Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Author Interview with Kaitlyn Krispense (13 Reason Why Blog Tour)

I am back again with another post for the 13 Reasons Why blog tour! :)



Today I have the opportunity to do an author interview with Kaitlyn Krispense. Kaitlyn has just published her first book, Beloved.

1. What is one thing that God has taught you through writing Beloved
I’ve learned many things . . . but probably one of the most important things is that I really can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I learned that this girl, who’d never written more than 14 thousand words in a story, could write a full-length novel. I learned that through it all, He’s faithful. Even when I doubt. And that I am loved beyond measure.

2. Which of your characters do you relate to the most?
Cara. Hands down. I pretty much based her off myself without meaning to. When I wrote Beloved, I’d been struggling with depression. So really, I wrote this book as much for myself as for anyone who might read it. Because we all need to hear how loved and precious we are in God’s sight now and again.

3. How long did it take you to write Beloved
A little over a month, I think. I started near the end of July and finished sometime in September. I’d have to go digging to see exactly how long, but yeah, a little over a month. *flips through my notebook* Yep, 42 days. And a fun fact: when I finished, it was about 2,000 words longer than it is now.

4. When did you first become interested in writing? 
I’ve loved reading ever since I learned how, and I can remember writing down random stories in a notebook in my elementary-school scrawl. But when I really started to fall in love with it was probably . . . I don’t know . . . 5 or 6 years ago. I started writing fan fiction for the Circle C books and didn’t stop after that. The rest, as they say, is history. ;)

5. What was your favorite scene to write in Beloved
I can’t really pick just one scene! Pretty much anything with Cara’s foster brothers is bound to be a definite favorite in my opinion. Especially that one scene with the clamming—but I can’t give any spoilers . . .

6. Do you have any advice for those who are either new to writing or are looking to publish their first book? 
Don’t let criticism get you down! Criticism is what helps you grow as a writer. And sometimes, people just aren’t going to like what you write. But that’s okay. You can’t please everyone—just strive to write what God lays on your heart, and let Him guide your story to the person that needs it the most.



Kaitlyn is a farmer's daughter and a born-again believer in Christ with an obsession for books and music. It is these obsessions that led her to write her own stories. Psalm 46:10 gives her inspiration, her brothers make her laugh, and there's nothing quite like the excitement of opening an unread book for the first time. Her passion is to share the steadfast love of her Savior through the writing that takes up much of her free time, whether actual writing takes place or writer's block, in which case she's probably browsing Pinterest.
Blog 



Tuesday, September 10, 2019

13 Reason Why Blog Tour (Book Review)

Today is the release day for both Freedom and Beloved!!! I'm very excited be able to buy each of these great books.



Today I will be reviewing Beloved by Kaitlyn Krispense.

About the book:

Life without love is hopeless.

Foster teen Cara Richards is unloved. With nothing left and nowhere to go, she is determined to find peace, no matter the cost. But despite her intentions, she’s tossed into another foster family and this time, there’s no going back to who she used to be. To make matters worse, one of her five new foster brothers is a Jesus freak, and she refuses to believe that God actually cares.

Her world is thrown upside down in a way she never expects. Though she prides herself on a resilient heart, her mind is lost adrift among a sea of questions: Is death really the answer? Does God care about someone as unworthy as me? Can everyone truly be loved, no matter what?


My Review:
Beloved is Kaitlyn Krispense’s debut novel. It’s a great book and one I definitely enjoyed more then I was expecting.
I was interested in reading Beloved but since it dealt with the topic of suicide I felt like it might be a bit depressing.
Even though it dealt with dark topics it was all done in a great and God honoring way. There was a great message throughout the story that every life has a purpose and that God made you for a reason.
I enjoyed seeing how Cara changed throughout the story and I enjoyed reading her story.
I would definitely recommend this book!
*I received an ebook version of this book in exchange for my honest review.





Kaitlyn is a farmer's daughter and a born-again believer in Christ with an obsession for books and music. It is these obsessions that led her to write her own stories. Psalm 46:10 gives her inspiration, her brothers make her laugh, and there's nothing quite like the excitement of opening an unread book for the first time. Her passion is to share the steadfast love of her Savior through the writing that takes up much of her free time, whether actual writing takes place or writer's block, in which case she's probably browsing Pinterest.





Sunday, September 8, 2019

Author Interview with Faith Potts (13 Reason Why Blog Tour)

In todays post I am back with more blog tour fun. I will be doing an author interview with Faith Potts.



