Watching the expressions on the faces of her readers is what drives author and speaker, Barbara Ann Derksen to write. Her favorite genre is murder mystery but each book brings forth characters who rely on God as they solve the puzzle in their life.
With 17 books to her credit, Barbara works hard to develop a social media presence. Her books can be found on Amazon at http://amzn.to/MPPTst, at Barnes and Nobles, and on her website, http://www.barbaraannderksen.com.
Canadian born, Barbara is a member of The Writer’s Collective, and Christian Motorcyclists Association, USA.
I sat down with Barbara over a virtual cup of tea recently, and asked her about her writing journey.
1. Is there a quote that sums up how you feel about writing?
Discovering the end of a mystery is the most satisfying part of the adventure of writing, allowing my characters to take me for a ride through their world of hurt and into their heart for God.
2. What was your process of becoming a writer? Was this something you set out to do?
I hated writing anything in high school and afterwards, the idea of working on a typewriter in an office, set my teeth on edge. I wanted to travel, fly airplanes, and see the world.
After marriage, four children and many years as a stay-at-home mom reading for relaxation, I stopped just dusting my husband’s computer and used my two index fingers to type a story. It worked.
Several short stories turned into my first murder mystery published in 2003. Writing has become my grown up job. I write whatever the Lord lays on my heart including books for children and devotionals but my favorite genre to read and write is mystery.
3. The writing life requires the ‘Three C’s’ — Craft, Community and Conversation. Where do you go for these things in your own writing practice?
Craft: I’ve attended several sessions of the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference where I learned the craft under some very gifted authors and editors. I take courses through the Manitoba Writer’s Guild, and online.
Community: I belong to a monthly writer’s group called the Inksters and to a couple of online groups like John316MarketingNetwork. I engage with other writers on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin as well as Google+, although I mostly lurk and only add to the conversation when I think what I have to say is worthwhile. I lurk and learn though so it works for me..
Conversation: I belong to a couple of ladies Bible studies and while we don’t talk about writing, we do talk … a lot. They pray for my writing endeavors, my book signings, and book launches. Several of them are fans of my books as well.
4. Was there ever a book that inspired you to become a writer?
Not really. I have just always liked reading. So a good mystery with several unexpected twists kept me reading long past the late, late show. Because people liked my short stories, I began to work for a newspaper, learning from some gifted editors. Eventually the book tours demanded more of my time and attention so the newspaper was left in the dust. I don’t pretend to understand why, at this age, I’ve become a writer … other than that’s God’s plan and I want to be where He wants me to be. He is the one who gifted me after all and it was for His purpose, not mine.
5. What is your favourite environment for writing?
Wherever I like to read is also a good place to write, especially since the invention of the IPAD. I can write anywhere. Beside a considerable body of water is perfect with soft music playing in the background.
Barbara’s latest novel, Shadow Stalker is out now. You can find it at http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Stalker-Finders-Keepers-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00CO7NRPW
