This has been so much fun. I love getting to know these outstanding authors better.
See which three authors have shared below.
Thank You Penny Zeller
~Share or describe your writing style.
Hello, Dawn! Thank you so much for having me as your guest. My writing style could easily be described as “random”. Just like someone who has a zillion tabs open on her computer at any given time, my writing is much the same. I am a pantster who does not write scenes in order, but rather writes them as they come to me.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I love all of my characters, but my three favorite female characters I’d love to meet in no particular order are Charlotte from When Love Comes, Emilie from Love in Disguise, and Carleigh from Love in the Headlines. My favorite male characters I’d love to meet in no particular order are John Mark from Dreams of the Heart, Silas from Love’s Promise, and Thad from Love in Disguise.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I have some crazy deadlines in the coming months as I finish my Horizon Series with Dreams on the Horizon and Beyond the Horizon, and Love in Store, the second book in my Hollow Creek Series. I’ve joined a group of fantastic authors for the Hearts of the West Collection with my standalone book Heart of Courage. I’m also working on a brand-new Christian historical romance series that releases in 2025.
Thank you so much for having me as your guest, Dawn. It was wonderful to be here, and I so appreciate all of your support and encouragement of authors.
Readers can snag their free copy of An Unexpected Arrival by going here.
~~~~~
Thank You R. Marshall Wright
~Share or describe your writing style.
I’m a complete pantser—complete! I believe God gives me what I write as I write. When I sit down, I never know where the story is going or how it will end. I’m a storyteller, and my stories are targeted to women, although I have male readers. I don’t write romance per se, but my stories have romance. I write about real issues women (and men) face from a male perspective. It’s a niche. A Christian Nicholas Sparks. A romantic story with real situations and a strong, subtle, and often not-so-subtle Christian message. I always write about hope, healing, redemption, and a second chance. I always assume Jeremiah 29:11
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know, and what book are they from?
That’s easy—Reagan Lamb from my Grace Like a River Flows series. Reagan Lamb is my alter-ego who does the things I only dream about. I, too hate men who abuse women.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
My new book, Broken Chains, will be out in May. It will be my fourteenth, and seventh in the Grace Like a River Flows series.
My name is Barbara Goss and I’ve written 61 Christian Romance books (61 is in the works now). My writing style is simplistic, down to earth, and often emotional. I tend to be a sensitive person so that finds its way into my stories.
After 61 books it’s hard to pick out one character I’d most like to meet but an older book comes to mind: Shadow of Shame. It’s book one of a series of 7 books about fourconnected families in Abilene, Kansas. I loved my male character, Jonas Armstrong from book one. He’d made a huge mistake in his life and thought he had to live the rest of it in shame. Then he learned about God and forgiveness. Then, he was ready to move on with his life.
In the coming months, I plan on writing more non-series books. Not that I don’t love series, but I have story ideas that don’t fit any of the series out now. After doing a lot of fast writing I now have slowed down and am writing slower. I’m enjoying the life around me more and getting out of the office. I may put out just two or three books a year.
So excited to be sharing these Author Interviews with everyone. Learn about these authors.
Here are the questions…
-Share or describe your writing style.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Below are the Amazing Authors that answered…
Thank you Janice Cole Hopkins
~Share or describe your writing style.
Before I start writing a book, I’ve done research, know my setting well, have lived with the main characters in my head until they’re like family, and understand how the story will begin and generally where it will end. From there, I write just like I read, quickly to see how the story unfolds.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I find this a very difficult question to answer. I have about seventy books listed on Amazon, so that’s at least 140 main characters, and I get to know my characters so well that I have no questions for them. I guess if I had to choose one, today it would be Hawk from Cleared from Planting, the first book in the Appalachian Roots series. But on another day. you might get another answer. I’ve always found my Native American characters fascinating, and I actually cried when I wrote about Hawk, a Cherokee Indian, walking away from Emma with his heart breaking. I hadn’t planned to bring Hawk back, but he kept telling me I needed to, and since I liked him so well, I listened. He returns in the third book in the series, Uprooted by War.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I wrote sixteen books last year, which was too many for me to keep up with had I continued to write at that pace. This year, I’m scheduled to write eleven, which I find doable. A Journey for Jillian just published and is doing very well. My next book, Zoe, is another wagon-train book and publishes on April 20. Beckett’s Brides, set in Deadwood, SD, releases on June 1, Carmen’s Wedding Dilemma on August 5, A Match for Milton on September 2, Noah’s New Bride on October 3, A Match for Reece on November 1, and Andrea: Christmas Quilt Brides on December 6. All the books I published last year and this year have been parts of multiple-author projects. Next year, I plan to publish twelve and have some of my solo books as well as MAPs.
