The Importance of Community for Authors with Gayle M. Irwin

Writing can be a lonely career, and so authors are encouraged to find a community. Author Gayle M. Irwin shares her viewpoint on the importance of community.

Gayle M. Irwin’s Book & Writing Process

Q: What is the title of your book, and what is it about?

A: Yuletide in Yellowstone

Publication date: November 1, 2025

Q: What genre is Book?

A: Sweet/Clean & Wholesome Contemporary Romance

Q: What inspired you to write your book, and how did you come up with the idea for it?

A: I lived near Yellowstone National Park for nearly a decade, and the area remains special to me. As a young woman, I wanted to work for the National Park Service but was unable to fulfill that dream.

I developed an idea for a main female character who would have fulfilled that dream and then asked the question, “If she had met someone during her late teens and in college, a man who would have encouraged her to follow that dream, became pen-pals with that individual, met him a few more times during her college days and early career, then communication between them was cut off, how might she react if she saw him again decades later? And what if neither were married?”

Those questions became the catalyst for the story, and because I’m fond of Yellowstone and know the area well, I decided that would make an excellent setting, especially during the winter between Christmas and New Year’s.

Interesting premise. I can see why this triggered an entire Christmas novella.

Q: What themes and tropes are included in your book?

A: Second-chance at love, holidays (Christmas to New Year’s and the epilogue happens on Valentine’s Day), later-in-life romance, forgiveness, hope, and a fresh/new start.

Q: Who is the ideal reader for this book?

A: Because the characters are older, I believe women ages 40 to 70 will enjoy it. Younger women may, too, although they may not relate to a woman in her sixties as well.

Q: What’s the one thing you want readers to take away from reading your book?

A: Love happens when you least expect it. And, fear can prevent positive opportunities from coming your way – or at least stall them; therefore, be open to embracing new journeys, adventures, and opportunities.

Yes! This is a powerful lesson that more of us need to learn.

Q: Share a favorite quote or two from this book.

A: This is from a scene as my two main characters, Samantha and Michael, drive along the road that remains open in Yellowstone all year; they have planned a cross-country ski outing, and this scene takes place as they drive to the ski area:

I let up on the gas as my eyes caught sight of a large herd of elk grazing near the roadway.
“Michael! Elk! Your side.”
He whipped his head to look out the passenger-side window.
“Did you bring a camera?” I asked.
“Always. It’s called a cell phone.”
I chuckled and then reached toward the back seat. Taking hold of the large camera case, I pulled on the black bag and tugged it to the front.
“Wow! You come prepared,” Michael noted.
I grinned.
“A good nature photographer always does, and I didn’t live in some of the most breathtaking areas of the country to not become a decent photographer. Besides, I learned from one of the best – Ian.”
“I imagine you two were great together,” Michael mused.
I nodded and replied softly, “We were.”
I picked up Michael’s hand and squeezed it. He looked at me. I noticed sorrow etched on his bronzed, square face.
“But Ian is gone, and I have a new life,” I whispered. “One where there’s room for … for another … for you.”
Michael leaned close, and our lips met in a blissful, sweet kiss. As he pulled back, he whispered, “Thank you.”
I touched his cheek gently and then said, “Let’s go see some amazing wildlife.”

Q: Are you a plotter, pantser, or plantser? Share a bit of your writing process.

A: Pantser

Score one more for the pantser team.

Q: How do you develop your plots?

A: I start with an idea for the book and then build around it, considering the story I want for the characters, what their conflict(s) might be to keep them apart, decide what drama might be woven into their internal conflict, and then weave the elements together in a series of scenes to reach the HEA.

I love how you weave drama related to their internal conflict into your stories.

Q: How do you choose your character names?

A: I used character name generators, and I’ve researched similar books/genres for names.

Last year, I asked my newsletter readers for suggestions, based on celebrity photos on whom I envisioned my characters resembling.

My readers gave excellent suggestions, and I ended up combining one first name with another suggested for a last name. I’m in the midst of writing that story for release later in 2025.

Asking your readers for suggestions is a wonderful idea. I’m sure they were excited to contribute.

Q: What does a typical writing session for you look like?

A: I block out two hours to write. I’m not able to do the 15 or 20 “sprint” because by then I’m into the story and need to keep going.

One time, I took the entire day to work and did so for 10 hours. I had taken myself on a writing retreat to a friend’s ranch and had the house to myself for more than a day, so I was able to write for a long period of time.

That day I wrote nearly 11,000 words. I hardly slept that night, I was so excited!

11, 000 words! That’s a lot. It’s good that you realize time blocking works better for you than sprints. Ultimately, every writer has to determine what works best for them.

Q: What makes a great story?

A: I enjoy reading sweet/clean romance that subtly weaves a life lesson, so usually there’s drama involved in some way. I also like HEAs because they are hopeful stories.

Even though real life has a 50%+ divorce rate, HEAs offer hope that people can, and do, remain faithful to one another during difficult times.

