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Working Mom Wednesday: Meet Author Robin Jones Gunn
By metropolitanmama | April 16, 2008
When I hung up the phone after my interview with Robin Jones Gunn, I thought, “She is such an incredible person - a beautiful soul, a kindred spirit. I would totally ask her to go out to coffee with me if I were in Portland, Oregon.”
I have always admired Robin Gunn. There is something captivating about her easy-to-read, humorous, and light writing style. I love the way that she infuses positive messages into the text of her books with such grace.
There’s a difference, however, when you admire someone from afar and when you actually talk to them. Sometimes the person behind the pen can be disappointing. But that was not the case with Robin Gunn. She was exactly how I imagined she would be. Warm. Kind. Content.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Robin Jones Gunn this evening.
Q. I know you’ve written 63 books, 47 of which are novels, but how long have you been a “Full Time” writer?
A. I made that transition thirteen years ago. I know it was at that point because we moved up here (to Portland) for my husband to go to Seminary. I knew that he really just needed to be doing school. I also knew I could write and I knew I could write faster. For a season, my writing became the sole income for our family. I had to be really on-track – to sign for more books and keep up with more deadlines. (Robin’s husband is now a Counselor in private practice).
Q. Can you really make a living as a writer?
A. You really can, but it was a lot more work than I ever thought it would be. I had to give up a lot more than I thought I would. I really had to have a schedule, a discipline, and a rhythm because I also wanted to be available to my kids and to prioritize them. I also supplemented with articles here and there. Those were faster to write. And I also did some speaking and promotions.
Q. What are your top tips for moms who are writing during the early years?
A. I wrote between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 or 7:30 a.m., three days a week. I’d go to bed at 8:30 or 9:00 on those nights. The things that I cut out were things I would have been doing from 8-11 p.m…watching TV, talking on the phone, etc. Because of this schedule, I was able to do the bulk of my work when it wasn’t taking away from my family. I consider it to be a high calling to be a mom and a wife. I asked myself: What are the sacrifices that I will have to make (not that my family will have to make on my behalf)?
I also developed a system with my children during the day where it was really clear that I was going to go make some phone calls. They knew to not come into my room or bother me. I think it was important for them to learn that the reason that I wrote was to support the family.
Q. What are the top writing conferences you have attended?
A. I just got back from the Jerry Jenkins’ Writing for the Soul conference in Colorado. This year, I did five workshops and the key note on Saturday nights. It was a really stellar conference all around.
Mount Hermon is a premiere writers conference held every year over Palm Sunday weekend in Northern California. That conference provides such a wide variety of workshops. They offer workshops for someone who is just beginning and wants to write an article. But they also offer a career track for people who have published two or more books. That’s the beauty of Mount Hermon. It’s great for any level.
Sally Stewart’s Christian Writers’ Market lists a number of one day workshops. Those are great because it’s one day. It’s a small financial investment.
The strongest conference for fiction writers is the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, which is held every fall. There is a lot of creativity, a lot of energy, and a lot of connecting.
When it comes down to it, every writing conference that I have ever attended has been very beneficial.
Q. What are your top tips for other moms who want to publish a book?
A. One thing that helped me immensely is that I joined a critique group that met once a month. My best friend Donna would take my kids from 9:00 in the morning until 3 or 4 in the afternoon (this was before either of them were in school). They loved that they got to see their friends once a month. It helped me to be with other writers. There were no interruptions. It was great to be able to get away and be fully vested in the writing process. We always would work at least four hours and bring our sack lunch.
It’s also important to get to some of these writers conferences.
Q. How many children do you have and what are their ages?
A. Two. I have one son and one daughter, ages 26 and 22.
Thanks so much, Robbin. I’m already looking forward to the second Katie Weldon book!
NOTE: I’m taking Robbin’s advice about writing conferences and heading to the BookExpo/Writer’s Diget Book Writers Conference this May. Anyone else going?
WIN IT! One winner will receive a copy of Robin’s newest book - Peculiar Treasures (read my full review here). To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Wednesday, April 23 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Thursday, April 24. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
*UPDATE* The winner is #60 Brandy. Congratulations!
Topics: Meet the Author, Uncategorized, Working Mom Wednesday, contests |
April 17th, 2008 at 5:14 am
[...] Where: Metropolitan Mama [...]
April 17th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Please enter me!
April 17th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Sounds like a good book.
April 17th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Very nice.
April 17th, 2008 at 8:54 am
I want to win!
April 17th, 2008 at 9:18 am
I love her.
thanks for taking the time to do the interview!
April 17th, 2008 at 9:25 am
This sounds like a good read.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Thanks for the interview with Robin. It was nice to hear an author’s tips and insights.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Oh I like this - thank you for the contest
April 17th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Can’t wait to read!
April 17th, 2008 at 10:42 am
please enter me
April 17th, 2008 at 10:42 am
nice book
April 17th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Count me in!
April 17th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Enter me please.
April 17th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I would love to win this book. I actually live about 15 minutes from Portland! Thanks for the giveaway!
April 17th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I too grew up reading the Christy Miller series (and read them over and over again!). And admired Christy greatly! I was so sad when she got married (oops! Sorry for those of you who haven’t yet read them!) …and have often wished her story into married life and motherhood would have been continued. She felt like a dear friend… (I even went to they same Bible School in England that she did!
