Writer Behind the Words

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Mikal Dawn

Mikal Dawn is an aspiring inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast and proud military wife. She also blogs for a local ministry, works as a social media assistant, and volunteers as a Key Spouse for her husband’s squadron. When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand, of course!) for wedding ideas for her characters. Mikal lives in Nebraska with her husband, Mark, and their three children and one ferocious feline.

For more, visit her at mikaldawn.com.

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Welcome to the blog, Mikal! I’m so excited to have you join us today!

When did you first start writing?

Do I have to give years? That would admit my age. 😉 I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I used to write “books” when I was super young and staple them together. The best thing ever, though, is I found a “book” my 7-year-old daughter has started writing when I was cleaning her room (which can be an entire blog post topic of its own… *shudder*).

What are you working on right now?

I’m writing a romantic comedy! And I’m having a blast doing it. Probably because I think I’m hilarious. That’ll remain to be seen, however. This involves a safe, straight-laced accountant (cliché, but she has some things about her that really aren’t cliché, I promise!) and a former NFL star cornerback who is now running an extreme outdoor adventures company. Writing some of those scenes is a hoot! Especially that first “meet” scene.

Can you tell us about one of your favorite characters you’ve written so far?

Wow. This question is hard!! And I don’t even know why! Ha! Maybe because I love them all? I think my favorite, however, is my current hero, Tyler Hawk. He’s a former NFL star cornerback who retired at the top of his game. So he didn’t go out on an injury, he doesn’t have any bitterness, and he didn’t get traded until he was let go. He retired because he achieved what he wanted and wanted to move on to a new challenge. Don’t get me wrong, though, he definitely has his flaws. What I love about him, though, I didn’t even notice until a friend pointed it out: he laughs easily and hard. Despite his flaws, he has joy, and it shows in his laughter. I love a man who can laugh. 🙂 Come to think of it…he reminds me of my husband. Maybe that’s why he’s my favorite.

That’s adorable! Love it! 😉 What’s something you love about your home state?

Ah, but I don’t have a home state! 🙂 I’m originally from a city just outside of Vancouver, Canada. British Columbia is absolutely lush, full of mountains, water, and beauty. The tag line on the license plates used to be (I don’t know if they still are) “Supernatural British Columbia.” I think it’s now “Super. Natural. British Columbia.” Either way, it fits. I married into the US Air Force, though, so I immigrated to the US almost ten years ago. I now live in Omaha, Nebraska, and it’s been my favorite state! The sunshine, trees, hills (which I totally didn’t expect), skyline, and everything to do in this city, along with the people and especially my church, is fantastic. We actually want to stay here when my husband retires from the military!

What’s one of your favorite books?

Ack! Just one?! Um…I don’t know if this question is fair. I mean, I have favorite books in each genre…and subgenres. So I’ll give you one: my favorite Medieval Romantic Time Travel (see? Subgenres are where it’s at!) is Dreamspell by Tamara Leigh (all her books are phenom!!).

What is one of your favorite Scripture verses?

Again, just one? Honestly, my favorite Scripture verse changes with each season of life or even with my moods. Today it’s Hebrews 6:19: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place in heaven” (New Century Version). Jesus is my hope, my anchor, my sureness and my strength.

Beautiful! Can you share with us a special moment from your writing journey so far?

In all honesty, it’s the relationships. I always thought writing was a lonely journey, isolated. When I joined American Christian Fiction Writers, I found a few other women who I clicked with immediately, and we began our own little critique group. One is published, the other two are polishing their manuscripts. (We had three more join our group after several months.) I met these three ladies in person at a conference in Omaha in April, and it was just as I’d expected: like we’d known one another our whole lives. We’re truly sisters of the heart. I’ve also had the immense honor of meeting and getting to know several authors that live in and around Omaha who are such fun blessings! One in particular has become a dear, dear friend and encouragement.

That’s wonderful! Gotta love ACFW and our fellow writers. 😉 What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of writing?

The discipline! For me, sitting down and putting fingers to keyboard on a daily basis can be a challenge. I tend to overextend myself in commitments. But my family is super supportive and encouraging…and that one author I mentioned in the above question who is super encouraging is pretty bossy about getting my word count in for the day before I do anything else. 😉

Name a few authors who inspire you.

Oh man. This question is hard! Not because I can’t think of anyone, but because I don’t want to leave anyone out! I have many authors who inspire me, and I’m excited to call most (almost all!) friends, so if any of them are reading this and I don’t name you, believe me when I say YOU inspire me, too! The authors off the top of my head, though, are Tamara Leigh, Ronie Kendig, Pepper Basham, Jennifer Slattery, Sarah Monzon, Holly Michael, Shawna Young, and Teresa Tysinger. (Shawna and Teresa aren’t published yet but are getting close!)

Can you share a word of advice to other writers out there on the road to publication?

The roller coaster has many, many (many!) ups and downs. It’s an emotional ride. One day you’ll be flying high, the next you’ll be so down in the dumps and discouraged you won’t be able to see a way out. In both those moments, first look to God and remember His calling on your life: to write His story. Second, surround yourself with other writers who get you, who love you, who are honest, and who know you and your work. They’re invaluable. Third and most importantly, pray. Don’t underestimate the power of prayer that He’s given to us.

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Mikal. I’m so excited to read your work! 🙂 Praying the Lord continues to bless your writing for Him.

Thank you so much, Savanna! This was such fun! 🙂

Let’s spread the love, reading friends! You can help encourage and support Mikal’s writing by connecting with her on the following sites.

Website: http://mikaldawn.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/mikaldawnauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikalDawn
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mikal_dawn/

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GIVEAWAY!!

Mikal is giving away a copy of “A Twist of Faith” by author Pepper Basham to one lucky winner. Enter below and it could be you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering! Contest is open to US residents only and ends September 27, 2016.  The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!

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