Sunshine Rodgers's Blog - Posts Tagged "questions"
Author Q&A With Sunshine Rodgers
Author Q&A With Sunshine Rodgers
Sunshine Rodgers is an International Best-Selling Author on Amazon. She has written 12 books which have landed on 26 different Best Seller lists, including #1 in the United Kingdom, #2 in the United States and #25 in Canada. Her books have been translated in several languages (Spanish, English and Portuguese). She has participated in 6 book tours and dozens of book signings.
When she’s not writing, Sunshine is a guest and featured author on radio, podcasts, and online magazines. Sunshine is a brand ambassador, a blogger, and an entrepreneur to her 46,000 social media followers. Sunshine is married to the love of her life, Travis, and they reside in sunny Florida. Meet Sunshine:
You’re an author, but is it your day job?
I’m a full time Author. I write about 2-3 books a year with multiple Book Tours and Media Interviews scheduled throughout that time. I am very thankful to have such a large following on social media. I say this because Fashion Boutiques, Skincare lines and Home Decor Companies have signed me to represent products as their Brand Ambassador. I do work part time at NBC-TV Sports in the Media Operations Department. I have worked in the Entertainment and Television industry for 17 years after attaining a Degree in Communications.
What is your most recent book and what inspired you to write it?
My most recent piece is called Be The Sunshine. This book is a 5-part message about spreading love and kindness out into the world. It includes topics from acting in kindness, the power of love, and how to combat excuses and make a difference everyday. The idea for Be The Sunshine originated in the year 2020 when I felt like there was so much animosity and strife in the world and I wanted to write a book in order to bring some peace and a loving perspective out into my community.
How do you hope your book uplifts those who read it?
There is a section in the back of the book that reads: “This book is a call to action! We want to make a difference in our families, our community, and out in our world! Tell me how you blessed someone today and use the Hashtag: #BeTheSunshine. Make sure to tag me and I may repost it on my site! Spread the Love and get involved….one act of kindness at a time!” I hope to inspire my readers to be purposeful about putting others first and to take the time to spread goodness and love.
What are you most excited about with this book?
I am grateful for my team of Literary Contributors: Travis Rodgers, Ileana Reyes, Tim Stromer, Steven Stein, Ashalee Bingham, Marcia Baker and Jeff Hosfeld who shared their personal stories in my book, Be The Sunshine. These inspiring real life events transformed my book into a must read!
What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in your professional industry?
Turn off your inner critic. Don’t let the process scare you. Take it one page at a time. Write what you are passionate about. And stay calm. My first book took 4 years before it became an International Best Seller on Amazon. Being a successful Author will take time but the journey is worth it. Be your own cheerleader. Celebrate the milestones in your Author career. And learn to love what you do; the passion will fly off the pages! And whatever you do…KEEP WRITING!!
Being an author today is like running a business. How do you manage all your publicity, social media and keep your engagement up with readers?
This is certainly a group effort and I have 29 creative professionals on my team, including my Publicist, Audio Book Narrators, Language Translators, Artists, Graphic Designers and Professional Photographers. I delegate tasks and hire outside talent as well as regularly promote the skills and gifts of others. This journey is not about me! It’s a culmination of hard work, group effort and trusting each other to get the book finished and the message across with the corporate vision of impacting readers in a powerful way.
You can connect with Sunshine and meet the entire team on her website.
👉 https://bit.ly/3O8gztd
Sunshine Rodgers
Sunshine Rodgers is an International Best-Selling Author on Amazon. She has written 12 books which have landed on 26 different Best Seller lists, including #1 in the United Kingdom, #2 in the United States and #25 in Canada. Her books have been translated in several languages (Spanish, English and Portuguese). She has participated in 6 book tours and dozens of book signings.
When she’s not writing, Sunshine is a guest and featured author on radio, podcasts, and online magazines. Sunshine is a brand ambassador, a blogger, and an entrepreneur to her 46,000 social media followers. Sunshine is married to the love of her life, Travis, and they reside in sunny Florida. Meet Sunshine:
You’re an author, but is it your day job?
I’m a full time Author. I write about 2-3 books a year with multiple Book Tours and Media Interviews scheduled throughout that time. I am very thankful to have such a large following on social media. I say this because Fashion Boutiques, Skincare lines and Home Decor Companies have signed me to represent products as their Brand Ambassador. I do work part time at NBC-TV Sports in the Media Operations Department. I have worked in the Entertainment and Television industry for 17 years after attaining a Degree in Communications.
