Meet author Terri Gillespie
Award-winning author and speaker, Terri Gillespie writes stories of faith and redemption to nurture women’s souls that include a women’s devotional, Making Eye Contact with God, The Hair Mavens Trilogy: award-winning She Does Good Hair, CUT IT OUT!, Really Bad Hair Day, and her newest release, the award-winning, Sweet Rivalry. Recently she launched Author for Authors YouTube channel with three series to promote other authors, thanks to hubby’s brilliant video editing.
Tell us about your newest book.
Sweet Rivalry begins as an ordinary morning for Sarah Sweeting—watching her favorite baking show, Cupcake Rivalry while getting ready for work at her Granny’s small-town bakery. All that changes when Sarah spots a contestant who looks like her, sounds like her, moves like her. Was this her twin sister? The twin her mother ran away with twenty years ago? Were hers and Granny’s prayers finally being answered? When Granny confirms the shocking discovery, she suffers a heart attack. On the west coast, Raven Souwers’ morning began at a frenzied pace—incessant ringing phones and a Beverly Hills’ bakery full of customers. All because everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the Cupcake Rivalry contestants—Raven and her best friend, Will Durning. But a phone call from an excited woman claiming to be Raven’s long-lost sister—a sister Raven has no memory of—informs Raven that a grandmother she never knew was in the hospital. The call changes the course of Raven’s life and brings up the pain she thought she’d overcome.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Long lost twins find each other through their love of baking, but will the past and not-so-sweet rivalries separate them again?
What genre do you focus on?
Women’s contemporary. I love “real-time” life in my novels. My goal is for readers to know the characters so well they wished they were friends. Or at least want to invite them to lunch. Or a cupcake.
Why do you write?
Okay. This is difficult to share. For most of my childhood, I struggled with reading and reading comprehension. It was the 1950s and 60s, so resources and information weren’t readily available. Of course, I just thought I was, well, stupid. Other kids could read and talked about all these great books. I loved the feel and smell of books. I loved going to the library. When the bookmobile pulled into the school parking lot, it was magical. I’d stand in line, my heart beating like a hummingbird, waiting to step inside and have a librarian help me find a book I would enjoy. I checked-out the maximum amount every time. And never finished a single one of them. Imagine loving books, but struggling to read them, much less finish them. My best friend was my grandmother. She was a storyteller. Great stories about her father the town doctor. Her miraculous birth. It didn’t matter how many times she told the tales—I couldn’t get enough. In hindsight, she must have sensed my struggles. One visit she had set up a rickety metal secretary’s table and placed her ancient Royal typewriter on top. Typing paper and a ballpoint pen stacked neatly next to the great beast, she pointed to the chair and said write. I typed stories. Illustrated them. Then bound them with tape. But when I read Jane Eyre, I heard my voice. Charlotte Bronte’s tragic, moody, angsty deliciousness. Yet, with a strong redemptive theme. I wanted to write for women today who felt they had no worth. Stories of characters who finally learn their value is in our Heavenly Father because of His Son. Always hoping these books would open new doors of opportunity for other women. My tag is Nurturing Women Through Stories of Hope. My grandmother did that for me. Charlotte Bronte, and many others over the years—they nurtured me with stories, so that I could return the favor.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Raven. Actually, Rachel Raven. Raven’s mother, Lizzy chose it because of her love of Edgar Allen Poe. Telling you anymore gives away too much of the story.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m up early for my quiet time and daily writing “tithe”—my Daily Word devotions blog. Next social media, ACFW, Author for Authors vlogging, and congregational business. Then [happy sigh] writing. If I’m on deadline, personal hygiene tends to be ignored. I have an amazing husband who will still kiss my greasy head before he asks what’s for dinner.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing and promotion. I love promoting others, but me? Meeting readers face-to-face or speaking? That, I enjoy. Interaction with readers is so much more interesting than talking about me.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The moment when I know I have connected with the heart of God about the story because what comes out of my imagination couldn’t possibly be just me. Yes, when that tiny speck of creativity from the Creator of the Universe lodges in the imagination … Wow.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I’m related by marriage to three famous people: Frederick the Great of Prussia; Vincent Price; and Rush Limbaugh.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I buried hubris recently. Hopefully, it will stay dead this time.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My first book was a weekly women’s devotional, Making Eye Contact with God. It came out in 2008, and I’m still blessed with royalties. Someone in Dubai bought fifty copies last year.
