Will you write more stories set in this world that doesn't involve the main character?

When I first started writing the Tabitha Hale Saga it was solely meant to revolve around Tabitha, which is very evident in the first book. As I have gotten deeper into the story and become more involved in the character's lives I have had an inner pulling to tell their stories as well. Even now that I'm working on book four, I frequently have the desire to go back to book one (A Perception of Dreams) and indulge more on Emma's side of the story, but as my father says, "The important thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." In the end, I always end up listening to him and adding more to books two through four which you'll thank me for later. ;)

Once you switch from book one to book two you can definitely tell that I take a greater interest in telling Emma's side, but I also want to make sure that I keep the main focus on Tabitha as it is still her story. I have thought of several different ideas where I could branch out and do a separate book on specific characters- and I very well may- but my current priority is finishing the THS. 

I think one of the biggest things I love about the THS is that I have somehow managed to reveal everything as the character is figuring it out so that we learn everything as the character is. (I think part of that is because, for the longest time, I had no idea where I was going with it; rather, I just sat down and wrote so whatever the character was experiencing I was experiencing too.) I didn't want to put all the info on the table at once and overwhelm my reader, but I didn't want to leave out so much that I didn't grip them either. 

Somehow I think I've found the perfect balance and I really have to just thank my dad for listening to my lengthy ramblings and understanding what I mean through all the crazy thrown in. I also have to thank my agent for taking a chance on me and believing in the book and Tabitha's story enough to pick it up and promote it. I have some pretty great people in my life that really helped stitch all of this together.

-A


If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss the next question!

After a much needed break, I am working on getting back into the swing of not only writing, but also posting for all my lovely readers. I really appreciate the patience you have all had as well as the encouraging words from several of you that a break is sometimes needed to clear an authors mind. I hate these breaks because I know exactly where I'm going with the Tabitha Hale Saga, but for whatever reason the words just don't seem to appear as quickly as I would prefer them to. I am thankful for the many extra snuggles I got with my little one at night as I put him to bed rather than writing immediately after he went upstairs with daddy. =)

What influenced the world you have created?

My first thought when I read this question was David Eddings. (I swear, everything goes back to that brilliant man!) I was so in awe of the world he created for his characters that it made me want to create my own as well. Imagination is such a wonderful and amazing tool. One can literally use this tool to accomplish anything. Look across time at all the things people have dreamed up- Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Harry Potter being the firsts to come to mind. In the creation of those stories, the authors literally reached an entire generation. The power that a properly told story has and its long-reaching affect astounds me, but is also a little scary because, when you think about it, that is a lot of power to wield. Speaking for myself, I really try to be careful what I write and how it comes across to my readers. Even if you aren't an author, I would really encourage you to be mindful of how you want others to remember you and think of the impressions you could end up leaving upon the earth after you are gone. You never know- you could be the one that affects an entire generation.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss the next question!

I think I have had about enough traveling to last the rest of the year. What a long summer this has been! I'm pretty sure I've been gone more than I've been at home and, let me tell you, I have missed my own bed! Now that school has started again, things are finally starting to slow down. Also, the Olympics and Shark Week is behind me- FINALLY. Now I can begin writing again- after I catch up on all the emails and questions and such. :-)

Now that the Olympics and Shark Week are over, have you started writing again?

Ok, I remain skeptical that this is my agent emailing in in an attempt to light my inner fire again. ;) It's been a while since I have written, but as soon as I am finished with this blog post I am getting back to the grindstone. My husband bought me an amazing set of headphones which I have been drooling over for the past year and I'm itching to use them. For those that don't frequently follow my blog, I rarely write without listening to at least some kind of music, but mostly stick to dub step.

