As a Christian author, how difficult is it, and how do you go about gaining the interest of those who wouldn’t normally consider reading books with Christian themes?

I don't have "Christian themes" per se in my books; I believe good Christian fiction doesn't. When an author is pushing some proponent of their faith at the reader, that is preaching, and not what even Christian readers read fiction for.

How and when did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was nine years old when I wrote my first poem. I’ve written poetry, songs and stories all my life. I never thought about becoming a professional writer. I did it for fun—sort of a hobby, I guess. People always said I should try to get published, but I was too busy trying to make a living to follow through with the writing bit. Six years ago life was kicking my rear end pretty good. In the middle of personal crisis I decided I was going to write a book and try to get it published.

First of all let me say thank you for agreeing to do this interview. It sounds like you have a very busy schedule and I appreciate your taking time to answer these questions.

Has writing been a life long passion for you and when did you start getting serious about it?

When did you first become serious about writing?

Well, I started with short cowboy poetry pieces back in the ‘70’s and expanded that out to longer pieces.  I seriously started into cowboy poetry in the early 90’s and published four chapbooks of cowboy poetry entitled Reflections in the Stocktank I and II, Campfire Yarns, and Shootout at the Ol’ Pancake Corral, but we’ve discontinued those particular books. 

Born and raised in Germany, Alfred wrote his first Western novel in 1980 and has been writing and publishing regularly ever since. He writes in many genres but his favorite has always been the historical western. He has been an active member of the Western Writers of America since 2006.

First of all, I'd like to thank you for agreeing to this interview and taking time from your busy schedule to help our readers get to know you.

I'd like to start out by asking you to give us a little history about yourself and your background as a writer in general?

I would like to thank Celia Hayes for taking time from her busy schedule to respond to the following questions.

Over the years, Celia has proven herself to be a very talented writer who has authored numerous articles, essays and commentaries as well as several excellent novels. (Actually, one memoir, one novel out and three in the works)

I’d like to start by asking if you might give our readers a brief history of your background as a writer?

Lee Aaron Wilson comes from a long line of storytellers who went west as guides, scouts, lawmen and outlaws after the Civil War.

After many years as a Criminal Psychologist and California peace officer from Contra Costa County, Lee settled down in the state of Arizona to begin his writing career in earnest.

I'm always curious as to how people end up doing what they do. Can you give me some of your personal background and tell me how your past experiences motivated you to become a writer.

Rope and Wire would like to thank Patricia Gott for so graciously answering the following questions to this interview. We hope you will enjoy reading about this great western author.

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Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?

I'd like to start out by asking you to tell us a little about yourself, not necessarily what one might read in a biography, but things such as, where did you grow up? What were your interests as a kid? Are you a college grad?

What or who were the influences in your life that moved you in the direction of becoming a writer?

John Duncklee is an award-winning author who currently makes his home in New Mexico where he spends his days doing what he loves best, writing.

I’d like to start this interview by asking if you could give our readers a little background information and how your life experiences might have influenced you toward becoming a writer?