Although Martha Rogers’ primary writing experience is in non-fiction, she has been writing fiction for a number of years. She is a retired teacher who enjoys spending time with her husband and their family, especially her grandchildren in Houston. Martha is a member of ACFW and writes a weekly devotional for the group.
Her book credits include the novella, Sugar and Grits, seven Bible studies, contributions to compilations by Wayne Holmes, Karen O’Conner, and Debbie White Smith. Martha has contributed devotionals to several anthologies including soon to be released Whispers of Wisdom for Step-Moms from Barbour. She is also the director for the annual Texas Christian Writer’s Conference and treasurer of the Woodlands Chapter of ACFW, WOTS in Houston. Becoming Lucy, Book One of her new series, Winds Across the Prairie was released in January 2010 and Book two, Morning for Dove released in May of 2010. Books 3 released in October and Book 4 is scheduled for January 2011. In addition, Key to Her Heart in the anthology, River Walk Christmas, released in September 2010. A new series, Seasons of the Heart, debuts in the summer of 2011.
Visit Martha Rogers online
Her book credits include the novella, Sugar and Grits, seven Bible studies, contributions to compilations by Wayne Holmes, Karen O’Conner, and Debbie White Smith. Martha has contributed devotionals to several anthologies including soon to be released Whispers of Wisdom for Step-Moms from Barbour. She is also the director for the annual Texas Christian Writer’s Conference and treasurer of the Woodlands Chapter of ACFW, WOTS in Houston. Becoming Lucy, Book One of her new series, Winds Across the Prairie was released in January 2010 and Book two, Morning for Dove released in May of 2010. Books 3 released in October and Book 4 is scheduled for January 2011. In addition, Key to Her Heart in the anthology, River Walk Christmas, released in September 2010. A new series, Seasons of the Heart, debuts in the summer of 2011.
A Riverwalk Christmas
Valerie Murray is in the process of saving her business on the Riverwalk when Colt Jamison returns to San Antonio. He offers to help her with publicity, but Val doesn’t trust him. When Valerie realizes he is her only hope for getting the store out of the red, she reluctantly accepts. Despite Colt’s success, she still hesitates to open her heart out of fear he will leave her once again.
- ISBN: 1602609675
- Publisher: Barbour
Interview With Martha Rogers
A Riverwalk Christmas is an anthology of modern romances which share the setting of Christmastime along the San Antonio Riverwalk. Of the four novellas in A Riverwalk Christmas, which one is yours and how did you come up with the story?
My story is Key to Her Heart. I’d had the idea floating around in the back of my mind, but it was set in New England. When this opportunity arose, I adapted the story for Texas. It too is a story of forgiving the past, grabbing the present, and letting God take hold of the future. Christmas is a perfect time for families to reconcile their differences and forgive each other for any hurts that were caused in the family. It’s the miracle of the love shown in God’s great gift of Jesus Christ that makes a difference in our lives.
Did you have a fiction project waiting in the background while writing and releasing your non-fiction?
Fiction was always first, but the non-fiction was selling, so I concentrated on that but had the fiction waiting for my return.
With all your grandkids and speaking engagements, how do you balance writing time with your other responsibilities?
I’m not sure because I am very unorganized, but with the Lord’s help, I seem to get everything done.
How do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?
All my stories are based on experiences I’ve had with forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness was a tough lesson for me to learn, and God has used it in wonderful ways woven into my stories.
What do you consider the greatest moment of your writing/publishing career?
When Tamela called to say that Strang was interested in my historical to launch their new fiction line, my heart overflowed with happiness and thanksgiving for answered prayer. The extra three books for the contract were a serendipity. God gave me much more than I ever dreamed could be possible.
By your own admission, you’ve been writing since you were eight. Who/What spurs you to write?
Stories in my head and heart that won’t let go until I write them down. Of course, encouraging words from my agent and writing pals help too. Knowing that my words could touch someone’s heart and change their life gives me more incentive to write about God’s love and mercy for His family of flawed children.
What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique?
I tell stories the way I talk and tell stories to others. They’re just me. I also try to get into the skin of my characters and think like they would and act like they would still drawing on many of my own experiences.
Reflecting back, what do you see as most significant to your publication journey?
Personally, having DiAnn Mills take me under her wings and mentoring me. She introduced me to ACFW where I learned so much about the craft of writing. Spiritually I asked the Lord for guidance and He puts the words in my mind and heart and then they flow onto the paper.
Finish this sentence... If I had an extra ten minutes a day, I would spend it … with my wonderful grandchildren if possible. If not, then I’d write.
Any parting words?
I recently signed a five book contract for a new series which will debut in the summer of 2011. The first book is Summer Dream.
Thanks for sharing with us, Martha.
My story is Key to Her Heart. I’d had the idea floating around in the back of my mind, but it was set in New England. When this opportunity arose, I adapted the story for Texas. It too is a story of forgiving the past, grabbing the present, and letting God take hold of the future. Christmas is a perfect time for families to reconcile their differences and forgive each other for any hurts that were caused in the family. It’s the miracle of the love shown in God’s great gift of Jesus Christ that makes a difference in our lives.
Did you have a fiction project waiting in the background while writing and releasing your non-fiction?
Fiction was always first, but the non-fiction was selling, so I concentrated on that but had the fiction waiting for my return.
With all your grandkids and speaking engagements, how do you balance writing time with your other responsibilities?
I’m not sure because I am very unorganized, but with the Lord’s help, I seem to get everything done.
How do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?
All my stories are based on experiences I’ve had with forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness was a tough lesson for me to learn, and God has used it in wonderful ways woven into my stories.
What do you consider the greatest moment of your writing/publishing career?
When Tamela called to say that Strang was interested in my historical to launch their new fiction line, my heart overflowed with happiness and thanksgiving for answered prayer. The extra three books for the contract were a serendipity. God gave me much more than I ever dreamed could be possible.
By your own admission, you’ve been writing since you were eight. Who/What spurs you to write?
Stories in my head and heart that won’t let go until I write them down. Of course, encouraging words from my agent and writing pals help too. Knowing that my words could touch someone’s heart and change their life gives me more incentive to write about God’s love and mercy for His family of flawed children.
What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique?
I tell stories the way I talk and tell stories to others. They’re just me. I also try to get into the skin of my characters and think like they would and act like they would still drawing on many of my own experiences.
Reflecting back, what do you see as most significant to your publication journey?
Personally, having DiAnn Mills take me under her wings and mentoring me. She introduced me to ACFW where I learned so much about the craft of writing. Spiritually I asked the Lord for guidance and He puts the words in my mind and heart and then they flow onto the paper.
Finish this sentence... If I had an extra ten minutes a day, I would spend it … with my wonderful grandchildren if possible. If not, then I’d write.
Any parting words?
I recently signed a five book contract for a new series which will debut in the summer of 2011. The first book is Summer Dream.
Thanks for sharing with us, Martha.
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