Good morning, dear reader. Welcome to Women of Faith and Fiction Tuesday. This morning we’re talking with author Sandra Ardoin. I am thankful to call her friend. She’s as beautiful on the inside as her lovely books. If you haven’t read her books, you’re missing out on a treat. And who wants to miss out on a treat? Not me! So let’s not waste another minute…

Personal

Good morning, Sandra, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a married mother, now an empty-nester. I was born a Hoosier, then became a Texan before finding my way to the Tar Heel state of North Carolina. When I’m not watching NASCAR and entertaining my family with enthusiastic cheering during NFL games (Keep Pounding, Panthers!), I spend my spare time reading fiction, listening to country music, and digging rocks out of my garden.

 

Sandra, you are a busy woman! I love working in my garden. It’s therapeutic. Now, let’s talk about you as a writer. Where did you get the idea for your latest WIP or your current release? And what inspired you to choose the setting of your story?

Professional

I set A Love Most Worthy in Nome, Alaska during the gold rush of 1900 and submitted the idea to meet a publisher’s request for a mail-order bride novella. In the story, Hallie searches for something that, for her, has been more elusive than gold—a loving family. What she finds are the gale-force winds of distrust and insecurity that threaten to destroy her dream of becoming a cherished wife and mother.

The choice of the setting came because I wanted something different from the typical “western” mail-order bride story. I researched the Klondike Gold Rush, but there were issues I felt were better met by the Nome location.

Although the novella idea wasn’t chosen by the publisher, I finished the story and am preparing to take my first dive into the indie publishing waters with it. The timeframe of the release is tentatively set for February 2019. Stay tuned. 😉

My current, unfinished story is historical romance and set it in a small, fictional North Texas town because that area was my stomping grounds for twenty-three years. And the Lone Star state makes a great location for a story set in the 1880s, don’t you think?

Congratulations on the indie adventure! I can’t wait to read them both. Tell me, what is your favorite thing to do when not writing?

Reading, of course. 😊 As stated in answering the first question, I like to garden. Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time for it as I used to, which is evident in the condition of my garden areas. But I love plants and get excited when spring rolls around and perennials start popping out of the ground and plants flower.

I get spring fever too. Can’t stay away from the plants. 🙂 Please share a writing quirk—a ‘must have’ or a ‘must do’ to get words down on paper.

Well, the “must have” is coffee. My writing runs on coffee. As far as a true writing quirk, I need silence and privacy. I’m too insecure to let someone peer over my shoulder at what I’ve written, and I’m not one to play music in the background. I’d find myself paying more attention to the music (probably singing along) than writing. I need a closed office and quiet.

I understand that! Last question. This year’s theme is First Things First. Setting our priorities is a must if we’re to be about our Father’s business. What advice would you offer someone struggling to spend time with Him? And, how has spending time with Him changed your life?

Inspirational

For me, it’s in your “First Things First,” Gail. I need routine and organization in anything, or I flounder, so I make it a priority to spend time in my Bible and with a devotion first thing in the morning. If I allow myself to get tied up in other things, I put it off. So, to answer your first question, I think setting a routine is a must if you’re struggling to find the time. Also, praying “continuously” is scriptural. It’s wise to talk to God off and on during the day. Think about how relationships widen when you don’t talk to a friend in a while. Which leads to the second question…

There was a time when I moved away from God. During those years, my life was not the way either of us wanted it, but He didn’t give up on me. Life is much better, much easier, when we remain close to Him—under the shadow of those protective wings—than to move away.

You are so right, Sandy. Love those thoughts. Thank you so much for joining us, encouraging us, and sharing with us.

Click to Tweet: “Well, the “must have” is coffee. My writing runs on coffee.” ~ @SandraArdoin with @GailJohnson87 #WomenofFaithandFiction #author

BIO:

Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. She’s the author of the heartwarming novella, The Yuletide Angel and the award-winning novel, A Reluctant Melody. Rarely out of reach of a book, she’s also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.

Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com.

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