Regardless of if you're a writer or not, I think we all need breaks. They are healthy and give us a chance to cool down from whatever it is we are passionate about. For me, it gives me a chance to experience new things and catch up on my reading which actually fuels my writing once I begin again. It's interesting how, after taking a break and being frustrated by writer's block, can open your mind up to things you had not once considered before the break. I'm going into book four with fresh ideas and thoughts that I can't wait to get down. The several week long break, as frustrating as it really can be, is always a blessing in disguise because I gain more insight to my character's lives when I take a step back from the situation. 

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Thanks to all the wonderful people at Goodreads, I now have not only an author profile, but also one for my book! You can become a fan, follow my updates, and add A Perception of Dreams right to your reading list! Here is my author page and here is the page for APOD. Also, if you look on the right hand side of my blog, just under the about me, you'll see my fancy Goodreads button. I've already clicked it twice. I'm so excited =)

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Actually, it's a little of both. A good portion of the story has come from my imagination, but there are many places where I insert things from my own life. Whether it be in a conversation, a certain situation, or a minor detailing, there is a little bit of 'me' in all of it. For example, in chapter two there is a scene where Tabitha is knitting to relax after a long day. As she hears knocking at the door, she places the project into a 'multi-colored bag'. The bag I have in mind was actually my grandmother's. She always had that bag full of every color of yarn and an assortment of needles. After she passed away, I found out that she wanted me to have that bag, making it very special to me. We spent many hours in her seventies orange rocking chair as she taught me to knit.

In answer to the question though, it's little things like that which I throw in not because I expect the reader to focus on the minor details, but because it means something to me. It's pretty neat going back through all the books and picking out all of the hidden treasures I've snuck in over the years.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

You know how you have those weeks where you're so busy that you feel like you're running around and forgetting everything you were supposed to do? Yeah. That's been my entire summer. The last week was verging on miserable and my memory is so shot that I had to buy a planner a few days ago! ...Then I lost the planner...However, I did just find it in my computer bag so we'll see how long this lasts.  I'm pretty sure I'm becoming the type of person that will forget something even if it's stuck to my forehead. 

On top of the previous dilemmas, the last two weeks were Olympic weeks. My mother, being the gem she is, called and informed me that the Olympics are ending on Sunday- thank God!- but that Shark Week begins then. ...Are you kidding me?! It's got to be a conspiracy against writers everywhere. I was glued to the television more than I would care to admit watching all of the Olympic events and now I will be glued another week to tune into Shark Week. It's a good thing A Perception of Dreams is not yet published or I would have emails out the wazoo prodding me to continue working on book four. No one tell my agent. :P

I need a nap...and someone to pull the plug on my television. K thanks.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

What book are you reading right now and how often do you pick up a new novel?

Great question. If you take a look at the right hand side of my blog, you'll see a little box under my 'about me' titled 'currently reading'. I update this as soon as I finish a book. Currently, I'm reading Two Pins in a Fountain by Jane Arbor. It's one of those books that I picked up from a yard sale because it 'looked pretty'. [See previous post for that explanation ;)]

As for how often I pick up a new novel: I go back and forth all the time on this. I can easily go through a book a day, but the downside is that I get so absorbed in the story that I neglect my own writing of the Tabitha Hale Saga. I've gone from the former to a couple a week because I need a brain break from the THS. About a month later, usually when I see a new book coming out, I'll switch back to the former and do a book a day. After realizing, again, how much that took away from my writing, I always switch back to a couple a week. It's really a viscous cycle for me. Once I get into a story, I just have to know the ending which makes the book really hard to put down long enough to come up for air. As my husband says, 'You devour books.' No, but really. I do.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do to get past it?

Ugh. I get writer's block more often than I would like which usually ends up frustrating me to no end and causes me to walk away from writing for a while. As much as I would like to give you a definite answer that would cure the dreaded writer's disease, I don't have one. Every person is different and their thinking/writing process is entirely unique so what works for me may not work for you. That being said, I typically just have to turn my music up more loudly and push through the block. I force myself to sit down and write or I take a break and read a book to clear my head.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Alright, I'm back, ha ha. In previous posts, I mentioned that I had bought a massive bag of books a few weeks ago and posted a photo on Instagram of them. Well, I have been quickly working my way through that bag. It's a rather funny story as to how I acquired said books. A friend of mine, Kayla, went with me and my son to visit my family for a week. It was a blast! We all took one of the days to go to a local second hand shop and I ended up finding books for .25 cents to a dollar a piece. Needless to say, I filled a huge bag.