I hope that when you read my Valley of Artisans Christian fiction series, you’ll find a style that is positive and brings you life. Proverbs 16:24 talks about words that are enjoyable and also strengthen a person. That’s how I think of these books.
In my Christian non-fiction books, including How to Journal with God and Faith with Wings, I believe you’ll find an authentic voice that invites you into even deeper communication and relationship with God.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I think it would be fun to take a day trip with Vera. It’s easy to be around her, and she is someone who really knows her identity in Christ. Vera is in books 1, 2, and 4 of the Valley of Artisans series: Remembering, Open for Miracles, and Ordinary Miracles.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I look forward to hearing from readers what God is doing as they read. It always encourages me to hear about God working through books!
Also, Lord willing, I’ll be writing a new standalone Christianfiction book, as well as sharing a fresh email message each month.
My writing style… I’m a Christian Author who simply writes from the heart. I’ve been told that when you read my amazing testimonial, you’ll feel as though we’re simply sitting around the kitchen table over a cup of tea and are telling my story of miracles, healing, and the true power of prayer. You’re suddenly transported to 1990 to find I am twenty-nine years old with three small girls; an eleven-year-old, an eight-year-old, and my four-month-old baby. You’re then reassured that the good that came from enduring the horrific journey has been used to inspire others across the globe!
My favorite character… Against all odds I not only survived a terminal cancer diagnosis, and three strokes – one of which was completely debilitating; having to relearn how to walk, talk, feed, and even bathe myself, but by the grace of God, I’ve actually flourished. I completely credit The Lord and Our Lady with any and all of my successes, therefore, I’d love to sit around my coffee table and chat with them both.
The future… I love, love, love, the spring and summer months! The days are longer, so we spend more time outdoors. There’s something about eating breakfast while sitting in the cockpit of our sailboat. In addition, I enjoy relaxing on the screened back porch; simply reading a good book, relishing the warm sunshine, or visiting with friends and neighbors. Cuddling with hubby around an evening campfire is also a favorite of mine. The extended hours of daylight allow me to attend more author signings and to conduct my presentations– which I truly LOVE!
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Below are the Amazing Authors that answered…
Thank you Danielle Grandinetti
-Share or describe your writing style.
I write historical romance with threads of faith and suspense. The majority of my stories thus far are set in Chicago/Wisconsin during The Great Depression. I also write for Love Inspired.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
Hmm, this is a hard one. In a way, I feel like I’ve not only met them all, but have had heart-to-heart conversations with each. Though, Silas, from Refuge for the Archaeologist, has been one of the hardest to get to know.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I cannot wait to share Buck’s story with my readers. His is the sixth and final book in the Harbored in Crow’s Nest series. I’m currently writing it now.
To be honest, I don’t think much about my style and simply attempt to write the story that’s in my mind. In the two novels that I’ve completed (one is in the editing stage), I have known how the stories begin and basically how they end before I dig into the writing process. The bulk of the story happens organically as I get to know my characters. I’m sometimes surprised at where the plot takes me.
Since I tend to make use of numerous historical facts and international locations, there is quite a bit of research throughout the writing process. Many times I discover a fact or detail during the research that leads to a new wrinkle in the plot. Because I work in another full-time career and have a variety of responsibilities outside of work, the writing process usually happens in chunks, with a gap in between periods of progress. This doesn’t make for a speedy writing process, but does allow time for the story to simmer in my mind and the direction of the plot to become clearer.
