Category: Author Interview

Author Interview

Author Laura Richie (Interview)

Michelle

Hi Peoples, please welcome author Laura Richie to The Mimosa Blossom, today.

Hi Laura, welcome, and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for our readers.💕

(1)Laura, to start can you tell us about the newest release from your successful
Storybook Series?
Sure! The Go-and-Tell Storybook is the third book in the series, and it picks up where
The Easter Storybook left off. Jesus recently returned to the Father, and His friends are
waiting for His promise to come true. I love the illustration of God’s Spirit coming to
them! The rest of the book shows their adventures as they spread Jesus’ rescue and
hope to people far and wide! This third book focuses on stories from the book of Acts
plus a few of the letters written by Jesus’ friends.


(2)How did you come up with the title?
To be honest, finding the right title for Go-and-Tell was a bit of a struggle. The previous
two books are associated with a holiday—Advent/Christmas for the first and Easter for
the second. The third book continues the same Story, but we didn’t have a holiday for it.
Eventually, my editor and I settled on The Go-and-Tell Storybook because it
summarizes so much of what was happening in this part of the Story. Jesus’ friends,
empowered by God’s Spirit, are telling everyone who will listen about the Rescuer who
came to make all things new. They’re doing the same good things Jesus did, healing
and helping and giving hope.
My 5-year-old loves this book and frequently requests it at bedtime. A few nights ago,
he misspoke and called it The Show-and-Tell Storybook—which is also completely
accurate, if you think about it!


(3)Is there an overlying theme in this new storybook? Why is this important for
children to learn and how can this book help parents start conversations with
their kids about Jesus?
The biggest theme in all three books is that Jesus is our Rescuer who came to make all
things new. In The Advent Storybook, we journey with ancient people from the Old
Testament who waited for centuries for Jesus to come, and we discover why He came
and why it mattered. In The Easter Storybook, we walk with people who actually walked
and talked with Jesus, enabling us to encounter the Rescuer and learn who He really is.
In The Go-and-Tell Storybook, we watch as Jesus’ rescue continues through His
friends.
Another theme in the third book is that we, too, are part of this amazing Story of rescue
and hope. Even when things are dark or difficult, I want kids to be able to hold onto the
hope that what we see now is not all there is. One day, Jesus will wipe away all of our
tears and fears, and we will be with God again, in a heaven and earth made good and
new.
Questions at the end of each story are great conversation prompts for families to
discuss these big themes and important ideas.

(4) For what age group did you write this book? Do you have a larger audience in
mind?
I intentionally wrote this series with vocabulary and sentences that can be understood
and enjoyed by four-to-eight-year-olds, with an overlap of 1-2 years on either side,
depending on the child. All of my children fall into that age range (my youngest is almost
3 and my oldest is 9), and they all enjoy reading it with me.
I’ve heard other families say that their older children (teenagers or above) also enjoy
reading the books with the rest of the family. It’s a great book for family reading
time—the stories are short (just 1 page each) but meaningful, and the illustrations
captivate the little ones and help them sit through the story (at least part of it ��).


(5) What key Bible verses or Bible stories are used to relate the overall message
of Jesus as our Rescuer?
In Go-and-Tell, almost all of the stories arise from a chronological journey through the
book of Acts. We encounter Peter, Paul, and the other first Christians as they are filled
with God’s Spirit and subsequently spread His rescue and love to those around them,
whether that’s to their neighbor next door or all the way across the Mediterranean Sea.


