Meet author Megan Soja

Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories filled with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. Her favorite stories are those that point back to the author of life Himself. The kind that draw you into the lives and world of the characters, while also inspiring you with God’s truth woven throughout. When she isn’t writing, Megan enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and spending time with her family. She is also a musician and has played the French Horn for over twenty-five years. She lives in western New York with her husband and two young daughters.

Tell us about your newest book.

Spark of the Revolution is a historical romance set against the backdrop of the Boston Tea Party. It features Patience, the daughter of a Loyalist who longs for a fresh start as she reunites with her father, and Josiah, a blacksmith and member of the Sons of Liberty yearning for a true home and family. As tensions mount following the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor, they must determine if the obstacles between them are too great to overcome, or if their search for belonging will lead them to each other and to the One who calls them His own. This is the first book in my Harbor of Spies series, and there’s a hint of espionage in there too!

What inspired you to write your story?

I’ve loved the American Revolutionary era since I was a little girl with a Felicity American Girl doll. I knew I wanted to write a historical novel in that time period, but wasn’t sure what to focus on. My younger daughter has a complex congenital heart defect, and we traveled frequently to Boston for several years so that she could receive specialized surgeries at the children’s hospital there. On one such trip we had the opportunity to do a bit of sightseeing, and I realized what a wealth of history was right there in front of me – in a city that had become so special to our family. I actually began researching and brainstorming this story from her bedside in the ICU. Thankfully, her surgeries were a success and she is now thriving, and this book holds an extra special place in my heart because of where and how it began.

Why do you write?

I write because I’ve had stories in my head for years and I can’t help but bring them to life! I also write Christian fiction in particular because I have seen God work in my own walk with Him through lessons I’ve encountered in novels. It is my hope that the faith woven into my stories can encourage others in the same way.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

My heroine’s name is Patience. I didn’t so much choose her name as her name chose me. It just showed up in the opening line that came to mind as I was thinking about this story and I knew it was who she had to be. Hopefully, if you read the book, you’ll see why.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

As a mom to two elementary-aged kids, my work schedule is mainly to write as much as possible when they are at school! While I’ve been known to write in short snippets if necessary, I definitely prefer to write for more extended and focused stretches of time.

What is the hardest part of being an author?

One of the hardest parts as an author of historical fiction is making sure my research is thorough, and then taking all that information and weaving it into the story in a way that feels natural and realistic. I love to bring the time period to life, and always strive to make things as authentic as possible.

What’s one thing your readers should know about you?

While writing fiction has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, I actually studied biology in college. I worked in research and development for a time, then went on to get my teaching degree and taught both special education and biology at the high school level. I loved my experiences in science and teaching, but it is such a joy to see my dream of publishing become a reality.

What is your favorite pastime?

I love to be outdoors whenever I can and especially enjoy hiking, canoeing and kayaking. The Adirondack Mountains in upstate NY are one of my favorite places in the world, and I’ve climbed all forty-six of the high peaks there. Of course, I’d count reading a good book in the hammock or by the lake as an enjoyable outdoor activity too!

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

Spark of the Revolution is my debut novel, but my next book in the series comes out this June. It follows Will, Patience’s older brother, and hits upon the aftermath of the Boston Tea Party as well as the battles of Lexington and Concord. I also have a contribution in the Image Bearers Anthology.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently writing book three of my Harbor of Spies series. This one features a British soldier as the hero, which is quite a change from the patriotic heroes of books one and two and a fun challenge. He’s quartering in the home of my heroine, so there’s some interesting forced proximity situations. From a historical standpoint, it covers the siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Website: https://megansoja.com/

Link to book: https://megansoja.com/sparkoftherevolution/ – all other links (Amazon, B&N, etc are here)

Social media links:

https://www.facebook.com/authormegansoja/

https://www.instagram.com/megan.soja/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52937401.Megan_Soja