What is your most recent book and what inspired you to write it?
My most recent piece is called Be The Sunshine. This book is a 5-part message about spreading love and kindness out into the world. It includes topics from acting in kindness, the power of love, and how to combat excuses and make a difference everyday. The idea for Be The Sunshine originated in the year 2020 when I felt like there was so much animosity and strife in the world and I wanted to write a book in order to bring some peace and a loving perspective out into my community.
How do you hope your book uplifts those who read it?
There is a section in the back of the book that reads: “This book is a call to action! We want to make a difference in our families, our community, and out in our world! Tell me how you blessed someone today and use the Hashtag: #BeTheSunshine. Make sure to tag me and I may repost it on my site! Spread the Love and get involved….one act of kindness at a time!” I hope to inspire my readers to be purposeful about putting others first and to take the time to spread goodness and love.
What are you most excited about with this book?
I am grateful for my team of Literary Contributors: Travis Rodgers, Ileana Reyes, Tim Stromer, Steven Stein, Ashalee Bingham, Marcia Baker and Jeff Hosfeld who shared their personal stories in my book, Be The Sunshine. These inspiring real life events transformed my book into a must read!
What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in your professional industry?
Turn off your inner critic. Don’t let the process scare you. Take it one page at a time. Write what you are passionate about. And stay calm. My first book took 4 years before it became an International Best Seller on Amazon. Being a successful Author will take time but the journey is worth it. Be your own cheerleader. Celebrate the milestones in your Author career. And learn to love what you do; the passion will fly off the pages! And whatever you do…KEEP WRITING!!
Being an author today is like running a business. How do you manage all your publicity, social media and keep your engagement up with readers?
This is certainly a group effort and I have 29 creative professionals on my team, including my Publicist, Audio Book Narrators, Language Translators, Artists, Graphic Designers and Professional Photographers. I delegate tasks and hire outside talent as well as regularly promote the skills and gifts of others. This journey is not about me! It’s a culmination of hard work, group effort and trusting each other to get the book finished and the message across with the corporate vision of impacting readers in a powerful way.
You can connect with Sunshine and meet the entire team on her website.
👉 https://bit.ly/3O8gztd
Sunshine Rodgers
Author Interview: Sunshine Rodgers
As part of the virtual book tour for Just Brooke, author Sunshine Rodgers has agreed to participate in an interview with Hazel’s Book Tours!
A bit more about Rodgers from her author bio (from Amazon):
Sunshine Rodgers has written 13 books that have landed on Amazon’s International Best Seller lists in 26 different categories, including #1 in the United Kingdom, #2 in the United States, and #25 in Canada. Her books have been translated into several languages (Spanish, English, and Portuguese). She has participated in 8 book tours and dozens of book signings. Her Creative Team of 38 Professionals include Artists, Narrators, and Photographers. When she is not writing, Sunshine is a guest and featured author for a total of 82 Media opportunities, such as radio, podcasts, and online magazines. Sunshine is a Brand Ambassador to 38 Fashion, Health, Food, and Skincare Companies. She is a Blogger and an Entrepreneur with 58,000 social media followers. Sunshine is married to the love of her life, Travis, and they reside in sunny Florida.
Read on below for the full interview with Sunshine Rodgers.
.
Q: Congratulations on the recent release of Just Brooke! What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired by the storyline of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl and the TV Shows: Big Brother and American Idol.
The premise of Just Brooke: A popular singing competition, The Tune to the Top, has audiences raving and cheering each episode as performers show what they’ve got to a panel
of judges.
But one by one, each performer falters and consequently gets eliminated due to a clear and obvious flaw. Zeek The Man is obsessed with the fanfare on social media. Nolan Artemis Jones the Third only cares about the prize money. And Desiree Simon comes from a prestigious family and feels entitled to the win.
None of the contestants are there for the right reason.
Except…one.
Q: What kind of challenges did you come up against while you were writing this book?
I am not a singer/songwriter and I had to write lyrics and use musical terminology in the text which required a lot of research!
From the pages of Just Brooke:
“While the rest of my class was at lunch, I was with Ms. Garrison, learning
musicality, practicing inflection, and hitting those high notes.” (pg. 19)
“I see the lyrics forming as if illuminated in the vast darkness of my psyche.