When I read, I’m pulled into characters who find themselves in difficult situations outside of their everyday experiences. I want to follow every-day characters and discover how they develop and grow because of their out-of-the-ordinary circumstances. My desire is to bring those types of relatable characters and growth-inducing situations to my writing. While not overly “preachy”, I also aim to include scenes that prompt readers to contemplate some bigger issues, like grace and redemption within the Christian faith.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
While not the protagonist in my book The Medici Quest, I would love to meet the true historical character of Cosimo Medici. In my fiction, he plays a vital role in the plot by leaving the clues that are discovered and followed 500 years after his death.
Cosimo—and the entire Medici clan—are an amazing story of one family’s reign of control over a region of Italy for nearly 300 years. Try to imagine that George Washington’s descendants were still presiding over the United States. Not only did the Medici rule in Florence for all but a few years from 1434 to 1737, the family line produced four popes of the Roman Catholic Church and numerous other dignitaries, including two queens of France.
Starting in the mid-1400s, the Medici’s support for art, science and the humanities played a major role in the rise of the Renaissance period. Many artists of the time received backing from the Medici, which allowed those like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Filippo Brunelleschi to create art and architecture that is among the most revered in history. Michelangelo even lived with the Medici family for a period of time. Cosimo sparked a family interest in books and amassed an impressive collection for the time. His chief book scout, Poggio Bracciolini (also a character in my book), traveled throughout Europe—as well as Syria, Egypt and Greece—looking for special volumes for the collection. Cosimo funded the start of at least three libraries, while other family members later commissioned the building of the Laurentian Library in Florence in 1571.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
On the writing side, I look forward to completing the editing of my next book and getting to the publication stage. I also hope to make some progress on my third novel.
On the personal side, my wife and I are taking a trip to Paris this summer to attend events at the Olympic Games. I collect Olympic memorabilia (5ringscollecting.com) and have also attended the last two Olympics in the United States: Los Angeles in 1984 and Atlanta in 1996. If I had a true Bucket List, one item would be to attend an Olympic Games outside of the U.S. We have been planning this trip since Paris was named the 2024 Olympic host several years ago. We will also spend a few days in Amsterdam.
Since I make substantial use of international sites in my stories, maybe I will find some locations for my next novel.
My writing style has been described as engaging, immersive, highly detailed and descriptive, and emotionally evocative. I love exploring the complexities and dimensions of the characters in my fiction books. Being a Christian counselor for 45 years has given me a unique perspective on the human psyche and motivations, which I bring into the development of my characters.
I enjoy writing first person POV. I believe it allows the reader to connect with the main character on a deeper level and truly experience the story through their eyes.
I also love taking on controversial topics and gritty, real-life scenarios in both my fiction and nonfiction books. I write solely Christian books, but something unique about me is I choose to write in multiple genres (against all advice) – to date, I’ve written historical fiction, Biblical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary allegory, along with devotionals and Bible studies.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
This is a hard one. My first instinct was to say Mac from This Hallowed Ground and Scorched Earth because he has gone through tremendous adversity, suffering, and loss, yet he maintains his integrity, his ability to love, and, ultimately, his strong faith.
But upon contemplation, I would choose Elora from Time Forgotten and Infidel Wars. First of all, she is a strong, confident, and determined woman who stands up for what she believes, even though it costs her freedom and could cost her life. She is highly intelligent and a natural leader. She sacrifices everything to save Danny, the love of her life, and then sacrifices herself to save her daughter. I love her fierce spirit, her warmth, and her passion. I believe she and I could be great friends.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
In April, I’m releasing the second book in the This Hallowed Ground series, entitled Scorched Earth. The book continues the story of Mac and Ester as they face the wilds of the American West in the 1870s. In November, Naomi Craig and I arereleasing the follow-up book to our Biblical fiction, And Their Numbers Grew, entitled And They Were Persuaded, which continues our exploration of characters from the Book of Acts. I will also be working on Book Three (No Man’s Land) and Book Four (A Barren Field Frozen) of the This Hallowed Groundseries, which continues the MacAlister’s story into the next generations. Beyond that, I have planned two new series: an epic fantasy series called Fractured and a dystopian futuristic series tentatively entitled The Ice Kingdom.
I’m also looking forward to having my grandchildren stay with me over weekends this spring and spending this summer in Colorado visiting with my daughter and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.
