Maggie, describe yourself for our visitors.
I’ve been involved with sanctuary choir for many years, performing in Easter plays, Christmas Musicals, etc. I love country & western music, classical, David Phelps, Babbie Mason, Earth Wind & Fire and Michael Buble‛. I used to paint in oil or acrylic before I became serious about getting published. I also enjoy scrapbooking with my adult daughter, the expert.
You can view one of my painting here: http://www.glimpsesofhisglory.org/Lott.html.
My favorite ministry is Right From The Heart, my pastor Bryant Wright’s radio ministry. I used to work for the worship and music office at our church and Bryant’s radio ministry, helping with filming commercials and filing orders for his sermons. I love his messages, and how they reach the world with the gospel of Christ. My favorite past time is reading, and playing with my grandkids. They’re a bundle of fun!
How do you find time to connect with God?
Mainly through my quiet time and attending church. I think I have a Bible in nearly every room in my house and in the cars, too. I never know when I may have a need or have a few minutes on my hands. I love to take long walks, especially when I’m stumped on a scene I’m writing. It’s a great prayer time for me, and I’ve had many of them answered by the time I walk back home again. I’m one of those people who need some time alone to hear God speak to me.
Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?
My brother, Jess McCreede, deceased, Julie Lessman, Deeanne Gist, Kim Vogel Sawyer, DiAnn Mills, Tracey Peterson, Kelly Long, Molly Bull, Francine Rivers, and so many more. One of my favorite books is Colorado Ambush by my brother & Blue Sky Night Thunder. Others would have to be Redeeming Love, Where Willows Grow, Winter Pearl, A Passion Most Pure, and a Bride Most Begrudging.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
I started writing in the 3rd grade and the teacher supplied me the paper. In 5th grade I wrote another story. Through the years I’ve written poetry, short stories, etc. My brother, Jess McCreede started writing long after I did, but he constantly pursued it and published 7 westerns. I was busy with raising my family and driving kids from music, church, band and track. There never seem to be any time for me. My brother read my partial manuscript that was put aside and told me it was really good and to finish what I start.
I was always just a bit petrified of the publishing world and all the work that it would entail if I got published. It seemed like a daunting task. I attended a Bible Study, called Write His Answer at my church. After several weeks, I knew that it was my calling and ministry. I determined to finish my book and attend writer’s conferences.
Tragedy struck. My brother died suddenly and I didn’t think I could keep writing without him in my life as my mentor and friend. I was devastated! It’s hard to even think about it now without crying. But God had other plans. With the steadfast help of my best friend and critique partner, Kelly Long, she continued to pray for me and encourage me to continue what I started and to continue in my brother’s legacy of writing. He died in March and right afterward in June, I was given the 2004 Atlanta Christian Writer’s Persistence Award. God revealed himself in so many ways during this time that I couldn’t possibly list them all here.
I co-founded a writer’s critique group that I call Lott’s Ladies that I have led now for 6 years and was quoted in the book, Word Weavers, The story of a Successful Writer’s Critique Group! So in September, I spread my wings for the first time in my life and attended the ACFW Conference in Denver. What an experience! The published authors support, mentor, and encourage aspiring writers in a wonderful, unexpected way. I had never called myself a writer because I thought I must be published first, but they did. This gave me the confidence to continue my passion and be unrelenting until I finished my book.
The next year I went to the Nashville conference and sent out more queries until I found my wonderful agent, Tamela Hancock Murray. This last December I got my three book contract with Revell called Heart of the West.
Tell us about your current book?
No Place for a Lady is a story about a young Southern belle from GA that goes to visit her aunt in Colorado and winds up going on a trail drive, something very few women did in 1892. Romance, tragedy and faith make up the composition of this story and the heroine must rely on God in the face of difficult times more than she ever has but it makes her stronger.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
Good question—I’ve lived in CO, and always loved the West from the time I read my first Zane Gray book in middle school. I wanted to write a story about a strong, sassy southern in that setting, so I just started putting down words to paper and it evolved from there. I’m a SOTP writer. LOL!
What’s next for you?
Heart of the West series, The Jewel of His Heart and Kickin’ Up the Dust (this title may change)
I hope a little respite before I start something new. These three books were due every 9 months, and the edits and galleys overlapped each other, so that made for a very tight schedule for me
Where can visitors find you online?
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