I came to find out that Kayla's way of choosing books and my way of picking them out were entirely different. I base my decision by reading the summary on the back cover; Kayla, on the other hand, chooses books with "pretty covers" and goes from there. As you may imagine, I laughed out loud when I heard this, but gave it a try figuring, why not?

I don't even remember how long we were in that silly store, but I remember it took up the entire afternoon as we scoured the shelves. Three weeks later and I have finally begun going through them. So far, I have read three books in the past four days. The first book was alright and had a decent story line. The second book verged on great, but kind of ticked off the reader in the middle and resumed the story at the end. [Author's first rule: Never tick off your reader.] The third book was just phenomenal. 

If you have been following along with my blog from the beginning, you will already know that David Eddings is my all-time favorite author and that I am head over heels for all of his books. There is just something about how he writes that sucks me in, not to mention his out-of-this-world imagination. I have read everything from Lord of the Rings to the Chronicles of Narnia, to Harry Potter, to Twilight and none of them have topped David Eddings for me.

I'm definitely more of a fantasy, paranormal buff, so stepping outside of that and into the contemporary romance novel was a stretch for me. I don't prefer stories that are laced with language and sex. I believe you can have an amazing story without the two of those placed so graphically into your mind for the rest of forever. That said, I just finished Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers and fell in love. 

When I informed my husband that this was right up there next to David Eddings, he was shocked. Then I went on to tell him that there are twenty five more books she has written and I received the classic 'look'. [Check two posts before this one for more on that ;)] Bless his heart for putting up with my book obsession.

Switching gears a bit: Now that Michael Phelps has raced for the last time and the gymnastics I care about have come to a close, I can finally start focusing on finishing book four of the Tabitha Hale Saga! My week long brain break was nice, but I'm itching to see where my mind takes me. More to come soon!

-A

Because I just love you all so much, here's a sneak peek into chapter four of A Perception of Dreams.
 

Tabitha shrugged and stared into the water. “I just feel like I'm missing something. Even before my parents died, I always felt like there was something … more. When I'm alone, outside, I just have this sense of … I guess you could call it purpose. It's like I know who I am, yet I don't know anything at all, but on the other hand I'm supposed to be something more.” She shook her head suddenly, “Never mind. It's stupid.”

Aidan stood and offered her his hand. “First, you're not alone.” Helping her up, he picked up her blanket and handed it to her. “Second, your thoughts aren't stupid at all.” He paused, as if considering what to say, “Sometimes the best way to find yourself is to realize you're lost. Knowing that creates a starting point for finding your way home. If this is where your path leads you,” he said gesturing to the natural surroundings, “then don't let anyone pull you away from that. Only by being true to yourself will you become what you are truly meant to be.”

She was staring out over the water again, her face serious. He nudged her shoulder and smiled. “It's even better,” he said, “when you find those who share the same passions and walk the same path. It makes the traveling a lot less lonely.”

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

The following is a list I created based on my own personal experiences. Enjoy ;)

You know you're a reader when...

When in trouble, your parents take away your book rather than an electronic device.
When you go to the hair dresser, you read instead of talk.

When your friends tell you to get your nose out of a book, they think that's a bad thing.

When leaving the house, you grab the book before the baby. (Kidding!...no, but really)

When in bed late at night and your husband is ready to turn out the lights, you ask for five more minutes to finish a chapter, but end up finishing the book.

When you sneak off to the bathroom during a sleepover to read a book where there is less noise.

When a teacher asks if the class has read a certain book, the class answers, "Andrea has."

