Meet author Aminata Coote
Aminata Coote fell in love with books as a child. She writes stories that point to a God bigger than our failings, who walks with us through our trials. She is also the author of several Bible studies and devotionals for women. Aminata lives in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with her husband and son.
Tell us about your newest book.
His Perfect Family is a contemporary marriage of convenience romance. Theo and Gaby marry to protect her son from his grandparents’ custody suit. But Theo and Gaby have a shared past–seven years earlier, they’d met and, if things had turned out how they’d hoped, they would have gotten married. Now they must navigate all those old feelings with their present challenges.
What inspired you to write His Perfect Family?
His Perfect Family is book two in my Orange Valley series which was inspired by the idea of a blue-haired girl (Brianna) falling in love with a pastor. Gabrielle is Brianna’s best friend and Theo is her brother. I thought it would be fun to write a story with the best friend’s brother trope, especially if the couple had a secret past they’d never shared with anyone.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Second chances, forced proximity, and a marriage of convenience. What more could you want?
Why do you write?
As a teenager, I loved reading. I was into Sweet Dreams, Sweet Valley High, Harlequin, Mills & Boon…when I became a Christian, I didn’t have access to any books that showed Christians living and thriving in their faith. They existed, but in my country, I didn’t have access to them–wasn’t even aware of any Christian fiction authors other than Grace Livingston Hill. I write because I want to provide stories for that person who may be new to their faith and wants to read books about people like them–imperfect people who learn how to exercise their faith every day they remain connected to Christ. They may stumble sometimes, but they keep getting up. They keep trying and pressing forward. Or maybe they’ve been in the faith for a while, but they need encouragement and examples of what it may look like to walk with God. These are the people I hope to reach.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Great question. When I wrote His Perfect Match which is book one in the series, Gabrielle Wright-Wallace was Elisa Donaldson. She was a minor character who worked with Brianna and they weren’t close. As I started thinking about book two, I thought about what tropes I wanted to include and the best friend brother came to mind. I decided I didn’t like the name Elisa for this character, and the name Gabrielle is one I’ve always liked.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I work full-time so writing happens around my day job. Usually, I set a word count goal of 50 thousand words and a deadline by which I want to complete it. This varies as I use challenges to motivate myself. In most cases, I give myself a month to complete the first draft. Once I have the goal, I put everything in the Reedsy Book Editor which tells me how many words I need to write each day to meet my target. Then I write. I typically write for 2-3 hours in the evening after work and several hours on the weekend.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The marketing and promotion. I struggle to talk about my books and because so much of the marketing and promotion I do cannot be quantified, I’m not sure how effective it is.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Making up stories. The characters become so real to me. Also, because I’m mostly a pantser, writing is almost like reading because the characters do things that surprise me.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
For years, I was a writer who didn’t write. Now, I’ve learned how to finish a book. Even if it’s not very good, I get it done. That’s what the editing is for–to polish and improve until you have a story you can be proud of.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading. I know it sounds cliché but I love reading.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My Orange Valley series has two published books:
His Perfect Wife (full-length prequel)
His Perfect Match (book one)
His Perfect Family releases on May 26, 2023, and is now available for pre-order. The last book in the series, His Perfect Choice, releases on August 25, 2023.
I also have a series of devotionals and Bible studies for women, including God Sees You: 21 Devotions for the Woman Who Feels Invisible that published on March 31, 2023.
What are you working on now?
My focus at the moment is to get His Perfect Family and His Perfect Choice ready for publication. Once that’s done, I hope to start work on my next series which will be a spin-off from the Orange Valley books.
Website: https://aminatacoote.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/His-Perfect-Family-Contemporary-Convenience-ebook/dp/B0BYQDZS3T/
Social media links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AminataCoote
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aminatacoote/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AminataCoote
BookBub https://tinyurl.com/AminataCooteBookBub
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17239871.Aminata_Coote
Meet author Lisa M. Prysock
Lisa M. Prysock is a USAT bestselling, award-winning Author of Christian Historical Romance and Christian Contemporary Romance fiction. She resides in beautiful Kentucky with her husband of twenty-five years. Empty nesters, they are slowly reclaiming the house after raising five children. They share their home with a Boston terrier mix named Bailey. Lisa loves all things books, touring historical homes, espadrilles, swimming, and walking. She refuels with coffee, tea, sketching, cross stitch, crochet, sewing, and writing.