(6) How did you come up with the idea for this children’s series and why is there a
need for this? How do the stories draw families together?
It all started with The Advent Storybook and my desire to hone our family’s focus onto
Jesus around the busy holiday season. I realized that I couldn’t clearly explain why
Jesus’ birth still mattered 2,000 years after the fact, so I set out to study the Old
Testament and find the answer so I could then explain it to my children. I discovered
that Jesus is the Rescuer first promised by God immediately after evil and death
entered creation through Adam and Eve. The rest of the OT traces God’s promise to
rescue and befriend us, culminating in the long-anticipated birth of His Son.
The next book shows who Jesus is, sharing 40 stories from His beautiful life. And finally,
the third book shows what happened after He returned to the Father. As a child, I felt a
little cheated that those people were able to walk and talk with Jesus, unlike me. But
Jesus didn’t abandon us—He sent His Spirit, and now we, too, can walk and talk with
God!
Although I grew up attending church, I didn’t see the overarching theme of God’s rescue
and love in the Bible until I became a mother. As a result, I had a skewed view of
God—deep down, I saw Him as a Taskmaster who was always watching me, rewarding
me for following the rules and punishing me if I messed up. I didn’t trust Him or love
Him—I was scared of Him! I was constantly striving to live up to His standards and
constantly trying to ignore that I wasn’t quite measuring up.

All of that changed over a period of time that culminated in one particular evening. By
this point, I was a mess. I had finally reached the point of giving up—not on God, but on
trying to please Him and follow the rules. I’ve always known that God is real, but I just
couldn’t do it anymore—I couldn’t keep striving, couldn’t keep trying to force myself to
love Someone who I secretly resented for being so unrealistic in His expectations.
So I let go of it all. I let go of all the good I had done and the bad things I hadn’t done. I
let go of trying to hide all the ways I couldn’t measure up. It felt like stepping off a cliff
blindfolded. Then something very unexpected happened. Instead of falling into a void,
or sensing divine rage at my lack of effort, I felt peace. I felt love. I saw Jesus—not
physically, but spiritually—for the first time. And He was beautiful. He knew I couldn’t
follow the rules or love Him or love others well enough. That’s exactly why He came! He
came to rescue us—all of us, anyone who realizes their need for Him and believes.
That’s the message my books convey. Jesus is the Rescuer for all who realize their
need for Him and believe. I don’t want my kids—or any child anywhere—to grow up
terrified and resentful of God because of a skewed understanding of who He is. He truly
is Love, and He wants us to be with Him forever in a perfectly renewed world free of sin
and death.

(7) The illustrations are so beautiful and compelling. How did you connect with
the illustrator Ian Dale and why are these illustrations so important in conveying
the message of the stories?
I love Ian’s illustrations! They’re detailed and colorful and realistic, with characters that
are all unique and facial expressions that clearly communicate emotions. Ian’s
characters also look like they’re from the Middle East, Africa, and Europe with skin
tones and features that match their country of origin. I feel so blessed to have partnered
with him on these three books.
I actually chose him as the illustrator for The Advent Storybook back when we hoped to
self-publish it. We had a crowd-funding Kickstarter campaign and raised the money to
pay for the illustrations, and then God miraculously forged a partnership with David C
Cook, who took over from there to pay for printing and distributing the first book.
Ian’s illustrations really bring the stories to life, especially for this age group.


(8) What is unique to your storytelling style that engages children?
I’m committed to showing the overarching Story of the Bible, connecting each individual
story under that arc, while also staying true to the historical details.
I like short, clear sentences that convey my message without a lot of fluff. My primary
goal is to share a story—and, inherently, a message—as clearly as possible. I also love
to “translate” difficult concepts into ideas that children can understand. I believe that if
you can’t explain it to a child, you don’t really understand it.

(9) Where can people find a copy of The Go-and-Tell Storybook as well as the
other books in the series?
It’s widely available online! Check out Amazon, Walmart, Christianbook, Thriftbooks,
Barnes&Noble, and others.


(10) Do you have a website where people can find out more information about you
and the story behind this series?
Adventstorybook.com has a lot of the backstory plus some free resources.


LauraRichie.com lists most of the available books and has video trailers about each
one.


IanDale.net shows the illustrator’s work and story.

Anne Greene · Author Interview

Q&A with Anne Greene

Michelle2 Comments

Please welcome author Anne Greene to The Mimosa Blossom.

Anne, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.

ANNE GREENE BIO         

Anne lives in the quaint antiquing town of McKinney, Texas, a few miles north of Dallas. Her husband is a retired Colonel, Army Special Forces. Her little brown and white Shih Tzu, Lily Valentine, shares her writing space, curled at her feet.

