Grace A. Johnson's Blog: Of Blades & Thorns, page 30

Faith by the Era (A Writer's Guide to Christian Historical Fiction)

From February to August, I was an intern with Kingdom Pen, an AMAZING blog + forum for young Christian writers, writing articles every month! Now that my term has ended, I want to share the articles I wrote here...the first one being all about writing Christian historical fiction! Check out the original post here (complete with gifs!), or continue on to read my edited version below!

You’ve finally done it! After hours of scouring the internet and perusing the library’s bookshelves, you’ve finally found the time period you like the most! You’ve been drawn to the Renaissance since art history last year, so it’s no surprise that your next story will be set in an era of creative reform and rebirth that stretched across nations.

What’s more, you have a particular theme in mind—redemption and renewal. Your main character has experienced many trials and even turned to a life of crime...but their arrival in Germany has opened their eyes. Your MC takes on the identity of a young artist, but is soon discovered to be a fraud and taken to prison, where he awaits transport back to his home country.

Yet he is not the same man he was before he came to Germany. He has indeed changed, and he hopes to reform the world through his art, sharing his story of redemption and salvation.

That’s all well and good, but once you begin writing this young man’s story of faith, you realize that something doesn’t feel quite right. Is it possible that your historical novel is out of time?

Writing historical fiction isn’t a task to take lightly. It takes time, effort, and a ton of research. Of course, no one can guarantee that your novel will touch the hearts of men, women, and children across the globe—but that’s something every author aspires to. Entwining hope and faith into a period we have never lived in or a story we didn’t write can be difficult, but there are three simple ways to ensure your story remains authentic and touching.

Respect The Period

Before you even begin writing historical fiction, you have to understand the religion and the theology of the day. You have to understand a lot of other things, as well, from social norms to views on women and race. It may seem simple to slip in a few expressions your local pastor uses and give your hero modern-day views, but the finished product will be disappointing if you take the easy way out.

You must respect the period, and sometimes that hurts.

We want to craft stories that spread our message of hope and faith, right? Maybe that means the Baptist faith or the Pentecostal doctrine, but either way, we have a set view of exactly what our story should convey.

But there is something blocking our path, and it’s called History.

The views and beliefs we hold to today didn’t exist back then. Now, don’t get me wrong—we serve the same God both then and now, but theologies have changed. Doctrines have changed. Sayings have changed. People have changed.

Historical fiction writers have the very tough assignment of respecting the period. That means letting go of all the hymns we know and love, all the catchphrases we use, all our new denominations. Of course, there is some leeway afforded, and you can always go the direction of historical fantasy if the restrictions don’t fit you, but if you’ve chosen his-fic (or it has chosen you), then you’ve got to weather the storm.

Don’t treat the time period with caution—embrace it. Don’t turn your nose up at it simply because people didn’t operate like you do. Respect it, because it really happened and people really believed those things. That may mean some prejudice and discrimination, depending on the religion of the day, but if you want to create a reading experience that is both entertaining and authentic, you’ll have to go with it.

The period may seem like a limitation, but it’s actually an opportunity. Presenting a message of grace that hasn’t changed, even if circumstances, churches, and doctrines have, will inspire a connection within your readers to the olden days. And who knows? Maybe you’ll learn something new from the ways of the past!

Know Your Character

Historical fiction requires a lot of knowledge—knowledge of the period, place, people, customs, cultures, ideology, and more. But there’s one element that remains hidden in every genre: the characters.

Characters may be the product of your imagination, but they are very much hiding from you. The way they think, how they operate, what they were taught—all of this needs to be discovered before you put pen to paper or fingers to computer keys. And every one of those depends not on who or what, but when your character is.

As the author, we often see ourselves in complete control of every aspect of our character and their story. Unfortunately, that’s simply not true. Historical fiction has confines, a set of rules people had to follow according to the time period, and therefore rules the author must follow in creating their character. Of course, rules are meant to be broken and fiction allows us creative license, but you have to remain authentic or else your novel will lose its flavor.

Your character is a Renaissance man before he’s your character. You’re here to write his story. William Faulkner said it best: “It begins with a character, usually, and once he stands up on his feet and begins to move, all I can do is trot along behind him with a paper and pencil trying to keep up long enough to put down what he says and does.” As he describes it, our characters are like living, breathing creatures with minds of their own. Like scribes, we only write what has been dictated to us, much as one would when writing a biography.

The price for writing another person is abandoning yourself. We have to set aside our feelings, opinions, and views to express those of our characters. Some authors are blessed with characters much like themselves, while others are in possession of their polar opposites. Characters from another time are a mix of both—like us in ways and opposite in others.

They may endure similar trials or wish for similar things, but the norms of the day were different. The teachings were different. Their perspective is different, and you have to portray it accurately, even if that means getting inside the head of someone you don’t agree with or understand. (Trust me, I’ve been there before. It’s a learning experience, if nothing else.) Their faith will look different, because it’s being tried in ways yours hasn’t. Their beliefs will sound different, because they’ve never heard yours.

And that’s okay. The diversity is what makes your character real.

Discover who your character is, why they believe what they believe, what needs to change in their life. Get to know them so that you can write their story with startling clarity and authenticity.

Keep It Simple

Despite what looks like a heavy burden, there are ways to handle your time period and character lightly. Your story of redemption doesn’t need to go into theological detail (unless, of course, you’re into theology and want to argue a few things), but remember what was taught, what people knew, and what they understood of God and the Bible at that time.

That may leave you feeling pretty hopeless. I understand. How can you incorporate faith into a story so constrained? How do you speak to people in a language they don’t understand? What’s the point of weaving faith into a time that lacked it?

Because people were still people. They suffered through the same darkness and found the same light.

The world and the church’s perspective of God have certainly changed, but He has not. The way we present Him should align with the time and place and our character’s views, but the message is still the same. Maybe that means we write Catholicism rather than the Baptist doctrine. Maybe that means our characters don’t sing or celebrate Christmas. Maybe we have to rephrase things to fit the period.

Whatever that entails, we can still write the powerful story about a Savior Who came from glory!

Our characters can still relate to our readers. The period we choose can still parallel our modern day. The message, regardless of the phrasing or the religious wrapping paper, is still the same one we read in the Bible today.

I love it when I can read about Catholics or medieval Christians and find common ground, feel at home with them. I can hear the author’s own faith resonating through theirs, even if the doctrine or denominational label is different. How do they do this, write with respect for the period and accurately portray their characters?

They keep things simple. They don’t get bogged down in doctrines or certain terms. They stay true to the period and true to the Bible, but don’t try to argue theology or become preachy. No matter the context, historical or otherwise, the very best way to make a story relatable and effective is to keep it simple and rely on what God has provided us, not the world. God’s Word and His grace haven’t changed, and that’s what truly matters.

Farewell, 21st Century

Well, you’re off to the Renaissance. It’ll be a long, hard journey, but you are equipped with respect for the period, people, and places you will encounter; knowledge of the character you are portraying; and simplicity of faith.

Now your story feels right. You’re beginning to connect with your characters and see the flaws in his beliefs and yours. Maybe you’ll learn something from the ways of the past. I hope so; they have a lot to teach us.

Faith is the most important aspect of fiction—regardless of whether or not it’s Christian. You must have faith in the power and authenticity of your story, after all. Historical times revolved all around the religion of the day—like with the Renaissance, for example. The entire Western World, all of Europe, was experiencing a revival that forever changed the way we see God, His grace, and our faith in Him. Depicting the Christianity of that day with accuracy is what emboldens our modern-day message to our readers.