I’ve always said I’m a Pantser, but since I started using Jennifer Crosswhite’s Novel Blueprint I guess I’m more of a hybrid? Dunno. I find comfort in getting to know my characters first and asking them hard questions. I also like how setting up certain things like a word count goal; chapter/scene goals; first, second, and third act boundaries; where I want the first door of no return, the man-in-the-mirror moment, and whether my scenes are action or reaction. Those types of things. The rest is just as the Lord reveals it in my mind and I start writing–or brainstorming with a friend. 😉
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I’ve written about a LOT of characters and some I’ve loved so much I had to have them make guest appearances in other stories. But maybe Hien from Relentless Heart. She’s been in several other books and I love her spunk and heart. I imagined one of my former students as I wrote her story and was able to get her to model for the cover.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
What I’m looking forward to: oh, so much! First my book Cracklin’ Rosie is set to start a blog tour with Celebrate Lit the end of this month. My next book Ronnie is my 20th book and will release mid June with a Facebook Live celebration and I’m giving one person all 20 books as a prize. I’m also giving away a board game based on my Weather Girls books and the spin off series Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue. It’s pretty cool and a one of a kind–okay, I made a prototype but they aren’t identical 😉. And then in July I get to go back to Kokomo where so many of my books are set for my 50th class reunion. We were the 100th graduating class so this is the 50/100. 😁 And they’ve asked me to bring books.
Speaking of which, my book Sylvia’s Mother (which is set around Kokomo High School) is a Selah Award finalist. I should learn more about that this summer too.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Below are the Amazing Authors that answered…
~~~~~
Thank you
Dianne Marie Andre
-Share or describe your writing style.
If you visit my author’s FB page, it says that I share stories of love, grace, and hope. On my website, I state that my purpose is to inspire readers to pursue their dreams. This is my prayerful intent, to encourage others to know their value and to nurture their God-given gifts and talents with care.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
Miss Sullivan in Ashley’s Gift because she knows how to be a good neighbor and loyal friend without meddling. Sonny Pace in Kiss Under the Lemon Tree because he’s such a nice guy, and he knows how to cook!
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
First, some rest from the hard work of my recent launch of Country Perks and Grit. This will clear my mind and allow room for me to begin creative work on one of the two stories whispering for my attention.
While my books have romance, there is also suspense, and an emotional connection I try and build between the readers and the characters. I would say that I am what’s called a pantser. In my mind, an idea forms and from there I just start writing. It might take me longer than others to write because I don’t always know what is going to happen next as I don’t outline it, but I enjoy seeing the story unfold, and looking back to see how it all flows well together. I tend to go over my books 3-4 times before I nod and say, yes, that’s how it should be. That’s just the story I was meant to share.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
That’s pretty hard. I’m very fond of most all of my characters. Right now, I’m really loving the three gunslinging men who are hitting Amazon in 2025. I’ve started writing the third of seven books and those guys are fantastic and play very well off of each other.
But, if you mean who currently published do I like? I’d say Alyssa, from Alyssa’s Desperate plan which releases in March. She’s scared to be vulnerable but does it anyway and finds an incredible strength inside of her. Another favorite is Louise, who released last year by that title, Louise. She had to go from getting everything in life to caring for her sister, nearly penniless, and making choices that would affect not only her but her sister, and the new families they both were forming. She also has an incredible amount of strength in her.
Those are the kinds of females I like to write about. Those who have challenges and difficulties, but through them all find the determination to keep pressing forward.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Two things have me so excited!
The first is audiobooks! I connected with a fantastic guy who has been recording several of my books into audio. He doesn’t just read, he acts, and it’s been an incredible thing to watch as the stories have come to life and been elevated in a way I never could have imagined. Instead of reading about someone’s fear, you hear it. Instead of reading someone’s confession, you feel it. He’s tremendous. I’m looking forward to getting several more from my back list done, as well as upcoming titles.
I’m also incredibly excited that I’m working on my own series. There will be seven books, and a free short story for readers to enjoy. I can’t wait to share those.
I write fast-paced, character-driven medieval adventures with wholesome romance. Although I firmly believe in the importance of world-building, I avoid info-dumps and extended descriptions of scenery like the plague. All my books are appropriate for ages 13 and up, although my youngest reader has been 11 and she loved my debut novel, Healer’s Blade (Enemy’s Keeper Book 1).