When you have a 'must buy' list.

When you re-read a multiple book series every time before the new one comes out.

When you've read Harry Potter so many times that you point out every single anomaly in the movies.

When you ask if a friend has read a certain series and they answer, 'No, I would rather watch the movie," you consider deleting them on Facebook.

When you frequently have in-depth discussions about fictional characters as if they are real.

When you cry when a character dies or kisses the wrong person who they clearly aren't meant to be with.

When you purposely buy hardbacks so they will last longer through your obsessive reading patterns.

When you see a second hand shop, you make a beeline for the book section in hopes of finding a good deal, and walk out with bags of books.

When you have more books than shoes.

When you'd rather have more books than shoes.

When you begin a new book, you don't come up for air until it's finished.

When you defend your reading habits to others who find it odd.

When you were a kid, you would get into trouble for staying up late to read.

When someone asked what you wanted for Christmas, you give them your already-prepared book list.
When people buy you gift certificates instead of books for Christmas because they can't keep track of what you've already read.

When you quote from a book in a conversation and no one understands the reference.

When you have the tendency to think in third person.

When your friends know to come to you for suggestions on what to read next.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A gymnast! I don't even remember how many years I was in gymnastics and dance classes, but I loved every moment of it. Eventually, it got to the point where I had advanced as high as I could go without putting some serious money into it. That was ultimately when I switched from gymnastics to swimming. All that being said, I have an addiction to the Olympics right now!

I'm pretty sure I came out of the womb knowing how to swim and still feel as if I am part mermaid whenever I enter the water. I was a lifeguard for eight years and that was probably one of the best things I have ever done. I frequently wish I could go back to it and may look into being an aquatics director some day, but I will always be a writer first and foremost. 

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written three books so far which make up the Tabitha Hale Saga. The first, A Perception of Dreams, is finished and in the publisher's hands. The second installment is currently in the process of being edited and the third needs some more work put into it before I have it edited. I am writing the fourth at the moment and already have an idea of where I want to go with the fifth.

There is another series that I have started, but I have been too focused on finishing the THS to write it. I greatly look forward to having the Tabitha Hale Saga finished and put to bed so that I can put my heart into the next big idea I'm working on.

As for my favorite, that's like asking me to choose between my children. I love all of them!

-A

(In reference to the last post, I made banana bread this morning and am addicted!)

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

I thought I would mix things up a bit and put off the daily question until tomorrow. Instead, I have a question for you:

What is your favorite [healthy] recipe or food?

In the past month, I have been making my way towards clearing out all of the processed foods we buy. My goal is to have my family and I eating much healthier than we have been. This includes eating out, drinking soda, and snacking just to snack.

I have been lucky enough to have Pinterest at my disposal as I search for creative ways to cook dinner and get my son/husband to still eat it. Here are a couple recipes I found in the last week that were a huge hit for the three of us: Fettuccine Alfredo & Skinny Baked Rigatoni. I kid you not, both my picky husband and my skeptical son ate and loved them. I even hid mushrooms and green peppers in the rigatoni and STILL got away with it! If that's not success, I just don't know what is. :-)

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

I see you are a book collector. Where do you purchase them from?

Let me preface this with a quick story behind the question. Each time I visit my parents, who live a couple states away, I bring home a ton of reading material. When I was on holiday last week, I ended up finding many good deals on books which were priced from .25 cents a piece to $1 and tweeted a picture of them all. As always, I came back with at least 30 paperbacks and hardbacks. I suppose it's better than my last trip a few months ago when I came home with 150 children's books for $15. 

I am a serious book collector! When I call my husband after one of my trips, I think he cringes upon answering the phone. He usually just skips the pleasantries and goes straight for, "How many books did you find this time and how strategically do I have to pack the car to get them home?" I've learned that it's typically more fun to post a picture of my treasure on instagram and let him find out that way. =)

In answer to the question, there is a little handy shop similar to Goodwill where my parents live in Missouri. The prices are to die for. They have dollar bag Wednesdays for all clothing and all children's books (most are brand new) are ten for a dollar. You just can't beat that!!! Let's put it this way. My son will have books to read for the rest of his life at the rate I'm going.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

How complicated is it to write a book? I mean, can't you just pull out a piece of paper and go?