Take heart, dear writer! And remember, ‘tis all worth it in the end, when you see the Holy Spirit at work within your story. His guiding hand will lead you just as it did St. Paul, Martin Luther, George Washington, and others in history.

Of course, nothing beats some hands-on experience (no, I don’t mean time travel). Read a few his-fic books. A few historical authors that stay true to their period and characters while presenting a strong message are Tamara Leigh, Francine Rivers, Julie Lessman, Lynn Austin, and Bodie Thoene. Leigh writes about Medieval Europe; Rivers and Austin write Biblical fiction; Lessman writes about Catholics; and Thoene writes about Jews and Christians during WWII.

Despite the diversity—or maybe because of it—I always feel at home when reading books by these authors. I hope my readers feel the same when they venture back into the 17th century or the Victorian era.

What do you hope to convey to your readers through your historical stories? Have you ever noticed a Christian historical novel seeming out of place? What period do you want to write about, and what is different about the faith then?

#historicalfiction #writersguide #writinghistoricalfiction #writing #writingtips #writingadvice #kpposts #christianhistoricalfiction #writingchristianhistoricalfiction #christianfiction

Bookishly yours, Grace

What is a Great Writer?

One who writes.

One who enjoys writing.

One who pours their heart and soul into every word.

One who cares for each story they weave.

One who falls in love with every character they create.

One who lives in every world they design.

One who writes no matter who naysays or nitpicks.

One who writes what's on their heart.

One who writes what's on the hearts of others.

One who speaks through the words they pen.

One who lets God speak as well.

If you, my friend, have the courage to pick up your pen or pluck at your keyboard and write, then you are indeed a great writer. There are those who write great, and there are great writers. Great writers are the only ones with an emotional and spiritual connection to their stories...the only ones with a strength and bravery that comes from the Lord...the only ones with a beautiful calling placed upon them by God.

So stop banging your head against the wall and moaning in despair. Stop doubting your calling and loathing every word you churn out. Rejoice, because I see you and, more importantly, God sees you as someone who is persevering against all odds and breathing life into one of the most amazing things He created - words.

#whatisagreatwriter #writing #calledbygod

Bookishly yours, Grace

On Saaaaale!!!

I am super duper excited to announce that Six O'clock, my first release this year, is completely FREEEEEE!!!!! Well, from the 27th (aka today) until the 30th, that is! Then the price is going down to $0.99 FOREVER!!!!

Isn't this exciting?

Anyway, take a gander at the book here...

Then snag your copy here...

Then CELEBRATE!

Oh, and while you're at it...

I'm considering having a new cover designed for Held Captive. This is something I've been pondering off and on since I commissioned the cover for Prisoner at Heart, and now with Bound and Determined on her way (in, like, a year, but still) and with the possibility of a *whispers* hardcover edition...I think it's finally time.

THAT SAID, I want YOUR vote! Let me know in the comments if you think I should invest in a cover that fits with PAH's and, y'know, actually looks good!

Anyway, y'all enjoy the sale, leave your vote, tell your friends, drink a pumpkin spice latte, and have a WONDERFULRIFICAZING day!

#sixoclock #heldcaptive #onsale #free #readforfree #discount #newcover #bookcover #coverdesign #vote #shortstory #rinawantsanewface

Bookishly yours, Grace

Review: The Secret of Emerald Cottage by Julie Lessman

Welcome to the blog tour for The Secret of Emerald Cottage - my favorite author Julie Lessman's latest release! (Which I gushed about here a couple months back!) Today, I've got it all - a review, a giveaway, fun quotes (graphics designed by the author)! But let's not waste time, y'all!

My Review

*Warnings*

#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.

Wow, y’all, I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve written a review for a Julie Lessman novel. A whole bloomin’ year, actually, and suffice it to say my reviewing style has changed. I tend to be a little more...coherent than I was this time last year.

That said, I have no plans of being coherent today.

Julie Lessman wrote a mystery. She finally, after writing books for a dozen years, wrote a mystery. Considering how much I rattle on about her ability to amp up the suspense and drive you nuts with red herrings, y’all know I’m pretty darn pleased about that. I am. I am very, very pleased.

In typical Lessman fashion, she stuck with her rakish Irishmen, prudish heroines, and hilarious old ladies. And, on top of that, she took me back to where I first fell in love with her books, Isle of Hope.

*squeals incessantly*

Yes indeedy, this book is a spin-off of the infamous Isle of Hope series, don’t you know, and I felt right at home on Lake Loon with Miss Lily (from His Steadfast Love) and the rest of the gang—including Chase and Cat Griffin and Pastor Dave, and some cameo appearances from Ben Carmichael *swoons*, Shannon Cunningham, and Lacey O’Brien!

Of course, Julie introduces two newbies...gun-toting retired Navy nurse and old friend of Chase’s, Molly Stewart (who is, like, her first non-Irish character ever...well, since Alex Kincaid; I don’t think he was Irish...but anyway), and Miss Lily’s wayward great-nephew, the notorious soccer star, Breccan McGill.

Number one, you can’t go wrong with a heroine who packs. Like, seriously, I cannot count how many times I have begged heroines in novels of all sorts to carry a blasted gun. Just think of all the muggings and attempted assaults and annoying people we could avoid…

ANYWAY. Where was I? Oh, yes…

Naturally, Molly was awesome. I mean, she wasn’t Charity...which was a bummer. Y’all know how much I love Charity. *pouts * But for a non-Charity character, Molly wasn’t half bad. She was so sweet with Miss Lily and just fit right in with the original Hopers (which is what I’mma call the citizens/characters of Isle of Hope). I still think she was a little young to have been through everything she had...but maybe not. I dunno.

Then there was Brec. *sighs * He was...well, Irish. What more can I say? To be honest, he wasn’t my favorite of Julie’s heroes. He’s down there with Sean and Steven and Brady and Jack and...yeah...he’s not Mitch or Luke. I’ll put it like that. But what he lacked in Mitch-ness, he more than made up for in culinary skills. I’m tellin’ y’all, that man could cook! And Julie’s descriptions of food...augh. My mouth’s watering just thinking about it.

As my friend Sophia pointed out, Brec was very different from most of Julie’s heroes. How, I can’t explain, but he does have a different aura about it. I think it’s all those Irish sayings myself, but who knows! Not a bad aura, no, just...different. Same goes for Molly. You know, the whole book did have a whiff of uniqueness about it. I wonder why… Come to think of it, it might be because this is her first ever full-fledged mystery!

I haven’t mentioned that yet, have I? I have? Oh, well, we all needed the reminder.

Mainly because we’re all wondering how did Julie Lessman pull off a romantic suspense? Did she keep her focus on the romance and leave the suspense/mystery hanging? Or did she skimp on character development to work on fine-tuning her plot?

To answer your questions, dear intrigued reader-to-be, no. No, she didn’t. She did exactly what she always does: delivers a story with strong, in-depth characters and a well-developed, engaging plot that is always authentically driven by the characters. It sounds preposterous for a mystery/suspense to be so character-oriented, but, y’all, Julie Lessman can do anything she puts her mind to!

I’ll be honest with y’all, though. As much as I enjoy a good mystery, I still prefer her straight up romances. Augh the feels in those things. Anyway, I personally think she balanced the romance and the suspense very well...PLUS SHE GAVE US A CAT AND CHASE SCENE. I HAVE BEEN WANTING ONE OF THOSE SINCE I FIRST FINISHED HIS STEADFAST LOVE AND SHE FINALLY GAVE ME ONE. I AM SO HAPPY AND OVERJOYED AND YEEEESSSSS.

