Author Interview: Karly Cross

I don't know about you, but I'm friends with my former English professors from college. We keep up on Facebook and they cheer me on with each book, which is amazing. So, when I saw one of them cheering on another Freed graduate, I knew exactly how that felt. And the more I read about her and her book, the more I wanted to know. So, I reached out to new author Karly Cross, and she agreed to do an interview. After all, if I want to know more, you probably will, too, right?

Hi Karly, welcome! I'm always excited to meet other alum from Freed-Hardeman who are also authors. When did you first decide you wanted to write?
 
            Hi!  Thank you so much for having me!  This is definitely a blessing to be able to answer these questions with you. I love that Freed has connected us and that we have that connection to each other here in the writing world.
 
As cliché as it may sound, I think I’ve always had the writer’s spirit in me.  I was writing silly songs and poems from the time I could read, and all my fantastical stories were my favorite way to express myself.  Creating and writing have always just been part of who I am.
 
Your first book looks great. I'm always excited to find more books for my children to read as they grow, especially ones that include the Bible. What inspired you to write a book about going back to Bible times?
 
             Thank you so much!  It was definitely a labor of love, and I hope your kids enjoy it, truly!
 
I think sometimes when we read the Bible, we forget the humanity of the people we’re told about.  It’s so easy to slip into the mindset of “these are stories” rather than “these are historical accounts.”  By having the characters, Riley and Gabe, go back into these accounts, in my opinion, it gives young people a chance to really explore the humanity of the biblical people.  It broadens the scope and shifts the perspective, which I think can be beneficial to all.
That's a great point. My husband and I both have a pet peeve about people in the Bible being referred to as "characters." They were real.
I know your first book is geared towards YA. What made you want to write for that age group?
 
            I’m actually a teacher by trade, and I love working with kids. With my home congregation, I teach Bible classes, plan youth lock-ins and youth rallies, work with Lads to Leaders and CYC, and I love working on VBS here in the states as well as in Costa Rica!  I have such a passion for our youth, and want to show them every bit of love they deserve. 
 
I think young people in the church need good examples now more than ever, and by creating this for them, hopefully some sort of positive impact can be made in their lives.  Also, books for young people are just so fun!  Their imagination is limitless, and it’s such a joy to delve into that unbounded sense of creativity.
 
What's next? As an author, I know it takes a while to get a book published, but I also know I always have a project I'm working on for down the road. Will there be more books in this series about traveling to Bible times? Can you give us any sneak peeks?
 
            Well, in regards to what’s next, I am currently working on the second book in the series!  I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say that it’s one of my favorite biblical accounts that Riley and Gabe get to experience.  I will say, too, that I always have at least 4 ideas swimming around in my head on what to write next, so you never know what may come out of those!
 
I definitely have about that many swimming in my head at all times, too. :-)
If you, personally, could go back in time to when the Bible was happening, where would you want to go most?
 
            As simple as it sounds, I would love to be in the audience for the sermon on the mount.  To hear Jesus’ teachings from His own lips and see people just listening in wonder would be such a humbling experience.  Or I’d like to be on the boat when Jesus walked on water.  That would just be, for lack of a better phrase, super cool.
 
Okay, one last question I ask all my guests. Can you please tell us one unique thing about you that not many people know?
 
I am very much obsessed with coffee.  My best friend and I just completed the Coffee Trail here in Columbus, so that was fun! Going along with that,  I never order the same drink at Starbucks twice.  I usually ask the barista to make something of their choice, because if the drink is good enough for them, then I trust the barista’s taste! It’s definitely a fun part of the day and whoever makes the drink always seems really proud and like their day was made, too.

Well, that almost makes me want to drink coffee! ;-) Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting with us today, Karly. I can't wait to see what comes next.

If you want to know more about Karly and her book, keep reading.
​Karly Cross was born and raised in Ohio by a God-fearing family. She attended Freed-Hardeman University and graduated with her B.A. in English in 2017. Karly loves God, her families (birth and church), working with kids, and her dog, Laci. She still resides in Ohio today while pursuing her passion for writing.

​Follow Karly on Facebook.
Riley Carson is excited about her dad's return from a biblical expedition, but when he comes home with a slingshot from Bethlehem, the excitement is just beginning! Riley and her best friend, Gabe, grab the slingshot and it sends them back in time...all the way to the battle of David and Goliath! In order to return home, they must get the slingshot back, but will they get it? Or will they come face to face with a GIANT? Find out in "The Bible Time Travelers Book One: A Giant Problem!"

Liferich Publishing

Amazon

Barnes and Noble