I laughed out loud when I read this! I wish it were that easy. When I first began writing A Perception of Dreams, that's the exact mindset I had adapted. Granted, I wasn't going into it thinking that it could be published one day. I was writing purely just to free my mind of all the clutter. Now that I am in the process of writing book four, book two is being edited, and APOD is in the publishing process, I now realize how complicated it all is. 

Perhaps writing one book would be different, but as for an entire series with multiple books, it is growing increasingly complicated to keep everyone's story straight. Every single minute detail has to be analyzed, from the color of a character's hair to personality consistency in every situation. Even in the last couple of days as I go through book two with my editor, I find myself getting a little frustrated. I mean, it all makes sense in my head already and I just assume that it makes sense to the reader: wrong. Your best bet, as a writer, is to have someone you greatly trust read your work to make sure that whatever thought you are wanting to get across comes out the way you intend it to. Just because you know what you are saying does not mean that the reader does; this has now caused me to over analyze everything which, I'm sure, drives the editor and the agent nuts sometimes. Bless them! ;)

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Ha. Alright, you asked for it.

I roll out of bed at eight- literally, I hate mornings- and pull my 'mommy' cape over my shoulders. The cape is put down for a nap with my son as I quickly don my 'writer' outfit from noon to three. When three rolls around, I wake my 'mommy' cape up along with my son and wear it until seven when my husband and I put him to bed for the night. After little man is in bed, I write until I get too tired to look at my computer anymore.

When I told my agent, Pauline, how often I write, I think she was a little shocked. I really, really enjoy losing myself in a character's life. I'm a creative person by nature and, to me, writing is just as wonderful, probably more so, than actually reading because I can do whatever I want with the storyline. With the Tabitha Hale Saga, it hasn't been based on just one dream, but several that I have laced together. Call it divine inspiration or heartburn gone wonky, either way, I am writing the story how I feel it was meant to be written. 

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

How much time do you have? The list of things I like to do/want to learn seems to be growing with each passing day. 

As most of you already know, I'm a huge reader and try to fit in anywhere from a book a day to three books a week depending on what kind of time I have available. 

If I'm not reading, I enjoy cooking. (Last night's new meal was Lemon Basil Chicken with mac & cheese and a side salad...SO GOOD!)

When my husband is home and I'm thoroughly annoyed with my writer's block, I play XBox 360 with him to unwind. I will spare you the list of games I enjoy.

During the day, while I'm in 'mommy mode', I enjoy playing with my son and miniature dachshund. (Side note: Funny story...The dog's name is Peanut. My son calls him 'Layla'. I have NO idea where that came from!!)

I have a Pinterest obsession. It's a fact. At the end of a long day, after I have turned off the computer and gone to bed, I do what we all do...Lie in bed with the iPhone. I recently found a pattern on there for washable paper towels. Now I want to sew. Add that to my growing list of things to do. *sigh

I love, love, love savoring memories with my camera.

Movies. Oh man. Don't get me started on this one or we'll be here all day! I'll just say I recently watched the new Spiderman and Batman movies and leave it at that.

There are many other hobbies I could add to the list, but I think you get the general idea. ;)

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

After a brief hiatus and a long week, I am finally back home. I have my own bed, food, and couch which makes me one happy girl! Just as I've been slacking with my posts, you all have been slacking with your questions =P I have a spot open this week and still need a question for it. Don't be shy! Send them in so I can answer! :-)

Were you inspired by someone or something?

My grandmother. She was an author and self-published several books before she died. I always admired her and thought it was the coolest thing that she had written a book.

