WHAT LED YOU TO WRITE HEARTS COMMUNION?
Hearts Communion came to life within a series of inspirational, Christian-themed romances I created which are centered around Woodland church, a congregation where God’s spirit lives and thrives. In these four books, we get to know the people who worship there. The Woodland Church romance series began with Hearts Crossing, and was followed by Hearts Surrender and Hearts Communion. Hearts Key releases next and brings the series to a temporary (though likely not permanent) conclusion. Each book stands alone as a separate and fulfilling story all its own, but my hope is that readers will develop a fondness for the people they meet and from there will want to read the full series.
STARTING OUT, WHO WERE THE AUTHORS WHO INSPIRED YOU? WHO INSPIRES YOU NOW?
I’m a huge fan of Christian fiction and romance, so I’m inspired by the works of Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers and Robin Lee Hatcher. All three of them are so adept at weaving together memorable characters, living plot lines, and the message of Christ’s love and salvation.
HOW DOES YOUR FAITH INFLUENCE YOUR WRITING?
My faith doesn’t just influence my writing, my faith is tied to it completely. I consider writing to be my mission field. My hope is to entertain, but I also want to uplift, and affirm people’s faith as they read my stories. I try not to preach in the words of my books, but in the actions/reactions and growth of my characters. Hopefully, then, people can relate and think about their own faith walk as they take the journey along with my characters.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN YOU WANTED TO BE AN AUTHOR?
In truth, ever since middle school … and that was ages and ages ago! Back then, I’d write chapters of stories that came to my mind and heart, then I’d circulate them to my friends at school. They kept coming back for more, so guess why math and science took a backseat in my educational background?
WHAT DO YOU MOST HOPE THAT READERS GET FROM READING YOUR WORK?
I always hope people will come to love and enjoy my characters and the journeys they take. Most of all I hope readers might recognize a bit of themselves in the stories I write in a way that will grow and affirm their own faith.