You've done a lot of collaborative work. Is it difficult to write a book in someone else's voice?
Yes.
For "authors" (the celebrity or person who tells the story) who've never written before, seeing their words on the paper is like hearing their voice on tape. They often don't recognize it and aren't sure they like it. Or they want the book written just like they speak, like a stream of consciousness. So not only is it challenging to capture their voice, but to capture their voice in a way that is also palatable for a reader.
You've written with former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife, Brenda. How did this partnership happen?
Kurt and Brenda had interviewed a number of writers for a book they were doing with Tyndale, and they hadn't found the right one. My editor at Tyndale, Carole Traver, recommended that I interview for the job and I got it. I spent six days talking with the Warners, learning their story. Then I wrote the 80,000-word book in 19 days, turning it in a day before it was due. I credit Carole for not only taking a risk on me (I hadn't done that kind of work before), but for helping me discover that I really enjoyed collaborative writing. That type of writing turned out to be perfect for someone who has few ideas and likes to take assignments (see above). The Warners' book went on to become a New York Times bestseller. Then two years later, Brenda asked me to do her memoir, One Call Away. It released in September from Thomas Nelson.
Lots of people dream of a writing career, but do you think many understand how much work it is?
The professionals do.
It's easy to think of writing as some kind of glamor job, but those who've had any kind of success at it can tell you how hard they've worked. It's a tough job-emotionally and mentally. It's a lot like being in school, with deadlines hanging over you, and always more you could do to make your work better. Also, when you work on short deadlines like I do, you can have physical problems, like neck pain, back and shoulder aches, and repetitive wrist injuries (I recently had carpal tunnel surgery).
However, I've also worked under the blazing sun for hours in Kenya, breaking large stones into gravel. Writing is a breeze compared to that. Whether your work is hard or easy depends on what you're comparing it to. If it gets easy, we probably need to step up and learn new skills. I am never content to let my writing skills stay where they are. I am always seeking to get better at what I do.
If you could give one piece of advice to an emerging writer, what would that be?
Good writers get published. Humble and hard-working writers get good.
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