I recently reviewed a new LDS young adult novel, “Heaven Scent,” and today it’s my pleasure to bring you an interview with the author of that novel, Rebecca Cornish Talley.
Rebecca, thank you for joining us. You recently released your first novel, “Heaven Scent.” What did it feel like to get that acceptance e-mail?
We were on a family vacation in California and I decided to check my e-mail before going to the beach. I saw a message from Cedar Fort. My heart started beating fast and my hands shook as I opened it and read that Cedar Fort wanted to publish my book. I felt light-headed. I showed it to my husband and my kids who all gave celebatory shouts (my teenage daughter asked if this meant I’d take her shopping). It was so exciting and invigorating. Definitely something I’d like to experience again.
How long did it take you to write the novel?
I’ve worked on this novel on and off for years–having a lot of kids tends to cut into other projects.
You published with Cedar Fort. Were they the first publisher you tried,
or did you have to go through a long line in order to find the right fit?
“Heaven Scent” has lived in many different forms. It was originally a short story. I decided to expand it with an eye on the national market since I wasn’t at all familiar with the LDS market. Since I wanted to include spiritual/religious aspects, I wasn’t sure if I could market it nationally. I let it sit for a time while I had babies and cared for my ailing grandparents (who raised me). After my grandparents passed away, I worked on it between more pregnancies. When I became aware of the LDS market, I decided to rework the story to include LDS-specific elements. I submitted it in an early stage and it was rejected. I spent more time learning the craft and rewriting the story until I submitted it to Cedar Fort and it was accepted. Everyone at Cedar Fort has been great and CFI is the perfect fit.
Now that you are a published novelist, one of your dreams has come true.
How does that feel?
Amazing. It was surreal to hold my novel for the first time. Dreams really can come true.
You’ve also published magazine articles and a children’s picture book.
Can you tell us a little about those?
My work has appeared in The Friend, Stories for Children, Our Little Friend, and Story Friends. I have several stories awaiting publication. I love writing magazine stories/articles. Most of my stories have been based on experiences with my kids. It’s always a rush to receive an acceptance.
My picture book, “Grasshopper Pie,” was based on an experience when my kids tried to feed me a live grasshopper. It was published in 2003 by WindRiver. Since its publication, I’ve been able to do some school presentations and talk to kids about writing, which has been a lot of fun.
What projects are you working on for the future?
I’m working on an LDS YA romance and more magazine articles. I have several ideas for LDS YA novels and want to write a nonfiction title on raising a child with Downs Syndrome.
It sounds great, Rebecca!
Thank you for joining us for today’s interview, and be sure to click here to learn more about Rebecca Cornish Talley.
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