Tell us about your newest book.
A Summer at Sagamore is a Gilded Age Christian Romance with mystery, intrigue, and delightful characters I can’t wait for readers to meet. The story centers around Jack and Abby and takes place on Green Island in the Adirondacks, upstate New York.
What inspired you to write A Summer at Sagamore?
I love writing historical books, Susan, but the opulence and progress of the Gilded Age is among my favorite time periods to write.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Abby arrives at the Sagamore Resort with her cousin, sister, and grandmother to enjoy the season of summer and write to her heart’s content using her typewriter. However, her sister and cousin are eager for her to play along and choose a beau to adore from afar as they have in summers past, but Abby doesn’t expect so much mischief and mayhem to be afoot at Sagamore, much less to find a handsome stranger so captivating.
Why do you write?
I write to share my faith in Jesus with the world. I’d like others to know about the greatness of God, the one who I delight in, the one who rescues, redeems, and saves me.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
My schedule can get a little crazy when I’m writing a book. It’s not unusual for me to work nights to finish a manuscript. I may even pull a few all-nighters to make a deadline.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part of being an author is juggling the marketing when I’d like to be writing. I’d like to spend more time writing, but the truth is, even when traditionally published, authors need to spend an adequate amount of time strategizing on building sales, setting up advertising, and implementing ways to spread the word about their books. It’s also hard to find balance as an author. I have so many ideas and stories I want to write, but it’s important to take time to nurture relationships, tend daily and weekly responsibilities, and refuel too.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I love working from home and being able to share my faith in a creative way. I also love the amazing support readers give me. It’s so encouraging.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
One unusual thing about me is I sometimes see brief scenes for my books play out in my mind like a movie. This makes it easier for me to write the scenes because I can picture some elements, characters, events, and settings for the book.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
Oh, my goodness! I’ve grown so much. I’m continually learning how to improve as a writer. I don’t think we ever stop growing in this industry. I tend to go through phases, like the “too many commas” phase, “too many exclamation points” phase, and so on. We learn from our mistakes, but it’s good to also laugh at ourselves and move forward. I try not to take any criticism to heart because there’s always someone out there who won’t like your work, but many readers will love your work.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Thanks for asking about this, Susan. I’ve been writing since 2011 and have about fifty titles at present. Readers can find my books at my website, https://www.LisaPrysock.com. There’s a carousel on the home page and they can scroll through and see all of my book covers. If they see some they’d like to purchase, they can click on the cover to find it Amazon. A few of my books are found at many retailers and many are exclusive to Amazon, but A Summer at Sagamore is currently offered at many retailers.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing Book 2 in my new King’s Crossing series, following the release of Book 1, The Gardener’s Daughter. It’s more Gilded Age romance but with a royal romance twist and takes place on a fictional set of islands. Readers tell me they love the fictional elements in Book 1. I wasn’t sure if they’d like it or not, so I’m elated to hear this feedback.
Website: https://www.LisaPrysock.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS71PDWG
Other Retailers: https://books2read.com/u/bPNZQz
Social media links:
Connect with Lisa everywhere–:
https://www.facebook.com/LisaMPrysock
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J6MBC64
(Lisa’s page at Amazon Author Central.)
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lisa-m-prysock
https://www.facebook.com/groups/500592113747995/
(Lisa’s Facebook Reader & Friends group.)
https://www.instagram.com/lisaprysock
meet author Ava Pennington
Ava Pennington is an author, speaker, freelance editor, and certified writing and speaking coach. She teaches a weekly Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class. Ava received an Adult Bible Studies certificate from Moody Bible Institute and is trained as a Precepts Ministries instructor. She is the author of Reflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fully, and has contributed to numerous magazines and anthologies.
Tell us about your newest book.
Reflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fully (Revell Books, 2022) is a hard cover gift book devotional. Every name and attribute of God reveals something about His character and His ways. This devotional explores each of 60 names and attributes of God from 3 individual perspectives: who God is, how this name or attribute changes us, and how it changes our relationships.
What inspired you to write Reflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fully?
I’ve always been curious about the many names of God in the Bible. Some were familiar, such as Yahweh Jireh, The Lord Will Provide. But others were confusing, like Yahweh Nissi, The Lord My Banner. And then there were names that sounded frightening, such as when God referred to Himself as a Consuming Fire. The bottom line is that I wanted to learn what God said about Himself and why He chose these particular descriptions. Since I belonged to Him, it was important to me to understand who I belong to!