1. What is one thing that God has taught you through writing Freedom
There is no limit to His love. There is no such thing as “too broken.” If you go to Him with your pain, your sin, your broken heart, your shattered life—He will love you. He will forgive you. And He will heal you. Just go to Him. 

2. Which of your characters do you relate to the most?
I guess I’d have to say Alex. I don’t relate to her in many ways, but I do understand how she wants to be able to “fix” every broken soul she crosses paths with. And her smart alecky-ness is totally me, so there’s that… 

3. How long did it take you to write Freedom
I started the first draft in the fall of 2015 and after writing here and there on it for over two years, I finished it October 2017. The story changed quite a bit from what I had envisioned through the writing of the original version, and the final version of Freedom (draft #5? #6?) ended up being quite different from the first. 

4. When did you first become interested in writing? 
In the summer of 2014, I stumbled across a blog written by one of my favorite authors (Susan K. Marlow) and an upcoming fanfiction contest was being advertised. I started piddling around with a few story ideas, just to have something to do and because I wanted to give the contest a try. Over the following winter, fanfiction lead to creating my own stories. And I haven’t stopped yet. ;) 

5. What was your favorite scene to write in Freedom? 
One? Just one?? Okay, fine. xD  To avoid sharing spoilers (because no one wants that), I’ll just say—the In Christ Alone scene. If you’ve read Freedom, you know what I’m talking about. I LOVED writing that, and I feel like the emotions I experienced while writing came through in an authentic way. 

6. Do you have any advice for those who are either new to writing or are looking to publish their first book?
In either instance, my advice would be the same—take your time. Don’t rush into anything. Do your research, whether that’s ways to better your writing or traditional vs. indie publishing. Don’t feel like you’re not a “real” writer because you’re not listed on Amazon or Goodreads. If you’re writing the stories God has placed on your heart, that’s what matters. All else will fall into place when it’s meant to. 






Saved by God's grace, Faith Potts is a teenage writer and homeschool graduate, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the North Carolina mountains. When she’s not weaving stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading stacks of books, or studying American Sign Language, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and—of course—blowing dandelions.


Don't forget to head over to Amazon to grab your copy of Freedom!


Friday, September 6, 2019

13 Reason Why Blog Tour (Book Review)

I am excited to announce that two amazing books are being released next week! Freedom by Faith Potts and Beloved by Kaitlyn Krispense.
I have the opportunity to participate in their 13 Reasons Why dual blog tour. I will be posting four different days.

Today I am reviewing Freedom.


Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out. 

Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.


When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace? 


A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?

My Review:
Freedom is such a good book!! I love Faith’s writing, she is such a talented author. I always look forward to her books, but this one sounded a bit different. One of the main characters tried to commit suicide. That made me not too sure about the book because I thought that was a bit of a dark and depressing topic and I prefer to read happy books. Well, I shouldn’t have worried. This book was filled with hope and had a great message that God has a plan and purpose for everyone. Even those who are in dark times. This book also had a great amount of the sweetest romance. The characters were so great. I love James and Alex. They are so cute together! Their witty comments, their relationship, everything about them! Freedom truly is a wonderful book!
*I received an ebook version of this book in exchange for my honest review.



About the author:

Saved by God's grace, Faith Potts is a teenage writer and homeschool graduate, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the North Carolina mountains. When she’s not weaving stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading stacks of books, or studying American Sign Language, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and—of course—blowing dandelions.

Blog
Goodreads
Facebook
Instagram


Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Author Interview with Hosanna Emily

I am excited to announce that Hosanna Emily has just released her new book The Torch Keepers!



I had the opportunity to do an author interview with Hosanna. We hope you enjoy!


**********
Hello! It’s so sweet to be here and such an honor to be invited to share some of my heart with the upcoming release of The Torch Keepers! Thank you, Rebekah!

1. What is one thing that God has taught you through writing The Torch Keepers?

God is so faithful. I think that sentence summarizes everything He taught me through this novel’s dreaming, plotting, writing, editing, publishing.

He loves. In a crazy way that I can’t even comprehend. He is with us. He has a plan for us. He never leaves us.

In the most frustrating times of creating this novel, He has been there. He gave me the stories to write, the energy to keep going. I don’t just naturally write a novel—He worked through the entire thing. Without Him, I would have given up a long time ago, but He never let me stop dreaming.