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I would love to meet Aelfric, the runaway thrall (medieval slave) boy in The Thief’s Keeper, my next release in March. Aelfric may have a stingy and rough exterior, but he is tender-hearted and fiercely defends those he loves.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
The Thief’s Keeper (An Enemy’s Keeper Prequel) will be published March 22, and I am SO looking forward to sharing it with the world. I wrote it during a time of grieving for two friends whose funerals were the same weekend, and writing had been my way of processing grief and grappling with my faith in God. The happy ending of Aelfric’s friend had been my way of rewriting the ending for the friends I’ve lost.
For anyone interested, I’m recruiting ARC readers and giving away free swag (bookmarks and stickers) internationally. Also, there will be a 25$ gift card raffle for the ARC team. Cover, synopsis, chapter 1, and signup form here: Kyriewang.com/arc
I think my writing style is similar to my singing voice. People have said it’s simple and clear, not overly trained, but pleasant to listen to––soothing like Karen Carpenter’s mellow tones. My plots are like my vocal range, where I can hit alto and tenor notes, but I don’t go deep and dark. Life already holds enough complication and darkness. And I certainly try to avoid going high and squeaky. I don’t want my readers to cringe while reading my novels. Even when writing humorous scenes, I don’t totally mortify my characters.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
You are asking me to pick a favorite? How could I do that to my paper children? If I were going to have a party though, I think Nellie would be great entertainment. Now that she has Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book and some cooking lessons under her belt, she could put out a good spread. Plus, she could sing for us and do some comedy skits. If she somehow managed to bring her handsome employer along, Mason Peale, I’d love to pick his brain about what it was like to be a mine owner and community leader during the Great Depression. These characters are from my latest release as part of the Apron Strings Book series.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
My youngest is graduating high school, my oldest is turning thirty, and I am turning…… you must guess. Anyway, we are hoping to go on a girls-only road trip this summer. As for writing, I have some collaborative projects that haven’t been announced yet, and they are super cool. Plus, I am working on some sequels to some of my novels. Right now, I am spending a lot of imaginary time along the River Deben in southern England in a mansion with all sorts of intriguing secrets. It’s been a blast, especially since my main characters include two fiddlers, McKay a college student from Wyoming and Huntley Milne, a master fiddler from Scotland. Swoony!
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
~~~~~
Thank you Marlene Bierworth
-Share or describe your writing style.
I love to let my characters create themselves as I write – it’s like reading my own book and sharing in their growth as I pen it. I consider character and spiritual advancement to be the core of the story. Add some unexpected plot twists, more action, and page-turning suspense, and you will have read one of my heartwarming romances. Readers have labeled me as a story-teller, with great characters and interesting plots that find solutions in the Lord and happily-ever-after. I see this a wonderful compliment. I prefer writing historical stories but have published contemporary romance as well. I’ve come a long way in developing my style and message with over 100 books under my belt. And there are many more to come. Stay tuned.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I would like to visit Last Chance and meet Betsy from the Blizzard Brides series. She is an independent gal, and an engaging pioneer model for women of her day, enduring great trials and heartbreak. When she takes on three adopted daughters early in her marriage she molds them into the strong characters (Esther, Eve and Rebecca) readers have raved about in the Last Chance Brides adventures 15 years later. I fell in love with the whole family and would enjoy sitting down to supper with them.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I am involved in a huge multi-author boxset collection and it is stretching me to new heights in my craft. Once Upon a Courtship is a Limited-Time Collection of 12 new books from 12 beloved Christian authors spanning rustic landscapes, elegant ballrooms, rugged cowboys, enigmatic spies, and daring pirates! The hearts of readers will delight with Colonial, Regency, Victorian, Western, and Gilded Age Romance. At the very low preorder price of .99 cents, for 12 books, we are hoping sweet romance readers will preorder their copy today and help us make the USA list before October/24! I finished writing my contribution – Clara’s Compassion – and my editors are excited about its release. A mail-order romance in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains as the country seeks to expand the railway from the east to the west. Lots of unrest in the camp, but Clara’s compassion and Graham’s support despite personal losses and diversity of peoples, will rise up to meet the conflicts head on, and build a place called home in the growing town of Cranston. I think this is my biggest effort this year, but research has inspired me to consider continuing it as a railroad romance series in 2025. We shall see…
My writing style: It can be intense, with some white-knuckle action. But I have laugh out loud moments, as well. I don’t pull punches in the spiritual side of things. Sometimes I feel convicted by my own writing.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I would most like to meet Jack SuLong, from my first book “The Bathtub Full of Holes.” Mainly because he held me at arm’s length the whole time I was writing, and I didn’t get to know him very well. But he has a lot of interesting backstory, I just know it!
