Tag Archives: books

The Wanderer’s Legacy Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: The Wanderer’s Legacy (The Wanderer Series Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Natasha Woodcraft

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: April 10, 2025

Adah lives trapped between the life she yearned for and the life she chose. Childless and desperate, she’s failed to produce an heir for her once-devoted husband, Lamech. As his love turns to obsession and control, Adah finds herself drawn to whispered legends of a mysterious Wanderer.

When Lamech takes a second wife, Adah’s world shatters – sending her fleeing to her family home. There, a fragile sense of freedom awakens long-buried hopes. But her body hides a secret that will propel her back into the heart of danger.

As survival becomes a daily challenge, can a legend offer her the salvation she craves? Or does someone else hold the power to help her dwell in safety?

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Natasha Woodcraft lives in the UK with her family of boys and menagerie of animals. She holds an honours degree in Theology and believes stories have power to communicate deep truth and transform lives. Her novels explore God’s redemptive purposes for ordinary, messy people living in biblical times.

More from Natasha

I wrote The Wanderer’s Legacy because I believe stories have the power to communicate deep truths and transform lives, and Bible stories are no exception! Lamech, the first man to have two wives, features way back in Genesis 4, after Cain & Abel and before Noah. It’s not even a story, really, it’s a little poem stuck at the end of a chapter. What is it doing there, and what can it teach us about God’s goodness during a really dark time in humanity’s history?

That’s what this novel is about. It was an excuse to engage deeply with that story and the result is full of biblical truth that I hope will draw the reader closer to Jesus, understanding how his redemptive purposes are woven through the fabric of the whole Bible, even obscure little poems that almost feel like a sidenote.

Rather than telling you more, I’m just going to share the opening with you, to give you a taster…

“Adah presses her back to the pillar, squeezing into its evening shadow. Her heavy breathing is almost as loud as the heartbeat pummelling in her head. Surely someone will hear?

Her chance to escape diminishes with every moment of delay. She is a desert jerboa­ – alert, aware of every sight and smell, yet frozen in place as she awaits her predator’s pounce.

Azurak should be occupied. Her son arranged it when she pleaded with him on hands and knees, eyes streaming in desperation. But Adah is sure she hears him. His rasping breath and distinct blood-soaked-campfire smell linger, fusing her feet to the ground.

Unless it’s someone worse than Azurak. Perhaps her husband will find her.”

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

I actually have a theology degree, and I always expected to write non-fiction – translating Old English texts into modern English was my passion. But, in 2019, God started whispering to me about writing the same truths I gleaned from non-fiction into stories. He showed me how, when my kids were little and I was exhausted, I couldn’t cope with reading non-fiction, but I could read a story. Now, I believe that stories really do have power to communicate deep truths and transform lives, and that’s what I seek to do through my writing.

Which author has most influenced your own writing?

I first started writing Bible-era fiction after reading books by Connilyn Cossette and Tessa Afshar. They are incredible writers who bring the Bible to life, helping us to understand the context of scripture through storytelling. Their works really inspired me, and I feel privileged to be following in their footsteps.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I pick really difficult stories! My first novel was about Cain (the first murderer!) and this one is about Lamech, Cain’s descendant (the first polygamist!). I believe, even though these aren’t “nice” stories, the Bible tells us about these people for a reason. Sadly, what my main character (Lamech’s first wife Adah) experiences, is what so many women experience in this life. I believe we need to engage honestly with that and ask for God’s help in understanding why it’s there.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Something in-between. I have a rough plot outline in mind when I write, but I don’t plan everything. Rather, my characters drive the story forward. When planning I consider, what are their limitations and the lies they’re telling themselves? How is God going to shine truth into their lives that will transform them?

