Welcome to Author Stephanie Connelley Worlton
Stephanie Connelley Worlton lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where she enjoys frequent opportunities to observe nature and appreciate God’s magnificent creations. She is a seasoned Camp Director, an avid Scouter, and a devoted youth leader. Aside from the busy schedule she keeps as a wife and mother of four, Stephanie enjoys organizing, interior design, gardening, carpentry, painting, and being involved with the youth of our rising generation.
Interview
1. If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
My fully loaded Nook, a pair of sunglasses, and a water filter.
2. When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be an Architect.
3. How did you go from wanting to be an Architect to becoming a writer?’
I pursued my Architecture dream until the time I had my second child, then I committed myself to being a full-time mommy. But that ache to create never left me. When my youngest (#4) started kindergarten, I decided to scratch my writing itch. Little did I know that first manuscript would turn into my first published work. (Hope’s Journey, 2011)
4. Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I have about a dozen project ideas on file, three of which are at varying degrees of progress. I hope to release my second novel this summer and possibly another non-fiction within a year.
5. Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
At least one character in each novel I write reflects some characteristic of me. Sydney (Hope’s Journey)?is probably the most comprehensive adaptation of myself. In my upcoming novel,?All the Finer Things,?there are two characters whom I share traits with – and not necessarily good ones!
6.?Do you write as you go or do you have the book all planned out from page 1?
Depends on the genre, really. My non-fiction starts as a pretty descriptive outline of chapters, headings, and bullet points I want to cover. My fiction, however, is a totally different game. I usually know the beginning and the ending then I work backwards to fill everything else in.
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| Stephanie’s Writing Spot |
7. Where do you write?
My favorite place to write is in my bed with pillows propped all around me – once I leave my room I am more prone to distraction! I also write in my loft office or with my feet propped up in my family room .
8. Do you prefer to write in silence or with music?
Silence is a hard thing for me so I usually always have music playing. If I’m feeling adventurous enough to try to write while my kids are home, I will plug in my noise-cancelling earbuds.
9. What’s on your playlist?
I listen to a pretty eclectic mix. The next 5 artists on my current playlist are: Blake Shelton, Pink, Daughtry, NIckleback, and the Zac Brown Band.
10. About how long does it take to write a book??
My current release,?Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp,?took me 6 days to write and a couple of weeks to fine tune. That’s not normal for me; it only happened that quickly because I’ve (unknowingly) been compiling information for years. I drew up the outline in a few hours and the rest just came together perfectly.
My fiction takes a LOT longer…. as in MONTHS longer.
11. What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Don’t be afraid of criticism, because it will surely come. You can’t please everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn something and use each failure as a stepping stone.
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12. If you were not a writer, what would you like to do?
Design is still in my blood, but I’m not sure I still want to be a full-time Architect. I really enjoy interior design as well as landscape design, but lately I’ve been fascinated by nutrition and eastern medicine, so if I was going to totally reinvent myself, I might do something with holistic medicine.
13. You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
I’d take my husband, kids, parents and parents-in-law on a little world tour. We’d definitely hit Europe, the Caribbean, and Samoa.?
14. What is your view on self publishing?
The more I learn about it, the more I think it’s the future of the publishing world. It’s great to have the validation of a publisher, but self-publishing could honestly prove to be just as, if not more, lucrative for a good author.
15. How do you overcome writer’s block?
I exercise one of my other creative talents. A lot of inspiration comes to me while I’m working in my garden or while I’m painting. Sometimes I just need a change of scenery to get the block to clear. Other times, however, if I feel like I’m forcing a story, I’ll just shelf it for a while.
16. How do you juggle writing & family life?
My philosophy is simple: my family always comes first. Unless I’m under a deadline, I don’t write or market while my children are home. I know this doesn’t work for everyone, but I figure I will have plenty of time to share my stories after my kids are grown.
17. What do you do in your free time?
Free time? What?is?free time?… When my to-do list isn’t stacked to the rafters (or when my husband drags me away from it!) I like to camp and spend time in the outdoors. My very favorite free time activity is reading a book on a beach in the sun!?
18. What’s your favorite season/weather?
I’m a summer girl. Bring on the heat, the sun, and a shady porch swing!
19. Describe your book in 5 words
Must have girls camp guide.
20. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I love to play in the mud! Whether it’s in my garden or out on a 4wheeler trail, I am drawn to it. My husband often chides me for getting mud in every nook and cranny of my 4wheeler, but I can’t help it. If I’m not covered boot to helmet, it hasn’t been a good ride. ?
Everything You Need to Know about Girls Camp
Few callings strike fear into a woman’s heart like that of being a Girls Camp leader. Whether you’re a new camper or a seasoned leader, Stephanie Worlton is here to help.
Make your Girls Camp an experience to remember with Everything You Need to Know about Girls Camp. Filled with helpful tips on everything from holding your first meeting to dealing with unhappy campers, this essential guide takes the stress out of planning to make your camp a success!
Giveaway Details
1 copy of Everything You Need to Know about Girls Camp
Open to US only
Ends 3/12/13
