An Interview With Author Rita Garcia

I first met Dr. Rita Garcia at a Faithwriter's Conference about three years ago. Thanks to the blogging world and Facebook, Rita has become a very special friend. She's also one of my favorite authors. After reading Kaleidoscope Summer,the first of her Serenity Cove series, I was relieved that Tangerine Morning was readily available. Serenity Cove is a beautiful setting with characters who draw you into their lives and teach you much about the faith that Rita Garcia expresses through each of their life challenges. Her official interview follows:

Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband. My inspirational romance novels are so out of his preferred genre, but he reads each one. His love and encouragement really does keep me writing and pressing forward.

Your biggest critic?

It would be that little, and sometimes not-so-little—inner voice—that has me wanting to shred each novel. That same voice whispers doubts as I write the first page of a new novel. How will 250 words become 50,000 to 80,000 words? Then I get to the end and need to cut, tighten, and remove about 10,000 words.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

Oh, I hope so. I always want to be learning and growing as a writer; otherwise, my writing would stagnate. Sometimes it’s the most basic concepts that are easily overlooked—reminders are a good thing. So I not only enjoy, but find it a necessity, to search for and read books on writing.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

Does deep cleaning my house count? * smile * Seriously, by the time I finish polishing a novel I’m ready to kick back and relax. A night of music and dancing, preferably under the stars if it’s summer. Long lunches with friends, and lots of time with my children and grandchildren. And time on the shore—barefootin' in the sand has a way of refreshing my spirit and mind.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

As cliché as it may sound: God, family, and then writing. Properly aligned priorities are super-important, and can keep all the different facets of life working in harmony.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on the third novel of the Serenity Cove Series. Lavender Rain: Maggie’s Story. Maggie appears in Kaleidoscope Summer—the hero’s sister, and heroine’s best friend. Maggie also makes an appearance in the newly release, Tangerine Morning—Book two of the Serenity Cove novels. The most popular comment I receive from readers is, “I want to read Maggie’s story.” Lavender Rain: Maggie’s Story will be hot off the press May 2013!

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

There are many; but if I had to name just one, I would choose Lauraine Snelling. I have almost worn out the set of writing CDs that I purchased from her. First of all I really enjoy her books. And secondly, she is willing to share her writing journey, bumps, bruises and successes. Thank you, Lauraine. http://www.laurainesnelling.com

What is your favorite past-time?

Besides spending time with the man in my life, I enjoy creating cloth dolls. I made my first cloth doll when one of my daughters wanted a thirty-six inch Raggedy Ann doll. It was two days before her second birthday. I purchased a pattern and fabric then finished by adding the red yarn hair, the night before her big day. She loved her doll, and I fell in love with creating cloth dolls. The process of watching the dolls take on an almost life-like personality as the painted, or stitched facial features are added is truly magical. Even more precious is the beam in a child’s eyes as they hug their new softly stuffed friend.