I start to sing the words pounding in my spirit like winged creatures being
uncaged for the first time. Unexpected. Unfiltered. Raw.
♫ I am trapped. The struggle is real.
I cannot form the words – but I know the deal. Come here, they say. Follow the script.
But I am the one who is so over it! ♫ (pg. 84)
“The words are overlapping one another. It is such a great song to sing as
Ms. Isle plays the piano in the background. Dean’s deep voice is meshing
very well with my soprano.” (pg. 131)
Q: What was your favorite scene to write in Just Brooke?
My favorite scene – so insightful! – is when Giovanni challenges Brooke to a virtual racing game at the arcade and uses this free play experience to explain the importance of the long game.
An excerpt from Just Brooke:
“There’s a short game and a long game,” Gio tells me.
“Oh? I thought there was just one racing game….” I look confused.
“Let me explain it to you.” He is serious in his tone. “If you go too fast, you’ll crash and burn.”
“I saw that.” I agree.
“But if you take it easy and pace yourself…” The screen is loading, so Gio continues. “You’ll end up winning. Don’t look at the cars ahead or behind you, though you’ll be tempted to. Keep your eyes on your own race. Don’t get distracted. Stay focused. Concentrate on the path in front of you. Keep the long game in mind. It’s like life, you see.” (pg. 122 – 123)
Q: If this book was made into a movie, who would you like to see playing
the main character?
Ally Brooke! I just finished reading her personal memoir, Finding Your Harmony. In this inspirational book, singer Ally Brooke recalls her journey to fame, reveals how she has remained true to her beliefs through her most difficult moments. She pushed herself to achieve her dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed. While her rise to fame was rapid, it wasn’t always smooth, and Ally candidly discusses the challenges she faced along the way, sharing how she navigated tough moments by staying true to herself and her beliefs.
Ally credits her start in the music industry from being on a TV Show Competition, The X Factor.
I think Ally Brooke would make excellent and an authentic Brooke Evans!
Q: Now that this book is finished, what will you be working on next?
I am working on Book #15 now, tentatively called Hashtag Family Photos at Work.
My new Fiction Novel is about Erin Melrose who experiences firsthand the benefits of coworker comradery, of team building exercises, of having fun on the job. And she is learning all of these invaluable lessons from the Department she is assigned to shut down. Will Erin keep her corporate status, or will she realize there is more to life than budget reports and the bottom line?
Set to be released Winter, 2024!
Q: What do you want your readers to know about you?
I am a Brand Ambassador to Fashion Retailers like Elevated Faith Apparel and The Pink Lily Boutique. I also represent Beauty and Cosmetics like Truly Beauty and Timeless Organics Skincare. I am paid by
Health and Food Companies as I promote their products like BHU Foods and Bare Life.
You can view the 38 Companies I represent on my website:
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/disco...
Q: The classic bookstagram question- what book are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Skipping Christmas by John Grisham (SUCH a great writer!)
I am really into MOVIE VS BOOK reviews, so I cannot wait to compare Skipping Christmas to its movie adaptation: Christmas with the Kranks.
I host a MOVIE VS BOOK Blog Series:
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/movie...
Thank you again to Sunshine Rodgers for the interview! Follow on Instagram and website to keep up with new books, writing updates and to help support an author.
https://hazelsbooktours.wordpress.com...
Sunshine Rodgers
A bit more about Rodgers from her author bio (from Amazon):
Sunshine Rodgers has written 13 books that have landed on Amazon’s International Best Seller lists in 26 different categories, including #1 in the United Kingdom, #2 in the United States, and #25 in Canada. Her books have been translated into several languages (Spanish, English, and Portuguese). She has participated in 8 book tours and dozens of book signings. Her Creative Team of 38 Professionals include Artists, Narrators, and Photographers. When she is not writing, Sunshine is a guest and featured author for a total of 82 Media opportunities, such as radio, podcasts, and online magazines. Sunshine is a Brand Ambassador to 38 Fashion, Health, Food, and Skincare Companies. She is a Blogger and an Entrepreneur with 58,000 social media followers. Sunshine is married to the love of her life, Travis, and they reside in sunny Florida.
Read on below for the full interview with Sunshine Rodgers.
.
Q: Congratulations on the recent release of Just Brooke! What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired by the storyline of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl and the TV Shows: Big Brother and American Idol.
The premise of Just Brooke: A popular singing competition, The Tune to the Top, has audiences raving and cheering each episode as performers show what they’ve got to a panel
of judges.
