Welcome to another speculative interview at Marcher Lord Press. Today we have debut author Angie Brashear with us.
1) Tell us a little about your books.
I write fantasy with a strong thread of romance. My debut novel, previously titled Never Let Go, is currently undergoing some unexpected but exciting changes – a new title and cover, as well as a possible new release date. Ultimately, my goal is to reach young adult females much like the lost, lonely girl I once was. As a nonbeliever for the majority of my life, I enjoyed reading speculative fiction and it was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis which ultimately opened my eyes to Christ. My prayer is that my stories will do the same for others. I also hope believers will enjoy the Christian undertones of my work.
2) How do you write? What’s a normal writing day like for you?
I write…well, slow. I tend to over analyze every sentence and scene rather than just accepting the flaws of a first draft. While this makes the completion of the first draft a bit tedious, it makes the rewrites a little less stressful (or so I’ve convinced myself). And I long for a normal writing day. As a mother of three active kids and a job outside of my home, I stay quite busy. I basically write whenever I can, often stopping in the middle of tasks to jot notes and ideas in my journal, but the majority of my writing is completed during late night hours while my family sleeps.
3) What is the one author, living or dead, who you would like to co-write a book with someday, and why?
C.S. Lewis. He opened the door to my personal speculation, which eventually led to my salvation.
4) What are your hopes for your future as an author?
I’m new to the wide world of writing and have much to learn. I imagine the release of my debut novel will bring about more questions than answers, but through all the phases of the journey, my hope is to reach non believing teenagers.
5) What inspired you to write?
When I was in the fifth grade, my teacher read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis aloud to my class. In doing so, she opened my eyes to adventure and possibilities, all the while helping me escape a world of darkness for a short time. At its conclusion, I wondered, is God real? He couldn’t be, right? For if He existed, innocent young girls wouldn’t suffer the wrath of drunken addicts, or the torment of abandonment. I continued to speculate. Each time God placed believers in my path—a high school teacher, a college friend, and a college coach—my fascination with the possibility grew stronger until the truth stunned me like a slap in the face. God indeed lives in the form of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He rescues. He saves. And He waited for me. Then He embraced me. It all started with a little seed, planted in the empty heart of the girl I once was. A love for reading expanded to a love for writing. A desire to know God became a desire to serve Him, to reach nonbelievers. So I write, in hopes of reaching at least one girl.
6) Star Wars or Star Trek?
May the force be with you.
7) Favorite place to vacation?
Maine. I’m originally from Rockland, Maine and there truly is no place like home. I miss chilly autumn nights and the scent of the ocean.
8) Favorite season?
Autumn, especially in the northeast.
9) Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
My cross country teammates and I lived by Philippians 4:13 in college. We usually began and ended each day with intense and exhausting distance training. Because we aimed to glorify God with our efforts and attitudes, we focused on allowing Him to work through us. I pray my endeavors as a writer do nothing less. In Him, we can do all things to His glory. The verse remains my favorite to date, without a doubt.
10) How would you like to be remembered?
As a planter of seeds.
Thank you, Angie, for allowing us to interview you at Marcher Lord Press!
Here is where you can find Angie online:
www.facebook.com/AngieBrashearAuthor
https://twitter.com/AngieBrashear
