I was asked to write the book by the Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society. It's one of several projects they are involved in to help dispel the many myths and misconceptions about Emma. The purpose of this book was to illustrate key events in Emma's life from a perspective that offered an emotional connection, along with historical accuracy. It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be involved in such a great project, and it has been very humbling to try to write Emma's story this way, with the hope that it would be pleasing to her and Joseph.

Obviously, this book required a great deal more research than anything you've done before. How did you go about that?

I was given a relatively short time to write the book, so I was grateful to have Gracia Jones as my historical consultant. I relied mostly on her written works about Joseph and Emma for my information, because she has taken great pains in only writing what's accurate and documented. Gracia is a great-great-granddaughter of Joseph and Emma, and has dedicated her life to researching and writing about them. I highly recommend her books, which were published by Covenant Communications. Gracia was available to answer any question I had, and she also read the rough draft manuscript to check it for accuracy. I was also able to spend time on the set while the Historical Society was filming "Emma Smith, My Story." While it is a separate project from the book, I was able to learn a great deal about Joseph and Emma.

How would you describe your typical writing process? Did it differ with this project?

I usually just get an idea and start writing. I'm a very chaotic writer and go about it quite haphazardly. I don't outline or make very many notes, and my research usually comes after most of the story is written. I consider writing and storytelling two different things. The writing is hard work. The storytelling is a gift, and I just run with it when it comes. This book was different because I had to carefully keep to Joseph and Emma's real history. They're real people and I needed to honor their lives and their characters accurately. It was definitely much harder for me. I did find that my years of working hard to develop great characters helped immensely in this project. I was able to learn everything we know about Joseph and Emma through what's documented, and then it was easy to understand how they would behave when put into any situation, because I could analyze and understand what kind of people they were.

Since you've been writing full-time for many years, how have you managed to balance that with being a mother and homemaker?

It's mostly a matter of setting priorities. Because I've had health issues the last several years as well, I have to be very discerning about where I put my time and energy. I've come to rely on the guidance of the Spirit a great deal in knowing what's important. While I would prefer an immaculate home, or to actively participate in certain hobbies or other activities, I've had to let go of such things in order to focus on what's important. Every day is a balancing act between honoring my creative gift, and maintaining good relationships with the people I love. Relationships are all that counts in the end, our relationship with God being most important of all. Without that spiritual guidance, I could never do it. I believe it takes a certain amount of personal sacrifice in order to achieve something great that will truly touch people's lives for the better. The gospel has been a great barometer for me in what should be sacrificed and what shouldn't.

(I double or triple it so there's plenty to share AND to hoarde)

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg

Mix thoroughly, roll into balls, then press down with fork to make crossed lines on top. Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes, or just until the cookie is set, so it will be moist. For added joy, I melt chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle chocolate over the top.