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Every name God calls Himself and every name His people have called Him holds clues to who He is, how He relates to His children, and the promises He has made—and kept. Reflections on the Names of Godoffers you a wonderful opportunity to spend time each day getting to know God more intimately by exploring His names and attributes. These life-changing devotions will help you discover something new about who God is, who you are, and how you relate to others.
What genre do you focus on?
My writing focuses mostly on several sub genres of nonfiction. I write devotions, Christian living articles, and books for the Christian market. I also write inspirational personal experience stories for general market books and have been published in 29 volumes of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Why do you write?
I’m excited at the things I’m learning from God’s Word. My ministry is summarized by the phrase, “Applying truth to deepen faith.” In a world where truth is considered relative, now more than ever it’s critical to apply the truths in God’s Word to our lives. But writing from a biblical worldview doesn’t need to be preachy. Rather, I write from the perspective of one traveler sharing her journey with fellow travelers on the same road of life.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part is the feedback from readers. An email or snail-mail note telling me how God used a devotion, book, or article to minister to them means so much. That feedback encourages me to persevere during the dry times.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I once stopped a pickpocket on the streets of New York City. Walking through the financial district during my lunch hour, I noticed a man following close behind a woman ahead of me. He dipped his hand into her coat pocket and pulled out her wallet. I shouted an alarm, she turned and he was caught with it in his hand. He handed the wallet to her and said she had dropped it. Then he disappeared into the crowd. This all happened in the span of a few seconds. I eventually wrote up the event for a story that was published in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve learned to be more vulnerable, writing with greater transparency and authenticity. This happened gradually as I learned to let down my guard to share the lessons God taught me so others wouldn’t have to learn the way I did: the hard way!
What is your favorite pastime?
I enjoy gardening, reading, and playing with my nine-year-old boxer. She behaves more like a nine-month-old puppy and is way too smart for my own good! I’ve written about a few of her antics for Chicken Soup for the Soul books, too!
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a manuscript about the fruit of the Spirit. For those who would like to keep up with the progress of this book, I invite you to subscribe to my e-newsletter through my website: www.AvaPennington.com.
Links:
Website: www.AvaPennington.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Names-God-Devotions-Fully/dp/080074098X
Social media links:
Meet author Jodi Bowersox
No boxes for Jodi Bowersox. She has been an actress, seamstress, designer, business owner, homeschool teacher, choir director, and artist, so it’s only natural that her award-winning writing would take on an eclectic flare as well. Her romance novels span genres from faith fiction to suspense to time travel to sci fi, with small town, big city, and interplanetary settings. She has also written children’s books under the name J.B. Stockings. A number of her books have won Colorado Authors League Awards, Colorado Independent Publishers Association Awards, and a Colorado Book Award. She has also been named a finalist in the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards and The American Fiction Awards. Jodi lives in the heart of Colorado Springs with her husband and too many cats where they never get tired of looking at the mountain views.
Tell us about your newest book.
Blue-Eyed Devil is the fourth book in my Anonymous Series and tells the continuing story of sex trafficker Justin Miranda. He was captured in book 2 (The Diamond Diva Vendetta) and has agreed to help the Feds in exchange for a reduced prison sentence. Going undercover, he is trying to work his way into a trafficking ring in Kansas City that uses a house cleaning service as a front. All is going to plan until a glitch in his ankle monitor gives him a chance at freedom.
What inspired you to write Blue-Eyed Devil?
It is part of a continuing series, but I could have left this user of women rotting in prison. I decided to bring him out instead, and see if he could be rehabilitated. To find out what it would take, I had to dig back to find out why this handsome man became a trafficker in the first place, and then challenge his every misconception with women who broke the mold he had in his head.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Justin Miranda’s career as a sex trafficker was over, and a long prison sentence seemed inevitable. His insider knowledge, however, gave him a chance to work with the FBI outside prison walls. Getting back in the game isn’t easy, however. Dani Harper made an impression he couldn’t easily shake. She put cracks in his firm belief that all women were liars and manipulators. Then came Mina. She was just the cleaning lady. Just a woman he was supposed to seduce to move his way up in the company. How is it possible that she changes everything?