Anyway… I need to get a grip, don’t I?

And the spirituality. That’s one thing Julie Lessman never shies away from, not even when she ventures into the world of suspense (which I’ve found to be quite lax in the sermon department). You’ve got Miss Lily and Molly preaching, with the lovely themes of forgiveness, freedom, and truth interwoven with the story! Perfect for a mystery, am I right?

I am. As per usual. *winks*

Back on the mystery subject, y’all. This woman did it up right with all the twists and turns and red herrings and my goodness! As soon as you think you’ve got it all figured out, Sloan shows up to tell you otherwise.

SPEAKING OF. She did it again, you guys. She gave us a love triangle with two fellers ya love to pieces and a heroine who can’t seem to pick the right one! And here’s the thing...they both seemed right. Like, you know who she’s gonna end up with, and you’re rooting for them all the way, but she’s so good with the other option and you’d be pleased with whomever she chose, you know? She did the same thing with Faith, Collin, and Mitch, and Jack, Lacey, and Chase, and, well, pretty much everyone, come to think of it. She’s really, really good at those love triangle/square/never-ending line things.

I say all that to say that I loved Sloan. Sure, I glowered at him along with Brec sometimes, but for the most part, I loved him. I’m crazy excited to read his story!

One thing I want to point out was how Julie wrote Brec’s redemption arc (and, no, this doesn’t count as a spoiler). What struck me the first time I read it (as a beta-reader) was that his “come to Jesus” moment was very short and quick, as if he were simply acquiescing to Aunt Lily’s request. Then, reading it again, I realized how realistically she wrote his salvation and sanctification.

You see, Brec admitted that he always believed in God, so that wasn’t the issue. He’d even accepted Jesus into his heart when he was eight...but somewhere along the way, he lost his faith. (His faith, mind you, not his salvation. You can’t lose that.) Anyway, per Aunt Lily’s prodding and a bit of his own conviction, he rededicated his life to Christ. Even still, my man’s got issues with everything from jealousy and anger to unforgiveness to abstinence. That just doesn’t seem right, though. I mean, he’s saved, he’s committed to living for Jesus. Why in the world is he struggling with all this junk and is so ill-prepared to follow God’s precepts?

Um...because he’s human? Because we all do the exact same thing. We accept Christ but not the change He brings. We refuse to examine ourselves and purge our hearts, thinking that we’re all good just because we’re Christians. Wrong. We are constantly in need of laying down our lives and our selfish desires, constantly called to repentance, and are constantly being restored in multiple areas of our lives as we embark on the journey of santification.

So, anyway, yes. I loved the way she portrayed Brec’s slow process of leaving the wide way to destruction and starting to walk on the straight and narrow!

Long story short, The Secret of Emerald Cottage was a Julie Lessman mystery and it really doesn’t get any better than that! Unlike most suspense writers, she placed a lot of her focus on character development, but she never let the plot weaken or go by the wayside, like some romance writers do! As always, she churned out another engaging novel that will leave you breathless—only this time with suspense!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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THE GIVEAWAY!

Want to win a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of The Secret of Emerald Cottage (or choice of Julie Lessman's books), a character named for you or a loved one (great birthday/Christmas gift!) in her next book, A Hope and a Prayer, which releases early next spring and a signed paperback of that book? Just head on over to JULIE LESSMAN’S BLOG for all the details and GOOD LUCK!

The Tour

September 20 – https://myfavoritepastime.blogspot.com/

September 21 – https://lam-bookreviews.blogspot.com/

September 22 – https://flakymn.blogspot.com/

September 23 – https://thebluestocking.blog

September 24 – http://relzreviewz.com/

September 24 – https://frommipov.blogspot.com/?m=1

September 24 – https://covertocovercafe.com/

September 24 – https://agoodbookandcupoftea.wixsite.com/agoodbookandcupoftea

September 25 – https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/

September 25 – https://readingismysuperpower.org/

September 26 – https://readingismysuperpower.org/

September 27 – https://www.graceajohnson.com/

About the Author

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, and Silver Lining Ranch series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards.

Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers’ Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner, and her independent novel, Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love was listed on Family Fiction magazine’s “Top 15 Novels of 2015.”

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.

#julielessman #romanticsuspense #giveaway #review #bookreview #indie #newbook #newrelease #christianfiction #contemporary #romance #favoriteauthor

Bookishly yours, Grace

Review: The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

*Warnings*

#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.

Stars: 3.5 stars

Synopsis: Sarah Anderson Ashby is back in her small Tennessee hometown after the sudden loss of her husband. Her hope? To help her grandmother at Old Depot Grocery—the store that’s been in their family for years—and to stick around. For good this time. Reality? Her mom is trying to sell Old Depot Grocery, and on top of that, it seems everyone’s hiding something. Something that might just set a lot of things to rights.

Favorite Quote: “I don’t think you’ll ever find that ‘full life’ you’ve been craving until you accept the life you have. Mistakes. Heartache. Grief. All of it. Then you need to decide if you’re ready to let God have these burdens you’ve placed upon your own shoulders or if you’ll keep on carrying that pain and regret, miserable under the weight of it.”

Split-time women’s fiction. My two least favorite things lumped into one novel. And yet, for all my distaste for dual timelines and boring women’s fiction, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery managed to keep my attention from Page 1 to The End.

Starting out, the first few chapters were like one big red flag. A young, unwed pregnant woman. A marriage to a man she doesn’t love and, on top of that, has never met. A big city girl moving back home. A harried mother with plans of her own. The typical stuff—all the cliches you expect from women’s fiction, historical fiction, contemporary novels, and worse yet, Hallmark movies.

However, as cliched as it was, it honestly wasn’t all that bad. For instance, Glory Ann grew on me. Of course, I adored her future self—grandmothers are one of my favorite types of characters—but her younger self was...tolerable. I really appreciated how Cox didn’t dwell too long on all of Glory Ann’s baggage and mixed feelings and pressed on with the story. As much as I love drama, whining is not something I’ll tolerate. Glory Ann grew to love Clarence and made a life with him, which pleased me immensely.

Mostly because I loved Clarence to pieces. Seriously, he was so precious and I would’ve read a full novel of just him loving on Glory Ann because by George he was the sweetest darn thing I’ve ever seen!

But enough of my gushing. On to the rest of the characters…

Rosemary had the potential to be really annoying; however, since the novel moved forward on two different timelines and the focus wasn’t solely on Rosemary, she didn’t get on my nerves too much. (I know I’m being harsh...just bear with me, y’all.) I often leaned more toward Sarah and Glory Ann’s side of the battle—er, situation—but I did become invested in Rosemary’s life and wanted to know more about the reasoning behind her decisions. On that note, I think Cox did a commendably job putting tension (nerve-wracking tension, mind you, which isn’t the best in real life, but can work wonders in fiction) between Rosemary and her family and adding a dash of, well, secrecy (of course) to the situation that kept me on my toes.

Sarah, on the other hand, lacked the personality of her mother, grandmother, and the supporting cast. She could’ve been either really annoying (which I’d been expecting, to be honest) or a true gem. Instead, she felt flat to me and was slightly bland. To be honest, that’s something all too common with split-time fiction. Some, if not all of the characters, just don’t have the time to be developed properly. Sarah was one of them.

That said, everyone else was vivid and interesting...including Clay. Loved him too. And Beau. Seriously. What is it with the guys in this book?