Besides her first love, writing, she enjoys family, friends, travel, reading, and way too many other things to mention. Life is good. Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly.” Whether writing contemporary or historical, Anne’s books celebrate the abundant life Jesus gives.

Anne’s an award-winning author of twenty-four books. She loves writing about alpha heroes who aren’t afraid to fall on their knees in prayer, and about gutsy heroines. She hopes her stories transport you to awesome new worlds and touch your heart to seek a deeper spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus.

  • How do you hope your readers will react to the stories you write? I hope they will get in touch with me and tell me my books helped them, even if they were able to escape life for a few days or hours. I still hear from people I meet that my first book, Trail of Tears which I plan to see in print again soon, affected their life.

That is awesome about your book Trail of Tears

(2) Just for fun, what’s the longest you can stand on your toes?  Ha! Since I had foot surgery years ago, I can’t stand on my toes at all. BTW, doctors no longer perform that foot surgery.

Ouch! That foot surgery sounds painful.

(3) What book made you want to be an author? Hard question. I started reading when I was four years old. Books were a sweet companion all my life. I would have to say no one book inspired me. Rather, my father inspired me to write. He always wanted to but never did.

What a great inspiration from your father.

(4) If you could write in a different genre, which would you choose? I write Suspense, Mystery, Historical Romance and Contemporary Romance. I would like to write a non-fiction book on How To Write a Great Book.

I enjoy reading your books, so your non-fiction book idea is wonderful!

(5) Do you like sound or silence when you write? Yes. I work in my office. Music distracts me. Conversation distracts me. I don’t think I could write in a public place such as a Starbucks. I love having my quiet and my puppy at my feet.

A puppy can be so comforting!

(6) How far will you read before giving up on a book? If the first chapter in a new book doesn’t captivate me, I toss the book.

As a reader, I like to know what an author would do.

(7) Just for fun, what are you listening to right now? The heater in my office. Me drinking coffee. The clatter of keys on my keyboard.

I can actually imagine this setting 🙂

(8) Are there any people in your life who have inspired certain traits in your character(s) or scenes? Yes. I write from my own experiences, feelings, disappointments, joy, contentment, etc. But I also write the villain from my own inner self. Soooo…..   And yes, I have a few flamboyant acquaintances that end up in my books.

Thanks, Michelle. These questions are refreshing. Thanks for having me. You are a true “book friend”.

Aww, Anne, you are so sweet to say that. I know you are very busy and I appreciate the time you have taken for this interview 🙂

Author Interview · Michelle L Levigne

Q&A with Michelle Levigne

Michelle2 Comments

Please welcome author Michelle Levigne to The Mimosa Blossom.

Michelle, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.

Bio:

I’m a freelance editor handling fiction and non-fiction books and short stories as well as business articles. I am multi-published in e and small press. My dreams include winning the World Series in Cleveland, selling to Hollywood, and living off my book royalties.

1) When writing your books do you have the whole plot outlined before writing, or do you let the characters dictate what comes next?


I’m a plontser — midway between pantser and plotter. I start with a general outline, the main plot events that are necessary, and the goal. I leave room for rabbit trails and expanding on “ooh, that’s cool!” moments and discoveries. (By discoveries, I mean things that just “show up” in action and dialog that fit the story/characters, and create another layer of details and depth. Such as a character having a brother I didn’t know about, or some bit of back story, or a super power, etc.)


The first draft usually involves coming up with back story for the characters. They “introduce” themselves to me. I know the characters are becoming real when I get those sticking moments where they don’t want to do the things necessary for the plot. (“No, I’m not going to put on the silver glitter slippers, I’m a hiking boots kind of girl.”) That can be fun, and frustrating — and I have to fix it by either going back and changing the
character or changing the plot. You never want to force characters to do something that is not natural for them. Readers can tell. These are the moments where it feels like they’re arguing with you. Change the circumstances so the natural reaction fulfills the plot turn requirements, or go back and change the character.