What genre do you focus on?
If you read my bio, you know I don’t focus on one genre, although all of my novels could be put under the big umbrella of clean romance. So, I guess the question for me is why DON’T you focus on one particular genre? The short answer is that I get bored. The better answer is I love reading a variety of genres, so why not write in them too? Each series I have is different—contemporary romance, time-travel romance, romantic suspense, and humorous romantic sci fi. Maybe the best answer is that I like a good challenge.
Why do you write?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, I think. I was the news reporter for several different 4-H clubs as a kid. They kept re-electing me because I actually enjoyed doing it, and I was good at it. I went on to writing very bad poetry, then slightly less-worse poetry, then tried my hand at a play. That led to a number of children’s productions and skits for my church and homeschool group. Having kids inspired some children’s stories, and finally I sat down one day in 2011 and started a novel. I’ve been obsessed ever since.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I am currently the president of the Colorado Authors League, so all of my time is not my own right now. I write whenever I can squeeze it in.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I think there’s value in trying different genres and different styles. I think Mystery is the most difficult. It’s a real challenge to lay down clues without giving it all away too soon. And if you want to twist your brain into absolute knots, write time-travel where the characters jump around a lot in time. I wrote the Mars series solely because I had a character in the Rocky Mountain series who was an author, and I attributed the titles to her. I thought later it would be fun to write her books. I had to really boost the humor, and it was so much fun.
What is your favorite pastime?
Writing, of course! I am also a watercolor pet portrait artist and a seamstress
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Rocky Mountain Series—Rocky Mountain Angels, Rocky Mountain Sunrise, Rocky Mountain Redemption, Rocky Mountain Destiny, and Rocky Mountain Calvary
Lightning Riders Series—JOLT, JUMP, and JIVE
Tripping on Mars Series—Mars Madness, Beware the Eyes of Mars, and The Mars Heir
Anonymous Series—Cinnamon Girl Explains It All, The Diamond Diva Vendetta, Red Rabbit on the Run, and Blue-Eyed Devil
Stand-alones—Interiors By Design and Horses, Adrenaline, and Love
Chosen and other plays, productions, and skits
Ephesians: The plan, the purpose, and the Power
I also have children’s books under the name J.B. Stockings
A Tale of Two Kitties
The Stubborn Princess
Sing-a-Story books—Up In The Air, Out In The Field, and Little Brown Horsey
Cats (Hopefully published soon)
Going Home (Will be published by spring)
What are you working on now?
My time-travel romance series (Lightning Riders) is my most popular series, so I went back to that one to add in a spin-off series with a couple of the characters. I don’t yet have a title, which is weird for me. The working title is just Time Agents, but I’m sure I’ll come up with something better. I also have several children’s books in various stages of completion.
Website: https://jodibowersox.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Eyed-Devil-Contemporary-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B09FNT5GZQ/
Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/JodiBowersoxArtistry
Meet author Donna Schlachter
A hybrid author, Donna Schlachter writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than sixty times in books; is a member of several writers groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter.
Tell us about your newest book.
A young woman runs from her past, straight into the arms of a stranger. Was she going from bad to worse? Or did God hold her in His hands? A death-bed promise, a family legacy, an unexpected wife–how can he turn his back on them to fulfill a vow?
What inspired you to write The Road to Freedom)?
Actually, I wrote the blurb for another book, then sat down to write the synopsis for this one. And they got mixed up in my head. Which isn’t unusual, it seems. At any rate, I was about three chapters into this book and realized I’d really messed up. So I had to go back to the other book, change the synopsis, and then continued writing this story. The idea actually came from a discussion about the mafia connection in Denver, and so I did some research and found out about the mob in Chicago. I thought a story about a woman running from The Family following her husband’s murder would work for this series.
What genre do you focus on?
I love writing historical romantic mystery, because I always learn something new. But I also love writing contemporary mystery with a touch of romance, because I’m forced to write about people who are nothing like me. I feel like I live in a bubble, and usually the world doesn’t intrude. But to write realistic contemporary stories, I have to look at what’s going on around me.
Why do you write?