Moving past the first impression (yes, that was my first impression), Cox managed to weave the dual timelines together pretty well. I’ve found that to be true of most authors—they pace the story out well, arrange the scenes perfectly, and execute everything just so from a technical standpoint. The more creative aspects, though, aren’t as up to par as I would hope. (Either that, or I’m just picky...eh, we’ll call it a bit of both.)

Her writing was good. Even, straightforward without being bland, as good as I would expect from a Revell author. That said, there were a few moments that were kind of stilted and the way she cut off her sentences...not how some authors like Roseanna M. White do, like this: She jerked up. Knocked over her chair. Spun to the door. (I personally think this method of writing follows with the emotion of the moment in many cases, which is why I don’t mind it.) Rather, Cox cut off her sentences like this: She sat down. Sipping from her tea.

Maybe she’s not the only one who does this...but she’s the first I’ve encountered, so it did jar me a few times. I know that’s kind of a pet peeve...but y’all know that’s what these reviews are for: me to rant about my pet peeves and character crushes. I’ll never give you black-and-white statements or carefully crafted opinions. Just steam-of-consciousness craziness.

But enough about me! Where was I?

Oh, yes, my most favorite pet peeve of all. Christian content. Now, the spiritual elements in Old Depot Grocery were far too subtle for my tastes...but Cox did weave in a good message, at least on Rosemary’s part. I’ll give her credit for that, especially since so many Christian novels these days not only lack explicit Christian content, they also lack themes and messages.

And while I’m being crotchety, can I just say that the Southern setting seemed way off to me? I’ve lived in South Georgia all my life, and while I know that’s a far cry from Tennessee, I still think there were some elements that made me raise my eyebrows. Seriously. This book had such a nineties vibe...and I don’t mean in the past timeline. I mean the modern-day part. That just screamed eighties and nineties. And believe me, the South has changed drastically since then.

Long story short (because I need to put an end to all my nonsense), Amanda Cox’s The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery was everything I dislike in a novel. That said, I couldn’t put it down! It did have a lot of cliché aspects and of course I had a few things to nit-pick about, but Cox somehow wrote a novel that held me captive in spite of that! Even though it wasn’t my style, I know readers of women’s fiction and split-time fiction will love it!

WAIT. I totally forgot to mention that ending. Like, I was on pins and needles the whole time thinking that between the author and Rosemary, my heart would be ripped to shreds (yes, I can get attached to buildings), but THE ENDING. I absolutely ADORED what Cox (or, well, Sarah) did with Old Depot Grocery in the end! I won’t spoil anything, but as the granddaughter of a Vietnam vet, it made me very, very happy. By far my favorite part of the book!

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About the Author

Amanda Cox is a blogger and a curriculum developer for a national nonprofit youth leadership organization, but her first love is communicating through story. She holds a bachelor's degree in Bible and theology and a master's degree in professional counseling. Her studies and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers.

Author Interview: E. K. Seaver (The House That Didn't End Blog Tour)

EEP! Double eep! Nah, make that a triple eep, because today, I am bringing to you a super fun interview with my good friend, fellow writer, and debut author, E. K. Seaver! You may have heard of her...and, more specifically, her new novella, The House That Didn't End!! You can learn more about her lovely story by checking out this post (in which I fangirl over the cover), and by viewing it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

But today isn't about THTDE - it's about the amazing Ms. Seaver herself! So, without further ado, the interview!

GJ: What first inspired you to write?

ES: My babysitter, actually. She would always tell us (me and my second sister) stories while she did laundry for my mom. When we moved away, I ended up telling that sister stories at night before we'd go to sleep. Turns out, my overactive (*cough* undiagnosed ADHD *cough*) brain couldn't sleep after coming up with stories, so I ended up writing them out.

Unfortunately, said sister has dyslexia and only started to enjoy reading over the past year, and has not read my stories so far. My other sisters are enjoying it, though.

GJ: What are some of the driving forces behind you and your writing now?

ES: I feel like God's calling me to write. It's a unique gift, and an amazing way that you can use to change the world. I want to honor Him and use the talents He has given me. (Also, you can write and travel... so...)

GJ: Can you name any authors who have inspired your voice in different ways? How can you see their influence in your writing?

ES: Nadine Brandes is the author that's the biggest influence for me right now. She wrote the first Christian dystopian books I have ever read-- and since my next series is Christian dystopian, she's had a heavy influence on my writing. She's shown me that you can write Christian books elegantly.

GJ: What are some of your most favorite books/genres—to read and to write?

ES: I love reading and writing in fantasy and dystopian genres. However, the Selection Series and Divergent series are the only mainstream ones I've read, and I 10/10 do not recommend. I have preferred less popular dystopian books.

GJ: What do you do when you aren’t writing?

ES: Wait... I'm supposed to have another hobby?

Kidding. Sorta. I don't have many friends who live near me, but I enjoy hanging out with them when I can. I also enjoy reading-- oh, and I work as a party princess. Which is basically getting paid to cosplay. I wouldn't say I cosplay, because that's associated with a very anti-Christian community, but I essentially do.

GJ: Tell me about your debut novella—The House That Didn’t End! I’m so excited for its release!

ES: The House That Didn't End is basically about two teenagers who are trapped in a magical house and have two completely different goals: Ly wants to win a scavenger hunt and Jackson wants to destroy the dark fae living underneath the house.

I'm super excited too!

GJ: What inspired THTDE?

ES: I started the very first chapter back in... 2019, I think. My writer... clique, technically... did a short story challenge among us. It was really fun, and I completely forgot about this story until early 2021 when I was looking for short stories to post for my 30 days of posting challenge on my author blog. I realized I finished the story with a quick paragraph because I realized back then that it was too long for just a short story, so I expanded on it for the blog! It got so much positive feedback and coincided with me researching what it would look like to indie publish, that I decided to indie publish it!

GJ: THTDE began as a serial on your blog. What did the writing process for that look like? Did you pants the story or plot it? Where did you stumble and second-guess yourself?

ES: I pantsed the short story, and then did something I'll often do with my writing-- I write the basic plot points (or with this novella, wrote a one-sentence summary of what would happen in each chapter.) I always give myself permission to diverge from the plan if I'm writing and want to switch it up-- but I didn't change too much in this one.

I think the part that I second guessed the most was how to end it. It's been years since I wrote a happy ending. (Yes, this is foreshadowing for my next books. ;) I prefer melancholy endings.) THTDE has kinda a modern fairytale vibe, so I couldn't decide if I wanted to end it Grimm brothers or Disney style.

GJ: What does your writing process typically look like?

ES: I generally start writing the first few chapters to see if I even like the story idea. If I like it, I'll write out a list of what I want to possibly happen with the story and try to figure out how it should end. I go through the first draft as fast as possible and it normally ends up several thousand words shorter than the ultimate thing. After that, I'll set the first draft aside and work on another project (often editing the book I wrote before it.) After a month, I'll pick up the book again, read through it, note what should change, and rewrite the whole thing.

Yes, you read that right. The whole thing. This doesn't work for most people, but it's perfect for me. I love getting into the nitty-gritty in the second draft. I normally send it to betas after that, then edit, betas again, one more edit, and then send it to a content editor. Everything after that goes about how you'd expect for a book (Edit from content editor, line editor, and then you're done with the writing part of the book.)

GJ: Out of all of your stories, which one is your favorite? Why? (Bonus question: who’s your favorite character?)

ES: The Reflections (coming spring 2022) is my book baby because.... Well, it just means the most to me for a lot of reasons. The second book in the RF series is emotionally my favorite.

Character-wise... Nina and Justyn from The Reflections and Jackson from The House That Didn't End.

