Getting to know you Thursdays with Meredith Resce.

Please welcome Meredith Resce to my blog today. I was so excited when Meredith agreed to be on my blog as I had wanted to host her since I read one of her books a few years back. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Meredith Resce, I’m forty something, married and have 3 adult children. My husband is a minister, and I have worked with him in various ministry capacities since we were married in 1983. When my children were young, I had discovered the genre of Christian fiction and began to read with a passion until my husband said I was buying too many books. It was about this time that I began to seriously think about writing a book of my own, an idea that had been floating in the back of my mind for some time.  I found coming up with characters and ideas really easy and  oh-so-much-fun. But finding a publisher wasn’t quite as much fun, in fact it was a long and tiresome journey of rejection and discouragement, followed by picking myself up, and having another go at it.

I love the writing process, the development of the story, the re-writing after my critic has had a good go at it, and even re-working after my editor has had another go. It always helps make the story stronger in the finish.

My kids are all quite creative as well. My daughter also writes, and we are trying to find a publisher for her first novel at the moment. My sons are both musicians, very creative, song-writers, performers. But then they are studying to hopefully get a job that will actually pay bills.

 2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I loved Enid Blyton, and I had several other books I used to read and re-read from the scholastic book club we had at school. I can’t remember their titles now. When I was older, I took to Jane Austen and LM Montgomery with enthusiasm. (Jenny here I loved Enid Bylton and reread the books so many times. We also bought many of the scholastic books and reread them to. Thanks for the memory of them. Mum use to buy them for gifts)

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

I guess I like romantic fiction whether it is period drama romance or contemporary drama romance. Sometimes even lighter comedy romance. While most of my novels are period drama romance, I have also written several others – a time travel adventure, an allegory and a contemporary drama romance. I’ve just finished a murder mystery, and am trying a conspiracy drama with supernatural themes. But really period drama romance is what I’m best known for.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

LM Montgomery and Jane Austen and DE Stevenson

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

When my youngest was about one (1991). Before that, it had only ever crossed my mind as an abstract thought that I never really took seriously.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I took a pen and an exercise book and began to write down characters, location and plot ideas, and then I just started to write. This was before I owned a computer, or had any idea how to use a computer. Once I’d finished the story, I was very excited, and prepared a submission to an American publisher, and felt sure they would love it. I guess I don’t have to tell you how that turned out…Anyway, persistence is a wonderful thing.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

I would like to further develop my role in working with film. I have been assistant screen writer and assistant producer on a movie – Twin Rivers  http://www.twotonepictures.com/productions/twinRivers.htm

I love drama and film. We’ll see… (Jenny again how exciting)

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love being with family. I like sport (playing and watching). I like to visit my parents on the family farm. I like music and drama.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

My favourite place to visit is my home town – Melrose South Australia.  Actually the farm on which I grew up is my Mecca.

I enjoyed visiting the UK especially the historical villages, cathedrals and castles. Very inspiring.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

Well I’d skip the 3 bears, as they couldn’t seem to agree on anything.

Probably Mel Gibson – I loved the way he produced the movie ‘The Passion’ and I think there must be more in that heart that we see reported on the news.

Of all the other famous and successful people I can think of, I don’t think I would desperately choose one above the other. Really spending a short time with someone of celebrity status doesn’t give you much insight into them as a person anyway. Better to have dinner with the family, and continue to share deeply with the people who know you the best.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will
be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

Have a look at my facebook fan page Meredith Resce author.

My first series of books ‘Heart of Green Valley’ series were published in Australia, UK and USA.  (only first three in UK and USA) They have been very popular, and I’m toying with the idea of writing #6 in the series next year.

Other than that, I have another pair of period drama romance novels – The Schoolmaster’s Bride and the Schoolmaster’s Daughter.

There are several stand alone novels: For All Time (a time travel adventure romance); Cora Villa (period drama romance); A Wretch Like Me (Contemporary drama romance currently out of print); How Sweet the Sound (allegory/fantasy/romance); One Remarkable Year (Faction – commissioned novel about the town I grew up in); Inside Out, Upside Down and Round the Right Way (Self Help inspirational); Mellington Hall (Murder mystery romance due for release in August 2011)

Check out the trailer I produced for my novel Cora Villa   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gELHXmOsY4o

Also a short documentary on the first novel I ever wrote http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWAb7xhtCnA&feature=related

To buy any of my books currently in print go to www.lightthedark.com.au  under products