So in a sense, characters DO dictate what happens in the story — but it’s my job to create multi-dimensional characters who perform as necessary to move the plot along and reach the desired goal. I don’t have highly detailed outlines, “Go from A to B to C to D to E,” because that just gives me hives. I’m more a, “Set out from A to get to Z. At the first branching you have options B, C, D, and the next branching you have options E, F, G,” etc. What’s fun is when I know the characters and the setting so well (like in a series I’ve been writing for a few books now) the story seems to write itself. I feel like I’m just reporting what’s happening in a movie I’m watching inside my head.

(2) Just for fun, would you rather have superpowers or be a heroine in your favorite book? If superpowers, which one and why?

Hmmm, that’s kind of cheating, and kind of hard at the same time, because in a lot of my books I AM the heroine — and I DO have superpowers. <G> What’s funny is that I started writing in fandom. (Some of my fandom stories are available on Wattpad) I belonged to a Star Trek club, and we wrote lots of stories. I currently have a book under consideration (hope I don’t jinx myself here!) that is based on one story my Trek friends
wrote. (“Fried Klingons” details what happened when our ship got infested with Pernese firelizards, and then some Klingons picked on the children of our crew at a starbase.) The AFV Defender is kind of a misfit ship, with snarky officers, telepaths, and kids on board. “My” character, M’kar, is Chief of Talents, and an animal telepath. I’m having so much fun letting her snark and getting her in trouble, and basically play nasty tricks on Humanoid races who are loosely based on any people or organizations or countries
currently in the news who hack me off and need to be publically humiliated, while shielding myself from slander and libel suits. So yeah, if I could I would be M’kar. (I assume you meant one of MY books that’s a favorite, right? Don’t ask me to pick a favorite among all the books I’ve read. Far too many to choose…)

(3) Just for fun, Chocolate or candy?


Now that’s just cruel…. I’ll have to go with chocolate, just because you can put chocolate on just about anything. So does chocolate-covered count as chocolate, or as candy? Do candy bars count as chocolate or as candy? Does white chocolate count as chocolate? Because that would include a lot of candy too…. And chocolate substitutes -do they count as chocolate?

(4) What can readers do to support you on your writing journey?

Have fun with my stories. Tell people they liked my stories. Let me know whose stories they’d like to see more of. Tell me what didn’t work (but be nice, please!), so I can avoid making those mistakes again. Spell names correctly when they write reviews. I’m serious! I’ve had some reviewers change the spelling of the planets or weird creatures that I made up. Excuse me? This is MY world, I know the correct spelling and punctuation of MY babies, thanks very much. <G>


Feedback and communication would be great. My email address is on my website and you can write comments on my Facebook page and blog, and I’ll eventually (depending on how crazy-busy my life is at the time) get back to you. I want to know what readers like and want more of. Asking questions about characters and situations might just spark new ideas for the characters, society, universe, whatever.


Just to make it easy: http://www.Mlevigne.com, wwwMichelleLevigne.blogspot.com,
@MichelleLevigne, MichelleLevigne@gmail.com

(5) What is the best part of your day?

The morning, because that’s the part I reserve for ME, for writing, for rough drafting, for playing in my private playground. Afternoons are for earning a living (I’m a freelance editor) and trying to figure out promotion, and office work and chores. My creative energy is highest in the morning, which is why I reserve mornings for me.

(6) Which character, in your book Odessa Fremont, took you by surprise?


That’s a rough question because I actually wrote this book AFTER the book that comes next in the series. “The Blue Lotus Society” came first. I made so many references to Ess’s back story, “Odessa Fremont” pretty much wrote itself. I knew exactly what had to happen, to get her from a 14-year-old running away from boarding school to the tough, slightly distrustful 21-year-old Pinkerton agent. She had to travel with the circus, and foil
a robbery and an attempt to restart the Civil War, and meet up with the Pinkerton agent who became her mentor. I didn’t plan on Jasper/Jasmine or the Countess, or the circus owner being a Civil War veteran hiding from assassins … but it wasn’t so much a “surprise” when they showed up as it was the sense of people tapping me on the shoulder and asking to have their stories told. They just made sense to be there.