(Hecate is justified, though. I will forever argue that Hecate was justified in her goals-- she's the antagonist, but she's not a villain.)

GJ: What do you want, most of all, for readers to take away from your books?

ES: That there is always hope worth fighting for. As someone who's struggled with deep depression and suicidal thoughts, I want my readers to realize that hope is worth fighting for and giving up, while tempting, is not the right answer. The House That Didn't End isn't a specifically Christian book, but The Reflections is. I want my readers to know that there is hope in Christ.

GJ: What led you to self-publishing?

ES: You. :P

Actually, a lot of things, including some intense humbling from God. I used to think indie publishing was "lazy" or "not legitimate" because it wasn't, well, traditional. I originally tried to get The Reflections traditionally published, but the more I read about traditional publishing-- basically, I wanted to get more of a say about my book (and, y'know, I want to actually be able to make money.) After talking to you (Gracie), I decided to try indie publishing with THTDE and let me tell you, I love it so much. Even though it's expensive, there's just something that an Enneagram 8 loves about being in control of the experience and taking risks that have glorious rewards.

GJ: What are your thoughts for other aspiring writers on writing and publishing?

ES: Trust God's timing and be willing to be flexible. I'm literally publishing this book while in the process of travelling to bring four more siblings into my home. Is it easy? No. Is it sanctifying?

*sighs*

Yes.

But if God is calling you to publishing, whether indie or traditional, He will open the right doors and you're going to learn so much through it.

GJ: Have you ever endured any discouragement as an author? If so, what inspired you to persevere?

ES: All the time, yeah. I'm actually in the middle of rewriting RF2, and it's so discouraging because I know how much work it's going to be. (Funnily enough, this is the book I almost quit writing entirely during while I was in the middle of the first draft.) For writers-- find a community. Someone is going to love your writing, and others are going to be amazing at helping you correct where you've gone wrong.

GJ: What are your greatest aspirations for your future, be it as a person or as a writer?

ES: Let's see. I would really love to be a missionary. Actually my current dream, given that I don't get engaged in college, is to move to England after college and write, then work a few months out of the year as a missionary in the Middle East. And possibly meet a cute British guy and fall in love sometime in my mid-late 20s. I really just want to travel and experience God's beautiful creation while writing and sharing His gospel.

GJ: What has being a writer taught you?

ES: People are important.

I know this sounds so weird, but people are really important. God has been teaching me this a lot through my writing. I have friends who *cough* heavily inspired some of my characters. I have stories that people have helped me develop. Even in the publishing process, it's been amazing to see people come alongside and support me. People are important and everyone has a voice. It's always worth using that voice to share the truth and support others. Be kind. Words matter.

About the Author

To find an E. K. Seaver, you must set a trap. The best option is to lure her in using chocolate, blankets, and a typewriter, but if none of those are on hand, spare books and Broadway music can be easily substituted.

She prefers to be wild and free, though. Whether it includes adventuring through the Rocky Mountains or curled up at a local bookshop, she uses her freedom to produce art. From books to scarves to paintings, Ms. Seaver strives to honor her King in every aspect of her creative works. She desires her stories to hold a meaning beyond the tale and attempts to follow in the footsteps of storytellers who came before her. You can find her and her wild adventures at ekseaver.wordpress.com or on Instagram @ekseaver.author.

I hope you enjoyed this interview! I know I did!!! Don't forget to take a peek at The House That Didn't End, visit E. K. Seaver's website, AND follow the rest of the tour!

#thehousethatdidntend #blogtour #ekseaver #authorinterview #indieauthor #youngauthor #christianauthor #selfpublishing #authorqanda #fantasyauthor #yaauthor

Bookishly yours, Grace

Author Interview: Jayna Baas (w/ More Fun Stuff!)

It all started on Goodreads. Actually, a great deal of stuff starts on Goodreads for me. #socialmediaforbooknerds From great reads like Strangers and Pilgrims and to even better friends - like Jayna!

Jayna Baas is an AMAZING author and an even better human being, and I'm here to share all about both her novel, Preacher on the Run, and her journey as a writer!

As part of the blog tour, there are also a bunch of other fun goodies as well (like, oh, I don't know, FREE STUFF), so stick around 'til the end! I'd hoped to write a review of Jayna's novel for the tour as well, but I'm sooooo backlogged with reviews right now that it's crazy, so you will be seeing it - I just don't know when. Suffice it to say that my review will most definitely be a positive one!

And can you believe it - I double-booked today, so this will not be the only interview you'll get to read! Later this morning, I'll have E.K. Seaver join us as well! (Seriously, guys, what is it with all the blog tours in September? I don't get it.)

Anyway, enough jibber-jabber. Let's get into the fun stuff!

GJ: What first inspired you to write?

JB: I’ve always made up stories—in my head before I could write, on paper after I learned how. So I don’t really know what inspired me; I just know I can’t not write. My grandpa loved words and always wanted to write a book, so I suspect at least some of it is hereditary.

GJ: What are some of the driving forces behind you and your writing now?

JB: My love of reading is a big influence. Since I’ve learned a lot from well-written fiction, I have a passion to use story as a tool to share truth. Also, as mentioned above, I can’t seem to not write. I don’t know if that counts as a “driving force,” but it’s what keeps me going when my book has me banging my head on a wall!

GJ: Can you name any authors who have inspired your voice in different ways? How can you see their influence in your writing?

JB: Davis Bunn had a lot of impact on my writing. In some ways, I find his style a bit dramatic now, but I remember his books as the point when I realized I can either just tell the story, or I can use the words to shape the story. His writing taught me about using fragments for dramatic effect and crafting tight action scenes. Jeff Shaara’s Revolutionary War novels have shaped the way I handle the challenge of narrating real history while still making it engaging. If I get stuck writing a battle scene, off to Jeff Shaara I go. Laura Frantz’s historical novels taught me a lot about seamlessly incorporating historical setting and vernacular into a story. I’ve also enjoyed some of Lisa Wingate’s work, although I think that influence would be seen more if/when I switch to contemporary fiction.

GJ: What are some of your most favorite books/genres—to read and to write?

JB: I read a lot of historical fiction, but I’m picky. My favorite is the kind that makes a real historical event or setting come alive, rather than books that set a generic story (romance or suspense or whatever) against a generic historical background (Wild West or Civil War or whatever). One that comes to mind, though I haven’t read it lately, is Tracy Groot’s The Sentinels of Andersonville. I like espionage and suspense, but not gratuitous violence, so I’m picky there, too. My favorite is Lion of Babylon by the abovementioned Davis Bunn. I also enjoy some contemporary fiction, a favorite being The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate (although that could be considered split-timeline). I like to write the same kind of historical fiction I like to read, but I dabble in contemporary and will probably genre-hop eventually.

GJ: What do you do when you aren’t writing?

JB: Read. Play in my vegetable garden. Make good coffee. Drink good coffee. Experiment with new recipes. Study freelance editing. Spend time with my family. Try to learn more about being a daughter of the King.

GJ: Tell me about your latest release—Preacher on the Run! It sounds so intriguing!

JB: I’ve always loved Revolutionary War history, and I especially love the stories most people don’t know about. The North Carolina Regulator Uprising set off all my story alerts. Since it was partly a struggle over religious freedom, it had potential for some great Christian truth. Since it involved plenty of confrontation, it had potential for a ton of action. I wanted to tell the story of what happened to people who stood up for what they believed. Preacher on the Run isn’t based on any one true story, but it’s definitely a “could have happened” kind of book.

