Kristy Moody's Blog, page 21
April 2, 2022
March 25, 2022
[Guest Blogger] How Novels Can Equip Us to Be More Compassionate
Courtney Walsh
I learned to write in a nontraditional way. I didn’t major in creative writing and honestly don’t think I ever took a class specifically meant to teach me to write. All of my education on the subject came from the theatre.
At first glance, it may seem that a theatre degree is completely unrelated to the field of writing, but somewhere along the way to writing my first novel, I discovered it’s the exact opposite. I learned to create characters in an unorthodox way—by stepping into their shoes and bringing them to life on the stage.
When you’re acting, you’re creating a character based on dialogue and the sparse stage directions the playwright gives you in the script. This means you have to dive into their backstory, often writing your own, giving them strong motivations for the things that they do. This means that as an actor, I learned how to become other people. To truly slip my feet into their shoes and walk a mile or two.
I learned to become an old, junk food–eating smoker with a thick New York accent and a bad limp. I learned to become a Ziegfeld girl, a diabetic daughter with the dream of having a baby, a young Victorian romantic with dreams of marrying a “wicked man,” and on and on. The theatre provided me with an incredible basis for creating characters.
And one thing I’ve learned is that reading provides us with that same opportunity. It’s an excellent way to step into someone else’s shoes. It’s tempting to only read about characters who are like us, who we instantly relate to, but reading outside of our norms gives us a chance to expand our empathy, to become more compassionate to the plight of someone going through something we may never have to endure.
Reading outside our own experiences is the single best way to understand lives we might never otherwise understand. It unites us in the ways we are similar and gives us compassion to understand the ways we are different. It’s the only way to create a shared experience, and if we do it with an open mind, it gives us the opportunity to make the world a little smaller, a little kinder, and a little better to be in.
Next time you’re looking for a book, why not consider one that takes you outside your comfort zone? Why not read it with an open mind, seeking first to understand someone who doesn’t look, act, talk or live like you? What if this is the key to loving our neighbor—doing our due diligence to understand our neighbor?
Reading is such a simple (enjoyable) connector of persons, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to escape into someone else’s shoes every time I open a book.
Courtney Walsh’s next contemporary romance book “What Matters Most” releases on April 5th, 2022.
Read all of BTSCelebs’ articles about this author by clicking here.
About the Author
Courtney Walsh is the author of more than ten contemporary romance books. Her debut novel, “A Sweethaven Summer,” was a New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller and a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. In addition, she has written two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives with her husband and three children in Illinois, where she is also an artist, theater director, and playwright.
A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Courtney Walsh for the exclusive article and images.
March 19, 2022
[Interview] 7 Questions With Billie Jauss
BTSCelebs: Who is Billie Jauss professionally?
Billie Jauss: I am an author of two books, “Distraction Detox” and “Making Room.” I host the podcast “start small BELIEVE BIG,” and I speak at events large and small sharing how we can experience peace and purpose as we overcome the obstacles we face.
Tell us about one bible passage that is the best summary of your new book “Distraction Detox.”
Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Christ has given us freedom that we need tap into. As we leave behind the self limiting thoughts that hold us back we can stand firm in our faith. If we continue to hold onto those thoughts we cannot feel the peace and live out the purpose Christ has laid out for us.
How did your husband and sons’ involvement in MLB influence the content of “Distraction Detox?”
Being in baseball for 35 seasons, we’ve had a lot of curve balls thrown at us. Through the ups and downs it was easy to get caught up in the negative but we created habits to keep us where God wanted us to be. Somehow we made it look like a fun life because now all three of our boys work in baseball.
What do you want people of all religions to takeaway from your new book?
“Distraction Detox” helps you take control of your thoughts so you can realize peace and purpose.
What is one episode of your “start small BELIEVE BIG” podcast that you highly recommend to new fans of your books? Why?
