Author Interview with Kaitlyn Krispense (13 Reason Why Blog Tour)

I am back again with another post for the 13 Reasons Why blog tour! :)

Today I have the opportunity to do an author interview with Kaitlyn Krispense. Kaitlyn has just published her first book, Beloved.

1. What is one thing that God has taught you through writing Beloved ? 
I’ve learned many things . . . but probably one of the most important things is that I really can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I learned that this girl, who’d never written more than 14 thousand words in a story, could write a full-length novel. I learned that through it all, He’s faithful. Even when I doubt. And that I am loved beyond measure.

2. Which of your characters do you relate to the most?
Cara. Hands down. I pretty much based her off myself without meaning to. When I wrote Beloved, I’d been struggling with depression. So really, I wrote this book as much for myself as for anyone who might read it. Because we all need to hear how loved and precious we are in God’s sight now and again.

3. How long did it take you to write Beloved ? 
A little over a month, I think. I started near the end of July and finished sometime in September. I’d have to go digging to see exactly how long, but yeah, a little over a month. *flips through my notebook* Yep, 42 days. And a fun fact: when I finished, it was about 2,000 words longer than it is now.

4. When did you first become interested in writing? 
I’ve loved reading ever since I learned how, and I can remember writing down random stories in a notebook in my elementary-school scrawl. But when I really started to fall in love with it was probably . . . I don’t know . . . 5 or 6 years ago. I started writing fan fiction for the Circle C books and didn’t stop after that. The rest, as they say, is history. ;)

5. What was your favorite scene to write in Beloved ? 
I can’t really pick just one scene! Pretty much anything with Cara’s foster brothers is bound to be a definite favorite in my opinion. Especially that one scene with the clamming—but I can’t give any spoilers . . .

6. Do you have any advice for those who are either new to writing or are looking to publish their first book? 
Don’t let criticism get you down! Criticism is what helps you grow as a writer. And sometimes, people just aren’t going to like what you write. But that’s okay. You can’t please everyone—just strive to write what God lays on your heart, and let Him guide your story to the person that needs it the most.

Kaitlyn is a farmer's daughter and a born-again believer in Christ with an obsession for books and music. It is these obsessions that led her to write her own stories. Psalm 46:10 gives her inspiration, her brothers make her laugh, and there's nothing quite like the excitement of opening an unread book for the first time. Her passion is to share the steadfast love of her Savior through the writing that takes up much of her free time, whether actual writing takes place or writer's block, in which case she's probably browsing Pinterest.

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Author Interview with Faith Potts (13 Reason Why Blog Tour)

In todays post I am back with more blog tour fun. I will be doing an author interview with Faith Potts.

1. What is one thing that God has taught you through writing Freedom? 

There is no limit to His love. There is no such thing as “too broken.” If you go to Him with your pain, your sin, your broken heart, your shattered life—He will love you. He will forgive you. And He will heal you. Just go to Him. 

2. Which of your characters do you relate to the most?

I guess I’d have to say Alex. I don’t relate to her in many ways, but I do understand how she wants to be able to “fix” every broken soul she crosses paths with. And her smart alecky-ness is totally me, so there’s that… 

3. How long did it take you to write Freedom? 

I started the first draft in the fall of 2015 and after writing here and there on it for over two years, I finished it October 2017. The story changed quite a bit from what I had envisioned through the writing of the original version, and the final version of Freedom (draft #5? #6?) ended up being quite different from the first. 

4. When did you first become interested in writing? 

In the summer of 2014, I stumbled across a blog written by one of my favorite authors (Susan K. Marlow) and an upcoming fanfiction contest was being advertised. I started piddling around with a few story ideas, just to have something to do and because I wanted to give the contest a try. Over the following winter, fanfiction lead to creating my own stories. And I haven’t stopped yet. ;) 

5. What was your favorite scene to write in Freedom? 

One? Just one?? Okay, fine. xD  To avoid sharing spoilers (because no one wants that), I’ll just say—the In Christ Alone scene. If you’ve read Freedom, you know what I’m talking about. I LOVED writing that, and I feel like the emotions I experienced while writing came through in an authentic way. 