I think in dialogue, so while I’m writing the book, conversations will flow in my head and I’ll get them down as quickly as possible. Then the characters will keep talking while I’m doing the dishes or the laundry, or walking the dog, and I’ll have to quickly voice memo the conversations and write it down later! So yeah, those pesky characters really do control the process. Ha ha.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

All 3! It depends on what I’m doing. I often listen to podcasts or audiobooks while I’m working outside (I live on a farm, so there’s tons of chores to do!) I read paperbacks if I get the chance to have a long bath, or a sleepy Sunday afternoon, but I like ebooks because I can read them in the dark when I can’t sleep or when I’m putting the kids to bed. So I’ll often have several books in different formats on the go at once.

If readers would like to sample my writing, they can sign up my newsletter here https://natashawoodcraft.com/subscribe. They’ll get a free novella for signing up, and I send monthly emails with doses of encouragement and writing news.

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 10 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, April 11 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 11

Simple Harvest Reads, April 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 13

Artistic Nobody, April 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 15

Guild Master, April 16 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, April 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 17

Vicky Sluiter, April 18 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 19

For the Love of Literature, April 20 (Author Interview)

Devoted Steps, April 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 22 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Natasha is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54196

Meow Meow Milks the Cow Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me

Author: Allen Brokken, Illustrated by Reace Erbe

Genre: Christian Fable

Release date: March 15, 2025

When disaster strikes the family farm, Lauren gets a big job. She has to milk their cow, Clarabelle, all by herself! Her only help might come from her new feline friend Meow Meow, but how can such a little kitten help with such a big job?

This read-aloud will help you share the timeless truth from the Bible that God can use the least of us to solve big problems.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media and through his blog.

More from Allen

Sometimes, a story just HAS to be told. When I first wrote the book that became Light of Mine, book 1 of the Towers of Light series, there was a scene in which the main character, Lauren, and her newly found kitten are trying to milk the cow. It was a sweet moment in a chaotic story, and I had fun writing it as an homage to my kitten squeaker, who made trying to work around home very challenging at times. However, my editor was pretty clear that as cute as the story was, Meow Meow’s interlude with the milk cow Clarabelle just didn’t fit the story’s action. So, unfortunately, that scene found its way to the cutting room floor.

After a few years, I started having mothers of children who loved the Towers of Light Series ask the same question over and over….”But what about my littles?” Do you have a story for me to read to my younger children? After thinking about it, I realized Meow Meow’s adventure might be a perfect read-aloud. So I reached out to a fellow Realm Maker, Pam Halter, who has a really fun series of books with Willougby the Dragon, to see if she could help me turn my 2500-word novel scene into an 800-word picture book…and she did a fantastic job! So now we have Meow Meow Milks the Cow.

Another fun fact is that the character Ethan in this book is all grown up now and engaged to be married to Reace Erbe, and this is her first illustrated work in print. So we all hope you enjoy this Tower of Light read to me.

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

As a kid, I always had an active imagination and took to writing as soon as I learned how. I began the Towers of Light Series as a story for my kids. I traveled for work 4 days a week and spent a lot of lonely nights in hotels across the country. I started writing a story about them in a fantastic setting and then shared it on the weekends. They loved it.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I was in the military, so I wrote between 5:30 and 7 before work or while on business travel. However, I’m a really big guy, and getting out a laptop on a plane can be challenging at times.  So I’ve perfected the ability to write on my phone.  A couple of my books were written 50% or more on a phone keyboard.

What are your hobbies?

I play a lot of games. My family plays various games on Sunday after church, but my current favorite is a card game that’s also a mobile game called Star Realms.  Last year I was the top player on the Arena leaderboard.

What is your favorite book?

