Interview with the Author

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I've always liked to write. My best friend and I would spend hours writing in notebooks. We wrote whodunit mysteries for each other (it was the Killer Cornflake), kept lists of the top 40 songs of the week, created crossword puzzles and word searches. I've kept a journal most of my life, and I enjoy taking notes just for the pleasure of writing.

The idea of actually writing something more started taking root around 2019. I had been writing Bible studies, sermons, and messages for different women's conferences along with a ministry blog. The next step seemed to be a book. I always thought it would be non-fiction—a compilation of all my notes. I had started several fiction stories, but they always fizzled out before I got more than a few chapters in, so I didn't take them seriously.

Then, a few years ago, the desire to write started building. People would speak words over me about my music, but my heart was yearning to write. It was this burning secret inside that I told no one about.

What inspired you to write The Fire and The Serpent series? 

One day this idea began to burn inside of me. It was like Holy Spirit lit me up. Scriptures came alive and spoke this story that I couldn't ignore. I had post-it notes and scraps of paper tucked all over my Bible. I started getting this picture in my head, like a movie, and I didn't know what to do with it. I had no idea how to write a book, where to start, or how to format anything. But once I started writing, none of that mattered. There was literally a fire inside me that spoke through my fingers. I had all these ideas and concepts speaking to me and no clue how it was going to pull together. Most of the time, I found out what was happening as I wrote it! I knew when it was God writing through me and when I was trying to take the reins. I could feel this buzzing inside when it wasn’t me. It was crazy! 

How long did it take to write your first book?

It took me 2 months to write my first draft. I wrote every night after work while my husband and kids watched TV and did homework. Then, I spent the next year learning everything I could about writing and editing. I'd learn something new and go back through my story and start fixing things. I think I did 5 full cycles of editing during this time. I hated it at first. I think a lot of authors do. But once the concepts started clicking, it got better, and I discovered I liked it.

What was the hardest part about writing Sojourners?

The hardest part for me was finding solid blocks of time to sit down and edit. I would get a chapter or section done, then not be able to get back to it for weeks. I would have to review and remind myself what I was working on. That’s why it took me so long to publish. Okay, I may have procrastinated on a launch date as well. Publishing fear is a real thing!

What advice do you have for those wanting to write?

For those wanting to write, just start somewhere. It doesn’t matter if it's not the beginning. Just start. That’s what a friend said to me, and the next day I wrote my opening scene. I really should have dedicated the book to her. But really, you don’t have to have it all mapped out. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Just get the story down. Then learn how to make it better. Learn as much as you can. Get Grammarly or ProWritingAid to help with grammar and punctuation. Buy the books and actually read them. It will help your writing going forward and save money if you decide to publish.

 And don’t forget to have fun! Enjoy the writing process. Yes, it’s crazy, and no one around you will understand, but who cares. Do it anyway!