Posted on July 16, 2018 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

While becoming a beloved author is absolutely possible, it’s certainly not easy.

But you know what’s much harder? Life on the frontier.

So really, it shouldn’t have surprised us that author Dorothy Wiley — whose novels were inspired by her husband’s pioneer ancestors — can appreciate the joys of her career.

The historical-romance novelist, recommended to us by a fellow author, took some time after her latest release to chat with us about her writing journey.

SADYE: How did you decide to pursue your dream of writing?

DOROTHY: I have a journalism degree, so I've been writing for decades, but I wanted to try my hand at creative writing too.

About the same time, my son went off to college, so it was a good time to start writing my first novel.

I received some very positive feedback and encouragement. That encouragement propelled me to keep writing.

Now, ten novels later, the reader reviews my books receive on Amazon inspire me to keep writing. I am very proud of the fact that my books have an average rating on Amazon of 4.6 stars out of 5.

Reading those reviews keeps me smiling — and writing. I encourage all readers to leave reviews for the books they've enjoyed. Reviews are so important to both authors and readers.

SADYE: What inspired your books?

DOROTHY: My husband's ancestors inspired my books.

They were extremely early pioneers of Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas. In fact, they were among of the first few families in Texas settling south of the Red River in 1818.

We should all be grateful to the daring and brave first-wave pioneers of early America. Their hard-fought struggles for a place in the vast wilderness gave us the majestic country we enjoy today. Their stories must be remembered.

Although my novels are completely fictionalized and romanticized stories, they still reflect some of the many challenges our ancestors faced.

There are many stories I would like to write about their amazing journeys and their life on America’s frontier.

SADYE: What authors inspired your genre and storytelling style?

DOROTHY: Thomas Costain, who wrote bestselling historicals in the 1950s. A librarian at my high school recommended his books, and I read every one of them.

Also, Diana Gabaldon, Sharon Kay Penman, and Margaret George.

SADYE: What is the most challenging part about writing?

DOROTHY: I love writing. It's the best part of being an author. Marketing, however, is challenging and time-consuming.

I've spent the last few weeks marketing my new release, Love’s Whisper. I would much rather have spent that time writing!

SADYE: You’ve won quite a few awards — which one was the sweetest?

DOROTHY: It has been an honor and very rewarding to receive awards for my novels. It's hard to pick just one, but I'll narrow it down to two.

First, being a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner for New Frontier of Love. I received an actual Olympics-style gold medal at their awards banquet.

Secondly, being an InD'Tale Magazine RONE (Reward of Novel Excellence) Award finalist for Love’s New Beginning.

A lot of very talented writers participate in the RONE Awards competition each year and it was an honor to be nominated and then to become a finalist.

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Learn more about Dorothy Wiley on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her on Facebook and follow her on Instagram.

Know an author you'd like to see featured? Email us with a recommendation!

Categories: Author Interview

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