The biggest thing He taught me is that in every single situation, He. Is. Faithful.

2. Which of your characters do you relate to the most?

All of them?  =)

Okay, but if I had to pick one, it would be my protagonist, Kadira. She was the dream behind the story, the girl who happens to be a lot like me.

Kadira makes a lot of mistakes. She forgets her purpose and how loved she is. She savors the quiet, the beauty, the joys, but she also quickly gets lost in the confusion of life. And I do the same thing so often.

And in the end of the story *spoiler alert*, when Kadira finally finds the Truth and how loved she is, that’s when I’ve had to hold back tears. Because it’s me. Jesus loves me like that.  And He is so, so good.

3. How long did it take you to write The Torch Keepers?

Actually, for the writing itself, I felt God prompting me to join a 2-month write + edit a novel challenge hosted by S.C. Treehouse (www.sctreehouse.com) That was crazy. =)

But it worked because Jesus was strong! He gave me inspiration. He encouraged me. He led me forward every single day.

And, at the end of it, He allowed me to win the contest! But it was all Him, working through me. That was the most fun I ever had on a writing project. =)

4. When did you first become interested in writing?

I first savored writing stories when I was around 12 years old. At that time, I wrote a short story that someone actually enjoyed, and, for the first time, I realized the power of written words. I wanted to do it again, to write stories that blessed people. So I kept going. And God kept leading me forward.

5. What was your favorite scene to write in The Torch Keepers?

Why do you ask such hard questions?!  =)

The whole book started out as a short story, basically encompassing the last chapters, Chapter 33 and Chapter 35. That was the first inspiration that became an entire book.

So those scenes are extra special. But there’s another one that always hits me so hard. It’s when the protagonist has come to one of her worst points but still gets offered grace. It’s beautiful and hard because that’s me. I make mistakes. I forget how much Jesus loves. And He keeps loving anyway, keeps seeking me out and offering forgiveness.

But no more spoilers – you’ll have to go read that chapter yourself, Chapter 23.  =)

6. Do you have any advice for those who are either new to writing or are looking to publish their first book?

I give the same writing advice to all writers:

Write for Jesus.

Let your pages be saturated with prayer. Seek Him instead of the book. Surrender yourself and the story to Jesus, and let Him blow you away by His faithfulness.

The Torch Keepers, is a special book to me. I hope it blesses people too. But if no one else read the book it would be okay, because I wrote it for me and Jesus. And we grew closer because of it.

So live solely for your King, write for Him, take every single breath for Him. He writes the best stories anyway.

And He loves you like crazy.

******
Thank you for taking the time to do an interview, Hosanna! 

I haven't gotten a chance to read The Torch Keepers yet, but I can't wait to!

You should definitely check out Hosanna's blog, Having a Heart Like His and you can find The Torch Keepers on Amazon




Sunday, September 1, 2019

The Big City, The Beach, and Lots of Fun Memories, My August Highlights

August has come to a close...which means summer is almost over. It's been a good summer, but I'm pretty excited for fall and winter!
August was a fun month with lots of amazing memories.


~I went to Toy Story 4 yet again...I know, I said it wasn't my favorite, (and it's still not) but I went with my mom and brother, and some friends, so that was fun. Plus it was a little better the second time around. ;)

~I had a dentist appointment and my mom came with me and we did a little shopping afterwards and a library trip before. I mean, if you have to go to the dentist, you should at least do some fun things while out and about. ;)

~Some family friends hosted an English Country dance and my two younger brothers and I went to that. It was a pretty fun evening of dancing, visiting, and kettle corn!

~On August 17, my mom and I went on our own little Amazing Race adventure. ;) We went to Los Angeles and we went to the Hollywood Walk of Fame!!!! It was an absolute blast. We had so much fun!!


~In LA I had the most delicious dairy free ice cream. Of course, they don't have that stuff where I live, but I did find some tasty almond milk ice cream at the grocery store.

~Season 4 of Hallmark's Chesapeake Shores started up! I like that show a lot, so I'm excited to see where season 4 goes.

~On August 26-30, my family and I went to Oregon. We went to Portland then we went to my favorite place ever, the ocean!! I had so much fun on the Oregon Coast! We played on the beach, visited some lighthouses, and had lots of other fun!





~I shared a little bit more about the book I'm writing. You can check that out here.
I'm super excited about how it's coming along!!



 I hope everyone had a fantastic August!