Other than the Bible, the book I’ve read the most is Battlefield Earth by L. Ron Hubbard.  But these days, that’s not what I consider my favorite.  Probably my favorite book I’ve read in the last year was Daisy Dunlap and the Cartoon Carnival by C.O. Bonham.  It’s not the kind of book I would necessarily pick up on my own, but the author is a friend of mine, and I did it as a beta read and I was hooked.  It was like Toy Story meets a 1950s cartoon.  Super enjoyable.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Writing is a marathon, not a sprint and it takes a support team to make it to the end.  If I was a new writer I would get involved in a writing organization like the Realm Makers Consortium.  That’s where I met Pam Halter who helped me adapt content that didn’t make it into my novel Light of Mine to make Meow Meow Milks the Cow.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 9

For the Love of Literature, April 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 10

By the Book, April 11

For Him and My Family, April 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 13 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, April 14

Hannahbandanarama, April 15

Blossoms and Blessings, April 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 18

Labor Not in Vain , April 19

Texas Book-aholic, April 20

Pause for Tales, April 21

A Reader’s Brain, April 22 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, April 22

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54199

Mary’s Redemption Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Mary’s Redemption

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 11, 2025

Her childhood friend wants to rescue her from her responsibilities, but she can’t abandon her grieving family.

Despite being adopted, Mary Lenora Caine was always “God’s Blessing” to her mother. But after her mother passes, and her father can barely cope, Mary bears the burden of running the home on her own. Her drudgery hides any blessings for her future, until her childhood friend, Daniel, begins courting Mary with promises to take care of her.

For years, Daniel Winthrop has carried a torch for Mary, but his vision for their future together clashes with her duty to her family. Can’t she see he’s offering a better life? But when Mary’s faced with her worst possible scenario, Daniel isn’t sure he can handle the burden.

Mary and Daniel seem set on a path that will test their dreams and the boundaries of their love. Can they trust God’s plan for them and overcome the obstacles between them and their future together?

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

More from Lena

My mother died when I was 7 years old. Back in my growing up years, grown-ups didn’t tell children a lot of things. My aunt, who was living with my mother and father and older brother when I was born, gave me some surprising information when I was in my 30s. After my mother came home from the hospital with me, she had to go back in a little while later. She had surgery to remove a mass of bones and tissue they believed was my twin that didn’t develop.

I found that interesting, because there had been times over the years when I felt as if part of me was missing. I became fascinated with the connections between twins and other multiple births. This fascination planted the seed that became the stories of the McKenna Sisters series.

At one time, there was a lot of discussion about which influenced people more—heredity or environment. These discussions added depth for the story of the triplets. I prayed a lot when writing these books, and God helped me see how to connect the girls when they didn’t know about their other sisters.

They were definitely reared in totally different environments, and Mary’s was the hardest. It was difficult for me to put her through so much anguish.

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

In one week of May 1984, God used several events to let me know He wanted me to become a writer. You can read about that week on my web site: http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/p/about-me.html

Which author has most influenced your own writing?

I wrote many of my early books before I knew other authors. Then I was an early member of American Christian Fiction Writers. This is an organization that had so many good resources that helped my writing to mature.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t think I have one.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

Since I became a widow in October 2023, everything has changed. I only have a few hours per day available for writing.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Mostly pantser.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

After both of our daughters married, I turned one bedroom into my office.

Is there a particular literary period that you’re drawn to (Regency, Victorian, Romantic, Modernism, etc.)? Why?

I write both contemporary and historical. Over the years, I’ve become an expert on the late 19th Century.

Describe your book in five words.

Historical romantic Christian women’s Fiction

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

Mary, because she is one of the triplets

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

Not yet

What are your hobbies?

Reading, watching movies, spending time with family

Who was/is your biggest inspiration?

My precious, godly husband who loved me well for 59 years and supported my writing

What is your favorite book?

If you mean books I wrote, that’s like asking which child is my favorite. Sometimes I say it’s the one I’m currently writing.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

I used to read mostly print books, but now it’s ebooks.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

I’ve always loved Esther’s story. I even wrote a dramatic monologue that I performed.

If you could meet one author, living or passed, who would it be?

