Today we are joined by one of the brightest new stars on the LDS fiction market, Michele Paige Holmes. Michele, thank you for being here today.
Your novel “Counting Stars” won the first-ever Whitney Award for Women’s Fiction. I have to ask, what did that feel like?
After the initial shock (and it was a shock—I mean, Stephanie Meyer . . . come on!), it felt wonderful. It was especially sweet to share the moment with my husband who has supported me in my writing endeavors for a very long time.
You tried several different publishers on the national market before publishing with an LDS publisher. Do you enjoy writing for the LDS market? Are you disappointed that you didn’t land the national contract?
Of course I still dream about and continue to work toward national publication. But publishing “Counting Stars” in the LDS market was a delightful experience. I hope to publish many more books in this market.
What do you think are the benefits of publishing on the LDS market as opposed to the national market?
There are many benefits to publishing in the LDS market versus the national market. I am fortunate to live in Utah, so I was able to attend several book signings and meet with readers personally. That turned out to be a lot of fun, and it isn’t necessarily an experience I’d ever have being a national mid-list author with a trade paperback. Over the last year I’ve met a lot of other authors too, and it has been a fabulous experience to hang out with such famous people as yourself.
It was also great to work so closely with my editor at Covenant. I was able to run up to her office to pick up galleys, see the cover art etc. She was very personable and helpful through the entire process.
I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, too!
We’ll continue our chat with Michele Paige Holmes tomorrow. In the meantime, you can learn more about her by clicking here.
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