Ep 276 Proven Protection From Being My Number One Biggest Bully You can’t always control the chaos going on around you, but you ARE responsible for undoing the self-limiting thought patterns you create. In this episode I share how I am my biggest bully and how to overcome the self-limiting thoughts we speak to ourselves.
What additional projects should fans expect from you for the rest of 2022?
Morning ‘Son’shine is a daily devotion sent Monday through Friday mornings. ‘Start small BELIEVE BIG” produces a podcast episode each week, subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. And I have a few ideas that are being considered.
A Special Thanks Billie Jauss and Biscuit Media Group for the exclusive interview and images.
March 10, 2022
[Interview] 7 Questions with SXSW Hosts And “Astrid & Lilly Save the World” Stars, Jana Morrison and Samantha Aucoin #SXSW #gg
Jana Morrison
Photo Credit: Raen Badua
Today, the spotlight gets placed on the gaming world for its outstanding art, design, narrative, gameplay, cultural innovation and more through the “SXSW Gaming Awards.” This year’s award ceremony is scheduled to stream live via SXSW Online and their Twitch Channel (sxswgaming), and it will feature celebrity hosts Jana Morrison and Samantha Aucoin!
Before the “Astrid & Lilly Save the World” stars kick off the high-spirited show, they graced BTSCelebs with their presence to properly introduce themselves, talk about how they became fans of SXSW (aka South by Southwest) and what the immediate future holds for them.
Let’s meet Jana Morrison and Samantha Aucoin now!
BTSCelebs: Who is Jana Morrison professionally?
Jana Morrison: Jana Morrison is a Filipino-Canadian multi-disciplinary performing artist!
In addition to performing on stage and on camera, I’ve worked as a theater producer. One of my driving forces has been bringing more diversity to the forefront, and this remains a goal of mine now that I’m working in film and television.
Tell us all about your new series “Astrid & Lilly Save the World” and how you got involved in the SYFY production.
“Astrid & Lilly Save The World” is a fun, scary, heartwarming, gross, cute, new show! It tells the story of two outcast teenage besties who accidentally open up a portal to a terrifying monster dimension. They have to collect a body part from each of a series of monsters in order to close the portal and save the world before it’s too late. They’ve got terrifying monsters in one hand and the horrors of high school in another.
I made the transition from live theater to film and TV in the early days of the pandemic, because film and voiceover bounced back well before the theater world could. I found film is a lot like theater – the acting principles are the same, though you’re acting for a camera instead of a live audience. So I got a great agent who sent me out for plenty of auditions, and I got a couple of fun one liners before I booked the role of Astrid. This is my first lead role, but I’ve been training for this moment for a long time.
What is your favorite episode so far?
Of the episodes we’ve seen so far, episode 3, “Amygdala,” is my favorite. It’s heartwarming, funny, a lot or weird stuff happens, and I think Sam and I are pretty bada** in it. I love getting to check in with all of the show’s characters, and (spoiler alert!) it felt really great to kill that monster with mayo! I think the episode does a good job of showing how people’s fears can manifest in so many different ways. But I’m even more excited about episode 9, Doppelkopf , airing on March 23!
How did you become a fan of SXSW?
I became a fan of SXSW when I realized how many awesome things they do for the community and for the entertainment industry. I love how SXSW brings people from around the world together, and they how they celebrate and push for diversity. The topics are tremendously varied, there’s lots to learn, lots to take in, there’s something for everyone, and SO MUCH FUN to be had. And I REALLY like fun!
What is your favorite category in the SXSW?
Even though I haven’t been in real life yet, I think that the SXSW Art Program would be my favorite part. I love being immersed in art, and I love when something is more than one thing. This artists involved in the program use so many different types of media to create art that is unique, beautiful, and thought-provoking. I love the balance between art and technology.
What surprises can fans expect from you at this year’s award ceremony?