I didn’t plan to kill Giles, or for the Secret Service agents to have such a big part, and turn up as friends and allies later. But they just made sense. Once story characters take on enough details to feel solid, you can’t really put them back in their box and into the closet — they want to stay out and keep playing.


I’m playing with the idea of starting a new storyline based in the same “universe” as Guardians of the Time Stream, and the people introduced in “Odessa” will probably show up later.

(7) What is something that was edited out of your original draft?


I don’t think anything was. At least, anything noticeable. The book grew as I revised it, adding details, rather than shrinking in any way. Again, it was such an easy, fun story to write because everything just came together. Nothing could have been cut out without leaving a big, jagged hole.

(8) What do you hope readers will take away from this story?


I want them to have fun, to enjoy Ess’s story and want to keep reading — and when they get to the 4th book, write me to ask for more! I want people to love the characters as much as I came to love them as I was playing with them. This whole series was such fun to write because the characters were individuals, real and solid enough that I basically just created the “stage” where they were to act, set up obstacles and goals, and then just wound them up and let them go.

I want readers to be encouraged to face life with the same attitude as Ess — to help out wherever she saw a need that she could fill, to take responsibility for others’ wellbeing, to be loyal and smart and know right from wrong, to be one tough chick and have fun along the way.

(9) What are you currently working on?


Right now I’m revising a snarky, humorous romance called “For Sale: Wedding Dress. Never Used.” To be released in June from Mt. Zion Ridge Press. Also I’m waiting for responses from several publishers who have books sitting under consideration — a contract will certainly determine what I work on next. I also promised my Australian publisher two books this year. “Song of the Nightskimmer” will be the 3rd Talon book,
set in my Commonwealth (SF) series. The Talon is essentially Zorro, set on a colony world. The other book doesn’t even have a title yet, but it will be the 5th book in the Faxinor (fantasy) series. In Book 4, “Sword of Faxinor,” the oldest son and 3rd Faxinor child retrieved a stolen ancestral sword. While he was away, his younger brother was kidnapped. Book 5 will be the quest to find and rescue him.

Author Interview · Kathi Macias

Q&A with Kathi Macias

Michelle3 Comments

Please welcome author Kathi Macias to The Mimosa Blossom.

Kathi, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.

BIO

Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of more than fifty books, including Red Ink, the 2011 Golden Scrolls Novel of the Year. A popular speaker at writer’s conferences, women’s retreats, and other events, Kathi lives in Southern California with her husband, Al. Her favorite pastimes are reading, knitting, and spoiling her grandchildren (and great-grandchildren!).

(1) Would you rather have limited access to a book or live inside a book? I wish I could limit my involvement in a book, but I’ve always been one who was quickly caught up and began living inside every book I read. I suppose that’s at least part of why I became a writer.

(2) Just for fun, What books are on your nightstand? It’s a very tall pile, but at the top is “When Jesus Wept” by the Theones, two of my very favorite authors.

(3) What is your ideal writing space, what do you need to have handy? I have a little nook with my desk in it, along with my printer, my favorite chair, and a lamp. That’s all I need to get started.

(4) Can you briefly tell us what `Unexpected Christmas Hero` is about? I’ve long had a heart for the homeless and decided to write a Christmas novel with the storyline of a mom and her two young children who end up homeless when the head of the family passes away unexpectedly. When it seems there is no hope left, a very ill homeless Vietnam vet steps in and become their “unexpected Christmas hero.” The “story behind the story” is amazing. When my publisher (New Hope) sent their photographer out to look for someone to put on the cover of the book, they spotted a man who seemed perfect for the part. When they explained to him what they were doing, he began to cry and explained that he really was homeless and had lost touch with his family years ago. He agreed to have his picture put on the cover, and when the publisher told me about him, I started a social media campaign to reunite him with his family. I posted his picture and his name and asked if anyone knew where his family might be. Within two weeks we had them reunited on the phone, but neither the father or his daughter had the money to pay for him to come home. So we started another campaign and raised enough money to get him home in time for Christmas. He was soon reunited with his former wife and his two grown daughters, and he met his grandchildren for the first time. I can’t tell you what that did to my heart! What a blessing that God allowed me to be part of that wonderful Christmas miracle!!!

