Gayle talks about writing…
I’ve been writing for more than fifty years! How can that be possible when I don’t feel any older than when I started (except on cold winter days)? I have always loved story, and a career where I spin tales for others who love story too? I don’t think it gets any better.
Every writer gets to tell people he or she has never met the truths learned through living and study. Being a novelist, though, lets me show the consequences of these truths as they are experienced by my characters. I always say non-fiction tells us a particular idea or position that we should espouse. Fiction shows what happens when you take that idea or position and try to live it out, especially Christian fiction. The fear of the Lord is, after all, the beginning of knowledge.
Gayle talks about her side hustle…
I’ve also enjoyed more than fifty years with my side hustle—writers conferences. I cannot understate the effect they have had on my life both professionally and personally. Through the years I’ve done every job that needed doing, and in the process I made contacts that led to opportunities I never imagined. I’ve played hostess, handed out packets, done registration, directed and taught. Oh, the people I’ve met! The friends I’ve made!
Publishers Weekly states, “Roper’s dialogue and character development are spot-on.”
Gayle talks about some fun stuff…
Through the years I’ve been honored to receive some pretty great awards for my writing including the prestigious RITA Award and Carol Award. I’ve won the Holt Medalion three times and finaled for a Christy three times. I’ve won Lifetime Achievement Awards from Romantic Times and American Christian Fiction Writers. I’ve received the Reviewers Choice Award, three Inspirational Readers Choice Awards, and a Golden Scroll. Even reading this list makes me smile.
Gayle talks about some more fun stuff…
For my work in training Christian writers I’ve been honored by several Christian Writers Conferences including Mount Hermon CWC, St. Davids CWC, Florida CWC, and Greater Philadelphia CWC. I directed St. Davids for five years and Sandy Cove CWC for six. I taught for several years with American Christian Writers and served as Writer in Residence with Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers Services (CLASS) for several years. Such wonderful times!
Gayle talks about her private life…
I was married to Chuck Roper for forty-seven years, and I still miss him every day. We have two sons who both married wonderful women. We have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In the years since Chuck’s death, my girlfriends have become critical to me for fun and fellowship.
My belief in Jesus as God’s Son and my Savior informs my world view and is evident in all my stories as well as pivotal in my personal life.
When I’m not writing or teaching at conferences, I enjoy reading, audio books, movies, travel, gardening, and eating out every time I can manage it.