The Hair Mavens trilogy—Modern day Ruth and Naomi stories set in a hair salon. Book one: She Does Good Hair. Book two: CUT IT OUT! Book three: Really Bad Hair Day.
What are you working on now?
Due to peer pressure from one author in particular—you know who you are—I’m attempting to write a cozy mystery. Plotting begins. Stay tuned!
Website: www.authorterrigillespie.com
Link to book: https://authorterrigillespie.com/terri-gillespie-books/sweet-rivalry/
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriGillespie
Twitter: @TerriGMavens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terri.macalady.gillespie/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Terri-Gillespie/e/B002BMCBL6?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1633377339&sr=1-2
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/terrilgillespie/_created/
BookBub Profile: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/terri-gillespie-03735cb1-12a1-470f-8caa-467d4113919d
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2775460.Terri_Gillespie
MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/terrigillespie
YouTube Channel (Terri Gillespie, Author for Authors): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iMKu7zt6wB4vmPKqsM7EA
Meet author Beth Vogt
Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Her newest release is Unpacking Christmas: A Thatcher Sisters Novella. She’s authored ten contemporary romance novels and novellas, before writing her women’s fiction series with Tyndale House Publishers including: Things I Never Told You; Moments We Forget;and The Best We’ve Been. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a RITA® finalist.
Tell us about your newest book.
I’ve always wanted to write a Christmas novella because I love reading them. Since releasing The Best We’ve Been, the third book in the Thatcher Sisters Series, readers were asking about Payton, Jillian, and Johanna, so I thought it would be fun to catch up with them during the holidays.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Like everyone else, the Thatcher sisters have plans for Christmas. But things don’t go the way they expect – do they ever? This Christmas, Johanna, Jillian, and Payton will realize the true magic of Christmas isn’t found in gifts or decorations or treasured traditions, but in the love of family.
What genre do you focus on?
I write women’s fiction because I love to explore the depths of relationships between best friends, sisters, and mothers and daughters, as well as the heart issues that women care about.
Why do you write?
I believe that life is complicated. That relationships are messy. But I also believe God steps into the middle of our complicated, messy lives and says, “I have more for you than this.”
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
The main character in Unpacking Christmas is Heather Thatcher. She’s the mom of Payton, Jillian, and Johanna – the Thatcher Sisters. I chose her name because my eighth-grade teacher’s name was Heather. She was one of the first teachers I looked up to – who influenced me as a young writer – and I always thought her name was beautiful. I used her last name for another character in the novella.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I always say I write in between the interruptions. I would love to keep a regular schedule, but I juggle writing and real life. Sometimes I juggle things well, and sometimes it’s not so pretty.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part is merging the dream of writing with the reality of writing. If we’re not careful, the realities can squash the dream. Reality can create all sorts of “logical” reasons to quit. Writing is hard work. But we have to remember the “why” and we have to banish the words “I quit” from our vocabulary.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Oh, there are so many wonderful parts! Brainstorming an idea. Finishing a first draft. Getting feedback. Holding your book in your hands for the first time. Meeting a reader. Meeting an author you admire …
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I always tuck a true-to-my life fact into every book I write. Close friends and family always figure it out. Oh! And I never read my books once they’re released.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve learned failure is part of success – and I’m okay with that.
What is your favorite pastime?
Being with my family – doing anything. Cooking. Playing boardgames. Watching old movies.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I sure do! You can find them on my website at bethvogt.com.
And if you’d like a free novella, you can sign up for my Words of Encouragement newsletter on my website. https://bethvogt.com/newsletter-sign-up/
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new women’s fiction story that’s a bit true-to-life. I named the main character after a good friend (and fellow author). And I’m having so much fun with this new story!
Website: https://bethvogt.com/
Link to book: https://bethvogt.com/beths-books/unpacking-christmas/
Social media links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethkvogt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBethKVogt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethvogt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beth_vogt/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5042181.Beth_K_Vogt
Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.com/Beth-K.-Vogt/e/B001JSBFIS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1531329067&sr=1-2
BookBub:https://www.bookbub.com/profile/beth-k-vogt
Dream Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/193916211212564/
Painting the Scars
Are you artistically inclined? Each of us have a propensity to create, whether it’s through baking, crafting, woodworking, gardening, writing, painting—or whatever. When we create from our deepest self, that when beauty can really rise from the ashes.