I have stories in my head that won’t let go or go away, so I have to get them written down. What drives me is the certainty that somebody out there needs to hear the story of God’s redemptive love for them and their situation, which is why my heroines and heroes all have bad pasts, something they’re running from.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I used to write because it relieved me of another story. Like those lottery balls letting out another number. Then I thought maybe I’d get rich doing this. Well, that hasn’t happened. But now I write because I respect these characters, and I want them to get out there and do what God intended for them.
What is your favorite pastime?
Binge-watching TV series, such as “Murdoch Mysteries”, “Midsomer Murders”, and their ilk.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Sure do. Dozens! Here is the link to my boks: www.donnaschlachter.com/my-books
What are you working on now?
Writing the next book in a series called “The Switchboard Sisterhood” of which Juliette was my first. You can check out the preorder for Morgana here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTCC5Y3W and the rest of the series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNPJF8SJ
Website: www.donnaschlachter.com Sign up to received my monthly newsletter, and I’ll send you two free ebooks.
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ66NX1Q
Social media links:
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=donna+schlachter
Meet author Brandy Bruce
Brandy Bruce is a wife, mother, book editor, author, and someone who really loves dessert! She makes her home in small-town Virginia with her husband and three children.
Tell us about your newest book.
Just One Spark is the third and final book in my series that began with The Last Summer. Each book stands alone, however, so it’s fine to pick one up without having read the others. Just One Spark is my first novel with a male main character, but I’ve been surprised by how relatable he is for all of us. For anyone whose life has not gone according to plan, whose dreams keep derailing, who feels like everyone else is getting ahead while you’re living in reverse or at a full stop—this story is for you.
What inspired you to write Just One Spark?
I honestly thought The Last Summer would be a one-and done kind of story. However, the characters in that story kept speaking to me and I realized that there was more to explore. After having written After the Rain (the second book in the series), I was so invested in Jason Garcia’s character that I felt he warranted his own book.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
For Jason Garcia, it’s always one step forward, three steps back. Nothing seems to come easy. When one night of celebrating with friends goes a little too far, Jason’s future changes in a blink. Everything he knew about himself is thrown into question as he struggles to meet the challenges he’s facing. But if there’s one thing he’s sure of, it’s that backing down is not in his nature and giving up isn’t an option.
What genre do you focus on?
I write inspirational women’s fiction with a dose of romance. I describe it that way because romance is never my main priority; my focus is character growth. But I’m sucker for romance and happy endings, so if a relationship is part of my main character’s storyline, all the better!
Why do you write?
I’ve loved writing since childhood; it stems from my love of reading. A good story—whether it’s in book form or film or even a song—inspires me. Once the idea of a story starts to grow in me, I have to write it down.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Jason Garcia’s name is borrowed from my cousin Jason Cavazos! The story is all about family and he has a slew of cousins in his life. This comes from my own life and my family. In fact, the book dedication is For My Cousins, Familia es todo. (Family is everything.)
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Some authors are good about writing every day. But I really struggle to write unless I’m inspired. So if suddenly I have a burst of inspiration, I’ll stop everything and write, maybe staying up all night!
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing. I just want to write, but you have to be diligent about building your platform and trying to find readers.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part is holding one of my books in my hands. Every time, it feels like an actual dream come true.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I’m passionate about book clubs. Reading and getting together with friends to discuss is one of my favorite things.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I think every writer can look back at their first books and can and should be able to see growth from that point. For one thing, we learn from every experience. For example, I know more about pacing and sentence structure than I did when I first began. Culture changes, language changes—these things affect writing because we need to be able to speak to our audience in ways that will reach them.
What is your favorite pastime?
Is napping an option? Ha! But seriously, with three children, life is hectic over here. When I can get some time to myself, I like to read or watch period films.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes! I’ve mentioned the other books connected to Just One Spark, but I also have a collection of books about an Italian family, The Romano Family Collection. And I’ve written two holiday novellas I’m so excited about. Both are loosely connected to my book collections but can stand on their own. A Merry Little Christmas and A Holly Jolly Christmas.
What are you working on now?
I’m on a little bit of a writing break at the moment. I’m also a freelance editor and have a couple of book projects coming on the horizon. I needed some breathing space after the hectic pace of last year. But there are a few ideas niggling at my brain, and when inspiration hits, I’ll dive in!
Website:
Link to book: https://a.co/d/eDaW6Nw
Social media links: www.authorbrandybruce.com
www.instagram.com/alittlebitofbrandy
www.facebook.com.authorbrandybruce