.

3. How do you deal with writer’s block?

Prayer! When I can’t see the road ahead, I need God’s wisdom to see what has dammed up the creativity. Sometimes I need to make a change in the story line, or I need to see something about a character that I’ve not realized before and incorporate that into the story. Fellowshipping with my Best Friend and asking His advice gets me to the place where I can “see” where I’m missing it. When writing under a deadline, writer’s block is not an option to indulge, so there have been times when I’ve hit my knees quite desperately.

4. If you had to give advice on writing, what would it be?

Write. Write. Write. Persevere. Persevere. Persevere. You don’t fail until you quit.

5. What are you working on now?

I just turned in a proposal to my current publisher for a new book, and I’m working on a separate proposal for a different publisher. Both of the proposals are for romantic suspense. At this point in my career, it’s important for me to stick with one genre and build name recognition to a certain readership.