I’d love to dive into some of Robin’s newer books. I just might have to request they stock them at my local library. Thanks for the encouragement to go check them out!
April 17th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Sounds like a fabulous book for my daughter who just turned 21!
April 17th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Yes, please! I love her books!
April 17th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Enjoyed the interview, count me in!
April 17th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
thanks for the chance
April 17th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
always looking for a new book to read
April 17th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I would like to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
April 17th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Pick me!!!!!
April 17th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Sounds great!
April 17th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Thanks.
April 17th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Love her books. I’ve read some of the SisterChicks and a few of the Christy Miller. Great, fun reads!
April 17th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Sounds like a good coming of age book to read. I have a niece who would really enjoy this author’s books. I wish Robin would send me some of your energy! That is a lot of books she has already written! Wow. Please enter me in your drawing.
Many thanks…..Cindi
April 17th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
sounds good
April 17th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I love Robin Jones Gunn. I’m sure this book will be good.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Have a great day =)
April 17th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
I love RJG! Sisterchicks are my favorite (in Gondolas was my fav of those) and I’m looking forward to the new one in May! I also loved Gardenias for Breakfast. I read it when my daughter was 12, so that made it even more special. I have another daughter turning 12 this month, so I need to re-read it
I haven’t gotten any of her YA books yet, so please pick me!!
April 18th, 2008 at 12:42 am
I find the interview very interesting
April 18th, 2008 at 12:52 am
I’d like to read this book.
April 18th, 2008 at 3:20 am
Thanks for the chance to win.
April 18th, 2008 at 3:22 am
I love a good book.
April 18th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Nice, thank you!
April 18th, 2008 at 5:21 am
Sisterchicks are my favorite
April 18th, 2008 at 5:22 am
sounds great
April 18th, 2008 at 6:11 am
i love to read.
April 18th, 2008 at 6:26 am
I can read
April 18th, 2008 at 6:29 am
WOULD LOVE TO READ THIS
April 18th, 2008 at 6:32 am
enter me!
April 18th, 2008 at 7:20 am
I always love good read!
April 18th, 2008 at 7:22 am
I love reading local authors! I am in Portland too. I am sorry to say I haven’t read any of her books, but I will look right away.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Love to read. Thanks for the chance.
April 18th, 2008 at 8:06 am
This sounds great!
April 18th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Please enter me and thank you!
April 18th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Would love to win this!
April 18th, 2008 at 10:20 am
thanks for the contest
April 18th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Thanks for the interview! I’d love to read one of her books!
April 18th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I’d love to read this
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
April 18th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Thank you for this giveaway!
April 18th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Wow.. fun! You actually interviewed her on the phone!?! How cool!
I blogged your contest on Prize-A-Tron
http://www.prizeatron.com
April 18th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I’d love to win one of your books .
April 19th, 2008 at 6:01 am
63 Books! Amazing! I am embarressed to admit, I have yet to read her. Now that I’ve read your review, I am definetly going to put her on my list! Thanks
April 19th, 2008 at 7:50 am
I love to read good books
April 19th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Thanks for the contest!
April 19th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
would love to add this - looks like a fascinating read!
April 19th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
This would be a welcome addition to our library.
April 19th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I would love to read it, I am 19.
April 20th, 2008 at 8:48 am
enter me
April 20th, 2008 at 10:25 am
just to cool
April 20th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Please enter me. Thank you.
April 20th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I love your contest.
April 20th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I’d like to read it
April 20th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Please enter me
April 20th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Count me in please.
April 20th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
please enter me thanks!
April 21st, 2008 at 2:09 am
wOOt!!
April 21st, 2008 at 7:17 am
Sounds fun!
April 21st, 2008 at 9:51 am
Please enter me!
April 21st, 2008 at 12:51 pm
What a pleasure to hear of someone so genuine and down to earth. I hope she sells tons of books!
April 21st, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Terrific
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:45 am
I love robin jones gunn. I own so many of her books. I started reading the Christy Miller series, and then Sierra Jensen, and then the adult fiction. She shaped by teenage years.
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:43 am
Sounds like an interesting book.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 am
63 books, 47 of which are novels, how does one do that… and write quality, that’s amazing
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 am
Sounds good!
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:28 am
winner
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
sounds great!
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
i would like to read this!
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Looks good!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Sounds like a good book!
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I would love to win a copy of one of Robin Jones Gunn’s books.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:20 am
I would love to win one of Robin’s books…
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:01 am
I would love this. Great contest!
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:10 am
What a great interview you did. I am such a morning person. I smiled reading her answer about doing her best work at 3am. What an inspiration she is to other women who want to write. Thanks for sharing this interview.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:36 am
I really enjoyed this interview. Please enter me to win.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 am
I had never heard of Robin before reading your review Thanks!!!! I’d love to read one of her books.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:29 am
Books by this author sounds like ones I would love to read.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:33 am
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:46 am
Hi!! after the hoorors of filing income tax; I’m simply ready to chill out with a good book. Best of luck to all who enter the contest!!! Many Thanks !!! SW
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:22 am
This looks like a great read! Thank you for this opportunity!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:51 am
sounds like a good book
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:21 am
please enter me
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 am
As a total “reader demon”, I’m game for a great book and this looks awesome!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Sounds like a good summer read!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
This would be great to win. Thanks for the contest!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
ty 4 the great contest!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
This sounds like a great book I’d love to read it
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Please enter me!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Please enter me love her writing