(5) When you walk into a bookstore where do you head first? Definitely fiction.

(6) Can you describe yourself in three words? Practical, determined, compassionate.

(7) If someone made a movie of your life, what would the title be? Restoration

(8) What’s next for you on your writing journey? Right now I’m working on a book to tell the story of the most traveled missionary who ever lived. She has traveled to more than 200 countries, taking the gospel and trusting God each step of the way. She is amazing!

(9) Would you choose a rom-com movie or a mystery? Why? A mystery! I love a good mystery—always have.

(10) Where can readers find you online? My website is www.kathimacias.com. I’m on Twitter (@alandkathi) and Facebook (Kathi Macias). I can be reached at the “contact” button on my website. I love to hear from readers, and I always respond!

Author Interview

Q&A with Susanne Dietze

Michelle6 Comments

Please welcome author Susanne Dietze to The Mimosa Blossom.

Susanne, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.

BIO

Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she’s the award-winning author of over a dozen romances with Timeless Heart. A pastor’s wife and mom of two, she loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama. Visit her website, www.susannedietze.com, and sign up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRldfv

(1) Besides writing, what hobbies do you have?

I enjoy genealogy, reading (of course!), making crafts, and I’m learning how to play pickle ball. I’m not good, but it’s really fun!


(2) What is your process of writing?

I start out writing a blurb and a general theme, and from there, I create an excel spreadsheet to help me organize the plot. That helps me write a synopsis, and from there I start writing! Elements of the plot or characters change as I write, so I have to take notes to make sure the story is consistent. For example, as I was writing, I realized my heroine makes pen-and-ink drawings into little books for her nephews. I love learning new things about my characters as we get better acquainted.


(3) What do you hope your readers take away from ‘Star of Wonder’, your story in The Victorian Christmas collection?

I hope readers take away a sense of family and forgiveness. Life is messy, as are relationships, and when we enter that messiness with God’s love and the desire for reconciliation, we can live more closely into who He wants us to be. Also, I’d love it if a reader felt “Christmassy” with this story. I enjoyed celebrating Christmas traditions with the family in the story, and I hope a reader does too!


(4) Would you rather have your favorite book become a film or t.v. show?

Interesting question! I would say film, probably, because with a TV show, the original plot would have to be changed/added to in order to fill episodes, unless it’s a limited series.


(5) Just for fun, What are you watching?

I love Hallmark Christmas movies! I record them and catch up as I can. I haven’t yet seen all of the new ones this year.


(6) If someone made a movie of your life, what would the theme song be?

Oh boy…that’s a tough one! Well, Jeremy Camp is one of my favorite Christian artists, and one of his songs that’s always resonated with me is “Restored Me.” It goes well with my spiritual journey, too. God is continually restoring me!


(7) What is your favorite part of Star of Wonder?

I loved writing the children in the story, so each scene with them in it was a lot of fun. I think my favorite would be when they are making Christmas ornaments. Just like in real life, glue sticks to the wrong things, and crafts turn out lumpy or misshapen, but there are nonetheless absolutely precious. It’s all about spending time with people!


(8) What was your favorite subject in school?

I was that kid whose favorite part of elementary school was silent reading! When I got older, I enjoyed English, but also history. No surprise there!


(9) What was the most interesting thing that you discovered when writing your story?

I learned quite a bit while I researched the history of astronomy for the hero. It was interesting to learn when people thought a hundred years ago about the solar system. I also enjoyed researching what different people thought about the Christmas star!


(10) Where do you get the idea for your characters?

