Literary Spotlight: Angela Hunt

Angela Hunt is a Christy-Award winner with over three million copies of her books sold worldwide. She has published more than 100 works ranging from picture books to nonfiction books and novels. She is the recipient of several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

Q: It’s been said that your readers have come to expect the unexpected in your books. Would you agree and if so how do you accomplish this?

A: I certainly think so. I achieve the unexpected in several ways, beginning with the plot, which usually has an unusual aspect to it. I'm interested in learning new things, which is why my books are very different from each other, and usually different from what a reader expects. That's the macro aspect. For the micro aspect, I just ask myself what comes next, and then choose the most unusual and unexpected option.

Q: The Face has earned praise for its character portrayal. How does one craft a compelling character?

A; That question probably deserves a book-length answer! In a nutshell, you create a compelling character by driving this character to the deepest and broadest levels of their personality. You give your major characters huge problems with high stakes. Deep character is revealed when characters are under stress--and deep character is not always compatible with perceived character.

Q: What was it like to have The Note adapted for a Hallmark movie?

A: It was a gratifying experience. I was very pleased with the adaptation, and felt that the theme translated very well.

Q: What is your most frequent question about writing when you teach workshops at schools and writer’s conferences and what is your answer?

A: I'm not sure there is a frequent question, but there are areas a lot of new novelists seem to have difficulty grasping. The most common problem is point of view. The second most common problem I see in conference manuscripts is that people begin their story late or too soon. People either fill their manuscript with boring back-story in chapter two (aka the 'backstory dump'), or they begin with the inciting incident, plunging a character I don't know into extreme danger. I suggest that they begin with an intriguing character who's dealing with an interesting problem. Reveal his strengths and his major flaw, make me care about him before you launch him into the 'inciting incident.'

Q: You have said that you’ve always had a natural aptitude for words coupled with being a reader. Do you feel writing is an inherent talent (why or why not) or can it be learned and if so, how?

A: Because I'm also a singer, I find the situations are analogous--you are born with a certain amount of latent talent, but whether in music or writing, that talent can and should be developed and honed so you can be the best you can be. Fortunately, finding that personal best is a never-ending exercise.

Q: How does your Doctorate of Theology degree reflect in your writing?

A: Many of my books are spiritual parables, so when I deal with matters of eternity and theology, I want to be sure I'm getting it right! Furthermore, studying the God of all creativity inspires me. I've plucked some really good story ideas from my theology studies.

Carlotta Holton is the author of Salem Pact and Touching The Dead, and is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and an affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association.

Carlotta Holton has just received her second award for Touching the Dead from the National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest. Click here to purchase the book.