GJ: And your other book, Not for a Million Dollars—what inspired it?

JB: Once upon a time, if I wasn’t reading about the Revolutionary War, I was reading about (or listening to) baseball. But I couldn’t help shaking my head over the ridiculous salaries players angled for. That led me to think, What if a major-league baseball team ditched all of its high-dollar players and went to the playoffs with a team of never-say-die rookies? I wrote the story entirely on a lark, and it languished unpublished for several years. Last summer, when baseball shut down and politics started overtaking the sport, Not for a Million Dollars seemed fitting again. I polished it up and released it just in time for baseball’s (very belated) opening day. Because it was an earlier project of mine, the writing style is different from Preacher on the Run. I’ve never really regained my passion for baseball since that delayed season, and Not for a Million Dollars remains highly improbable, but it’s fun to imagine. Plus the names—Freckles LaMarshe, Bucky Grimes, Mickey Crackjaw, Gypsy Traveler—were lots of fun, a throwback to my early writing days when I had a heyday with names. (I once named an early character Rory O’Sneedlebriar. How fun is that?)

GJ: What does your writing process typically look like?

JB: If I set aside time to write, it’s usually in midmorning, with a cup of coffee near at hand. I draft most of my work in longhand, with pencil, in a composition notebook. (I thought that was strange until I ran across an author who said drafting with pencil and then editing as she types gives her a “draft and a half.”) I start with a very barebones outline, which changes as I write. I think of it as my safety net, just in case I forget where the story was going. I edit as I go, which can be very frustrating sometimes, but I’ve tried more stringent methods and know I can’t stick to a detailed outline. The good news is, now that I know that about myself, I can be a little more patient with the stops and starts—I know the story will ultimately be better for them.

GJ: How do you research your novels?

JB: First I do a flyover, skimming through numerous sources to get the big picture of the subject I have in mind. That allows me to pinpoint the timeframe or topic I want to write about. I usually brainstorm summaries and start outlining at this point, so I have an idea of how the story might work. As I start the actual writing, I research in more detail, hammering out specifics of timing and events. This is where things can get sticky, as scenes I’ve envisioned within the big picture don’t jibe with the “little picture.” If I’m particularly stuck, I’ll do a flyover again to get some inspiration. In the editing/rewriting stage, I work on details like vernacular and settings. I use the interlibrary loan system a lot, but I also do weird things like setting my weather app to the region of North Carolina I’m writing about.

GJ: Which book was the easiest to write, and which was the hardest? Where did you stumble and second-guess yourself?

JB: Not for a Million Dollars was a “just for fun” story. So, while it had its difficult moments, it was far easier than Preacher on the Run, which is six times as long, deeply researched, and full of serious subject matter. With Preacher on the Run, I second-guessed myself regularly. Some of the hardest things involved giving my hero a strong internal arc, figuring out what to do with my bad guy, aligning the fictional plot with the historical timeline, and tying everything together when it felt like I had a million little storylines running around every which way. The bad guy gave me so much trouble that I wound up rewriting the entire climax sequence.

GJ: Out of all of your books, which one is your favorite? Why? (Bonus question: who’s your favorite character?)

JB: I assume you aren’t including the fifteen or twenty I wrote before I started publishing, many of which will never see the light of day. ;) Preacher on the Run is my favorite right now, but that may change after I finish the sequel, Patriot by Night. Bonus answer: Alec Perry usually gets my vote, although Mitchell and Hank were a lot of fun to write, too.

GJ: What do you want, most of all, for readers to take away from your books?

JB: I want them to take away the truth—that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I want them to understand that life in Christ is so much more than just a moral to a story or a quick prayer in the face of impending doom. I want them to see Christians living out their faith and be encouraged to do the same.

GJ: What led you to self-publishing?

JB: I learned about self-publishing at a pretty early stage in my writing and never really considered any other route. Independent publishing is just that—independent—and I wanted to be able to have the last word on every step of my book’s release. Besides which, I knew a book like Preacher on the Run would probably appeal to a rather small audience, so traditional publishers weren’t apt to pick it up.

GJ: What are your thoughts for other aspiring writers on writing and publishing?

JB: Don’t publish until you’re truly ready, and don’t give up. I wrote a ton of stuff that I thought was my magnum opus, and I’m so glad now that I didn’t get the chance to click “Upload” and inflict my melodrama on the world. Self-publishing is a wonderful thing, but it means writers have to be their own gatekeepers. If you’ve taken the time and effort to write a book, don’t sell it short and release it before it’s the best it can be. That can be really, really hard work, but it’s worth it. So, to quote Churchill, never, never, never, never give up! Just write, knowing that even if this story isn’t The One, it will hone your skill. Also, take time to think through how you want to market and present your book. I went into Preacher on the Run without much of a marketing plan, and I’m trying to play catchup now.

GJ: Have you ever endured any discouragement as an author? If so, what inspired you to persevere?

JB: Have I ever been discouraged? Yes. What inspired me? Mom. Honestly, I get discouraged all the time, especially when I’ve just made progress and then hit a wall. And my mom really is my greatest cheerleader, as well as my Chief Brainstorming Consultant. Now that I’ve finished a book or two, I can take courage in remembering how I’ve overcome other obstacles with patience and God’s help. It also helps to have writer/reader friends who believe in my story even when I’m not sure I do.

GJ: What are your greatest aspirations for your future, be it as a person or as a writer?

JB: As a writer, I want to finish the trilogy that Preacher on the Run began, and I’d like to develop my craft to the point that it will support itself. As a person, I want to pursue my editing studies to a professional level, manage a happy home full of kids, and above all, be more like Jesus.

GJ: What has being a writer taught you?

JB: Authoring has made me extremely glad that I’m not God. It’s quite humbling—and awe-inspiring—to realize God orchestrates His plan through billions of people over thousands of years while I can’t even make my handful of made-up people do what I want. Writing has also taught me that when God wants something to happen, He can open doors. If He gives a gift, He’ll give what’s needed to use it. Which is why I always sign books with 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

About the Author

Jayna Baas (pronounced as in “baa, baa, black sheep”) lives in northern Michigan with a great family of real people and the family of pretend people who live in her head. (Yes, she does know her characters are not real. No, she does not want you to tell them she said so.) She is notorious for working on several projects at once and writing her series in the wrong order. She hones her craft amid loud southern gospel music and an embarrassing number of composition books, and is convinced God wired her to write—she can’t not write, even though she believes German writer Thomas Mann was correct in saying, “A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than for other people.” She enjoys writing and reading in a variety of genres, but her favorite story is this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Learn more at www.booksbyjayna.com.

About the Book

STANDING FOR TRUTH COULD COST HIM HIS FREEDOM.

It’s 1771, and Robert Boothe has spent the last four years leading the tyrant-hating Regulators against North Carolina’s corrupt British government. All he wants is a safe place for his little Baptist church to live and worship God. But the established church wants him to shut up. The governor wants him dead.

FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM COULD COST HIM HIS LIFE.

Being an unlicensed dissenter preacher has already made Robert a target. Then Colonel Charles Drake comes to town with one ambition: winning the governor’s favor, no matter what it takes. And Robert Boothe just might be his last chance.

YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE.

Snag Your Copy

THE GIVEAWAY!!!

From 12:00 AM September 13 to 12:00 AM September 25, YOU have the chance to win a signed paperback copy of Preacher on the Run, a bookmark with a Bible verse and cover artwork, and eight assorted photography notecards. And ALL entrants will receive a promo code for Jayna Baas’s online bookstore!!! (Open to US residents 18 and up or with parental consent. No purchase necessary.) Whoop, whoop! I just love free stuff, don't you?

