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Interview with June Foster

Welcome, June. What message do you hope readers take away from your newest release?
The Inn at Cranberry Cove centers around the Atwood family and their loyalty and love for each other. I'd like readers to be reminded of the importance of the family unit and to value their own.

What literary pilgrimages (research trips) have you taken? What was your favorite and what did you discover or learn?
I actually did a research trip for this book, though it was years ago. I always knew I'd write a book set in this coastal town, and now I have. The story is based on an actual inn in Ilwaco, Washington near the Oregon border. The real-life inn is called The Inn at Harbor Village and is run by a lovely couple who provided me pictures for the book's cover. My husband and I stayed at the inn a couple of times when we lived in Olympia.

A second research trip was to Chico, California for which I wrote an entire series, the Almond Tree series. We parked in our RV for a week and explored the area. Spending time in the actual location enriches the story because I can more easily picture in my mind the scenes where the story takes place.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
My initial goal is to create an original story which I can't help but believe the Lord puts in my heart. My stories always portray characters who encounter the same problems as we do. However, I love for them to allow the Lord to work in their lives and conquer obstacles through His strength. The end result generally is what my readers want to read.

What are some of the ways you have incorporated your life experience as a teacher and counselor into your stories?
In my book, Out of Control, a young youth pastor deals with anger he learned as a child. His friend counsels him and oversees his healing process. My training in counseling has helped me to understand the dynamics involved in the dysfunctional family where in this case my character emulated his father's actions.

Through the years, my husband and I have traveled over most of the US in our RV. This experience has given me a world of ideas about where to set my stories.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
In all sincerity, the money I spent joining ACFW and going to the conferences. When I first began writing, several talented authors invited me to small groups where I learned and grew in my skills. The organization provides tons of resources on how to become a better author to include how-to books and local organizations.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
During pre-writing, I generally spend 6-7 hours in research on the internet. I've done interviews as well. When I wrote A Home for Fritz, I interviewed five cowboys at a dude ranch. However, my research doesn't end there. I wind up doing more research as I write depending on what information I need to know. My husband has proved to be an excellent help as I write—to include plot ideas, information about mechanical issues which I know nothing about, and sports.

What did you edit OUT of this book?
A prologue taking place in 1850 where a miner back from the California Gold Rush hides his stash in the inn.

Is writing part-time or full-time for you? If you didn’t write, what would you do for work to replace that?
I basically write full time as I'm retired from teaching. If I weren't writing, I'd scrapbook, make cards, and volunteer more.

If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
Instead of majoring in elemental education, I would have chosen to study creative writing and started writing at a younger age.

How do your faith and spiritual walk play out in your novels?
In each story, characters either know the Lord as Savor or find Him along the way. Without sounding preachy, I try to relate the Word to the characters' lives and how it changes them.

Finish this statement: In the future, I will…continue writing until the Lord takes me home or tells me to do something else.


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Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having an active imagination and a flair for the dramatic. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning author and speaker who works as a homeschool mom and independent contractor, helping others become their best from the inside out. She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and son, 2 dogs and 2 cats. She has sold over 25 books so far, three of which have won annual reader's choice awards. She is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. (www.tiffanyamberstockton.com)




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