Conflict and drama add that element of ‘real life’ to a story, making the story relatable.

Yes. A happy ending is what makes reading romances so much fun.

Q: How do you manage writer’s block?

A: I have to take a break. Sometimes that means not writing for a few weeks, and other times, I go work on a different story.

I have many ‘story starts,’ so when I get stuck on one, I sometimes move to a different story for a while.

That helps the process begin to flow again, and once I tap into the creativity, I can return to the first story that ‘stuck’ me and begin thoughts and ideas about it once again.

Definitely. I’ve also found that switching projects helps get through a block. Something about not focusing on a story that’s not flowing gets the juices going again.

Q: How do you deal with imposter syndrome?

A: I’m better now than I was a few years after starting my romance-writing career. I was frustrated and envious of more successful authors in my circle up to about two years ago, after writing romance and struggling with sales and media attention.

But now that my Christian faith has strengthened in the past few years and I’ve turned my writing over to God as a sacrifice, I trust Him to place my books into the hands of people He’s ordained to read them.

My writing is for Him and readers now instead of for myself and ‘success,’ and I trust Him to guide people to my books through various avenues of promotion and marketing.

This is beautiful, Gayle. As Christian authors, we should trust God with our books, believing He’ll send the right readers and bless our marketing efforts.

Q: How do you handle criticism or negative feedback?

A: I know my books are not for everyone, and though I accept constructive criticism, that’s encouraging.

I admit negative feedback hurts, but I also accept that not everyone is going to like my books because my stories are not for everyone.

Criticism doesn’t have to be hurtful — there are ways to provide feedback without being harsh and cruel. I’ve seen authors being ripped apart because of harsh words, and it’s not good.

I’ve also read and listened to critiques that provide valid points for changing certain things in a story without the critical, attacking attitude, and such is much easier to swallow than the criticizing style of critique.

I agree that even negative feedback can be done positively. I’m a fan of the “sandwich” method, where you couch the critique within something positive.

Another key to giving feedback is to keep comments focused on the work and not use your dissatisfaction with the piece as an excuse to attack the author.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of writing and publishing? How did you (do you plan to) overcome it?

A: Finding the right readers — that takes more time than I envisioned. I still don’t have a huge newsletter list, but the people who do sign up and stay with me are amazing.

My open rates and click rates have grown tremendously, and I’m grateful to my newsletter readers for their loyalty.

I’m also thankful to the numerous authors in my genre who feature me and my books in their newsletters and blogs.

A community of readers and authors is a sacred group, and providing stories for readers and authors helping one another are two inspiring elements of that community.

You’re absolutely right. Finding the right community of readers and authors is priceless. I believe that in time, if you continue to delight your readers, your community will grow.

Q: How do you use social media as an author?

A: To announce new books, to let people know about a sale or promotion, so primarily for marketing.

I also use social media to share about other authors in the same or similar genre and to stay connected to friends, family, readers, and other authors.

I use social media in a similar manner.

Q: Where do you find inspiration for your stories?

A: In nature and while traveling.

Q: What keeps you writing when you get demotivated?

A: I don’t always. There’s that break time I spoke about earlier.

Getting away from home and being out in nature often clears my brain and gives me motivation again. I’m thankful I live just an hour’s drive from my friends’ ranch, where I can go for some alone time and find motivation again.

Within a few hours of being closer to nature and where I can’t be distracted by the internet, phone, or text. Solitude, even for a few hours, revives my creativity.

We underestimate the power of solitude as we become more used to being overstimulated because of the role technology plays in our lives.

Q: Why do you write?

A: To educate, inspire, and entertain. That’s my purpose in life and in writing.

These are excellent reasons. Thanks for sharing your gift with the world.

Writing Advice from Gayle M. Irwin

Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting?

A: Study the craft and know what readers expect of the genre in which you’re writing.

Learn from others, ask questions of those who have been writing in that genre for a while. Although I’ve been writing sweet and clean romance for more than 8 years, I’m still learning from others, and even though I’ve been an author for nearly 20 years, I find virtual conferences and workshops critical to my growth as an author.

There are many experts out there willing to help authors grow, and I find that so very helpful and vital to writing better stories.

As someone who’s benefited from YouTube University and online webinars and conferences, I can attest to the quality and volume of information available to new writers.

Q: What’s the best piece of writing advice you ever received? How has it impacted your life?

A: Gather with other authors, in particular, and become part of a writer’s group (or two). Whether in-person or virtual, the presence of other writers in your life helps you grow as well through feedback and encouragement.

I’ve been part of two groups for the past five years, and I’ve been part of one for twelve years. These people are also now my friends.

We help one another in so many ways, including writing. I’m grateful I joined these groups!

That’s wonderful! I’m glad you found a community of writing friends.

Q: What are your tips for developing characters?

A: Spend time getting to know them, including their backstory, to help them be well-rounded in your story.

You don’t need to necessarily share their entire backstory, but weave elements of their past into the present, into the story you are telling.