I was thrilled when I met Francine Rivers.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

If you’re writing Christian fiction, join American Christian Fiction Writers, http://www.ACFW.com

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

Stories By Gina, March 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 28

Vicky Sluiter, March 29 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, March 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 2

For the Love of Literature, April 3 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, April 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 5 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 6

Cover Lover Book Review, April 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54185

The Road to Chidarra Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

6 Replies

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About the Book

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Book: The Road to Chidarra

Author: Keith B Perrin

Genre: Christian Fiction/Fantasy

Release date: December 14, 2016

The Road to Chidarra, is a Christian fantasy novel based in an age when men worshipped at the altar of their cruel masters the gods, and feared the monsters and strange beings who plagued their lands with malice and terror. The cries of the people are heard, and a stranger is sent from afar to guide, protect, and bring peace to the lands. This however, comes at great cost, for the dark powers do not give in so easily, and the struggle for freedom as always, is paved with blood and sacrifice.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

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Keith Perrin, is a Christian Author who loves to tell biblical truths in an entertaining imaginative way, without compromising the reality of the scriptures, which will inspire people to discover the Bible and The Lord Jesus Christ for themselves. Growing up he watched tons of super hero cartons, Saturday afternoon science fiction and monster movies, plus reading marvel comics. His day dreaming and wild imagination would have him experience all sorts of adventures. Soon he would put those adventures to paper, drawing and writing stories of all sorts. By far his biggest inspiration was reading the bible and bible stories at a young age that drew him closer in his relationship with this awesome God who worked might miracles and showed redemption and forgiveness to the flawed people in those stories. Flawed people just like himself. Keith’s calling is to love God, share the Gospel to all who would hear and use his talents to produce fruit for the Kingdom of God!

More from Keith

I am so excited to have readers experience my book. If you are a fantasy, sci-fi, quest or supernatural lover of fiction like myself, this should be a treat, and it is topped off with biblical under and overtones to boot. Creating this world and its characters is fun and rewarding as it helps to bring my imagination alive for others to hopefully experience it in a fun , interesting and thought provoking way. The Prophet Feneer is faced with many trials on his journey through strange lands. He must rely on the faithful invisible hand of God to guide him through heartache, uncertainty, and terrors that await him. Like all of us he has his faults, doubts and sins he must overcome to complete his assignments. The question is, will he survive long enough against the forces set against him and the inner doubts that plague him to bring the light of God to lands held in the grips of horrific darkness!

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

I decided to become a writer as published author back in 2000. I just couldn’t resist the writing bug to produce published work and finished projects. Keep in mind I already had written a few things over the years but procrastinated in completing them for publishing. Seeing autobiographical movies also steered me to do it. I figured if they could write about their lives and it is so interesting then so could I.

Which author has most influenced your own writing?

The Author that most influenced me off the top of my head is J.R.R. Tolkien. His imagination and incredible world building with many realms and from top to bottom and also mixing different mythologies was other worldly to me.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

An interesting writing quirk? Wow, I have to think on that.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

My work schedule is always hectic. I work really weird hours and don’t get much sleep so I have to write when I can a little here and a little there. It’s tough for sure.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am both a plotter and a panster depending on what I am writing. If I have a feel for something and it flows naturally then I punster. If I feel something is going to be a more difficult project in length and complexity then im a plotter.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

My favorite place to write is my basement by the warmth of the fireplace. My favorite time to write though when I can stay up late is definitely at night.

Is there a particular literary period that you’re drawn to (Regency, Victorian, Romantic, Modernism, etc.)? Why?

No, not in particular. I kind of draw from several inspirations from several periods that give me inspiration to write about them.

Describe your book in five words.

Spellbinding Supernatural journey of redemption

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

So far Feneer speaks most to my heart but the jury is still out on that since I am still writing the series. The reason why is because he is alone, troubled, and burdened in so many ways. Yet he is powerful, wise compassionate and a true man of God! In other words he is many faceted complex and an immense enigma!

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

I hid things for readers to find and or be curious about absolutely. It helps me to write better more complex interwoven stories and gives the readers a lot to think about to try to figure out what this or that truly means.

What are your hobbies?

Obviously I love reading and writing as well as camping, going to wineries and taking wine trails, exploring new cities states and sightseeing on vacations. Stuff like that. Playing video games is fun too, but most of all sharing the Gospel of Christ. That is not a hobby but my ultimate passion!

