Though our ACRW listserv is devoted to fiction, many of our members also dabble in other genres. Articles, devotions, and short stories keep the checks coming and inspiration churning during those lengthy novel projects. This month’s interviewee, Kim Peterson, has built a career on nonfiction writing and has played an important role in the development of my writing skills.

As Writer-in-Residence at Bethel College (Mishawaka, IN) Kim Peterson has helped many talented writers hone their skills and launch writing careers. She frequently doles out advice, encouragement, and nudges in the right direction. The accomplishments of her students and members of her two writers’ clubs attest that she knows her stuff. Journalism students leave the college with extensive resumes. Among the Bethel College Writers’ Club, whose membership consists of adult students and alumni, you will find biographers, nonfiction book writers, novelists, poets, and many accomplished freelancers. The Writer’s Accountability Network, an online critique group for students and some out-of-state alumni, provides critiques, encouragement and support to ten writers.

In addition to her teaching talents, Kim maintains an active writing career. She has an impressive resume, which includes time spent in editing, writing and teaching positions. With hundreds of nonfiction articles in print, she brings a wealth of experience to her mentoring roles.

Recently, Peterson has embarked on a fiction project, collaborating with her husband to write a mystery novel for young adults. Treasure of Fort Pillow is their first attempt to write fiction on a professional level. The Petersons’ novel incorporates historical accounts of one of Fort Pillow’s Civil War battles into a modern day treasure mystery with themes of racial reconciliation. The Petersons’ efforts earned them third prize in the 2002 Blue Ridge Mountain Writing Contest.

I hope you enjoy this look “Behind the Scenes” into Kim Peterson’s writing and teaching career.

Q: How many years have you been writing?
A: I’ve been writing since third grade. I discovered Little Women and wanted to be like Jo March. I remember in fourth grade my mom and I wrote several short books. They were my first big endeavor. I dug them out two years ago, thinking we should polish and submit them. They weren’t as good as I remembered and I put them back. J My first big break came in ninth grade when I began writing for The Elkhart Truth. I wrote for their student section called, “Go.” Those early experiences influenced my pursuit of writing and defined my future.

Q: How much time do you spend writing daily?
A: I am a part-time writer. I probably write 15-60 minutes a day (not including lesson plans). I teach writing, journalism and communication courses. Until two years ago, I also advised student publications. I have my work hours down to about 55-60 hours a week now, which are still too many hours. I’m trying to pare them to 40-45 hours so I have more writing time. I prefer mornings, but any time will do. I’ve learned to write in many locations, too. I can outline an article while I wait for an appointment or jot a paragraph or two between classes.

Q: Do you set goals for your writing?
A: I do have some goals for my writing, but lately I have been more specific. I now make a chart with the days of the month listed in one column. Next to the date, I list the writing project. Then in that same column I work backwards breaking the project into steps. A third column lists what I teach that day. I try to capitalize on my lighter days. Instead of a specific number of words or pages, I follow the schedule and write whatever is required for that day, e.g. first draft of magazine article, poem for contest, etc.

Q: Where do you write?
A: I write everywhere. My preference is using my school’s old AlphaSmart in the Adirondack chair in the back yard. I accomplish a lot with the chickadees and cardinals eating seed three feet from me. In winter, the recliner works. I despise dressing up because I had to wear dresses in school and college. Writing attire is always sweats or shorts.

Q: Do you query first or do you write the story then look for a market?
A: I do both. Two weeks ago I felt a definite instruction from the Lord to write an article for Encounter based on their theme list. I obeyed. Sometimes He is very specific. Other times He prompts the idea and the market shows up shortly after. I consider those to be inspired assignments. The rest of the time I study the theme lists and generate ideas and articles that fit. That’s my usual style because it’s more efficient, especially for someone with tight time constraints.

Q: Is your first draft rough or do you aim for a polished manuscript the first time through? How much time do you spend on rewrites?
A: My rough drafts are very rough. You’d think a C-level college freshman wrote them. I aim for structure and concepts first. Then I polish. I probably spend 25 percent of my time writing and 75 percent rewriting and polishing.

Q: Do you have critique partners?
A: I lead two writing groups at our college. I do a lot of mentoring with one club. The other—our online group—started that way but has really taken off. I provide guidance, but this group challenges me, too. I really like the help and encouragement they provide. I just joined an ACRW crit group at the beginning of this year and have found much of the advice helpful. I wanted to be stretched so I asked for a group where I wasn’t the leader or at the level of the other group members.

Q: Do you have other writing related obligations/activities and how do they fit into your schedule?
A: I review every month for CBA Marketplace and sporadically for Church Libraries. I love these commitments because they force me to read. Besides what could be better than a job reading books? I usually evaluate a textbook or two each year. I’m also in on the ground floor of an exciting opportunity that will launch later this year. Since these are contractual obligations they go on my monthly chart first, followed by other freelance assignments, followed by new writing projects I want to explore. My schedule is really tight, so I must be organized. My writing can’t be my priority because of my college teaching, but I am committed to making progress.

Q: How does your Christian walk influence your writing?
A: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” has been my motto for about ten years. I’m about to change to a different verse, but that one has been special for a season of my life. I have been so involved in the efforts of my students that my own writing has been a lower priority. I think there’s been spiritual growth in that: joy in seeing a number of published books and articles come out of my classroom projects. I also believe God blesses what we sow into the lives of others. Now, God is leading me to shift that emphasis and spend more time on my writing.

I consider writing a ministry whether I write for Christian or secular markets. Although, all my published writing is nonfiction, my life dream is to write children’s and young adult literature and win the Newbery. I admire Christian women like Katharine Patterson and Madeline L’Engle whose moral writings have impacted thousands of young readers.

Q: Do you have any advice for a new writer?
A: Surround yourself with a supportive, positive network of other writers who will stretch you and delight in your successes.