In Colleen’s Confession, Colleen Sullivan loves to draw and dreams of growing in the craft. But tragedy strikes when her fiancé perishes in the sinking of the ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland on his way to meet her. With Colleen’s orphan dreams of finally belonging and becoming a wife and an artist gone, what will her future hold?
Here’s a little taste of the story:
Colleen sighed, sucking in her bottom lip and shifting nervously from foot to foot. Her uncertainty must’ve been evident, for Mr. Alson’s brows narrowed. He took her hands in his, gazing at her bandaged hand and shaking his head.
His coffee-brown eyes almost hid his pupils, so dark and deep they were. “Are you left-handed?”
Her hands quivered as she tried to quell her trepidation, but to no avail. “Yes.”
His clean-shaven face had tiny, black dots of stubble darkening his jawline. “Being left-handed is a sign of artistic propensities.”
Really? The nuns had smacked her hand when she used it, claiming it was a mental deficiency she must overcome. A ripple of hope edged through her mind, scaring her more than Timmy, the orphanage’s meanest bully. She pasted on a grateful smile.
Mr. Alson grew somber, his gaze lugubrious. “I see someone has hurt you. I see it even more in your eyes. In your countenance.” He paused, staring at her, compassion filling his eyes. “The tapestry of one’s life often has dark threads that can bring out the lighter, deeper beauty. If you let it.”
She shuddered under his discerning gaze. She nodded, then shrugged. It was as if he could see into her very soul. She sucked in a breath and held it.
“Paint the scars, Miss Sullivan. Don’t flee from them. Don’t shun them. Embrace them so you can be free to soar. They will give you power to create in a way that little else can. Hurts and scars and shadows of the past can generate hues that bring your art to life. Without pain, we are one-dimensional creatures who have little to share.”
His words were as gentle as a kitten’s lick, yet as powerful as a lion’s roar.
Can you relate? Check out Colleen’s Confession. You’ll be glad you did.
Meet author Sherry Kyle
Sherry Kyle is the author of contemporary women’s fiction and historical romance novels, as well as her recent small-town romance novella, Forever Yours This Christmas. Sherry also writes award-winning middle grade books, including The Christian Girl’s Guide to Style and Love, Lexi: Letters to God, as well as ECPA finalist, True Heart Girls Devotional: God’s Promises for Me. When Sherry isn’t writing, she enjoys walks along the ocean and decorating her beach home. She lives in California with her husband and four children.
Tell us about your newest book.
Amanda Richards moves to the island of Nantucket to take over the Blue Crab Café that her aunt and uncle have successfully run for forty years. Hoping to prove her worth to a somewhat skeptical community, she volunteers to organize the annual Cranberry Festival at the Milestone Cranberry Bog. When a handsome electrician and other residents of the island step up to help with the festival, she must discern whether they really have her best interests at heart.
Tyler Adams, owner of Adams Electric, is having a hard time accepting the news that the Blue Crab Café has been sold and the former owner is moving away—a man who’s been a father figure to Tyler since his dad’s death two years ago. When Amanda, the new owner, steps up to head up the Cranberry Festival planning committee, he volunteers to help her and quickly falls for the newest member of the community. The only thing he hadn’t planned on was his ex-fianceé returning to town with her sights set on winning him back.
What inspired you to write Sweet Cranberries?
I love small town romance and helping those who feel invisible, and this story combines both of those elements. I also wanted to write a story where the hero seeks a father figure that only God, his Heavenly Father, can fulfill.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A heartwarming story about accepting others, celebrating community, and the rush of falling in love in autumn.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I love to write in multiple genres as you can see from my bio. Lately I’ve been writing contemporary romance because I’m a romantic at heart and love a sweet and clean story. I also enjoy writing devotionals for kids 8-12 year olds. I go back and forth between genres to keep things interesting.
Why do you write?