6. Do you have any advice for those who are either new to writing or are looking to publish their first book?

In either instance, my advice would be the same—take your time. Don’t rush into anything. Do your research, whether that’s ways to better your writing or traditional vs. indie publishing. Don’t feel like you’re not a “real” writer because you’re not listed on Amazon or Goodreads. If you’re writing the stories God has placed on your heart, that’s what matters. All else will fall into place when it’s meant to. 

Saved by God's grace, Faith Potts is a teenage writer and homeschool graduate, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the North Carolina mountains. When she’s not weaving stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading stacks of books, or studying American Sign Language, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and—of course—blowing dandelions.

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Don't forget to head over to Amazon to grab your copy of Freedom!

Author Interview with Hosanna Emily

I am excited to announce that Hosanna Emily has just released her new book The Torch Keepers!

I had the opportunity to do an author interview with Hosanna. We hope you enjoy!

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Hello! It’s so sweet to be here and such an honor to be invited to share some of my heart with the upcoming release of The Torch Keepers! Thank you, Rebekah!

1. What is one thing that God has taught you through writing The Torch Keepers?

God is so faithful. I think that sentence summarizes everything He taught me through this novel’s dreaming, plotting, writing, editing, publishing.

He loves. In a crazy way that I can’t even comprehend. He is with us. He has a plan for us. He never leaves us.

In the most frustrating times of creating this novel, He has been there. He gave me the stories to write, the energy to keep going. I don’t just naturally write a novel—He worked through the entire thing. Without Him, I would have given up a long time ago, but He never let me stop dreaming.

The biggest thing He taught me is that in every single situation, He. Is. Faithful.

2. Which of your characters do you relate to the most?

All of them?  =)

Okay, but if I had to pick one, it would be my protagonist, Kadira. She was the dream behind the story, the girl who happens to be a lot like me.

Kadira makes a lot of mistakes. She forgets her purpose and how loved she is. She savors the quiet, the beauty, the joys, but she also quickly gets lost in the confusion of life. And I do the same thing so often.

And in the end of the story *spoiler alert*, when Kadira finally finds the Truth and how loved she is, that’s when I’ve had to hold back tears. Because it’s me. Jesus loves me like that.  And He is so, so good.

3. How long did it take you to write The Torch Keepers?

Actually, for the writing itself, I felt God prompting me to join a 2-month write + edit a novel challenge hosted by S.C. Treehouse (www.sctreehouse.com) That was crazy. =)

But it worked because Jesus was strong! He gave me inspiration. He encouraged me. He led me forward every single day.

And, at the end of it, He allowed me to win the contest! But it was all Him, working through me. That was the most fun I ever had on a writing project. =)

4. When did you first become interested in writing?

I first savored writing stories when I was around 12 years old. At that time, I wrote a short story that someone actually enjoyed, and, for the first time, I realized the power of written words. I wanted to do it again, to write stories that blessed people. So I kept going. And God kept leading me forward.

5. What was your favorite scene to write in The Torch Keepers?

Why do you ask such hard questions?!  =)

The whole book started out as a short story, basically encompassing the last chapters, Chapter 33 and Chapter 35. That was the first inspiration that became an entire book.

So those scenes are extra special. But there’s another one that always hits me so hard. It’s when the protagonist has come to one of her worst points but still gets offered grace. It’s beautiful and hard because that’s me. I make mistakes. I forget how much Jesus loves. And He keeps loving anyway, keeps seeking me out and offering forgiveness.

But no more spoilers – you’ll have to go read that chapter yourself, Chapter 23.  =)

6. Do you have any advice for those who are either new to writing or are looking to publish their first book?

I give the same writing advice to all writers:

Write for Jesus.

Let your pages be saturated with prayer. Seek Him instead of the book. Surrender yourself and the story to Jesus, and let Him blow you away by His faithfulness.

The Torch Keepers, is a special book to me. I hope it blesses people too. But if no one else read the book it would be okay, because I wrote it for me and Jesus. And we grew closer because of it.