Sam and I hope to bring fun, silliness, and excitement to the awards, and we can’t wait to introduce the awesome presenters who will be announcing the individual awards! We’re just gonna be your two new best friends having a laugh and fanning out over the presenters, the award winners, all of the nominees, and OF COURSE the incredible games!! Trust me… there will be plenty of bloopers for you too.
What additional projects can we expect from you in 2022?
I have many irons in the fire but nothing that I’m ready to unveil here. BUT I can let you know that I, Jana Morrison, am a project I’ll be working on in 2022; just trying to better myself, educate myself, and take care of my wellbeing. And of course my fingers are crossed for a second seasons of Astrid and Lilly Save the World.
Samantha Aucoin
Photo Credit: Raen Badua
Who is Samantha Aucoin professionally?
Samantha Aucoin is a singer, songwriter, actor and skin care/beauty enthusiast.
Tell us all about your new series “Astrid & Lilly Save the World” and how you got involved in the SYFY production.
During the pandemic, I was working as a childcare worker and during that time, I had signed on with a new agent, Emily Adcock, who then got me the audition for Astrid and Lilly Save the World. I found out a couple weeks later that I received a call back for the role of Lilly and then a few weeks after that, I found out I got the role! I flew out to St. John’s Newfoundland 2 weeks later to film the show!
Astrid and Lilly Save the World follows two best friends in high school. They are plus sized outcasts who are trying to learn how to fit in. One day, they decide to go to this party hosted by this Jock named Tate, and he finds them there and fat shames them into leaving. To get out all their anger and frustration, the two decide to do this burn ritual (on the night of this full pink moon) and end up opening a portal to a monster dimension. Now it is up to Astrid and Lilly to close the portal and save the world!
What is your favorite episode so far?
My favorite episode thus far has been episode 5, A-Borg, because I find it’s the turning point for a lot of our characters. The audience receives a substantial amount of plot development in episode 5 and plus, it was really fun getting to kick a real door in.
How did you become a fan of SXSW?
I knew about SXSW because of their film and music festivals! I’ve always wanted to attend one of the South By festivals so it’s so cool that we get to host one of the award shows!
What is your favorite category in the SXSW?
My favourite category would be the music festivals! I’ve always been a huge fan of concerts and would love to attend the South By ones!
What surprises can fans expect from you at this year’s award ceremony?
There may or may not be some crazy scene reenactments from our show…
What additional projects can we expect from you in 2022?
I will (hopefully) be releasing my EP this year! I’ve been working on it for quite some time so I look forward to people listening to it 
Follow me on Instagram for the latest updates: @samanthaaucoin
Thanks!!
A Special Thanks to Jana Morrison, Samantha Aucoin, Tadpole Communications, NBCUniversal and SXSW for the exclusive interviews and images.
March 2, 2022
February 22, 2022
Billie Jauss Releases An All New Book Today
Billie Jauss: “As we grow spiritually healthy, we can discern God’s best – and watch him work in ways we never imagined.”
Are you a fan of the “start small BELIEVE BIG” podcast or the book “Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More”? Then you are going to love today’s big news! The woman behind those inspirational projects just released the new book “DISTRACTION DETOX: Release Emotional Barriers. Restructure Priorities. Realize God’s Best”
According to an official press release from Biscuit Media Group and Iron Stream Media, the latest book from Billie Jauss aims to help women find inner peace and fulfilment in this busy modern world.
This is how the press release describes DISTRACTION DETOX: “Sometimes it isn’t external distractions, but the internal emotional barriers that produce feelings of discouragement and defeat in our lives. Written directly from her own person experiences, Billie shares how detoxing from emotional toxins, realigning priorities, and creating a spiritual health plan can allow women to claim confidence and find fulfillment not in adding one more thing, but to realize God’s best things. DISTRACTION DETOX was written to help women: Determine their internal distractions
Evaluate their emotional barriers
Terminate their toxins to hear, trust, and go
Outline a plan to identify God’s best things
eXecute the plan.”