In the beginning, I wrote because it was an escape from things I was going through when I was younger. If you would have told me that I would have been an aspiring author in four years time, I would have told you you were insane. I hated English class at one point, allowing poor teachers to dampen my enthusiasm, but I have always been good at making things up.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

What does your family think of your writing?

Thankfully, my family is very supportive of my writing. They have listened to me talk animatedly about my characters for some time now, bless them. In contrast, I have several friends who are writers that have no support system. I couldn't imagine not having any support, but for those who do not and keep pushing on anyways... they get two thumbs up and an oreo cookie! 

I occasionally struggle with time management and have not fully figured out how to fit everything and everyone into a single day, but I am getting better at it. Alas, it is a part of the learning process.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

How long does it take you to write a book?

It really depends. A Perception of Dreams began in December of 2008 and was not finished until 2012. At that time, I had been writing occasionally with no plans for any sort of serious book to result from it. In comparison, I finished book three in five and a half months. Granted, it is not edited yet and I have a couple things to add still, but the majority of it is finished. The main difference between the two was the fact that I was really absorbed in the story and knew where I was going by the end of book two and the beginning of book three. 

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Evening all. 

I appreciate your patience with me. I accidentally missed a post yesterday because I am currently out of town on holiday. Hopefully this will make up for it though. ;)

I was privileged to take part in my first interview with Jacco a couple days ago. After talking for a bit, Jacco was able to get a portion of A Perception of Dreams out of me. Check out the sneak peek in our conversation here: interview.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

I know this doesn't really pertain to your book, but I noticed the cute dog in the picture on your website. What's his name?

His name is Peanut and he is a miniature dachshund =) He sits with me on the couch every time I write. I love him to pieces!

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

What is your ultimate goal with the Tabitha Hale Saga as a whole?

Ahh, trying to weasel the ending out of me, eh? As of right now, I have a pretty good idea of where and how I would like to end it, but that is just tentative. I know without a doubt where I am going with some characters, but still have to figure out a few. I turn on my music, snap on my headphones, and just see where my imagination leads me. To answer your question: in the end, the battle will be between good and evil, though there will be casualties as with any good story.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Though this is a bit later in the day than normal for me, I'm taking pride in the fact that it is still before midnight. Better late than never ;)

Which of your characters has been your favorite to develop?

Tabitha. In many ways she is essentially me. She is strong willed, determined, and holds nothing back. But she is also the person I wish I were. She learns that she needs an 'inner filter' and can't always say everything she thinks out loud, which is something I still struggle with.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Who is your favorite author to read?

David Eddings has been and always will be my favorite author. His books are the epitome of what I believe a fantasy book should be. It's not a fantasy book without a map, I say, and he has plenty of maps!
There are many other authors who have written books I enjoy. If you take a peek at Goodreads you can check out the ones I have read as well as the rating I have given them.
I'm always on the lookout for another good book. Feel free to send me suggestions of any novels you enjoy!

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

It's the middle of the week, folks, which means there are only two days until the weekend begins! Does anyone have anything exciting planned? I am getting together with a fellow author on Friday morning to write and am looking forward to it. Also, I am taking part in an interview this weekend about the Tabitha Hale Saga so be sure to watch for more news on here, Facebook, or twitter!

Do you have a writing ritual?

I love this question, although the answer is pretty silly when I think about it. After my husband and I put our son down for the night, we both kind of retreat to our own little 'zones' of the house. He plays Battlefield on his Xbox 360. I get my computer, turn off the internet, open up Pandora, pop on the headphones to tune out the world (and my husband's game), then write to loud dub step. With the music in my head, there's no room for thinking about miscellaneous things. I can solely focus on whatever decides to come out of my head, travel through my fingertips, and land upon my keyboard.

-A 

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Are there things that you refuse to write about? What are they and why?