Sometimes I get a picture of them in my head before I know who they are. That’s how the hero of my first novel, The Reluctant Guardian, came to be. I was driving, and in my head, I saw him at night, dressed in black, standing out in the rain, watching a house as if he was protecting it. I wondered, why on earth would he do that? Who is he protecting? That’s how the entire story started. On occasion, I am inspired by something I read, or someone who struggles with a particular issue…sometimes they’re my issues! Other times, it’s the story that inspires the characters. I love Mail Order Bride stories, and when I wrote one, I wondered, “what would make a woman leave her home and marry a man she’s never met? What would make a man marry a woman he didn’t know?” In answering those questions, I meet my characters!

Allison K Garcia · Author Interview

Q&A with Allison K Garcia

Michelle2 Comments

Please welcome author Allison K Garcia to The Mimosa Blossom.

Allison, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.

BIO

Allison K. Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor, but she has wanted to be a writer ever since she could hold a pencil. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Shenandoah Valley Writers, Virginia Writers Club, and is Municipal Liaison for Shenandoah Valley NaNoWriMo.

Allison’s short story, “At Heart,” was published in the Winter 2013 edition of From the Depths literary magazine, along with her flash fiction. Her work, “You Shall Receive,” was published in GrayHaven Comics’s 2014 All Women’s anthology. Winning an honorary mention in the ACFW Virginia 2015 short story contest, “Just Another Navidad” was published in A bit of Christmas. Allison’s novel Vivir el Dream has finaled in 4 awards: the 2016 ACFW Genesis Contest, 2018 Eric J. Hoffer Montaigne Medal, 2018 Eric J. Hoffer Ebook Honorable Mention, 2018 IAN Book of the Year Award in the Christian/Religious Fiction category, and 1st place in the 2018 Royal Dragonfly Awards Ebook Cultural Fiction category. Her highly-anticipated novel, Finding Amor, was released in September 2018. Her novella “Navidad & Familia” is also featured in the 2018 boxed set A Merry Navidad.

Latina at heart, Allison has been featured in local newspapers for her connections in the Latino community in Harrisonburg, Virginia. A member of cultural competency committees for work and a participant in several pro-immigrant rallies and other events in her region, she also sings on the worship team and enjoys get-togethers with the hermanos in her church. With the help of her husband, Julio, and their son, Miguel, she has been able to nurture her love for the Latino people.

(1) How long did it take you to write your first book? What was it called? My very first book was called “My Future Car” and may have informed some future SUVs. But that was in Kindergarten or so. I also wrote a “novel” in 8th grade called “The Runaway” and one at the end of high school called “A New Home for Annie.” As an adult, the first novel I published is “Vivir el Dream” and it took me 1 month (during National Novel Writing Month) to write the first draft. Then I edited it for many years before I published it. 🙂


(2) What is your greatest roadblock to writing and how did you overcome it? I was really stuck on wanting to get published traditionally but when I stopped focusing on my own desires and focused on God’s, I listened to him and went the indie route, which is going well so far! God knows what He is doing!


(3) Just for fun, what are you watching?“Travelers” on Netflix. Third season. Very interesting show!


(4) Which do you like better reading inspirational fiction or writing it? Writing! But I do love “At Home in Mitford” and C.S. Lewis and some of my friends’ books.


(5) What inspired your book Finding Amor? I was watching the news and saw some Americans protesting outside a bus of immigrant children where were being moved to a detention center. It made me so sad thinking about how frightened those children must be and how long their journey must have been and then to have it end like that. I also wondered how many of those protesting called themselves Christians, yet were screaming and being hateful towards their “neighbors.” So that’s when I decided to write the first scene in my book with Emanuel sitting on a bus and experiencing this very thing.


(6) Where did you get your idea for the book Vivir el Dream? One of our brothers in Christ was deported. At this same time, I saw how undocumented immigrants were being portrayed in the media and how other Christians were speaking about them with such hate and anger, I needed to show an authentic representation of immigrants and God gave me some good ideas.


(7) Which authors have had the most impact on your writing? Barbara Kingsolver, the Brontes, J.K. Rowling, Agatha Christie, Jan Karon.


(8) Describe yourself in three words. Loving, funny, Christian


(9) Do you have any interesting writing rituals? Writing whenever my toddler is asleep. heheheh


(10) Just for fun, If you could be any animal which would it be and why?Hmmmm…I think I would like to fly or swim and feel so free, so either dolphin or eagle.

