Posted on January 24, 2012 - by JerriLynn
Which Inspirational Writer has a Crush on Mr. Spock?
Ever read a book and wonder what the writer is like? I do. All the time. And once in a while, I get to “meet” someone whose work I admire. Colleen Coble is one of those people.
I first met Colleen through the ACFW Members List. I was so thrilled (because she was wonderful to me) that I went out and bought every one of her books I could find. How lucky was I? Her books have all been fabulous, and I’m constantly amazed by her talent as a writer. If there’s anyone that I look to to learn what I’m doing right and wrong, it’s Colleen.
When this series came up, I had the good fortune to be the person who got to talk to Colleen a bit about a new project, about her writing life, and about her faith. So, without keeping you in suspense any longer (Colleen does a great job of that all on her own), here’s what she had to say:
JL: Colleen, I’m familiar with your work, but some of our readers may not be, so can you first, could you give us a brief bio?
Colleen Coble: I’ve been happily married forever (40+ years now) and have two grown children, Dave and Kara. My 3-year-old granddaughter is the light of our lives. God has opened so many more doors than I ever dreamed could happen, and I’ve had over forty books published now. I’ve been with Thomas Nelson for ten years this summer.
Author’s aside: If you’re not familiar with Colleen’s books, she writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense, Inspirational Romance, and Inspirational Suspense. You can learn more about her on her website (linked above) or her Facebook page.
JL: Colleen, rumor has it you’re about to start a new partnership with Robin Miller working on a middle grade readers series. What details can you share about that?
Colleen Coble: We’re so excited about this! Robin and I will be writing a mystery series for 8-12 year olds based on my Rock Harbor novels. The main character will be Emily, one of the children lost in the woods in Without a Trace.
JL: What prompted you to write middle grade fiction, since you’re usually an adult suspense author?
Colleen Coble: Tommy Nelson came to me and asked if I would consider writing a middle grade series. I have a granddaughter now and found the idea of writing books she would read in a few years very exciting. I knew I wouldn’t have the time to do it by myself. Robin was the first person I thought of partnering with. She knows Rock Harbor nearly as well as I do and I love her writing. I was thrilled when she was excited at the idea as well!
JL: Writing for adults must be very different than writing for middle-grade readers. Have you found the transition difficult?
Colleen Coble: Strangely enough, no. I’ve had young people in all of my books, and it seemed very natural to me.
JL: Ok, so you’re working on that project, but I know you have to have more going on. What other projects are you working on?
Colleen Coble: I’m working on a new contemporary series set in the Outer Banks called the Hope Beach series. I’ve been loving it! And my new historical series is launching next month. The first book in the Under Texas Stars series is Blue Moon Promise.
JL: Wow. You’re a busy lady! Is there a piece of scripture that guides your writing life? Why is this scripture important to you (or if there is no specific scripture, how does your faith fit into your career as a writer)?
Colleen Coble: My life verse is Romans 8:28. No matter what happens I know that God will work it out for my good.
Author’s aside: For those who are unfamiliar with it, this is the verse that Colleen lives by:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
JL: Ok, enough about the work stuff for a moment. What’s one thing that readers probably don’t know about you?
Colleen Coble: I’m a huge Trekkie. Don’t laugh but I still have a crush on Mr. Spock! =)
JL: I know you’re busy, so one last question. What’s one thing that you wish you could tell other authors?
Colleen Coble: Be persistent. Keep writing. Move on to the next story and learn your craft.
12 Comments
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January 24, 2012
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Dawn Ford said:
Colleen, love your books and your new one Blue Moon Promise has a gorgeous cover. I also write middle grade and am so excited you and Robin are partnering this series. How exciting! I can’t wait for them to come out.
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January 24, 2012
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Shari Barr said:
Your books are wonderful, Colleen. I, too, write for middle grade and the series sounds great. I’m so glad you joined us today.
Thanks for a great interview, Jerri!
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January 24, 2012
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JerriLynn said:
Friends, I forgot to mention that Colleen was most gracious to give the interview. Her mother is ill, and she’s having a tough time right now. So, would you pleas pray for Colleen’s mom as well as the rest of the family during this tough time?
Thank you!
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January 24, 2012
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shannon lewis said:
Can’t wait to read Without a trace.
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January 24, 2012
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Colleen Coble said:
Thanks so much for having me! And Shari and Dawn, how fun that you’re writing middle grade.
Thanks for the prayers, friends. I didn’t mention it yesterday to Jerri, but my 20 year old grandson is in the hospital with what appears to be Lyme disease right now too. Crazy week! I called Brandilyn Collins right away since she knows so much about it.
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January 24, 2012
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Brenda Anderson said:
Hi Colleen – So thrilled to see you here at Inkspirational Messages. You are an inspiration to so many aspiring authors. And thank you, Jerri, for giving such a great interview!)
I’ve enjoyed many of your books, my favorites being the Rock Harbor Series. I love the idea of creating stories around that series from a MG perspective.
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January 24, 2012
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Stephanie Ludwig said:
Hi Colleen! Love your books and so nice to read an interview with you. Wow, I can’t believe you’re up to 40! I’m a writer, too, but sometimes I wonder if I have that many stories in me!
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January 24, 2012
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Regina Merrick said:
Thanks so much for sharing with us, Colleen! Saying a prayer for your family right now.
Since the first of the year, I have devoured all three “Lightkeeper” books. I read the first,then barreled right back to the library shelf to get the other two!! Wonderful – and your other books are definitely on my list!
I’m a Trekkie, too. Although my crush was always Captain James Tiberius Kirk, especially when he wore that v-neck uniform . . .
Thanks for the encouragement – I write some contemporary and historical, and sometimes the “be persistent” part is hard!
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January 24, 2012
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Kari said:
I will be adding Without a Trace to my very long list of books to read! I am praying for your family, Colleen.
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January 24, 2012
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Lorna said:
Colleen, I so enjoy your books, and I wish you and Robin great success with your new series for middle grades. What a fun thing to share with your granddaughter.
I’ll put you and your family on my prayer list. Please take care of yourself, too.
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January 25, 2012
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Marianne said:
So glad you shared Colleen’s interview with us. i have loved her novels for years…and continue to do so! My cousin’s daughter (mother of three beautiful girls, married to a great guy)is being treated for Lyme’s disease. i just finished reading Over the Edge (Brandilyn Collins). Praying for Colleen and her family