The Tour

Sept 13: Blog tour kickoff @ Books by Jayna

Book spotlight, behind-the-scenes post

Sept 14: Kristina Hall

Book review, author interview

Sept 15: Jenny Knipfer—Author

Book spotlight, excerpt

Sept 16: Vanessa Hall—Author of Christian Fiction

Book review, character interview

Sept 17: Captive Dreams Window

Book review

Sept 20: Southern Gal Loves to Read

Book review

Sept 21: Amanda Tero—Blog

Book spotlight, guest post

Sept 22: Connie’s History Classroom

Book review

Of Blades and Thorns

Author interview

Sept 23: Britt Reads Fiction

Book review

Sept 24: Reading Excursions

Book review, spotlight, excerpt

Tour Wrap-Up

Sept 25: Giveaway winner announced in Rafflecopter widget and on Books by Jayna

So, have I convinced you to read the book yet? I sure hope so! But...on the off-chance that his-fic isn't your thing, I highly recommend checking out Jayna's novella, Not for a Million Dollars!

Thanks for joining us - I hope you'll keep following the tour or catch up on what you've missed!

#authorinterview #giveaway #blogtour #christianauthor #historicalauthor #historicalfiction #christianfiction #freestuff #indie #indieauthor

Bookishly yours, Grace

Bookish Stuff (A Preorder Sale + A Contest!)

NEWSFLASH, Y'ALL! I've got several fun bookish things to share, from a sale to a short story contest to a surprise update from myself! I won't wait y'all's time, because I'm sure I've already piqued your curiosity!

The Sale!

Sustainer’s Smile by Erika Matthews will be on sale for 50% off ($1.99) this weekend only, in honor of the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children (which is today)!

This kingdom fantasy story is full of biblical truths and love for the unborn, which is why I'm proud to be a part of the dual launch team for it and Ryana Lynn Peterson's upcoming release, To Save a Life! You'll be seeing many more posts about Sustainer's Smile, To Save a Life, and their wonderful authors in the coming weeks!

I hope you'll snag a discounted e-copy today!!!

The Contest

It is my pleasure and privilege to share with y'all about the lovely Kads' SHORT STORY WRITING PROMPT CONTEST! *squeals incessantly* If you're interested, please click HERE for more details!

If you're not interested...then please allow me to convince you to become interested...

You have until October 13th to submit a story of no more than 5k words that incorporates one of the three AMAZING prompts Kads supplies...and if you win...you get these FABULOUS prizes!!!

Have the first-place story published on her blog (unless otherwise indicated; you have all rights to your work) Decide the topic for the next blog post she writes An author interview on her blog (unless otherwise indicated) A graphic/collage made for your story A drawing of one of the characters from the story

And may I add that Kads is an exemplary artist? Yeah, you'll wanna enter just for the sake of the drawing, if nothing else.

Of course, second and third place get some pretty sweet prizes too, but we aim to win around here!

The Page

It's official, people. I have a Facebook author page. Just for, you know, context, this is the girl who all but swore she'd never have social media...

Technically, my author page isn't for socializing. It's for marketing. I do have a personal page...but that's personal. *winks* As of today, there's like basically one post...but I hope to be sharing more and more soon! Be sure to like or follow or whatever you do so that way you're up-to-date with all my goings-on! I hope to post things on Facebook that I don't/won't on the blog, to keep all the content fresh and engaging! Anyway, y'all go and check it out, in all its bare emptiness!

Thanks for stopping by, y'all! I hope you take advantage of some of the amazing things I shared! Let me know in the comments if you'll be entering the contest or grabbing a sale copy of Sustainer's Smile while you can!

#bookishstuff #randomness #facebookpage #shortstorycontest #writingcontest #sale #comingsoon #funstuff #wherewilliseeya #inthefunnypapers #idontreadthesports

Bookishly yours, Grace

Introducing Cursed (Imagine Launch Tour)

T-minus FOUR DAYS, y'all. Only FOUR before you get the chance to read tons of fantabulous short stories and poems, all by young writers! I know four days may seem like a while if you, like me, have been waiting nearly two months for Imagine, but GUESS WHAT. I have something to tide you over! Some fun graphics AND a sneak peek of my short story, Cursed!

Y'all probably won't remember, but last year, I did a weekly post all about the meaning and origin of certain names - and one of those was . That week, I hinted at a fantasy project that I was working on...and that fantasy project is Cursed.

Well, not entirely. The project is comprised of, like, nine novels, I think...and Cursed is only the prequel short story...but it is all I've got to show y'all right now, so it counts!

Anyway, I've designed some graphics that capture the aesthetic of Arleth's story (at least, in my opinion *wink*) that I wanted to share! (Please note that the photos in the second graphic were found on Pinterest.)

Now, for that sneak peek!

They’re calling for a sacrifice.

It’s impossible not to hear their riotous shouts, streaming from the marketplace through the village highways and byways, into the once peaceful vineyards. Every word, some tinged with fear and others mired in anger, is a powerful force that quakes the ground and rents the air. Even a day as beautiful as today, as bright and winsome and glorious as ever, is like a dark shadow lurking over our lives.

They want a pure heart to stave off the impurity clawing at our lands. They want an innocent to appease the evil one.

Y'all can probably guess what happens next...but there's a twist at the end that makes way for the first novel! I actually have this outrageous aspiration of seeing this series published by Enclave...but we'll see how it goes!

Now, for more about Imagine!

It’s time to imagine…

Imagination.

Such a small word for such a huge impact it has. Every great story begins here—at that moment after the idea but before the story is completed. The spark. The vision. The idea that will expand into a story that clings to readers’ hearts for a lifetime. An author’s story is limited only by his imagination, and how far he is willing to go to breathe life into characters. To build the foundations of another world. To see the struggles and envision the victories. To search for the magic burning in the darkness.

Teen Writers’ Nook presents a collection of short stories and poems from talented young authors that will take you beyond the boundaries of your mind. From snarky protagonists to the tear-jerking sacrifice. From mystical fantasy worlds to indescribable sci-fi stories. Thrilling adventures, daring choices, inspiring messages, heartfelt romances, and everything beyond. Maybe—just maybe—these tales will have you journey past reality and to the depths of your

imagination. Will you take the risk and embark through the pages of this book?

Featuring work from Alaine Darkwood, Alexa Peterson, Allie Jo Andersen, Chloe B. Christensen, Faith Elizabeth, Grace A. Johnson, Grey S. Park, Linyang Zhang, Lissa Johnson, Lorelei Angelino, Penelope Rugan, Selah Sigmon, Victoria Crooks, and V. L. Smith!

Preorder your copy today!!! Right now, the Kindle copy is available for preorder on Amazon, and the paperback will be coming soon!!!

And don't forget to follow the tour for more fun goodies!

#imagine #launch #blogtour #cursed #shortstories #poems #itstimetoimagine #teenwritersnook #teen #indie #preorder #sneakpeek #collages

Interview with Grey S. Park (Imagine Launch Tour)

In honor of the release of Imagine in *checks calendar* FOUR DAYS, I am privileged to have the author of Angel (and one of my bestest friends), Grey S. Park on for a super fun interview! I'm mixing it up a little bit by using some questions supplied to me by Issabelle (one of the editors of Imagine) and a few of my regular ones! Check back later today to get a sneak peek into my story for Imagine, along with some fun graphics!

Now, on to the interview!

