D. T.: Today on the blog, we have an interview with author Rebecca Reed.
So, Rebecca, first, would you tell us in what ways do you think you’re brave as an author?
Rebecca: I’m not sure how “brave” I am on purpose, but I’ve always had a bit of an edge or extra grit in my writing – even when I was younger – and my mind tends to run toward stories of healing and hope. Because of this, things like addiction, drug and substance use and abuse, abusive relationships, and other sorts of traumas have made their way into my stories organically. Many exist solely in the characters’ backstories, but others make themselves known on the page. I think many other authors have done amazing work at putting “brave” situations in stories on purpose in ways that honor and support the healing of real people who’ve been through similar ordeals. I aim to tell my stories in that same vein. The goal is not to make readers uncomfortable, but to make them aware and provide a way for them to discuss these topics in order to bring them into the light. When they are kept shrouded in darkness, they gain more power than they deserve. Discussion uncovers hidden shame and grief and provides a path toward healing and hope. If my stories point readers toward the healing power of God, I’ve accomplished my goal.
D. T.: I’d say it’s very brave to shed light on these topics. It promotes healing and understanding.
What would you consider to be a “brave” topic in fiction?
Rebecca: I think a “brave” topic is one that has traditionally been avoided by the Christian publishing industry. Things such as divorce, premarital sex and its consequences, abortion/adoption, immigration, human trafficking, addiction and substance abuse, abusive relationships and their aftermath, as well as other types of traumas, and how people heal from these situations/circumstances.
D. T.: Those are great examples. And ones we need more helpful depictions of in fiction, especially Christian Fiction.
Which of your characters is your favorite?
Rebecca: I love all of my characters. (Isn’t that what we’re supposed to say?) However, Paisley Nannenga holds a special place in my heart. I’ve written about her in two novels so far (Winning the Twin’s Heart, Unexpected Bridges in the Hometown Second Chances collection) and plan a third that is in her POV (and gives her an HEA [happily ever after] – finally). Paisley is the youngest Nannenga sibling, a twin, and super intelligent. She starts out boldly faithful, filled with confidence in her abilities and ideas, and extremely comfortable in her own skin. She experiences a crisis of faith when her idea to turn the Triple N Ranch – which has been in her family for generations – into a cooperative, runs into opposition from outside sources. (can’t elaborate because… spoilers) Keeping her spiritual arc consistent with the subsequent changes in her personality has been challenging. I can’t wait to write her love story because it will be fun to give her a happy ending after putting her through so much trauma.
D. T.: Do you plot before embarking on a new work in progress? If so, how thoroughly? What is your process like?
Rebecca: I do extensive character development before I begin writing. I have to know a lot about their backstories, what got them to this point in their lives, and their wounds, lies, and dreams before moving forward with the plot. I use Susan May Warren’s Story Equation to develop my characters and her Lindy Hop plotting method, though I don’t plot my stories all the way through. I would consider myself a “Discovery Writer” or perhaps a “Plantser” which is a hybrid between plotting and not plotting. I have learned to do more plotting as I have written more because if I don’t, I will end up with way too many words!
D. T.: I think most writers are a good mix of Planner of Pantser. I always love hearing how writers use both approaches to develop their own process.
How do you brainstorm new story ideas?
Rebecca: I usually start with characters as mentioned in the last question, but will discuss ideas with other authors and with my daughter who does all of my proofreading. We’ll get on the phone and I’ll explain what I know, then she will ask questions until I figure out whatever else I need. It’s a fun way to include her in the story early on and is very satisfying personally.
D. T.: It’s so heartening being able to include family in the writing process.
How did you get started as an author?
Rebecca: I’ve always loved to read, and telling stories is something I’ve done as long as I can remember. But, actually getting published came in a round-about way. The first step was joining American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), entering the Genesis Contest, and attending a writing conference. I met lots of people through the organization who helped me get better, realize how much I didn’t know, and provide resources to improve. I met another group of authors and was invited to their Discord group where I learned about a romance collection they were planning and applied to be part of it. From there, I developed the characters who form the nucleus of my Montana rodeo- based world. All my stories have that first idea as their springboard. That original story releases this August!
D. T.: Congratulations on your upcoming release. Finding a group of like-minded writers is no easy feat, but it’s always incredibly worth it.
Going back to your process for a minute, do you create your characters first or your plot?
Rebecca: Characters almost always come first. That or the setting. I rarely start with plot.
D. T.: On another topics, has the Lord brought you through a difficult time? If so, what did that look like?
Rebecca: I spent a lot of time and energy running from God, but looking back, He never abandoned me. In fact, He went to great lengths to save me from myself. I’m sure it took more than one angel to keep me from departing this earth back then. I know now He loved me more than I loved myself and had a plan for my good and my future when I didn’t deserve it. It took a lot to break through my stubborn selfishness and pride, but He’s been working on me through my writing, teaching me how to be a better person and about Himself. Now, I write to draw closer to Him and to share His Light with others with the hope they can experience the joy and peace only He can supply.
D. T.: That is a wonderful and compelling reason to write.
So, what did you go to school for (or what do you have a degree in)? Have you incorporated your education or profession into your books? How so?
Rebecca: I majored in Spanish and Political Science as an undergrad, then years later obtained a teaching certificate. I’ve taken grad courses in Spanish to teach dual credit to my upper-level students. I enjoy incorporating Hispanic characters and culture as well as a few Spanish words into my novels. So far, I’ve written about a half-Argentinean chef’s son, a Cuban-American rodeo roper, and a few others. I enjoy traveling and try to include people and culture from those places as well. My next book focuses on Ukrainians living in the U.S. and highlights their history. I fell in love with the culture when we visited my daughter who was a Peace Corps volunteer in western Ukraine.
D. T.: That sounds interesting. I recently read a book that had a Ukrainian main character, and I’d love to see Ukraine represented more often in fiction.
We have just one more question for today. What books did you grow up reading?
Rebecca: I read every book in my school library with a horse on the cover, especially Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books. I was that girl and had horses growing up, so… I also enjoyed The Boxcar Children, Trixie Belden mysteries, and classics like Black Beauty, My Friend Flicka, Little Women, Lord of the Rings, and Shakespeare.
D. T.: The Black Stallion books were some of my favorites growing up too. Thanks for sharing some of the books that shaped your childhood. And thank you for being on the blog with us today, we enjoyed having you.
More about Rebecca:
Rebecca Reed loves adventure. Writing tales about characters struggling to discover their identity and purpose springs from a lifetime of similar journeys and fulfills a lifelong calling as a storyteller. From riding race horses to welding to teaching Spanish to traveling, she sees obstacles as challenges. A lover of Jesus, animals, and nature, you might find her listening to audiobooks on her rural Indiana farm. She is an active member of ACFW and Novel.Academy. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she’s learned to embrace joy where she can find it––in life’s unexpected moments and inside a good story.