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
In the next couple months, I hope to complete the final draft on my second book, “The King Who Would Not Be.” It’s an adventure rather along the lines of “The Prisoner of Zenda.” Made up place, but real world feel.
“Look!” Ruby cried. Mr. Mikeloff swung the flashlight beam. Dark spots on the concrete. “Blood.” Ruby whistled. “And what’s that?” She bent and fished something from the gutter. A brown paper envelope. There were black marks on it. Ruby turned it over. “Here, look at this.” She showed Mr. Mikeloff the scrawling inscription: To my dear ex-brother, The sometime Prince Guy Dufort. Mr. Mikeloff clenched the envelope in his hand. “Four letters,” he murmured. “Sudden, violent seizure of governmental power, for which the perpetrators will stop at nothing … not kidnapping … not murder.” He forced out the final word: “Coup.”
I wish I could say I had a distinct writing style, does writing from the heart count as a writing style? Intercepted went through a number of drafts before I quit and was about to give up. I had fought with myself about what to do next enough and decided that authoring the story wasn’t meant to be.
Then God did what God does, He sent help. He decided He had given me a story He wanted shared with the world, and my limitations were not going to stand in the way.
Enter Nicole Hampton. A friend of my wife and a published author. Nicole, offered to read the book and offer suggestions. She was a blessing from God. Working with Nicole allowed me to look at the story from a new perspective and my writing process changed for the better.
First of all, Nicole loved the story. That was the first time I took a breath and gave myself a little grace to change the things I could and to be okay with the things I couldn’t change. Nicole was honest, brutally at times, and I needed that while chasing the heart of the story. And she held my feet to the fire when my stubbornness took over. For example, in chapter 39, the scene by the fire, I thought I was done writing it. I thought the chapter would hold up. She pushed me for more. It wasn’t until I sat outside on a cold and dark night, closed my eyes, and became Veeder McLean at that moment. I had to feel what he felt. I had to live that moment, the pain, the anger, the helplessness, the fear, the forgiveness. I had to feel it to be able to write it.
And there were other scenes where I had to go back and sit in a quiet room and envision the scenario. I remember writing the conversation between Liz and Veeder in the church courtyard, and tears were streaming down my face. That happened again when I wrote about the scene between MK and Veeder when he was on the couch in his apartment watching TV. I had to shorten that scene because the pain I felt in my heart as I envisioned MK trying to console her brother at that moment broke me. And no matter how much I tried to capture her emotions, it didn’t work. I just couldn’t write it.
And it was in the work with Nicole that I found my writing style for Intercepted, it was one of experiential realism. I had the words. I had the scene. I had the story, but those big scenes fell flat because I didn’t have the emotion. I had to feel the emotion in those scenes before I could write them. The experience of being in those moments gave a unique quality to Intercepted that I hope I can recreate in the future. It was cathartic. And words will never ever convey how grateful to Nicole I am for her mentorship, her friendship, her love for this story, and the writing process. She has become family and I will forever be grateful for her time, patience, and grace as I wrote this story. “Thank you” will never be enough for her pushing me to find the heart of this story. And I will always be grateful to God for sending her my way when I needed help.
Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I would love to talk with Mary Katherine (MK), JJ, Veeder, Grandma Colleen, and Pastor Kelly.
Pastor Kelly doesn’t like Veeder, wants better for his daughter, and yet in two of the most difficult scenes involving Veeder or Anna, Pastor Kelly is a saint. First in his office when Veeder challenges Pastor Kelly about God and quite angrily, I might add. Pastor Kelly shows us the true love of Jesus in that moment. He knows the boy is hurting, but he doesn’t like him for his daughter, and yet he finds that love to help Veeder in that moment. His patience and grace in that interchange touched my heart. I pray for that kind of compassion in the face of great difficulty.