Angela K Couch · Author Interview

Q&A with Angela K Couch

Michelle2 Comments

Please welcome author Angela K Couch to The Mimosa Blossom.

Angela, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.

BIO

To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after three munchkins.

(1) Tell us a bit about your book `The Tory’s Daughter`.

The Tory’s Daughter is the third book in my Hearts at War series, after The Scarlet Coat and The Patriot and the Loyalist. Sensing a theme? While characters appear throughout the series, each book holds an independent story. The Tory’s Daughter returns us to the Mohawk Valley where Joseph Garnet, introduced in book one, is ready for an adventure and love of his own.

Burying his wife is the hardest thing Joseph Garnet has ever done—until he’s called to leave his young son and baby daughter to fight Iroquois raiders. When one of the marauders tries to steal his horse, the last thing he expects is to end up tussling with a female. The girl is wounded, leaving Joseph little choice but to haul her home to heal—an act that seems all too familiar.

Though Joseph doesn’t appear to remember her, Hannah Cunningham could never forget him. He rode with the mob that forced her two brothers into the Continental Army and drove her family from their home—all because of her father’s loyalties to The Crown. After five years with her mother’s tribe, the rebels and starvation have left her nothing but the driving need to find her brothers.

Compelled by a secret he’s held for far too long, Joseph agrees to help Hannah find what remains of her family. Though she begins to steal into his aching heart, he knows the truth will forever stand between them. Some things cannot be forgiven.

(2) Do you have a particular place you like to write or time of day?

I like afternoons in my comfy reading chair…but usually I grab whatever minutes I can wherever I can. With four kids, the youngest barely four months, I can’t be choosy!

(3) How do your readers encourage you?

Honestly, every time someone tells me they read my book, that they loved it, etc., it is a shot of motivation to keep going, to keep laying the words on the page, and creating even better stories for them to enjoy.  

(4) What do you consider the essential qualities of a heroine/hero?

Room for growth. Not sure that is a quality, but I think it is important to have that need for development and change. That and likeability. Even if you don’t like what they do, you need to be able to understand the why and see from their perspective so you don’t want to slap them upside the head…too much.

(5) What role does faith play in this story?

Two-fold. In the beginning, Hannah hasn’t given faith much thought, having a better knowledge of her mother’s belief in a “great creator” than a Christ. Joseph, on the other hand, believes in God and has tried to live well, has even seen miracles in other’s lives, but fails to see the same in his own. They both have a lot to learn and experience.

(6) How has writing changed you personally?

I think it has taught me to trust more. When you start a book, it really is an act of faith. Often, I know where the beginning is, and where the end is, but what lays between is pretty blurry – kind of like life! I can’t count the times the story or characters have taken turns, or said things that I knew wasn’t from me. There is nothing quite like reading back over an inspired scene and thinking “I’m not that good”.  

(7) What type of research was required in writing this book?

Quite a bit about the era, and what was going on at the time. Also, the location. I’ve never been there and depended a lot of people who have, photos, and maps. This book wasn’t too hard though as it’s my second one set in the Mohawk Valley.

(8) What are you working on next?

Lots of fun stories coming up. The fourth and last in this series, The Return of the King’s Ranger, is mostly done its edits and will release summer 2019. Soon after that, a stand-alone novel, Heart of a Warrior, will finally hit shelves! Set in the Rockies during the mid-1800s, it is one big adventure seasoned with lots of romantic tension. In short:

All Christina Astle wants is to reach Oregon before her baby is born, but the wagon train is attacked and her husband killed, stranding her in a mountain labyrinth. Raised in the East within civilization’s embrace, survival is not a skill she’s learned. Neither is evading the lone warrior dogging her trail. 

Disgusted with the greed and cruelty of white men like his father, William Towan O’Connell has turned to the simpler existence of his mother’s people. He is not prepared for the fiery woman who threatens to upturn his entire life … and his heart.

–Angela K Couch”Making history and fiction fall in love.”www.angelakcouch.comFacebookTwitter