When your first book came out, how did you market it? When my first book released in 1988 I did absolutely nothing to market it, as in those days Christian authors had no agents or publicists. All we did was turn the manuscript into the publisher, and they did all the marketing. Boy, has that changed! I had to learn all that later, as times change—and I either got onboard or got left behind! Now I have a personal publicist, as well as the publicist at whichever publishing house I’m working with at the time, to help me obtain radio/TV interviews, etc. I also have a social media assistant to keep me visible online when I’m busy doing other things.
You've also done radio and TV spots, as well as public speaking. How did you first get started and what did you talk about? That was the toughest part for me. I was intimidated by public speaking, but drama/acting classes helped a lot—not to mention praying and trusting God when I knew that’s what He was calling me to do! I spoke about whatever topic applied to my book(s), and eventually found myself quite relaxed and enjoying that sort of thing. Which of the three did you like doing the most, and why? I still enjoy writing the most, as I can do it at home on my own schedule—in my PJ’s and drinking my morning tea. Can’t beat that! Which of the three do you like doing the least, and why? TV is my least favorite. I can do radio the same way I do my writing—at home in casual clothes. TV? No way! I have to travel to the station (sometimes in another country), dress up, do the whole makeup thing, and try to act natural when the cameras are in my face. That’s the most challenging. Speaking to a group of people, regardless of size, is much easier and more natural than TV. 22