So live solely for your King, write for Him, take every single breath for Him. He writes the best stories anyway.

And He loves you like crazy.

******

Thank you for taking the time to do an interview, Hosanna! 

I haven't gotten a chance to read The Torch Keepers yet, but I can't wait to!

You should definitely check out Hosanna's blog, Having a Heart Like His and you can find The Torch Keepers on Amazon! 

Author Interview // Jonathan Hangstefer

I've been wanting do do an author interview with Jonathan for quite awhile now. I asked him awhile back and he said yes. Since his book just came out I decided now was a great time to do it.

Jonathan Hangstefer lives in Idaho. When he's not spending time with family, reading, running, or drinking coffee, Jonathan likes writing stories. Royal Fire is his first novel.
Jonathan blogs over at The Second Brother.


1.When did you first become interested in writing?
I first became interested in the beginning of 2015, but I didn't really start writing consistently until 2016.

2. How did you become interested in writing?
I don't really know. One day I just decided I was going to write a story.

3. Is there any specific authors/books that have inspired you?
My writing style is influenced by Cressida Cowell and Rick Riordan.

4. What is the hardest part of writing for you? (character development, story line, etc.)
I have a hard time writing the middle of the story, but I'm getting better at it.

5. What’s the easiest part?
Brainstorming. I love coming up with the story and characters.

6. Do you have a favorite time period that you like your stories to be set in?
When I write fantasy, I use a little bit of medieval influences. But when I write urban fantasy it is set in the modern world.

7. Are you currently working on a book? If so, when do you hope it will be done?
I am actually working on two books right now. One of them is middle grade and the other is young adult. I am almost done with the first draft of my middle grade story. I just started the first draft of my young adult book.

8. What was your favorite scene to write in Royal Fire?
I would have to go with the scene at the end of chapter 14 when Horcus goes and visits Traywet. It was super fun and easy to write.


You can buy his book here on Amazon.

Cedric Northchest and his friends Berne, Everett, and Winnefred have rather ordinary lives. Nothing remotely exciting ever happens to them until one day an elf named Ex-Tron shows up in their little town. Ex-Tron tells them that he needs their help finding the Guardian of Fire. Ex-Tron takes them to a once beautiful world called Arsought. Now the nights crawl with evil and each passing day grows darker. The Guardian of Fire protects a magical weapon called Royal Fire. Cedric and his friends must find the Guardian and learn how to use Royal Fire before the dark reign of Horcus is complete.

Author Interview // Faith Potts

I've been wanting to do an author interview with Faith ever since she published her first book in June of this year. I finally got around to coming up with the questions and asking her and she said yes. I hope you enjoy the interview!

Faith Potts is a teenage writer, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the southeastern US. When she's not writing stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading books, or creating pottery, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and – of course – blowing dandelions. Faith blogs over at Stories by Firefly and Chosen Vessels.






1. When did you first become interested in writing?
I first became interested in writing in the late summer/fall of 2014. So yeah, over three years! :D

2. How did you become interested in writing?
Through a short-story contest, centered around my favorite book series. Mrs. Susan Marlow from the Circle C Adventure blog was hosting her second short-story contest and I, a new fan of the books, decided to give it a shot. I wrote two stories for the contest – which led to several other finished and unfinished fanfiction stories. By the winter/spring of 2015, I was coming up with my own characters and plots to write.

3. Is there any specific authors/books that have inspired you?
Well, Mrs. Marlow, obviously! ;) Others would include Sarah Sundin for her amazing WWII fiction and Joanne Bischof for her beautiful writing style.

4. What is the hardest part of writing for you? (character development, story line, etc.)
For me, I think it depends on the story. In historical settings, for example, I want to be sure I get everything right so that it's true to the time period. I'm not sure that would be considered a part of writing, but it does play a factor. Other than that, I think my character development could use some work.