The author added, “My mission has always been to help women overcome the obstacles in their lives to find peace and purpose,” Billie shares. “My prayer is that women can take a step back, quiet their inner monolog, and make space so God can give them a clear mind and a clear purpose. God so desires us to live confident, peaceful, fulfilled lives. As we grow spiritually healthy, we can discern God’s best – and watch him work in ways we never imagined.”
Visit Billie Jauss’ official website (billiejauss.com) for more information about the author/speaker and her latest release.
A Special Thanks to Biscuit Media Group and Iron Stream Media for the info and images.
February 17, 2022
[Interview] Andrews and Wilson: “We Are Beyond Excited That The [Book] Series Is Now Under Development As A TV Series”
BTSCelebs: Who is Andrews & Wilson professionally?
Brian: Andrews & Wilson is the storytelling team of Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson. While we have both published individually, we are now working full-time as Andrews & Wilson, with multiple books coming out each year in four different series. We are both Navy veterans who support the veteran community by taking on mentoring and philanthropic roles. After graduating from Vanderbilt and the NROTC program, I served as an officer on a 688 class fast attack submarine in the Pacific. After my tour of service, I attended Cornell University, where I earned an MBA and was a Park Leadership Fellow. I worked as an entrepreneur while beginning my career as a storyteller and now write full-time.
Jeff: As Brian said, we’re both Navy veterans. In my case, I served as a combat surgeon with Naval Special Warfare, deploying with an East Coast–based SEAL Team as well as one deployment as an FRSS team leader with the Marines. I have had lots of jobs, but my time serving with the amazing warriors of NSW is the thing I am most proud of and shaped who I am as a person and a writer. I also write full-time now, but in addition I lead a men’s military ministry for a large, multisite church in Tampa, which has been beyond rewarding.
Which Bible passage is the best summary of the message behind Dark Angel?
Brian: For me, John 8:44 and Ephesians 6:10-18 come to mind, but my favorite that fits the story arc is Ephesians 6:12, which says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” In Dark Angel, our hero Jed finds himself battling darkness that predates his time in the Shepherds and a foe that matches not only his warrior skills but one who has capitalized on his fall from grace. Do you agree, Jeff?
Jeff: That’s one of my favorites for sure. I also love Isaiah 6:8, which is where God calls to Isaiah and he answers: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” I love it because, like the characters in the Shepherds series, Isaiah answers the call without question. These are the men who we had the honor to serve with in the Navy, those who answered the call and said, “Here I am. Send me.”
Are there any people in the Holy Bible that inspired the characters in your new book?
Jeff: There are a myriad of them in fact. One of the things that is so inspirational in the Old and New Testament is how God uses ordinary, and often flawed, men and women to be His light in the world. David was loved by God but did some terrible things, finding his way back to God in time. Before he was writing the New Testament, Paul was Saul and hunted and killed Christians. I love Peter, the flawed, often–short-fused guy who became the “Rock” on which the Christian church was built. Those are the types of characters we tried to build in the book—ordinary men called to do extraordinary things not because they’re better than anyone else, but because they surrender to God. When they make mistakes or miss the mark, they get up every time and strive to do better.
What was one tough obstacle you had to overcome while writing Dark Angel and which part of the novel was the easiest to write?
Brian: Great question—the most difficult part of writing this second installment in the series was trying to force ourselves to slow down! There was a strong compulsion to accelerate Jed into the program and get him into a leadership position right out of the gate. But we knew that would be a mistake. We spent hours talking about what makes units like the Navy SEALs so effective, and the core concept we kept coming back to is the strong bonds of brotherhood between the team members. In the Shepherds, an organization that is well-established but always recruiting new members, there would need to be a protocol in place to help create the same kind of bonding that you see in high-performing teams. The solution to this conundrum became the idea that “all” Shepherds—regardless of seniority—rotate through the training program with new members when forming a new squadron so they can bond as a group. Writing this “boot camp” module into the opening of the novel was super fun and allowed us to develop and show off the personalities of Jed’s future teammates.