Was this the first time you’ve ever written a short story? If so, what was something you learned through the process? If not, what do you enjoy about writing short stories?

No, it wasn’t my first time writing a short story. I’ve written quite a few short stories before! I think I just like proving that you can deliver a message and develop characters even over a few pages. Short stories are powerful that way.

Where did you get the inspiration for your short story? Was it a particular song, book, or something else?

Well, I was just looking to write a short story when I created Angel. I actually got the original prompt for it from my older sister! The story changed a lot over time, it was probably the short story of mine that changed the most, plot-wise. It was somewhat inspired by a song (and the song is mentioned in the story), but I spun it mostly from my sister’s prompt. And then I saw that Imagine submissions were open and decided to submit it!

What has been one thing you’ve learned after going through the process to be published in the Imagine Anthology?

Hmm. I definitely learned that no story is perfect on the first try. All the rounds of edits really helped! I also learned that I hate rereading my own short stories after a little bit. XD

Can you give us a fun fact of something that happened during the writing and/or editing process? Hilarious typo? Weird fact you had to search? Best edit you received?

Haha, well, originally the protagonist’s name was Jinyoon, his sister was a minor character, and the story was going to be about his relationship struggles with his narcissistic girlfriend Soonha.

Do you have any words of inspiration for other young authors?

Definitely. No matter how hard writing feels, it is always worth it in the end. Writing has become such a safe haven for me and I am so glad that I’m a writer. So make sure to persist even when things feel hard. There’s a story inside of you and don’t let anyone hold you back from telling it.

That's beautiful, Grey! Now, on to my first question! What first inspired you to write?

Hm... I would probably say that it was because I had ideas inside of me that needed to get out. I’ve always been a daydreamer, and the first-ever idea for my first fantasy novel came to me in a daydream. So daydreaming has definitely impacted me.

Same! What are the driving forces behind your writing now?

Still daydreaming. I spend so much time in another world and that’s the reason why my series is now (currently) nine books that came from just one.

I feel ya! Can you name any authors who have inspired your voice in different ways? How can you see their influence in your writing?

Hmmm... I actually don’t know! I just write instinctually and I feel like my voice isn’t quite like any other. I will say, though, that Miss Grace A. Johnson has DEFINITELY influenced my romance writing. I used to be terrible at it and after reading her... well, now I think I’m pretty good. ;)

I aim to please! ;) Thank you so much, though! What are some of your most favorite books/genres—to read and to write?

Of course! You’re a big influence in my romance writing, to be sure. My favourite genre is 100% fantasy, to both read and write. It’s very close to my heart. Some other genres I like to read are dystopian and realistic fiction, but I’ll read pretty much anything as long as it’s not horror and clean. My only two standards, haha. To write, again, fantasy, romance and a little crime. But fantasy is my absolute favourite.

Aw! Those are good choices! What do you do when you aren’t writing?

I like drawing, listening to music, daydreaming, and spending time with my friends. And, of course, procrastinating.

Don’t we all! So, what are you currently working on now?

Right now, I’m working on another one of nine fantasy books, and am spending a lot of time plotting a certain one. Anything outside of my fantasy work right now is currently on hold. I’m really trying to focus on my trilogy of trilogies right now.

What are your plans for when you finish the series?

I’m not sure... knowing me, I’ll likely add another trilogy to it, haha. Perhaps I’ll pick up where I left off on my works as Grey S. Park again... who knows. Whatever God calls me to do.

It's always best to follow His will, for sure! Now, for the hardest - er, I mean, funnest question! Who is your most favorite character in any of your books, and what endears them to you?

Of course! Oh... I’d have to say Tàe Rín (from the aforementioned book I’m plotting). Hmm... lots of reasons! He gets a rough go of things. Him and I share some things in common—we both love the sky, both love reading stories, both are daydreamers. He’s shy and absolutely lovely. Also, he has wings. Which, very unfortunately, is something we don’t have in common.

Oh gosh, yes. Tàe. *sighs* He's so perfect. ANYWAY. Next question! What do you want your readers to take away from your writing?

He totally is. Augh, I love him. I definitely want readers to feel something when they read, but I also want them to realize that, in the end, good will always triumph over evil. Always. I want readers to know that I’m a God-fearing writer and I hope that my writing will impact them in some way.

Yes! I totally understand that! Have you ever endured any discouragement being a young author? If so, what inspired you to persevere?

Definitely. Most of my discouragement comes from, well, me, and I realize now that I’m not a bad writer. I’m not absolutely terrible like I tell myself I am. There are people out there that are more experienced than me, and, yes, better—but that really doesn’t mean I’m bad. Even if I’m not a rich NYT bestselling author with all her books made into movies, I’m still a writer, and that’s fine. I’m good at what I do and I enjoy it, and I’ll get better with more time. I will have low moments but it’s really the highs that keep me going. And if that emotional spiel is too much, allow me to sum it up with a quote from my father: “Your first draft is already better than half the published crap out there.”

I highly agree with your father! What are your greatest aspirations for your future, be it as a person or as a writer?

Haha, thank you! Well, aside from completing my series, I’d really like to become an ESL teacher. I want God to place me in people’s lives that way.

That would be awesome! I actually have an interest in being an ESL teacher myself! No, last question! What has being a writer taught you?

Really? No way! Ah, being a writer has taught me many things. It’s taught me to be patient for things that will make me very happy, for one (i.e. finishing a book). I’ve learned how to be persistent and how to overcome blocks. I’ve learned that God has placed a tool in my hands and I can’t ignore that. Writing is one of the best things He has done for me.

Yep! Ah, a great lesson, patience is. ;) I definitely agree - writing is one of the best things He's done for me as well! That, and bringing me you! <3

Aw, I was so honoured to join you! I’m so glad that we both got to be featured on the Imagine anthology. Thank you so much for interviewing me!

So am I! My pleasure!

About the Author

Grey S. Park is a writer specializing in Eastern Hemisphere-set fiction. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, with her first story about a tree, and loves to write protagonists who feel real and display strong relationships with others. Her favorite genre to read is fantasy. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found listening to music or sketching her characters. She lives in the middle of Canada.

The Tour

14th - Imagine Blog Kick-Off - TeenWritersNook.com

15th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - AllieAndersen.com

16th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - GraceAJohnson.com

17th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - AFangirlsHideaway.wordpress.com

19th - Author Interview and Character Interview featuring Linyang Zhang - TeenWritersNook.com

19th - Character Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - ConfessionsOfAReadingGeek1.wordpress.com

20th - Author Interview - AuthorVLSmith.com

20th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - GloryForGodAlone.blogspot.com

21th - IT’S IMAGINE RELEASE DAY - TeenWritersNook.com

22th - Character Interview Featuring Penelope Rugan - AFangirlsHideaway.wordpress.com

23rd - Author Interview, Character Interview, AND Losta Fun Stuff, Featuring Lorelei Angelino - AllieAndersen.com

24th - Author Interview and Character Interview - LairOfAnEmeraldPhoenix.wordpress.com

26th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - YourWriterlyFriendKads.wordpress.com

Preorder Your Copy!

Thank you so much for joining Grey and me for this interview! I had a ton of fun doing it with her, and I am super excited to read her story in Imagine (because she still hasn't shared it with me and I'mma have to pay to read it now *pouts*)! Don't forget to check out the rest of the posts in the tour and to stay tuned for my next post later this morning! See y'all later, gators!

#indie #youngwriters #teens #anthology #shortstories #poems #teenwritersnook #imagine #itstimetoimagine #launch #blogtour #authorinterview #interview

Bookishly yours, Grace