5. What’s the easiest part?
Coming up with the story idea. Hashing out the characters relations (families, siblings, etc.). Planning the (usually) happy ending. If I'm really 'into the story', then the writing part is pretty easy too. :)

6. Do you have a favorite time period that you like your stories to be set in?
Ooo, that's tough! This time last year I would have easily said WWII/the 1940s. But I've written two books in contemporary settings since then, so...maybe it's a tie between those too. ;)

7. Are you currently working on a book? If so, when do you hope it will be done?
I'm going to give a kind of 'yes and no' answer here because, when I think of working on a book, the actual writing is what comes to mind. In that regard, no, I'm not currently working on anything. But if we're talking about anything pertaining to the bettering of a book, then yes! I'm currently editing my WWII historical fiction novel. I'm hoping to release it next summer/fall if all goes according to plan. :)

8. What was your favorite scene to write in Dandelion Dust?
I like this question. *wink* But I'm honestly not capable of picking one scene. The part where Drew and Charity pray in the hospital room (end of chapter 6) is right there at the top though. It almost sounds silly given how many times I've read it, but it gives me feels. <3 The haircut scene is another favorite. I really enjoyed bringing out the characters' joking and snarky sides during that. ;)


You should definitely check out Faith's books, Dandelion Dust. It is very good and definitely a book I'd recommend!
You can go here to purchase it.

About the Book:
Like a speck of dandelion dust riding the tides of a prairie wind, life is fleeting. Though I never realized just how fragile it was until that day . . .

Charity always had a dream. It was simple, really. Find a guy, fall in love, and get married.
The day she met Ryder, Charity knew he was the man God had chosen for her. But she never expected their relationship to be tested and tried through the fires of a freak accident. Suddenly, her world is thrown into chaos, and the bleak, white walls and sterile smells of a city hospital fill every spare minute. And then there comes the dreaded news. It was likely Ryder would never make it out of the hospital bed.
As her carefully laid plans for the future come crashing down around her and the sun seems to set on her dreams, can Charity still find hope in the dark of night?

Like a dandelion, life is beautiful. But treasure every moment. . . for one day, the flower will be gone.

Thanks so much for doing this, Faith! :)

The Vintage Jane Austin Blog Tour and Author Interview

Hi everyone! Today I am participating in the Vintage Jane Austin Blog Event. There are several books that are Jane Austin re-tellings. The books are written by various authors and today I am doing an author interview with Sarah Holman, the author of Emmeline.

1. When did you first become interested in writing?
When I was eleven, I was fascinated with the Middle Ages, and I was frustrated by the lack of books I wanted to read. Couple that with an active imagination and a mom who encouraged me to write down a story idea, I got hooked on writing early. I wrote my own version of Robin Hood (which many years later was re-written as Brothers and Betrayal).

 2. Is there a specific authors/books that have inspired you?
As I read a lot growing up, authors were naturally inspiring for me. Grace Livingston Hill was an early inspiration. She wrote over one-hundred books, and they were among some of my early favorites. Her books were mainly about girls overcoming significant challenges and drawing closer to God. There was usually a romance, but it was sweet often not even the main point of the story.
Christy by Catherine Marshall made a huge impact on me in my early teens. It is a gritty book at times, but a beautiful story of a young girl whose faith is challenged when she comes up against things that don’t have an easy answer.
In recent years, books by Elizabeth George (a Christian non-fiction writer) and Sarah Sundin (World War II novelist) have impacted me a lot.

 3. What was the first book that you published, and how long did it take you to write it?
The Destiny of One was my first published book. I started in in 2007 and published it in 2011. However, it only took me about four months to write it.

4. Do you have a favorite time period that you like your stories to be set in?
The Middle Ages are still my favorite time. Knights, princesses, and the like still capture my imagination like nothing else, which is probably why the Tales of Taelis series among my favorite projects.

5. What was your favorite book to write?
That is a really tough question. I guess, if forced to pick, I had the most fun writing Brothers and Betrayal. I had so much fun with the characters, creating fun settings, and revisiting some of my oldest ideas.

Visit these blogs during this week to find interviews, book reviews, and much more!