Who was/is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration was and is the Lord God Almighty hands down. Without him I can do nothing but through him I have redemption, salvation, security, freedom, love and the best friend and awesome God who saved me from an eternity in hell through the cross of Calvary!

What is your favorite book?

Favorite book, the Bible!

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

I definitely prefer traditional books and audiobooks. Not so much e-books.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

My favorite bible verse perhaps is proverbs 3:5-7. The story of Noah and genesis 6 resonates with me greatly because within those texts are the blueprint for when the Antediluvian world began to birth such monstrous begins that formed the real basis for all they mythologies around the world that most think are just myths and legends. Also how the flood was a merciful rescue mission to stop the total destruction of mankind as a species. Most people do not realize this incredible fact at all.

If you could live inside a book, which one would it be?

I would love to live inside the bible to see and experience all the stories first hand. But not necessarily to be affected by every story. Some of those stories are brutal lol.

If you could meet one author, living or passed, who would it be?

I would probably want to meet Tolkien off the top of my head.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

The advice I would give to aspiring writers is to make time and develop a discipline to write even if it is a little at a time. To enjoy the process by going to places that inspire you to write and locations that involve the subject matter you are writing about. Don’t be afraid to be different and don’t rush the process. You will have difficulties from time to time in writing but through prayer, praise and fasting to the lord you will persevere. Exorcise the gift God gave you to write. Don’t procrastinate and waste it.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, October 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

Through the Fire Blogs, October 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Blossoms and Blessings, October 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 29

Blogging With Carol, October 30 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 31 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, November 1 (Author Interview)

Just Your Average reviews, November 1

Giveaway

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To celebrate his tour, Keith is giving away the grand prize of a $150 Amazon card and a copy of the book in winner’s choice of format!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5472

Lumen Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

3 Replies

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About the Book

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Book: Lumen

Author: J. J. Fischer

Genre: Fantasy (adult)

Release Date: December 5, 2023

What if erasing the past cost more than you were willing to pay?

Having narrowly escaped their enemies, Sephone, Dorian, and Cass continue their search for the elusive Silvertongue, the only one with knowledge of the Reliquary’s whereabouts. But time is running out for Sephone, and with Dorian accused of high treason, the quest takes on a new urgency.

As secrets from each of their pasts drive a wedge between them, Sephone invests all her hopes in finding her homeland, Lethe—where her family may yet be alive. But nothing about Lethe is as she expects, and disappointment, betrayal, and danger await her at every turn.

When the truth about the Reliquary’s curse comes to light, the fragile bonds between the unlikely companions are tested like never before. Meanwhile, Dorian faces a terrible choice: to save the life of one who is beginning to mean more to him than the past he’s so desperate to forget, or to save his beloved Caldera from dangers outside and within.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

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J.J. Fischer’s writing dream began with the anthology of zoo animals she painstakingly wrote and illustrated at age five. Jasmine began writing her first proper novel at age fourteen, which eventually became her debut fantasy series, The Darcentaria Duology, which was published in 2021. She is a qualified psychologist with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in clinical psychology. When Jasmine isn’t killing defenseless house plants, she enjoys devouring books, dabbling in floristry, playing the piano, and wishing it rained more often. Jasmine is married to David, and together they make their home a couple of hours north of Sydney, Australia.

More from J.J.

Have you noticed how much less we’re participating in life these days?

Here in Australia, we have a show called Gogglebox where we watch people on their couches watching (and commentating on) our favorite TV shows from the last seven days. Sometimes, you don’t even need to have seen the shows. But it’s fun to watch other people watching TV, often because they have the same reactions we have to particular scenes.

The widespread popularity of a show like Gogglebox is telling because it demonstrates just how comfortable we’ve become with observing and commentating on other peoples’ lives. We’re quick to critique and criticize and dismiss. So much of our human experience is now mediated through screens and technology and social media that we’ve lost a great deal of the beauty and simplicity of life.

