Interview by Lauren Goforth | Images by Justin Hunter
Mandi Blake is a Lupton-area native known for her uplifting self-published romance novels that revolve around themes of love, redemption, and Christian faith.
The Walker Leader recently sat down with Mandi to learn more about her writing journey.
WL: How long have you been writing, and what inspired you to begin writing?
MB: I have been writing for five years and published for four and a half years. I never planned on becoming a writer; I was content with just being a reader. But after talking with a friend, who loved to read like I did, about things we loved to see in books, I started writing them down. I knew it would make a good series. Writing was fun, and I loved coming up with the ideas as much as reading them.
WL: What does your day-to-day look like?
MB: I have a day job working as the bookkeeper for my dad’s company. I drop my daughter off at school in the mornings and then ride to work with my dad. He drives and listens to podcasts while I write. I get two hours of writing time every day during the commutes. That helps me devote my evenings to my family!
WL: As an author of multiple series, how do you manage the details of each series?
MB: I have lots of spreadsheets! I have tabs for characters, where they work, their past, what they look like, what vehicle they drive, etc. If I put it in the book, I put it in the spreadsheet.
WL: If you’re writing on a topic you don’t know much about, how do you research it?
MB: I like to ask people! If I know someone who would know about a particular topic, I ask them. Yes, I could Google, but people will tell you things you never thought to ask. I will also get those people to read the book before it is published, and they can tell me if the details are correct or if something needs to be changed. I have a lot of people who read my books before they are published so that if any details are wrong, they can tell me.
WL: Along those same lines, what is some interesting knowledge you’ve acquired along the way?
MB: I’ve learned a lot about Type 1 diabetes, how people herd cattle out west with helicopters and ATVs instead of horses, how the police would respond to a hostage situation, and so on. Learning about things I don’t know much about has been fun!
WL: What made you choose to write Christian Romance?
MB – I worked at Waldenbooks in the Jasper Mall; that was probably one of the best first jobs ever. My boss was one of the best people, and she loved Christian romance. At that time, I wanted to read anything and everything, and she got me into Denise Hunter’s books. I loved them because they were wholesome and feel-good. As I started looking for more things like that to read, I realized we needed more of the Christian Romance genre because it’s small. I started writing, and my first story was missing something. I was at church and thought, “What if it was a faith journey?” I got so excited when I started adding it to the book because it made it so much better! I got excited about adding even more, and I am still excited about it. It is my job, but it doesn’t feel like a job. I love writing so much; it is a mental break for me.
WL: Would you say writing about faith journeys has helped grow your relationship with God?
MB: Definitely. I get excited because I see a big difference in my thirst for knowledge. Also, the friends I have found who write books like I do are some of my best friends. They are encouraging, uplifting, and always willing to pray for each other. It has made a huge difference in my life!
WL: What would you say is the most rewarding part of writing?
MB: I’ve made friends through people who read my book and messaged me to tell me they loved it. One lady from New York messaged me, and our daughters became pen pals. Many people became my friends just because they supported me.
WL: What are some interesting experiences you’ve had because of your writing?
MB: I enjoy going on writing retreat weekends with fellow writer friends. We write, brainstorm, and share feedback in a supportive and collaborative environment. Collaborating on a multi-author series is an enjoyable project. Six of us each write our book, the characters are the same, the town is the same, we have events that we know are happening, the characters run into each other, and they go in and out of each book. The books all connect, so we’ve had to work together on that, which was easier than I thought it would be. We take good notes, read each other’s books, and discuss how the storyline should play out and what would and wouldn’t work.
I also enjoy attending writing conferences where I see presentations about topics like nonfiction, fiction, social media, and marketing. I love learning, growing, and sharing notes with my friends in the evening. I even went on a writing cruise last year, which was the same thing, except we were getting to sit through presentations at sea. I had a group of friends at the conference; we did everything together and even went snorkeling together. That was so much fun!
WL: Why are you self-published?
I knew when I started writing that that was the way I wanted to go. I did not submit my writings to traditional publishers. I knew I wanted to have control over what I wrote. I knew that if I failed, it would be my fault, but it also motivated me not to fail. It was hard at first, but it worked out and it’s a decision I am proud of.
WL: Lastly, what is your go-to meal in Walker County?
MB: Grilled Cheese from Warehouse 319 or Crab Legs from Bayou Fresh Seafood!