But one by one, each performer falters and consequently gets eliminated due to a clear and obvious flaw. Zeek The Man is obsessed with the fanfare on social media. Nolan Artemis Jones the Third only cares about the prize money. And Desiree Simon comes from a prestigious family and feels entitled to the win.
None of the contestants are there for the right reason.
Except…one.
Q: What kind of challenges did you come up against while you were writing this book?
I am not a singer/songwriter and I had to write lyrics and use musical terminology in the text which required a lot of research!
From the pages of Just Brooke:
“While the rest of my class was at lunch, I was with Ms. Garrison, learning
musicality, practicing inflection, and hitting those high notes.” (pg. 19)
“I see the lyrics forming as if illuminated in the vast darkness of my psyche.
I start to sing the words pounding in my spirit like winged creatures being
uncaged for the first time. Unexpected. Unfiltered. Raw.
♫ I am trapped. The struggle is real.
I cannot form the words – but I know the deal. Come here, they say. Follow the script.
But I am the one who is so over it! ♫ (pg. 84)
“The words are overlapping one another. It is such a great song to sing as
Ms. Isle plays the piano in the background. Dean’s deep voice is meshing
very well with my soprano.” (pg. 131)
Q: What was your favorite scene to write in Just Brooke?
My favorite scene – so insightful! – is when Giovanni challenges Brooke to a virtual racing game at the arcade and uses this free play experience to explain the importance of the long game.
An excerpt from Just Brooke:
“There’s a short game and a long game,” Gio tells me.
“Oh? I thought there was just one racing game….” I look confused.
“Let me explain it to you.” He is serious in his tone. “If you go too fast, you’ll crash and burn.”
“I saw that.” I agree.
“But if you take it easy and pace yourself…” The screen is loading, so Gio continues. “You’ll end up winning. Don’t look at the cars ahead or behind you, though you’ll be tempted to. Keep your eyes on your own race. Don’t get distracted. Stay focused. Concentrate on the path in front of you. Keep the long game in mind. It’s like life, you see.” (pg. 122 – 123)
Q: If this book was made into a movie, who would you like to see playing
the main character?
Ally Brooke! I just finished reading her personal memoir, Finding Your Harmony. In this inspirational book, singer Ally Brooke recalls her journey to fame, reveals how she has remained true to her beliefs through her most difficult moments. She pushed herself to achieve her dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed. While her rise to fame was rapid, it wasn’t always smooth, and Ally candidly discusses the challenges she faced along the way, sharing how she navigated tough moments by staying true to herself and her beliefs.
Ally credits her start in the music industry from being on a TV Show Competition, The X Factor.
I think Ally Brooke would make excellent and an authentic Brooke Evans!
Q: Now that this book is finished, what will you be working on next?
I am working on Book #15 now, tentatively called Hashtag Family Photos at Work.
My new Fiction Novel is about Erin Melrose who experiences firsthand the benefits of coworker comradery, of team building exercises, of having fun on the job. And she is learning all of these invaluable lessons from the Department she is assigned to shut down. Will Erin keep her corporate status, or will she realize there is more to life than budget reports and the bottom line?
Set to be released Winter, 2024!
Q: What do you want your readers to know about you?
I am a Brand Ambassador to Fashion Retailers like Elevated Faith Apparel and The Pink Lily Boutique. I also represent Beauty and Cosmetics like Truly Beauty and Timeless Organics Skincare. I am paid by
Health and Food Companies as I promote their products like BHU Foods and Bare Life.
You can view the 38 Companies I represent on my website:
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/disco...
Q: The classic bookstagram question- what book are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Skipping Christmas by John Grisham (SUCH a great writer!)
I am really into MOVIE VS BOOK reviews, so I cannot wait to compare Skipping Christmas to its movie adaptation: Christmas with the Kranks.
I host a MOVIE VS BOOK Blog Series:
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/movie...
Thank you again to Sunshine Rodgers for the interview! Follow on Instagram and website to keep up with new books, writing updates and to help support an author.
https://hazelsbooktours.wordpress.com...
Sunshine Rodgers
Author Interview: Angela Schmeling
I am here with Angela Schmeling. She is a writer with seven published books - including two award winning books, Magnolia Sky (2024 Book Fest: 2nd for Christian Romance) and Unveiled Memories (2024 Book Fest: 3rd for Christian Suspense). I want to open up the Q&A with this talented writer!
