When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Nancy: “I knew one day when I was ten years old and I finished reading a Nancy Drew book for about the fifteenth time and I realized I didn’t want to BE Nancy Drew anymore – I wanted to write stories about a very-cool girl, the way ‘Carolyn Keene’ did. (I’m glad I didn’t know at the time that there was no such person as Carolyn Keene; that really would have messed with my head!)”
What is your “brand” as an author?
Nancy: “The Nudge would be my brand, I think. If we’re living authentically, we can feel God nudging us and we have to act accordingly. At this point, I’m practically black and blue . . . “
So what’s up with the motorcycles? Do you really ride them? 🙂
Nancy: “I ride as a passenger with my husband on our Harley Davidson Street Glide, and it is pure bliss. It’s like we’re one person, leaning into the curves and cruisin’ down the straightaways. You smell things from the back of a Harley you miss when you’re in your climate controlled car – gardenias and steak houses and even cow pooh. I need to be clear, though, that I don’t ‘drive’ a motorcycle. I tried – I really did – took the Rider’s Edge course, the whole thing. I counseled myself out after falling twice in the first hour. You can read about it in Chapter Three of The Reluctant Prophet. I’m happy behind my husband, leaning against my sissy bar, wearing the leather jacket and chaps that make me feel like I can do just about anything. So many things are about the wardrobe, you know?”
What is the role of a novelist?
Nancy: “I think that varies from author to author. My personal job is to write what I’m Nudged to write. That doesn’t mean it’s only about the message. I’m committed to creating good literature and delighting my readers, even as I try to show what it looks like to follow the Nudge. I don’t want my books to be like the kid playing a tooth in a school play about dental hygiene. There has to be a story and characters with pulses and good language. God has chosen to use me, so I just try to use my gift full-out. Sometimes I even come close.”
In one sentence, describe your most recent novel.
Nancy: “There are two kinds of Harley riders: those who have dumped their bikes, and those who will. Unexpected Dismounts is a ride for those who aren’t afraid to fall.”
(Half question) As a writer, do you ever feel like you’re losing your mind (or is it just me)?
How does God reveal Himself to you when you’re working on a book?
Thanks for joining us on the Unexpected Dismounts Blog hop with Nancy Rue. Nancy’s publisher, David C. Cook is sponsoring the blog hop with an opportunity to win some great prizes, including a $200.00 gift card for American Express. To register to win & RSVP for the facebook party today.
If you are interested in hearing more from Nancy, you can visit her website, subscribe to her blog: The Nudge, join her on Facebook and/or follow her on Twitter.
Tomorrow we will all be joining Nancy on her own blog: The Nudge. See you there.
Thanks, Travis. You're not only a great writer in your own right, but you share your spotlight with so many of us other authors as well. I want to be like you when I grow up.
Thanks, Travis, for hosting this interview with Nancy. Very encouraging! And delightful. Love your description, Miss Nancy, of riding the Harley, "It's like we're one person." And, of course, the fragrance of the unfiltered world. Ha.
Also loved to hear about "discovering" a page you don't remember. I love when that happens. (And am glad to hear it happens to others.) Crazy, weird, and awesome. And about the nudge–yup, bruises! But that's a good thing; God's still using us.
Blessings to you guys! Thanks for the good reads and encouragement. See you tomorrow.
Mary Kay
Never grow up, Nancy!! It was a pleasure to spotlight you and your work. Keep it up! And thanks for visiting and sharing, Mary!
Here's what encouraged me today: Your talking about all the things you're no good at. I'm a horrid housekeeper. I like baking, but only fancy desserts or dinners when I'm in the mood for it, not regular nightly suppers. But God has given me a passion for kids and teaching them and reviewing books that can make a difference in, or even change the life of a teenager (Including many of yours, Nancy Rue – I recommend yours to every teen I can!). SO maybe it's ok that I fall so short in being a stereotypical woman and wife. I can do great at what God has gifted me for. So what if my students don't have a perfectly dusted house. They're learning and book reviews are being written and posted! 🙂
Hey Nancy! Hey Travis! Thanks for all the good thoughts and insights on this blog. I am encouraged by how you two are using your gifts and passions to serve God. I am one of those persons who seems to need a baseball bat to the head rather than a Nudge, but eventually I do seem to get the message. I am trying now to share what I have learned over the years. Thank you both for sharing and for your writing!
Great Q&A! I always like to hear the writer's thoughts and find out more about their personalities. I'm saving Unexpected Dismounts to read on my plane trip this coming week. I know I wont be able to put it down and the time will "fly". lol
Kellie
Great interview! I've never ridden on a motorcycle, but now I want to 🙂
Enjoying the blog hop with Nancy Rue and getting to know other writers as well as Nancy thru the Q & A
I am so thankful for all the talented writers that God has blessed with the gift. Without you all I don't know how I would survive.
OOh, love Travis' books. Thanks for the interview with Nancy, Travis, I enjoyed it. I am prticipating right now with the blog hop and the facebook party with Nancy!