November 5

        Review of Emmeline - Once Upon the Ordinary

  Review of Bellevere House - Kaylee's Kind Of Writes

Series Spotlight - A Real Writer’s Life

Interview with Kelsey Bryant - Resting Life 

Series Spotlight - Kelsey’s Notebook

November 6

  Interview with Sarah Holman - J. Grace Pennington

Review of Emmeline - Kaylee's Kind Of Writes

Mini-Reviews and interview with Sarah Scheele - Deborah O’Carroll

Interview with Rebekah Jones - Livy Lynn Blog

Review Suit and Suitability - Resting Life 

November 7

  Interview with Kelsey Bryant - J. Grace Pennington

  Review of Perception - Kaylee's Kind Of Writes

Review and Interview of Perception - Purely by Faith Reviews

Review of Second Impressions - The Page Dreamer

 Series Spotlight - Finding the True Fairytale

November 8

Interview and Review Suit and Suitability - Once Upon the Ordinary

  Review of Suit and Suitability - Kaylee's Kind Of Writes

Review of Perception - A Brighter Destiny

November 9

  Series Spotlight - God’s Peculiar Treasure

        Review of Second Impressions and Suit and Suitability - Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father

Interview with Rebekah Jones - Kaylee's Kind Of Writes

Series Spotlight – Christian Bookshelf Reviews

November 10

  Review of Suit and Suitability - With a Joyful Noise

  Series Spotlight - Liv K. Fisher

Review of Second Impressions- Kaylee's Kind Of Writes

Review of Perception - She Hearts Fiction

Interview with Sarah Holman – Rebekah Ashleigh

November 11

  Series Spotlight - Reveries Reviews

  Review of Suit and Suitability - Faith Blum

Interview with Sarah Holman - Kaylee's Kind Of Writes

Interview with Hannah Scheele - Peculiar on Purpose

Review of Bellevere House - Seasons of Humility

Go here to enter a fun giveaway!

Author Interview// Rebekah A. Morris

A couple weeks ago I asked author Rebekah A. Morris is she would be willing to do an author interview here on my blog. I was very excited when she said yes. :)

1. When did you first become interested in writing?

Not until I had graduated from high school. I hated writing when I was in school so much that it was often a cause for tears. Now I love it!

2. How did you become interested in writing?

I think my love of pretending, and acting out stories had a lot to do with it. I started writing "pretend letters" to some friends where we created imaginary families and picked a time in American history. Then we wrote letters to each other about our lives. Those first letters were short and rather boring when I look back at them, but the fun of pretending created a realization that I could pretend a story and write it down.

3. Is there any specific authors/books that have inspired you?

My favorite author is Isabella Alden, and yes, she has inspired me a lot in my writings. Her books were the first books I had read which didn't just "stick in" Christian ideas. It was a very real and important part of each story, yet they didn't preach. Her writings helped shape the way I write.

4. What was the first book that you published?

The first book I published was "Home Fires of the Great War." A large book of almost 500 pages. I've always been someone who has to start big and complicated. :P

5. How long did it take you to write it?

I spent 6 years researching and writing before that book was actually published. It was surreal to hold it in my hands for the first time.

6. What is the hardest part of writing for you? (character development, story line, etc.)

Hmm, the hardest part for me is probably . . . Well, I'm having a very hard time thinking of the hardest part. I've never had trouble with character development, the story line usually takes care of itself, the editing isn't too bad as I do it in small parts, I guess I'd have to say the hardest part is when the story is in the hands of my editors and I have to wait for it to be returned. By that time I'm usually so ready to get the book finished and into the hands of readers that I don't want to wait.

7. What’s the easiest part?

Starting a story. I love starting stories. Finishing them can get tricky as I often don't know what is going to happen until it does, but starting? Yep, I could write lots of story starters if anyone wants to finish them. :) I actually have several stories started that I've never finished. (Anyone want one to finish?)

8. Do you have a favorite time period that you like your stories to be set in?

Probably anytime after the Civil War and before now. I have always loved history, and when I get to create characters who "lived" back in American history, it's just exciting!

