-
Author Chat with Kristen Young on Her New YA Dystopian Release
I first met Kristen in a Facebook readers group and discovered we share two things in common. First, we spell our names the same way. If you’ve ever had someone misspell your name, you know how exciting it is to meet someone else who has the same spelling as you. Also, we both write young adult dystopian fiction from a Christian worldview. I’m thrilled to share an interview with Kristen today where she talks about her new release, Apprentice, now available on Amazon. Q: You’ve written several nonfiction books for teens. What prompted you to also branch into young adult fiction and the dystopian genre, in particular? As a kid…
-
If I Can Cook with Cast Iron, You Can Too.
Did you or your kids ever watch “The Little Engine that Could” where the train puffed and puffed and told himself, “I think I can, I think I can”? Yes, I did too. While I’m all for positive vibes, I also believe in giving ourselves and others grace for making mistakes. As an online English teacher, I often tell my students, “It’s okay to make mistakes,” and “Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try at all.” The truth is, there have been many days I needed to give myself that same freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, especially when in the kitchen. Cooking as a…
-
Author Chat with Ashley L. Jones on Modern Cast Iron
This author interview is special for so many reasons. I met Ashley during a writer’s conference several years ago, and we formed an instant friendship. She is such a godly friend and gifted writer, and I am so excited for you to learn about her new release, Modern Cast Iron. It’s a guidebook to choosing, using, caring for, and cooking with cast iron. Q: What prompted you to write Modern Cast Iron? It was totally a “God thing”! I had been using and researching cast iron for years for the health benefits and nostalgia of it, but it wasn’t until I met the publisher (Red Lightning Books) at a book expo and…
-
Author Chat with Hope Bolinger on her Modern-Day Daniel Series
You all are in for a treat today! Hope Bolinger is a literary agent and multi-published YA novelist who has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. She’s an inspiration for young writers (and “young at heart” writers too), and today, she shares about her latest release in her modern-day Daniel series. Q: What prompted you to write a contemporary fiction series on Daniel? It all started in a college class. We were going over the Old Testament in a semester, and during the unit on Daniel, the teacher said, “Daniel and his friends would’ve been 14 or 15 when they were taken into the Babylonian captivity.”…
-
Author Chat with Bryan Davis on his New Christian Science Fiction Series
I met Bryan Davis at a writer’s conference several years ago and enjoyed getting to know him and his daughter Amanda (also an author). His books are favorites among the students I teach, and I’m honored to have him be my guest on the blog. In our author chat feature today, he shares about a brand new Christian science fiction series, with the first book releasing today. Q: What prompted you to write this new series, or what was your inspiration? This story began as a dream about a dystopian society with a tyrannical regime and a rebel faction trying to bring it down. In the dream, two rebels posed…
-
Author Chat with Lindsay A. Franklin on Her Weaver Trilogy
Have you ever talked to someone ONCE and come away thinking, “Wow, she’s so cool but totally down to earth, and I think we could be friends in real life?” That’s how I feel about award-winning author Lindsay A. Franklin. Although I’ve never had the privilege of meeting her in person, the emails we’ve exchanged make me hope that our paths will cross one day. For now, though, I’m thrilled for you to meet her right here on the blog as she shares about her Christian fantasy series, The Weaver Trilogy, and its epic conclusion, The Story Hunter, releasing today. Q: What inspired the fantasy element of “story strands” and…
-
Author Chat with Morgan L. Busse on her Ravenwood Saga
Last year, I discovered Morgan as an author when both our novels were finalists in the 2019 Selah Awards for Speculative Fiction. Her Mark of the Raven later took first place (so well-deserved). The Ravenwood Saga has made her my new favorite fantasy author, and today, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome her as a guest to the blog! In this interview, you can catch her heart for writing, for her readers, and for “the Light.” Q: What prompted you to write this fantasy series? All of my books start with a scene that I see in my head. For The Ravenwood series, I saw a young woman assassin…
-
The Reactionary: Happy Launch Day!
Happy release day! I’m so excited to share The Reactionary with you and hope you enjoy the final part of Portia’s story. Tonight at 7 pm Eastern, I’m hosting a launch party on Facebook, and you’re invited to join! There will be trivia and drawings for an autographed copy, Kindle copy, and some other special giveaways. To join the party, click here. Don’t miss out on the special release day sale for The Reactionary and the first book in the trilogy, The Revisionary. Both Kindle versions are at discounted price. Thanks for being part of this trilogy adventure! Hope to see you at the party tonight. ~ Kristen
-
The Reactionary: Gratitude Moments
Coming to the end of a trilogy is a little like crossing the finish line of a half marathon. The only reason I felt amazing at that time is that I’d prepared and trained with friends. Others cheered me on, even though they may have secretly thought I was crazy. This Tuesday, The Reactionary publishes, and I want to start the week with gratitude by saying thank-you to everyone who made crossing this finish line not only possible, but truly unforgettable. My family has been my constant support, and some new faces have joined those ranks throughout this journey, including my sister-in-law Brooke. I also want to say a special…
-
Book Trailer for The Reactionary
Cue dramatic music! The book trailer for the finale to The Rogues dystopian trilogy is here. The driving beat reminds me of the purpose behind this book and the motivations that propel the characters themselves. That driving force is hope. Hope for justice Hope for personal liberty Hope for family restoration Hope for love Hope for national reunification Hope for meaning and identity outside of circumstances Hope for truth that transcends the individual Hope for eternal assurance and salvation Dystopians aren’t known for hope, but this one is. Enjoy the official trailer for The Reactionary, available on Amazon.