Writer Behind the Words

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Stacey Zink

Stacey Zink is a member of ACFW, Writers on the Storm, and two critique groups. A lifelong writer, she began spinning stories at the age of three, but didn’t truly heed God’s calling until her children were in school.

Her contemporary romance was a 2015 Genesis Semi-Finalist (Romance). She also placed 3rd in the 2013 Duel on the Delta, Inspiration category for her historical manuscript, Love for Aline.

Stacey lives near Houston with her husband and two children. To find out more, visit her blog, suburbanthoughts.wordpress.com or find her on Facebook and Twitter

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

So tell us… When did you first start writing?

My mom will say that I started story telling at the age of three, when I would make up elaborate and often scary stories. There’s a somewhat humorous story behind that on my blog. I seriously took up writing when my son was three. I suffered from post-partum depression after his birth, it was a rough few years. I began writing as an emotional release and God has blessed me tremendously with good friends and adventures.

That’s wonderful. What are you working on right now?

I’m finishing edits on a book one of my favorite agents requested. It should be sent off in a few weeks. Prayers are appreciated that I’ll have favor and all will go well.

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

Without a doubt that would be Dalton West, the son of a famous Hollywood actor. He struggles to find his way while living in the limelight of his father’s success. When he is challenged to look at his own lifestyle he realizes that a life of luxury and privilege aren’t what he desires. He’s a passionate and loving guy who is trying to find his place in the world. When God places a calling on his heart he can’t resist but his father is less than supportive.

Awww, love his name! What’s something you love about your home state?

I currently live in Texas and enjoy the mild winters, but my home state will always be California. I love the weather, beautiful mountains, and gorgeous ocean. When I return to visit my family it always feels like coming home.

What’s one of your favorite books?

The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz. The story of Lael and Captain Jack is still one of the best romances I’ve ever read. It sits on my keeper shelf. I’m holding out hope that Captain Jack’s story will be told one day.

Laura inspires me with her ability to combine historical detail with romance in a way that propels the story forward. I usually power read my way through her books then regret it. Her next book comes out in January and I can’t wait.

I so agree! I loved that book and every book of hers since! 😉 What is one of your favorite Scripture verses?

I actually have two….

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (NASB)

God gave me this verse when I left everything behind and moved to another state. I didn’t have a job or any idea of how I would live. I just knew that I had to leave the situation I was in. I have clung to this verse for the last 19 years. It has carried me through equally rough times and awesome moments, through it all God has proven His faithfulness over and over.

Isaiah 50:4 “The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.” (NLT)

When I read this verse in September I knew God was showing me the verse that I would carry forward in my writing career. I pray my writing does comfort the weary. Don’t we all grow weary at some point? What a blessing it would be to know that God has used my words to encourage those around me.

Oh I love that. Thank you for sharing that. Can you tell us about a special moment from your writing journey so far?

It was during the ACFW 2014 conference. I was scheduled to meet with an agent that I greatly respected and was shaking with fear of the unknown. Would they like my writing? Would they like it enough to request more? I was full of self-doubt. I turned to the first person I had met at my very first ACFW conference in 2012. She calmed my nerves and reassured me that I could do this and my writing was ready. Isn’t that our fear, that our writing isn’t ready? I know it’s mine. It brings a paralyzing type of fear when you let it rule over you.

After that little pep talk I walked into the meeting still sweating under my jacket. I was so nervous I prayed while they reviewed my work. I just knew I was wasting their time. In fact, when the agent began to question me I thought they were trying to let me down easy. Imagine my surprise when they requested a full manuscript. It truly made the rest of the conference so much better, just knowing someone believed in my work was enough to fill me with confidence.

Yet, I’ve allowed the fear of not being good enough paralyze me over the last few years. I’ve worked and worked on this story believing it’s not ready. I was reminded this week that God calls us to write. He gives us our stories for a purpose and when we try to hide them away we aren’t giving Him the glory. Take a leap of faith and send that story out. That’s what I’m going to be doing next week.

Aww, you were at the 2014 ACFW? So was I! I wish we had crossed paths. 🙂 I love hearing how God is continuing to teach and guide you as you write. What a blessing! What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of writing?

Balancing my time. I would love to participate in every conference, workshop, and meeting but I have two children who are 11 and 8. I never want them to look back and feel my writing was a bigger priority than them. This means I write at night or while they’re at school, so I can focus on them after school.

Of course that also means I need to stay off Facebook and actually write during the day.

With a 4 month old baby myself, I’m also learning the art of balancing on a whole new level! Kids tend to teach us that, don’t they? 🙂 Name a few authors who inspire you.

Obviously, Laura Frantz. She was the first writer friend I made when I started writing. She is still a huge encouragement to me and I’ll always be thankful.

DiAnn Mills. She had a dream to write a book and did. Look at her now.

Tricia Goyer. If she can write and raise kids, then so can I. She amazes me in how she balances homeschooling and writing.

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

Be a source of encouragement to a fellow writer. You never know when you will be in need and someone will bless you. There are times when we struggle with this calling on our life, but don’t lose hope. God called you to write, so trust in Him. I take great comfort in knowing that God already knows how this whole gig will turn out. I’m just along for ride and what a ride it has been!

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Stacey. Have a blessed Christmas and New Year!!

Let’s spread the love, reading friends! You can help encourage and support Stacey’s writing by connecting with her at the sites below.

Website: suburbanthoughts.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceyzinkwriter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StaceyZink

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READERS, Stacey has a question for you…

I’d love to hear about a person who has encouraged them. It doesn’t have to be writing related. I just believe that everyone needs an encourager in life. For every person who comments, they’ll be entered in a drawing for a book by Laura Frantz, DiAnn Mills, or Tricia Goyer. Winner’s choice.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. Winner will be notified by email on December 28, 2016.

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