Tell us about Love at the Altar

It’s about a feisty young business woman who falls in love with a dynamic, handsome preacher. But the course of true love does not run smooth for the couple, as jealousy, rivalry, interfering mother-in-laws and secrets all threaten to crush their budding romance. It’s strongly based around faith, love, friendships, and self discovery. It’s a modern day romance, with an old fashioned twist.

What genre is it?
Contemporary Romance.

What kind of readers will it appeal to?
It would appeal to readers who like a love story that does not contain a lot of sex! It deals more with passion and the foundations of love. If you like a grounded, entertaining, dramatic, but heartfelt romance. This book is for you.

Religion plays a large part in the book. Is there a message that you would like readers to come away with?
Yes, religion does play a large part in my book. I think religion has becomes less important in today’s society and I wanted to write a book about Christians as real people. Not as bible bashing, uptight dinosaurs. I would like my readers feel that they can have a connection with God, in spite of their imperfections. God looks at the heart, not at how perfect we are. Anybody can get to know God and feel secure in knowing that He loves you for who you are, not who you think should be. Love at the Altar is about life from a Christan perspective, imperfections and all!

Complete this sentence for us: If you like _______________, then you’ll love Love At the Altar.
Everybody say Amen by ReShonda Tate Billingsley or Lady Jasmine by Victoria Christopher Murray.

How long did it take to write?
It took about five months in total. I started with an outline of the characters, then developed story lines, then I started on draft one. It took a while for me to get into the story which meant I have a lot of rough drafts on my laptop. But its good looking back at old drafts. You think, my Lord, did I really write that?

What was the most challenging part of the whole process?
I think its staring at the dreaded blank screen. I always wonder how an earth am I going to fill that page with words that anyone would want to read? When I completed Love at the Altar, I knew from the beginning, it was going to be a series. So I did wonder, can I write another story? But it’s fine once you stop worrying. I get over it by making lists. It’s quite bizarre. I plan everything now. My characters, my plots, and ideas for future books. I also plan things like marketing, and social networking. I have a list for everything, which makes my life a lot easier.

Really? What kind of things do you put on your lists?
My list for Marketing has four columns, one for each week. Then I put things like Twitter( @klwoolerey) , Facebook, Blog (loveatthealtar.blogspot.com) , Google + etc. Basically all of the networks I use to market my book and communicate with readers, other writers, etc. I write down the things that I need to do for each social network. So for Twitter, I would write that I need to tweet at least three more times a day. Or I would need to post more information on Facebook. Then once I’ve completed each task, I mark it as complete and set myself another challenge. I find this method very productive, as I know what I’m doing and when I’m doing it. I also get to see where I’m being more productive, and the areas that I need to improve.

I think social networking is a very important tool for a an author. I didn’t realize that until I started publishing, and then I had to learn how to tweet and what hash tag meant. I was quite ignorant to all that before.

Wow, that’s really impressive. And your lists for the actual book?
I make lists for chapters. That’s where I plan each chapter in advance so I know I’ve got enough material. I don’t always stick to the initial plan but, it keeps me from getting stuck half way through the book and pulling my hair out. Planning works for me, otherwise I’d never get anything done. I can also refer to my lists and then it clicks into place what I need to do.

Where can we buy your book?
Love at the Altar is available from Amazon (US, UK )

What’s next?
I am planning to publish a paperback edition of Love at the Altar. Then of course, I am working on a sequel, and drafting out other plots for future novels. It’s a busy time for me, but I’m not complaining. As long as my readers are happy and want to read more of my books, then I am happy to supply!

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Enjoyed this interview? Then check out our conversation with Chicki Brown.