Yes. The biggest thing I refuse to write about is the in-depth sexual scenes that Hollywood is so fond of portraying. I don't care if you're a young or old adult. I believe in modesty. I can give you the general idea of what my characters are doing or thinking without putting images into your mind that will stay with you or your children forever. To me, there is so much more beauty and mystery in implied sexual tension than there is in the description of the act itself.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Book Reviews

"A Perception of Dreams will take you on an exciting journey, where action dwells around every corner. Andrea Gerber’s talent at painting word pictures will leave you in awe as you see the new world Tabitha is introduced to. Typically, I can predict what will happen in books and in movies, but I could not predict the events that occurred for Tabitha. This book was impossible to put down. The reader will be, as I was, on a hunt with Tabitha for answers to her deepest questions." -Rachel, Age 30, Lowell, IN

"A Perception of Dreams has the perfect amount of suspense and easily leads you to connect with each character in a different way. I felt like I was there with Tabitha, seeing things as if I was standing next to her." -Regina, Age 26, St. Charles, MO

"I'm hooked. Also, I despise you because I have to work in the morning, but can't stop reading."- Collin, Age 21, Columbia, MO

"I have just finished the first chapter and was drawn in from the beginning. You know how to engage the reader!" -Fayha, Age 30, United Kingdom

"I really like this! Tabitha is an interesting character and I want to know more about her, and about what happened to her parents." -Susan, Age 45, Missouri

I found this quote on Pinterest the other day and just had to post it:
“I love books. I like that the moment you open one and sink into it you can escape from the world, into a story that's way more interesting that yours will ever be.” Elizabeth Scott


After a hectic weekend, I'm thinking it's about time to plunge myself into a new series. Even writers need brain breaks every now and then ;) Any suggestions on what I should start?

What has been the most fun part of being a writer?

Having absolute control over what comes out of my head and gets put onto the paper. At the end of the day, it's my book and my imagination that conjures up the words. Just the other day, while working on the fourth book, I put something in and kind of looked at it like, 'I can't do that, it's never been done like that before.' The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the decision was ultimately mine to make. As Walt Disney once said, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."We've now reached the end of our power trip. Please return your trays to their upright position.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

I hope everyone had a good weekend. After a long day, I'm finally sitting down to answer today's question.

What is the most important thing you have learned about writing thus far?

Oh, goodness. That whatever my mood is most typically gets portrayed into the character's mood! I don't know how many times I have gone back to read what I've written only to remember exactly what took place to put that scene into my mind; usually because something had happened during the day to put me into that mood.
This can also work against my book though. Typically, when I am angry or in a bad mood, I really try to stay away from the computer all together for fear of killing off any of my beloved characters in a brief rage blackout. ;)

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Ah, Saturday, you are a welcome sight. The weekend is when I get the most writing done because my husband is home to watch our son, but I have to admit that the idea of a nap keeps lingering in my mind.
My goal tonight is to finish the eighth chapter in book four. Hopefully some of you read the previous post about how important it is to not only set goals for yourself, but also to have someone else keep you accountable to complete said goal. For those of you who are writers and are reading this, make sure you set aside some time today to get at least a paragraph of something written! At the very least, it will help you unwind after a long day.

What are you the most afraid of? Does this inspire any part of your writing? 

Probably the reality of life is what I am most afraid of, and it plays its role heavily in my writing. In my daily life, I always try to go through it remembering that this could be the last day I ever see someone. Having gone through a traumatic car accident when I was younger, I realize how quickly life can change and really try to hit that hard in the Tabitha Hale Saga. Never take your life for granted, because it could be the last day you have to spend with the people you love.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

How do you stay motivated as a writer and what keeps you going?

I sat for quite a while and thought of how best to answer this question. I wanted to make sure that I not only answered the question, but also encouraged other writers who may be struggling with motivation as well.

The idea for this book came from a dream which I had in December of 2008. Since that dream, I have written nearly every day since. I don't write because I want to be 'famous' some day. I don't write because I want some sort of gratification or recognition from others. I write for myself. At the end of the day, it's just me and my thoughts.