Me: You have written so many books! Let me ask you, what advice would you give to those who are aspiring authors?
Angela: Just start writing. Get your story out on paper! You never know who needs to read the story that's in your heart.
Me: Yes! And, tell me about your more recent book.
Angela: I finished the third book in my Unveiled Series, Alex Unveiled, and I am currently writing the final book, Julia Unveiled. This series has been a mystery, suspense series that has twists and turns and has been a blast to write!
Me: What do you hope your readers will gain from reading your books?
Angela: I hope that readers would gain a feeling of being wrapped up in the story like they are right there with the characters. I love books by Christy Barritt, Lori Wick, and Frank Peretti. I love how the books feel so real and that's what I want from my readers.
Me: I love that! So, what is next for you? Any upcoming events or new book releases?
Angela: Finishing the 4th book in the Unveiled Series and then I have another romance suspense book to write called, For The Kingdom (at least that's the current title). I have events coming up in October.
To purchase Angela Schmeling books:
Amazon
To connect with Angela Schmeling:
Website
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Angela Schmeling
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/featu...
Me: You have written so many books! Let me ask you, what advice would you give to those who are aspiring authors?
Angela: Just start writing. Get your story out on paper! You never know who needs to read the story that's in your heart.
Me: Yes! And, tell me about your more recent book.
Angela: I finished the third book in my Unveiled Series, Alex Unveiled, and I am currently writing the final book, Julia Unveiled. This series has been a mystery, suspense series that has twists and turns and has been a blast to write!
Me: What do you hope your readers will gain from reading your books?
Angela: I hope that readers would gain a feeling of being wrapped up in the story like they are right there with the characters. I love books by Christy Barritt, Lori Wick, and Frank Peretti. I love how the books feel so real and that's what I want from my readers.
Me: I love that! So, what is next for you? Any upcoming events or new book releases?
Angela: Finishing the 4th book in the Unveiled Series and then I have another romance suspense book to write called, For The Kingdom (at least that's the current title). I have events coming up in October.
To purchase Angela Schmeling books:
Amazon
To connect with Angela Schmeling:
Website
YouTube
Angela Schmeling
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/featu...
Author Interview: Elaine Kelly
Author Elaine Ricker Kelly brings healing and hope to the marginalized by writing stories showing how the Bible empowers women and minorities. In today's featured piece, I ask Elaine... "What's In Your Bag?"
Me: First off, I notice that you are using a bowl instead of a bag!
Elaine: In Forgotten Followers, from Broken to Bold, book 1, Mara loves to cook. As the story opens, preparing food is her only comfort. Mara overcomes anxiety in this CIPA-EVVY silver award winning story! The bookmaker beside this book says: "Be You; Live Boldly".
Me: Very nice! And tell me about the fish pendant on that silver bookmark and on that necklace on the front of your Forgotten Followers book?
Elaine: The letters in the Greek word for fish, ichthys, can stand for Jesus Christ Son of God Savior. In Forgotten Followers, Mara's son is a blacksmith and jeweler who makes fish pendants for new believers. In my novel, I show how God reaches out to us all, breaking walls of division among believers.
Me: Are your novels based on the Bible?
Elaine: Forgotten Followers is based on the Gospels, showing women disciples and patrons. Because She Was Called: A Novel of the Early Church is based on Acts and shows women as apostles and evangelists. The post-it notes below the bowl show Joanna, striding with determination to do what she is called to do, even though it may mean the loss of her son. This bookmaker says: "The Spirit gives us the power of boldness".
Me: Tell me about that book in the back with the sword design.
Elaine: As I researched diverse views on biblical passages, I put these into 104 flashcards in The Sword: A Fun Way to Engage in Healthy Debate on What the Bible Says About a Woman's Role.
Me: And what else are you working on?
Elaine: I am preparing to release Walk with Mara on Her Healing Journey: 21 Steps to Emotional Resilience on August 7th! I use examples from my life and my fictional character, Mara, to illustrate psychology and devotional concepts. I also write blogs about women in the Bible, church history, biblical interpretation, and gender equality.
To connect with Elaine Ricker Kelly:
Website
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Youtube
To purchase her books:
Amazon
FriesenPress
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/what-...
Elaine Ricker Kelly
Me: First off, I notice that you are using a bowl instead of a bag!