Ask questions of them: “If this, why that?” “If this, then that.”

Show what makes them tick and why. That can be done with action and with dialogue in your story but you have to know your characters well to show them on the page.

These are great tips. I like the idea of asking the characters these particular questions.

Q: Do you have any advice for setting author goals?

A: Be realistic, but do set them. And be flexible, realizing ‘life’ can disrupt your writing goals. For example, I have the goal of writing and publishing three books in 2025.

However, I also have elderly parents with health issues, and my husband and I are older, too. Therefore, maybe I’ll only get two books written and published.

My 3-book goal isn’t written in stone because of my life situation, but I am going to try to accomplish the goal by:

(1) Finishing a book that’s 80% done and finishing it first while editing and marketing that book,

(2) Write and publish the second book and then move on to the third if I’m able.

I have a writing routine I plan to establish and follow better in 2025 than I did in 2024, and a marketing plan for each of the 3 books that I’m finalizing for this year. So, I set goals that I believe are realistic, but that I also look at as flexible.

Yes, setting flexible goals is key, but we also need an actionable plan that will stretch us without breaking us.

Q: How do you find time to write?

A: I don’t always. I’m working to improve that this year.

Praying that you’ll find time to write this year, Gayle.

Q: What are your tips for meeting deadlines?

A: Be realistic, be flexible, and be consistent. Look at your life situation and determine those three things and then implement, especially the consistency.

If you don’t believe you can write for 30 minutes each day, pick 3 days during the week that you can.

You’re more likely to achieve the goal of 30 minutes three times a week because there’s flexibility built in and, therefore, more likely to know what deadline to set and achieve that as well.

I like this plan—it gives you room to meet your deadlines while also leaving room for you to surpass your goal.

Q: What are your suggestions for marketing books and getting them into the hands of new readers?

A: Join Book Funnel and Story Origin, and even Book Cave to take part in promotions and newsletter swaps.

When I began to focus on those sites and used them several times a month, my book sales and my newsletter subscribers increased dramatically.

I plan to branch out with other marketing endeavors, like paid promos, in 2025, but for now, I am very pleased with the growth I’ve seen in 2024 primarily through Book Funnel promos and newsletter swaps.

BookFunnel has been an invaluable resource for me as well.

Q: If you could go back and change one thing in your author career, what would it be and why?

A: Start sooner and learn and implement the craft and marketing techniques.

Me too.

Q: What is one writing resource that you couldn’t do without?

A: It’s actually a marketing resource: Book Funnel. And secondly, the Writing Gals Facebook group for craft and for marketing.

I love The Writing Gals! I learned so much from their YouTube channel that I joined their Facebook group, where they continue to provide value.

Just for Fun

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?

A: Think the words, and they automatically appear on the computer screen. No typing on a keyboard, no dictating aloud, just simply thought to page.

I don’t know what the superpower would be called, but I love the idea of thinking words, sentences, and paragraphs and having them simply appear.

Why didn’t I think of this? It’s the perfect superpower for an author! Let’s call it “Thought Power.”

Q: If you were not a writer, what would you want to be and why?

A: I wanted to be a wildlife biologist and work in national parks. I think that’s still what I would choose, but I’d have to have the ‘superpower’ of understanding math, chemistry, and physics (that’s why I stopped pursuing the idea in college).

I can see you working with animals and in parks. Your passion for animals shows in your social media content and books.

Q: If you could switch lives with any person for a day, who would it be and why?

A: My friend Angela. She’s worked for a government agency since she was about 22, and she is on the cusp of retiring. She’s traveled to various places in the U.S. and the world.

Now, I don’t know what may go on behind the scenes’ of her job, and so that might be ‘not so fun,’ so to speak, but she’s stuck to her career and she’s been able to visit wonderful, beautiful places, and now that she will retire in the not-so-distant future, she’ll have more such opportunities with her retirement and social security.

I’m excited for her, and I’d like to be her the day after she retires.

I agree—your friend, Angela sounds like she has an untapped potential for story ideas. 

Q: What’s your writing kryptonite—the one thing that can completely derail your progress?

A: Asking myself, “Should I really keep doing this?” I’ve gotten into that funk a few times, and it was hard to get out.

I’m sorry that’s happened to you, but I’m glad you keep writing. Someone needs to read your stories.

Let’s Connect with Gayle M. Irwin

Q: What are you working on next?

A: I’ll be releasing a devotional titled Seasons of Life, Seasons of Nature, paralleling the seasons of God’s creation with the seasons we go through in life. It’s a 52-week devotional with Scripture about God’s creation to meditate on each week, an appropriate public domain hymn for the week, and a journal prompt to correlate with both.

The first season is Winter, and the first week begins in December, to incorporate Advent. The book will be released on November 15. I’m also creating a coloring book people can use with the devotional.

Connect with Gayle M. Irwin on her Linktree | Website | Author Central | Facebook | Blog | Instagram | Book Bub

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