I write because I love to create. I’ve always been a creative person, whether it was cartoon drawings or making craft projects for school as a child, to chalk-painting furniture and interior design as an adult. Writing fills that same creative desire for me. What can I say? God wired me that way.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My main character is Amanda Richards. I choose her name by figuring out how old my character is and then looking up the top one hundred baby names on Google during that year. The last name comes to me by what I think sounds good with the first name.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
It usually takes me six-to-nine months to write a novella/novel. My goal is to write 1000 words every day, but sometimes life takes over. I am a busy wife and mom, am a Bible study leader at my church, have great friends that I walk with to stay fit, and take care of household chores. Writing, however, is my passion, so I make time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. most days to get my word count in.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part for me about being an author is the isolation it takes to write. I am an extrovert by nature, so at some part of the day I need to be with people, whether it’s running to the grocery store, meeting a friend for coffee, or taking a walk with a neighbor.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part of my author’s life is when a new book arrives in the mail with my name on it. It always blows me away that God has given me the gift of another story. To him be the glory, honor, and praise.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I was born with red hair! My mom was so happy. But typical of newborns, the color changed. I was blonde by the time I was one years old.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
Over the years my writing has changed from a fun hobby to a career. After fourteen books, I know what it takes to start and finish a project (starting is easy, finishing is the hard part), how much time I need to dedicate to my writing to produce a publishable book, and how need to keep an open mind when it comes to edits. I also know that it takes a team. I pray before I start writing for God to help me put words on the page. I can’t do it by myself. That way I make sure all the glory goes to him!
What is your favorite pastime?
My favorite pastime is spending the day with my husband in the small coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. We roam the quaint shops and art galleries, eat lunch at The Forge restaurant, stop at the Carmel Bakery for an almond biscotti and cup of coffee, and take a leisurely stroll down to the beach. Whenever my husband and I feel the need to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, we take a day and go to Carmel-by-the-Sea. I love this place so much that I wrote a historical romance titled Watercolor Dreams set in this town.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes, I have one other sweet and clean novella titled Forever Yours This Christmas, as well as two contemporary women’s fiction titles and two historical romance titles. I also have eight middle grade devotionals for kids—two work-for-hire projects, and six books for tween girls.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on another sweet and clean novella. I’m writing all four seasons, so this romance will be set during the spring. The summer novella is already written, so that book may release in the summer of 2022 if everything goes to plan. J
Website: www.sherrykyle.com
Link to book: https://amzn.to/3zV5mCo
Social media links: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Meet author Susan G Mathis
Just for fun, I thought you’d enjoy a Meet the Author blog with me.
Tell us about your newest book.
It’s the summer of 1914 and Colleen Sullivan conceals secrets when she joins her aunt on Comfort Island to work in the laundry and await her betrothed’s arrival. She loves to draw and dreams of growing in the craft. But tragedy strikes when her fiancé perishes in the sinking of the ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland on his way to meet her. With her orphan dreams of finally belonging and becoming a wife and an artist gone, what will her future hold?
Austrian immigrant, Jack Weiss, enjoys being the island’s groundskeeper and is smitten by the lovely Irish lass. But Colleen dismisses him at every turn, no matter how much he admires her art, tries to keep her safe, and waters the blossoms of love. Perhaps introducing her to the famous impressionist, Alson Skinner Clark, will brighten her opinion of him. But rumors of war in Europe means Jack must choose between joining his homeland’s army or staying safe in the Thousand Islands as he makes a life with Colleen. If she will have him.
What genre do you focus on?
I’m hooked on the wonderful world of historical fiction, and especially the Thousand Islands Gilded Age history. It’s gives me so much “scope for the imagination” as Anne Shirley would say. I am also blessed to have accomplished such diverse published works, but it’s tough to promote books to three different audiences—the nonfiction premarital audience, the picture book audience, and now the historical fiction reader audience. So what have I learned? I love historical fiction and am going to stick with that! Smiles.
Why do you write?
Eric Liddel said, “When I run, I feel His pleasure,” and I can sure relate. When I write, I feel His pleasure! So even though it’s hard work, I enjoy it immensely.
What does a day in your writing world look like?
Since I’m a morning person, I generally spend three to five hours plugging away, depending upon the project, deadlines, etc. I spend the first few minutes answering emails, checking on my social media pages, and planning my day. But then I buckle down and write, write, write! When I’ve exhausted my creativity, I take a break and move on to the editorial aspects of writing.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Connecting with my audience, whoever they are, is the best part of being an author. Whether I hear from them in person, through my website or email, on Zoom (I love doing book talks and meeting with book clubs) or on social media, hearing the stories of how my work has touched their lives keeps me going and helps me remember why I do what I do.
What writing are you most proud of?