And when he is sitting on the swing with his daughter, Anna, he finds a new level of grace. She is questioning her whole relationship with Veeder, the young man he thinks is wrong for his daughter, but he doesn’t let her off easy. He shares the truth about God, love, and relationships. He challenges her to think about what she wants in her life and who she wants to do life with. Innately, he knows that her happiness, even if it’s with someone he is not thrilled about, is more important than his feelings for the young man. As my children grow up and make mistakes I don’t agree with, I pray I have a little of Pastor Kelly’s grace in my heart.
JJ is just so cool. There’s no other way to put it. I loved writing his character. His light, his talent, his faith, his love for family, and his love for God is a blessing. He is humble and kind and a tough guy all rolled into one. I would have so many questions for him that we would probably run out of time before I asked them all.
I would love to talk with Veeder because in so many respects, his life story is intertwined with mine. Parts of his story are things that have happened in my life, and so many other parts of his life are vastly different. I’d want to ask why he couldn’t fathom that God was real while growing up in the loving family he had. He had so many blessings from day one and he chose paths that didn’t make sense and his life kept getting intercepted. And in each of these crossroads, Jesus is there with His arms open wide and Veeder walks away from the love of Jesus and pursues another path. It was tough to write, it was tough to read, and I know that’s the story God gave me but if Veeder were real, I would have so many significant questions for him. And even as I list them, I am positive his answers would frustrate me. And that’s what makes him so lovable. As flawed as he is, he has a conviction, a spirit, and a belief that many people in the world don’t have. You just find yourself rooting for him even when you’re frustrated by his choices.
Grandma Colleen was always the wildcard in the story. She worked with JJ to teach Veeder the game of football against his mother’s wishes. She challenges Jill because she did not want to lie to her, and she prayed for her family constantly. Holding them close, she really is the glue in the family that makes all of the chaos in a large Irish family work. I would want to know where she got her chutzpah and moxie. She is also the one I feel was closest to Jesus. I could see the two of them sitting on her front porch just talking like two old friends. People passing by would thing she was crazy, but they would be the ones missing the reality of how much her relationship with Jesus was so familiar to her. He was never far from her side.
And Mary Katherine is just an impressive character. She loves her twin brother so much that she is willing to do whatever necessary to help him find his way in the world. Her dreams of being a doctor are never set aside, but the dream of her brother being saved by the love of Jesus is important to her. I would want to know why she doesn’t give up. I really see the definition of agape love in this relationship. No matter what happens, MK is selfless, her love for Veeder is unconditional, and even when it doesn’t make sense, she accepts him, his faults and all. She would give everything up just to lead her brother to Jesus. It is so subtly understated but the love MK has for her brother is what God intends for us all to strive for in our lives. I would want her to show me how to be like that in my own life. It is so beautiful to witness, but it is subtle. You have to look closely at their relationship, or you will miss it.
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Living, learning, loving, and growing in the love of God. I am fighting a massive case of writer’s block. I have a lot of ideas that God has given me to share, I am just waiting for the ideas to flourish into a direction. In God’s timing, it will all come together. So we will find out together when the time is right.
The one question I get often is “When is the sequel to Intercepted coming out?” I wish I knew. I have had glimpses of what a sequel or second book might look like, but nothing concrete has developed yet.
And finally, in the coming months, I pray we will see peace prevail in Israel and Ukraine.
The third set of four in my line up of author interviews!! Thank you all so much. I am so excited about next week share too. Who will be the featured authors??? #sharingiscaringbookblog #authorinterviews #readabook
Here are the questions I asked in my Facebook groups for authors to answer;
I think next week I would like to share your answers on my blog. So to those who answer consider yourself interviewed by me with the same three questions…
~Share or describe your writing style.
~Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
~What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
**I got so many replies I will be sharing more than one post. Woohoo!!!
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Thank you Janetta Fudge Messmer
Share or describe your writing style.
Pantser. I like to be as surprised as my readers are. I usually do a synopsis then write.
Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
Rosie from my Early Birds series. She wacky and fun. I’m spontaneous, but she’s off the charts.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Working on Book #12. It’s been a while since I sat down and wrote anything. It feels good.
I write cozy mysteries set on Mackinac Island with a mystery, mayhem, and miracles …stories of truth. I write in first person from the main character’s viewpoint – that is new for some people. The story can only be told from what the main character – the protagonist, sees and hears. That can be a challenge along with keeping every mystery fresh. All my books can be read in order or as stand alones – another challenge for me as a writer.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I’m looking forward to releasing the 5th book in March. Being Nancy (In a world lost in mystery) It will be loads of fun for Nancy Drew fans – one of my inspirations to write.
Being Ethel (In a world that loves Lucy) Being Dorothy (In a world longing for home) Being Alice (In a world lost in the looking glass) Being Wendy (In a world afraid to grow up) – free in KU – ebooks on Amazon and paperbacks everywhere ♥️https://amzn.to/3wnaEWj
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Thank you Mary L. Hamilton
Share or describe your writing style.
Hmm, I guess I’d say warm, empathetic, usually serious but with occasional humor
Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I’d like to meet Taylor from Speak No Evil, the second book in my Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series. He was fun to write about.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I’m looking forward to writing my next novel about a woman who is tasked with finding people who will treasure five things her late mother treasured–things which seem to hold little worth. Amazon author page: https://amzn.to/3KDNhjM Website:https://maryhamiltonbooks.com/
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Thank you Ruthie Madison
Which of your characters would you most like to meet and get to know and what book are they from?
I would love to meet Julie and Eric from my Second Chance Series. They are in three of my books.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
The first four in my line up of mini author interviews!! Thank you all so much. I am so excited about next week share too. Who will be the featured authors???
Throughout my social media pages and posts, I notice books and authors because they notice me. I appreciate those comments, likes, shares, and loves. Some of these authors I could chat with for hours and some I have and I just want to say thank you so much. I hope and pray other readers notice you and find out more about all your books.
**Click on the book covers below to find out more about each book**
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Quick question: If you could pick out the two that interest you the most which two would you pick?
Most blog shares I share about books but this time I would like to share a little bit more about my graphic art services and premade ebook covers I am offering authors. I also do custom ebook covers and bookwraps.
Attention author friends!!! Don’t get overwhelmed creating social media graphics to promote your books. Let me help you out. What can I do? Some examples are below… DROP ME A PM IN FACEBOOK MESSENGER. #sharingiscaringdesignsbydawn
PLUS I DO DEALS!!! THOSE ARE NOT LISTED ABOVE.
Have you noticed the graphics I have created for sharing about my book blog? The social media posts, stories, and reels I’ve shared in the past, below are a few samples…
Let me help you out and share my assistance for all your social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok) needs.
Plus here are a few ebook covers and book covers (The Goodbye Heart is a book wrap) I have designed.
I have more designs and those are in the author’s hands but can not be shared at the time. It’s so exciting and something I love doing.
I know this is a short and sweet kinda post but I feel like there are so many wonderful authors that don’t know about my services and I would enjoy assisting you.
An interview with myself…
~So can I talk about things I know?
Yes I can and for hours!
~Like how much graphic design skills do I have?
I’d love to answer, over 20 years of experience, and this is also my day job. Book cover design is newer for me though and I’m learning new things every day.
~How long do I take on a design?
I do my best to stick to a 3-day turnaround (or less, normally much less), however, that’s giving me extra time in case an emergency arises. Social media posts take less time than book cover designs.
~How many book layouts will I create for the author’s request?
Always three, then will talk about what you like and don’t like and revisions can be made.
~Are constant revisions a pain in the bottom side?
Absolutely NOT!! I want those that I assist to receive the book cover that they see in their mind and to love what I create for them.
~Is it okay for you not to like what I create and will it hurt my feelings?
It is okay if you don’t like what I do that is why I do proofs. My style may not be a style you like and that is okay my feelings have got a big callous over them about artwork and design and I wish you nothing but the best in finding the book cover artist of your dreams.
*** If you have a question for me I’d love to answer… give me a comment or shot me a Facebook pm.
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