In the beginning, I wrote because it was an escape from things I was going through when I was younger. If you would have told me that I would have been an aspiring author in four years time, I would have told you you were insane. I hated English class because I allowed bad teachers to ruin it for me, but I have always been good at making things up.

While writing still helps me unwind after a hard day, it's become more about how much I want others to see the images that I see in my mind. I can't tell you how excited I am that the Tabitha Hale Saga is finally in the publishing process- because I want everyone to know the characters and love them as much as I do. That's what keeps me going.

How I stay motivated is another beast in and of itself. I set goals for myself daily. For example, today I woke up knowing I had a coffee date with a friend. I also have a youth group activity to attend this evening which leaves the in between 'free'. I typically write at the end of the day before I go to bed, but with the activity tonight, my goal was to get my daily post written and then get a bit of book four accomplished before I have to turn around and leave again.

It really is all about time management. Set a reminder on your phone that sends you an encouraging quote or pencil in a specific time without the internet that you have to sit down and write. Let a friend know your schedule so that they can help keep you accountable in your time management and don't let anyone bring you down. The moment you allow negative thoughts to crowd your mind, you have lost the ability to write. Instead approach negativity with the outlook of, 'I will prove all of them wrong.' And don't just say it. Do it.

-A

If you have a question about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Evening all,

Goodness, today has been a long day. I feel as if I have been scrambling in five different directions to get where I need to be on time. *hugs computer happily* It's so nice to be sitting down for more than five minutes!

I have to admit that I've been itching to get to today's question since I woke up because it's a fun one to answer:

How do you come up with the names of your characters?

I put a great deal of thought into each character before I named them and spent quite a bit of time pondering that name's meaning as I applied it to their personality.

In Hebrew, Tabitha means: Beauty, grace. It is taken from the Aramaic word for Gazelle. It is also biblical. In Acts 9:36 she was noted for good works and that is, essentially, Tabitha's personality. She is the type of person who will always tell you the truth, no matter how much that truth may hurt to hear. She stands up for what is right, and speaks when no one else has the courage to do so. As the lead character, she is strong, but is also struggling to find the meaning in her life now that her parents are no longer around to guide her.

As for Emma, her name is German in origin and means whole, complete, and universal. Without revealing too much, this defines her character. Emma is somewhat shy as we first meet her. Her mother has insisted she grow up with frilly, 'girly' things. She is modest, and wouldn't dare speak her mind ... at least, not around those she does not know. She has always wanted to be more daring and outgoing though ... like Tabitha.

-A

If you have a question for me about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.) Make sure you subscribe either via email or blog so you don't miss tomorrow's question!

Hello THS fans!

If you're just now taking a peek around and want to know more about the THS (Tabitha Hale Saga), feel free to go here for a short description of who I am, the synopsis of the first book (A Perception of Dreams), as well as the entire first chapter.

At the top of this blog, you will find all sorts of links like that of Twitter, Pinterest, and FaceBook which I update daily. Take a look around! =)

I am going to start doing 'A Question A Day' which I will be taking from emails that I have been receiving. If you have a question for me about the Tabitha Hale Saga, please feel free to shoot me a message here or leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will incorporate it into my daily schedule. (Once you're on the website, click 'contact' on the upper right hand side.)

What do you want readers to take away from your book?

With the main character being a female in her teens, it seemed natural to steer the book towards a teen/young adult audience. I wanted to actively pursue the trials she faced as a young woman growing into adulthood. Many of the difficulties, though in another world, are similar to what any teenage girl would go through – heartbreak, wistful romance, the challenge to stand up for what's right, speaking out when most would stay silent, and overcoming the supreme obstacle of feeling like you're alone in the world. As Tabitha finds purpose in her life though, she also finds hope for the future.

Don't want to miss the next question? Get all of my posts sent to your email on the right hand side. See you tomorrow!

-A