Getting to know you with Ruth O'Neil

Please welcome Ruth O'Neil to my blog this week. I meet her when I reviewed a book by her mother about the civil war and put in in my top ten for the year. Unfortunately her mother had passed away but through the book we have kept contact. Ruth's latest book is listed below. I am still not reading much but it does look like an interesting read. Welcome Ruth

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I have been a freelance writer for more than 20 years, publishing hundreds of articles in dozens of publications as well as a few books. I enjoy helping others of all ages make their publishing dreams come true. I was born and raised in upstate New York and attended Houghton College. When I’m not writing or homeschooling, I spend my spare time quilting, reading, scrapbooking, camping and hiking with the family.

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

I loved reading, even as a child. I would often spend my summer days lounging at the pool, after a stop at our local library so I would have something to read. The Little House and Trixie Belden series of books were some of my favorites. (I loved Little House also)

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

Definitely fiction. When I read, I like to escape to another world. When I write, I like to touch reader’s emotions. I love to make readers laugh and cry.

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

I don’t know if I had any particular authors that influenced me. I was a voracious reader and read everything I could get my hands on. My influence was probably a conglomerate of authors.

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

I was 9 years old when I wrote my first story. My mom liked to write and would tell me about writing stories with her cousin when they were young. I wanted to be just like my mom – like most little girls.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

My mom was a HUGE influence on me. She would encourage me, give me constructive criticism, and take me to writer’s conferences where I gained valuable information at a young age.

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

I would probably do something crafty. I enjoy sewing quilts on the side to relax and think when I have a writing project going on in my head.

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

Quilting (when I’m thinking about writing), camping (where I enjoy writing in the peace and quiet), hiking with my family (where I get inspired with new writing ideas), and reading (where I enjoy other people’s writing).

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

I really enjoy the beach or pretty much anything outside. I often work outside simply because I can since I work at home.

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

Hmmmm…that’s a tough one. Maybe Candace Cameron Bure, because I respect her stand to be godly in an ungodly world.  Karen Kingsbury, because I see similarities in our writing styles and how we come up with ideas. And maybe Jerry Jenkins, author of the Left Behind series of books, one of my favorites as an adult.

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.

Belonging my latest book, available on Amazon as an ebook – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LA8KK9M

After the death of her father, painfully shy and introverted Shelly finds her world turned upside down. She is forced to speak with people and she may even have to move from her comfortable apartment. Sorting through her father’s possessions at his house brings back many memories, including how they would research her mom’s genealogy so that in a way, she could get to know her mother’s family, who are all deceased. Shelly wonders why her dad never researched his own family and she never remembers any family events. Why? She begins a journey that takes her to places she never dreamed. Throughout the entire story, God nudges Shelly to get out of her comfort zone. That’s easy for some, but for Shelly it may almost be impossible.

Come Eat at My Table - http://amzn.to/14Q7vyz

Karin is a woman with a past. About the time she thinks no one will ever know, it comes back to haunt her. The deeper she tries to push it away the more prominently it returns. Forgiveness is a word that isn’t in her vocabulary as far as the people from her past are concerned.  She thinks she's fine until someone from her past shows up unexpectedly forcing her to think about what happened. With the help of her family and other people around her she realizes that she must learn to forgive, even if forgiveness wasn't asked of her.

You can find all of my books on my website - http://ruthoneil.weebly.com/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/writerrutho

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RuthONeilAuthor