AUTHOR INTERVIEW: COLLEEN COBLE
1. What made you start writing?
I’d always wanted to write but didn’t start the process until I lost a younger brother in a tragic lightning accident. It was a wake-up call that if I ever wanted to follow my dream, I’d better get on it because none of us know how long we have.
2. How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
I began that first story in 1990 but didn’t sell it until 1997. That’s seven, count ‘em, SEVEN years. God’s number, perfection, so I tell myself it’s fine that it took that long. I’ve been published now for 23 years but it seems like just yesterday when I got started. I am so thankful to be able to do what I love!
3. Why do you write?
Writing helps me make sense of the world. The spiritual themes that make their way into my books are often truths that I’ve learned or am still learning.
4. What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?
Is there such a thing? If I’m not writing, I’m thinking about the next book. Or the one after that. Or working on promotion. Can you say obsessed? ☺ I read a lot in my downtime. And spend time with my kids and grandkids! We love to travel, but even when traveling, I’m usually noodling on an idea or talking to my team about something.
6. What are you working on right now?
I just turned in a new standalone, A Stranger’s Game. It’s set on Jekyll Island, Georgia. The place is steeped in history and I fell in love with it after a visit. Torie’s family owns the big, historic hotel on the island, though she hasn’t been there in years. When her best friend supposedly drowns there, Torie knows it’s murder because Lisbeth was terrified of the water. Torie goes to Jekyll Island incognito to find out what really happened. But a stranger knows about her quest and is determined to stop her.
7. Do you put yourself into your books/characters?
All the time. Every character, even the villain. Isn’t that a scary thought?
8. Tell us about the book you have out right now.
Three Missing Days is the 3rd book in the Pelican Harbor series. These books really should be read in order because there’s a major subplot that carries through all three books. In One Little Lie, Jane finds out about a major lie she’d been told when she was a teenager that impacts the entire series. The thread continues in Two Reasons to Run. In all three books, there are mysteries to solve and problems to deal with. In Three Missing Days ,Jane’s teenage son is accused of murder, and she has to find the real killer.
9. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Of course! ☺ Read extensively in your genre, attend at least one great conference a year (the ACFW one comes to mind) and never give up. Never give up. NEVER give up!
10. How important is faith in your books?
Faith is at the core of who I am. My books are written from my worldview that God exists and cares about us. That believe doesn’t come out in a heavy-handed way, but it’s woven through there if you look.
11. What themes do you like to write about?
I often start out with a theme but I find I’m writing about forgiveness before I know it. ☺
12. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?
Oh wow, that’s like asking me which of my two children do I love the most! ☺ I love each one when I’m writing it. I can tell you that my Rock Harbor books are the ones READERS email me about over and over again. Something about that search dog Samson. . . But I’ve been getting tons of mail about the Pelican Harbor series. Readers have really connected with Jane.
13. What is your writing schedule like?
Hectic! I write every day from about 9-4. Okay, I admit I do a lot of email in that time too. Okay, okay, maybe MORE than a lot of email. ☺ I try to pound out the first, rough draft in about 6-8 weeks so that it’s easier to see how it’s all coming together. Then I spend more weeks polishing and honing, often changing entire plots. And yes, sometimes even changing the villain. ☺
For more information and to follow the entire tour (and read my review), please check out this post.