How often does a long walk through autumn leaves or a swim at the beach refresh our spirit, yet we rarely get out of the house or away from our busy schedules in order to do so?

In the post-apocalyptic world of The Nightingale Trilogy, people no longer have access to the technology and comforts of the “world-that-was,” so they choose to vicariously enjoy its pleasures by re-experiencing old memories, which can be physically extracted and drunk like potions. Nostalgia is the currency of the day, and the gifted individuals who can manipulate these memories—known as alters or mems—are exceptionally prized.

The female main character, Sephone Winter, is a young slave who can selectively edit memories with a single touch of a person’s skin. But Sephone is increasingly aware that there’s something different about the memories of the old world that she extracts from donors’ minds. They’re much more faded, and less vivid, than the real thing. And she begins to suspect that habitually enjoying these second-hand and third-hand experiences comes at the price of a person’s humanity, self-awareness, and even their capacity to love.

After meeting an old veteran with a first-hand memory of strawberries—who tells Sephone that even this is a shadow of the real thing—she begins a journey to discover what authentic experience really looks like, and if there’s something more to hope for than the faded artifacts of a long-dead world.

Sephone’s discoveries have relevance and meaning for all of us in this world where life’s pleasures are often smoke and mirrors. Since the Fall, our lives are full of counterfeit things. They sound good, they look right—more real, sometimes, than the real thing—but they’re ultimately an imitation that doesn’t satisfy us the way we thought and hoped they would.

As a Christian, I believe that if we rely on counterfeit things to satisfy our souls, we’re always going to end up hungry. As David Foster Wallace famously once said, worshipping the stuff of this world will inevitably “eat us alive.” False truth and false gods always break the hearts of their worshippers.

But unmet needs are a signpost pointing to a better way, a deeper truth. As C.S. Lewis wisely commented: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”

The Nightingale Trilogy is another world, a fantasy context, a different time period. But it’s really us. I hope, as you read, that it stirs in you a hunger for truth, for real things; a desire to connect with the Author of your soul. I can testify that He’s out of this world!

Cherish the Real,

Jasmine

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

I didn’t choose the writer life, the writer life chose me 😉. But in all seriousness, it feels like it did choose me. I’ve been writing seriously since I was fourteen years old, but I trained as a clinical psychologist and worked in that space for a while until I got sick (five years ago now). I had to give up my job basically overnight due to illness, which gave me time to finish the book I’d been writing for over twelve years. Then I wrote the sequel, then another duology, then…well, you get the idea. I’m currently working on my eleventh book. I freelance edit during the day (English Literature and Creative Writing was actually my first degree) and write to my heart’s content whenever I can. I don’t miss psychology much at all!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I absolutely LOVE writing dialogue. Maybe this is influenced by my work as a psychologist, but I can understand characters’ headspaces really well and I hear their voices in my head…in a good way. Writing witty banter is my favorite!

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

Unfortunately, I can’t write anywhere but at my desk. I type a lot faster than I write, so I can’t write books by hand, either. I wish I could write at a café, but it’s too noisy for me—luckily, I have a good tea stash here at home!

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

All the time! I’m sneaky like that. Mainly, my easter eggs relate to the meanings of names. I like the character’s name to reflect some part of who they are, a fundamental quality of their personality. Sometimes it’s a giveaway as to who is actually the villain 😉. Told ya I was sneaky.

If you could live inside a book, which one would it be?

My first thought was The Princess Bride by William Goldman (such a hilarious world) but I’m going to have to go with Lord of the Ring’s Middle Earth. I want to meet some elves! No, it doesn’t have to do with the dashing Aragorn at all. Why do you ask?

Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, December 7 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 8

Artistic Nobody, December 9 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, December 9

Simple Harvest Reads, December 10 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Guild Master, December 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 13

For the Love of Literature, December 14 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, December 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 16

Through the Fire Blogs, December 17 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, December 17

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 19 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 20

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, J.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card along with a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/29249/lumen-celebration-tour-giveaway