Although I am so humbled to have five published books for adults and children, have published works in several book compilations, have written curriculum, wrote a weekly newspaper column, have had several hundred magazine and newsletter articles, and more, I’m most thrilled to have my family legacy in print. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy is a work of the heart, mind, and emotions as all my books are.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to travel the world. We’ve been to more than 40 countries and still have several more on my bucket list. When I’m not globe-trotting, I love FaceTiming with my four granddaughters, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying my sweet Maltichon, Lucy.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma, and Katelyn’s Choice have each won multiple awards, and book three, Peyton’s Promise, comes out May 2022. Rachel’s Reunion is coming in October 2022. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise, and Reagan’s Reward,are award winners, too. I’m also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles.
What are you working on now?
I’m researching my book four of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Mary Moment, and I’m itching to get started on writing it. I love jumping into my story world and watching where my wonderful characters take me.
Want to support Susan and share the love?
Here are things you can do:
- Read Colleen’s Confession and write a positive review on Amazon and Goodreads.
- Copy and post your review on Facebook (and other social media you use.) Please be sure to tag Susan.
- Watch and share her book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc3W_tu55vE
- Comment and share any social media posts you see about Colleen’s Confession.
- Invite Susan to speak at your book club or other group. She loves visiting with you whether on Zoom, FaceTime, or in person.
- Give her books as gifts; they make great Christmas gifts!
- Take a photo of the book(s) (a selfie is even better). It’s so fun for others to see the book in your personal reading setting. If you read it in a camper or on your sofa or at a table or in bed or in a coffee shop, just take a picture of the book there. Then post it! If you’re on Instagram, this is a great photo for that too. Again, be sure to tag Susan.
- On Amazon, click “helpful” on the reviews you like.
- Suggest her books to others—word of mouth is still the best!
If you haven’t connected with me on Social Media, please do. Here are the links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads | Google+ | CAN |
What did you like about this interview, and what other questions would you like my author friends to answer?
Meet author Kimberly Rose Johnson
Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery and suspense with a heart. Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Tell us about your newest book.
Personal Threat is the final book in my Protection Inc., series. It takes place in Seattle and is a Christmas novella. Here’s the back cover blurb:
Bodyguard Sally Wilson has become the target. Can she save her own life as well as her daughter’s? Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but when Sally’s young daughter, Emma, becomes the target of child traffickers, and the little girl’s biological father wants Sally dead, the Christmas season takes a dark turn.
Police officer, Dillon Brady, responds to a call for help at the home of his friend and Protection Inc. bodyguard, Sally Wilson. When their relationship tips beyond friendship, Dillon is determined no one will hurt Sally or her daughter again. Will his resolve be enough? Sally is drawn to Dillon. He’s a natural with Emma and appears to care about both of them. Sally’s been fooled before by a man she believed loved her, but what if it’s an act? Can Sally learn to trust again and follow her heart, or will Dillon get relegated to the friend zone?
What inspired you to write Personal Threat?
The main characters in this book were supporting characters in previous Protection Inc. books. They needed their own story. I began to see their story as I was writing the other books. I’m thrilled with how the series wrapped up.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A fast-paced romantic suspense set at Christmastime in Seattle. A bodyguard and mom are the target of someone who wants her dead.
What genre do you focus on?
Romantic suspense because I love to read it. I like the action and how quick they move. I also enjoy romance which is why I write romantic suspense and not just suspense.
Why do you write?
I have a creative mind that needs to be used. Writing is my outlet. I love it!
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Usually, I begin my day on social media, then a sort through emails. After that I read my Bible, have breakfast, go for a walk, exercise, lunch and then I finally settle down at the computer a little after noon and write for two to three hours. All that being said, my schedule seems to always be in flux depending on what’s going on in my life at that time.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I am a lot more comfortable writing about my faith than I was when I first started writing over a decade ago. I’ve also learned to trust my gut instincts.
What is your favorite pastime?
I think it’s a tie between reading and watching movies. I am also a screenwriter, so it’s important that I watch movies too.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have books in three different genres: contemporary romance, romantic mystery, and romantic suspense. All of my books are in ebook on Amazon and most are available in print as well and can be find at other book retailers. Just do a search for Kimberly Rose Johnson.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on adapting one of my books to a screenplay as well as co-writing a book that is the adaptation of a movie my co-writer and I were hired to adapt.
Website: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Threat-Protection-Inc-Book-ebook/dp/B0924S19J8/ref=sr_1_4
Social media links: My links are on my website.