9. Are you currently working on a book? If so, when do you hope it will be done?

Yes, I am working on a book right now. The title at the moment is "Finding Joy" and I'm hoping it will be done by April. You can find my pinterest board for the story here where you can get a little glimpse of the story and the characters. I'm also working (now and then) on two other novels. Though I'd like to be able to give you a hopeful publishing date for them, I'd better not try. :)

10. What was your favorite book to write?

Oh, that's a hard question! I really enjoyed writing "Gift from the Storm" and "Through the Tunnel" because they wrote a lot of it themselves. But I've also enjoyed my Triple Creek Ranch series, especially book 4. ;) I don't think I could pick just one book. The writing of them was different for each in so many ways, but they probably all had their hard places and the times when the words just flew.

Thanks so much for doing this Rebekah!

To learn more about Rebekah and her books you can visit her website here.
You can purchase Rebekah's books from Amazon and Light of Faith Resources.

Author Interview

A couple weeks ago, I asked author Abigail Prigge if she would like to do an author interview here on my blog. I was so thrilled when she said yes! :) 

Abigail Prigge is a freelance writer and daydreamer. She is the founder of A Time 2 Write,where she blogs and coaches writing. She enjoys making cards, quoting Jane Austen, studying God’s Word, playing volleyball, skiing at Bogus Basin, and coffee dates.

1. When did you first become interested in writing?

It wasn’t long after I fell in love with reading that I became interested in writing. I was so entranced with stories that I wanted to create my own. 

2. How did you become interested in writing?

I think it was when I was about 11 and started reading series (like the Boxcar Children and the Happy Hollisters and Misty). I just loved the characters and the adventures so much that writing was the obvious thing to do.

3. Is there any specific authors/books that have inspired you?

I was definitely inspired by the Millie Keith series and a lot of books published by Bob Jones were Christian stories set in modern times and I liked that style. 

4. What was the first book that you had published?

The very first book I officially self-published was One Summer’s Desire. 

5. How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about a year to write. I rewrote it in about two months last year and released the second edition. 

6. What is the hardest part of writing for you? (character development, story line, etc.)

The hardest part for me is to come up with a plot line that keeps up the momentum of the story throughout the book.

7. What is the easiest part?

Definitely dialogue. I could write unbroken dialogue for pages and pages. However, I try to balance it out with narration and description. Otherwise, it would be more of a play or movie script. :)

8. Do you have a favorite time period that you like your stories to be set in?

I love to write about modern times. I enjoy drawing out the charm of the days we live in and showing what a fun adventure it can be to live for Christ in the 21st century. Plus, there's inspiration for it wherever you look! 

9. Was it easier to write Charlotte's Hope since you had co-authors or was it a little more difficult?

Charlotte’s Hope was a difficult process since it required the cohesiveness and agreement of three people instead of one. However, it’s a blessing to have the accountability and collaborative effort of creativity and research (not to mention the companionship and inside jokes!) 

10. Are you currently working on a book? If so when do you hope it will be done?

I am not currently working on a book but I would like nothing more than to start on a new one, and Lord willing, I will start soon! I thrive on deadlines, so if I could give myself a realistic but snappy deadline that would be great!

Abigail's books:

Charlotte is none too thrilled with her father when he sends her and her two sisters to spend Christmas with relatives in Argentina. Little does she know of the adventure, danger, and espionage that awaits her and her sisters, Clara and Constance. Neither does she expect to have her faith in the Lord tested like never before. Charlotte despairs that she will ever be able to mend her relationship with her father. Clara is convinced that she will never be able to marry the man of her dreams. Constance is determined to keep her beloved horse. Will Charlotte and her sisters escape the clutches of the outlaw gauchos trying to destroy them and their family? Will Charlotte be able to maintain her hope in the Lord in the midst of hopeless circumstances?

Sixteen-year-old Hadassah is a sweet, absentminded missionary kid and a camp counselor for two weeks. Her summer dreams are as big as the Montana sky. Hadassah's ambition is to share the truth about Jesus with her campers, but in another corner of her heart, she longs to make a true, lifelong friend. Her desires clash and bring her trouble she never planned on, friendships never imagined and a ministry not anticipated. 

I really enjoyed both of these books. :) You can buy them on Abigail's website or on Amazon.

I hope you enjoyed getting to learn a little about Abigail!