It’s great that you are powerful inspirational writers! Tell us about when you both accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Jeff: I was raised in a Christian family and gave my life to Christ in high school. But like so many of us, my story didn’t really end there. I was all in as a kid, leading in Young Life, active in my church youth group, a member of FCA—you name it. My challenges came later, when harsh realities of life challenged my faith. This started for me as a young man, working in the fire service as a paramedic, and grew slowly over time. In other government service and then in war as a Naval officer, I saw things and experienced things that challenged my faith. I never stopped believing but I drifted from my faith when I couldn’t rectify the true evil I saw in the world and the suffering as a result of that evil with my misconceptions of God and the Christian walk. I was able, with help from my wife and others in my life, to find my way back to an even stronger faith, but it took time. This is common in the life of those who have experienced the horrors of war firsthand, and it’s why I’m now serving in a men’s military ministry in Tampa.
Brian: The idea that God would send His only Son to live and struggle among us has resonated with me my entire life. To live as a mortal is the purest path to empathy, compassion, and understanding. How can one truly love another person unless you have walked in his or her shoes? For over two thousand years, Jesus and His teachings have inspired people to take the journey to become better versions of themselves. His lessons will never lose their relevance or poignancy. When faced with derision, Jesus responded with kindness. When facing hate, He responded with love. For as long as I can remember, I have accepted Him and His love.
Besides Dark Angel, what other exciting projects do you guys have planned for 2022?
Brian: 2022 and 2023 are exciting for us. In addition to Dark Angel in April, we also have the third book in the Shepherds series coming out in October—Dark Fall. And we are beyond excited that the series is now under development as a TV series.
Jeff: Yep! And of course Sons of Valor gets its second installment in the series in June with the release of Violence of Action. We love this series and are glad to get some more Tier One SEAL action out there for our readers. And next winter look for Dempsey, the seventh book in the Tier One series to hit the shelves. Early winter 2023.
Brian: Right, and speaking of 2023, we also have a brand-new techno-thriller coming next year. Sandbox is a high-concept thriller we’re really excited to share!
Jeff: For fans and readers who want to learn more, go to andrews-wilson.com to see all our books and interviews. While you’re there, please sign up for the newsletter to stay apprised of all our release dates and announcements. We never share contacts and we won’t spam your in-box—just periodic updates with the latest news and giveaways!
Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson’s “Dark Angel” is scheduled to be released on April 5th, 2022.
A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Andrews and Wilson for the exclusive interview and images.
February 8, 2022
January 31, 2022
Review: Andrews and Wilson’s “Dark Angel”
Powerful character Jedidah Johnson returns this Spring for diehard fans of The Shepherds Series.
Andrews and Wilson’s new book “Dark Angel” picks up right where “Dark Intercept” left off. Readers are able to follow Jed’s journey at a new Jericho training facility (one of The Shepherds’ headquarters) in Tennessee, while we see where former Shepherd Nicholas Woland is and the whereabouts of Detective Maria Perez. In a short amount of time, Jed learns how to excel in spiritual and physical warfare at the training grounds. He even embraces his new friendly teammates and a possible love interest. Characters Nicholas and Maria are on the opposing team more commonly known as The Dark Ones. Unfathomable destruction at a famous holy location and infiltrating The Shepherds to destroy them are the immediate goals of the villains.
The Shepherds and The Dark Ones go head to head in the religious war meant to instill hate around the world. Without the expert insight of Jed and young Watchers Corbin and Sarah Beth Yarnell, The Shepherds’ mission would be almost impossible. As the book progresses, the Good Vs Evil fight remains intense and the ending is the most shocking of all.
The thriller “Dark Angel” is as raw and gritty as they come. It is unapologetic in its way of sharing the gospel to the mainstream world. There is plenty of action, supernatural moments and references to Bible scriptures throughout. Based on BTSCelebs’ previous reviews, I think it has elements of Dean Cain’s TRAFFICKED, Tobin Bell and Jason Mac’s A Father’s Legacy and DiAnn Mills’ “Fatal Strike“. The unexplainable visions and wrestling demons in real time are its own unique factors.
Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson’s “Dark Angel” is scheduled to be released on April 5th, 2022.
*A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the advance reader copy of the book and cover image*
January 22, 2022
[Interview] Author Michelle Shocklee: Righting Wrongs And Seeing One Another As Equals Are [My Book] Themes
Are you ready for Michelle’s next book?
On March 8th, 2022, Tyndale House Publishers is scheduled to release “Count the Nights by Stars”. To celebrate the historical fiction book, BTSCelebs is interviewing the author, Michelle Shocklee. In our exclusive interview, you will learn more about her writing style, the book character she relates to, what message her new novel sends to people of all religions and more.
Enjoy our exciting chat now!
BTSCelebs: Who is Michelle Shocklee professionally?
Michelle Shocklee: I am a lifelong avid reader of fiction who is profoundly blessed to also get to create my own stories. Although I write historical fiction, my characters experience challenges and life situations that we face in our modern world today. To me, the beautiful thing about studying, reading, and writing about history is the lessons we learn and the hope for the future that comes from putting those lessons into action. Righting wrongs and seeing one another as equals are themes that run throughout the pages of all my books. Because my faith in Jesus Christ is as much a part of me as breathing is, the stories I write will always shine a light on the hope and healing found in Him. I’m not preachy about it, but I also believe it’s important to share the gospel by using the God-given gifts we each have; mine happens to be writing stories.
How does “Count the Nights by Stars” differ from your previous novel? What elements are the same?
Like my previous novel, Under the Tulip Tree, my latest novel, Count the Nights by Stars, is a dual-time story set in Nashville, Tennessee. However, that is where the similarities end. Count the Nights by Stars takes place in 1897 and 1961, both important years in the history of Nashville, and follows the lives of two women, Priscilla and Audrey. Both women struggle with finding purpose in life by overcoming situations that neither of them sees coming. The theme of “I see you” takes each woman down a different path and ultimately opens her eyes to a hurting world and the role she can play in the healing process. Where Under the Tulip Tree addressed the issues of slavery and racial reconciliation, this book addresses the dark subject of human trafficking. But as I said before, shining a light in the darkness is a vital part of everyone’s story.
Which character do you identify with the most and why?
I think I identify with Audrey from the 1961 story a little more, mainly because I was a child of the 60s. Her character is not based on me, but Audrey experiences an awakening about the world and the people around her that is familiar and enlightening at the same time. Priscilla’s story, however, comes from a deep desire in my heart to see the people who live in the shadows. I’ve worked with elderly individuals for twenty-five years and it’s truly a joy to get to know them and listen to stories of bygone years, hearing about the fascinating things they accomplished in their lifetimes and seeing these precious people not as old, gray-haired men and women, but as the vibrant young people they were.
How can people of all religions relate to the story in “Count the Nights by Stars”?
Although Count the Nights by Stars is written from a Christian worldview, the theme of “I see you” is universal. Tragically, human trafficking is a worldwide problem that will take all of us to solve. Civil rights and compassion for those with special needs are also themes woven into the book.
What other projects should fans anticipate from you in 2022?
Count the Nights by Stars is the only book I’ll release in 2022, but readers are welcome to visit my website and check out my previous historical novels including the Christy Award finalist Under the Tulip Tree.
Learn more about Michelle Shocklee by visiting her official website, michelleshocklee.com
Tyndale: About the Author
Michelle Shocklee is the author of several historical novels including Under the Tulip Tree, a Christy Award finalist. Her work has been included in numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books, magazines, and blogs. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of two grown sons, she makes her home in Tennessee, not far from the historical sites she writes about.
A Special Thanks to Michelle Shocklee and Tyndale House Publishers for the interview and photo.