Elaine: In Forgotten Followers, from Broken to Bold, book 1, Mara loves to cook. As the story opens, preparing food is her only comfort. Mara overcomes anxiety in this CIPA-EVVY silver award winning story! The bookmaker beside this book says: "Be You; Live Boldly".
Me: Very nice! And tell me about the fish pendant on that silver bookmark and on that necklace on the front of your Forgotten Followers book?
Elaine: The letters in the Greek word for fish, ichthys, can stand for Jesus Christ Son of God Savior. In Forgotten Followers, Mara's son is a blacksmith and jeweler who makes fish pendants for new believers. In my novel, I show how God reaches out to us all, breaking walls of division among believers.
Me: Are your novels based on the Bible?
Elaine: Forgotten Followers is based on the Gospels, showing women disciples and patrons. Because She Was Called: A Novel of the Early Church is based on Acts and shows women as apostles and evangelists. The post-it notes below the bowl show Joanna, striding with determination to do what she is called to do, even though it may mean the loss of her son. This bookmaker says: "The Spirit gives us the power of boldness".
Me: Tell me about that book in the back with the sword design.
Elaine: As I researched diverse views on biblical passages, I put these into 104 flashcards in The Sword: A Fun Way to Engage in Healthy Debate on What the Bible Says About a Woman's Role.
Me: And what else are you working on?
Elaine: I am preparing to release Walk with Mara on Her Healing Journey: 21 Steps to Emotional Resilience on August 7th! I use examples from my life and my fictional character, Mara, to illustrate psychology and devotional concepts. I also write blogs about women in the Bible, church history, biblical interpretation, and gender equality.
To connect with Elaine Ricker Kelly:
Website
Youtube
To purchase her books:
Amazon
FriesenPress
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/what-...
Elaine Ricker Kelly
Interview: Author Joanne Daggett
For the month of January, I wanted to feature Author Joanne Daggett, the writer of the book, Sing, Dance, Pray: A Collection of Prose and Poetry for Life's Journey. This island girl who lives on the east coast of Canada writes poetry, using images of sandy beaches, salty breezes, sunshine, and lighthouses. I asked this Author.... What's In Your Bag?
Me: I love your crocheted sunflower bag! So cute! I want to know about your published book!
Joanne: Sing Dance Pray is my story, which is really God’s story, written through prose, poetry and a few short stories. Years ago, I walked through a season of tragedy. I became a new mom and a widow on the same day... and that experience strengthened my faith and hope in my Saviour Jesus, my kind Shepherd. I didn’t know I was a poet until I started typing words into lyrical lines and conversational prose. I bravely decided to publish my writings into a book. It’s been called a book of relatable modern-day Psalms.
Me: Is that your current husband in the photo?
Joanne: The white frame has a picture of me and my hubby of 37 years, and I use it on my table when I present my books. Our love story is my favorite because we have weathered many storms together, yet we still stand strong in the faith.
Me: I see some journals on this table.
Joanne: The 'Be Brave' book (and God) invited me to be vulnerable to share my story with others. In recent years, I had been limping through a season of grief, crisis, and trauma, as our son struggled with addiction, mental health, and incarceration. As I walked daily with my Heavenly Father, I would hear words of hope, peace and love to keep walking in my faith. I would write them down poetry-style and share that piece of encouragement on Facebook and Instagram.
Me: Tell me about the acorns in a whale dish.
Joanne: The acorns in a whale dish sit on my windowsill as a reminder of God’s heart for me. A few years ago, He “rained acorns” down to remind me of His steady love and protection over my broken heart. I share this beautiful story in my book.
To connect with Author Joanne Daggett:
Instagram
Facebook
Email: joanne.daggett@gmail.com
To purchase Sing, Dance, Pray: Amazon
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/what-...
Joanne Daggett
Me: I love your crocheted sunflower bag! So cute! I want to know about your published book!
Joanne: Sing Dance Pray is my story, which is really God’s story, written through prose, poetry and a few short stories. Years ago, I walked through a season of tragedy. I became a new mom and a widow on the same day... and that experience strengthened my faith and hope in my Saviour Jesus, my kind Shepherd. I didn’t know I was a poet until I started typing words into lyrical lines and conversational prose. I bravely decided to publish my writings into a book. It’s been called a book of relatable modern-day Psalms.
Me: Is that your current husband in the photo?
Joanne: The white frame has a picture of me and my hubby of 37 years, and I use it on my table when I present my books. Our love story is my favorite because we have weathered many storms together, yet we still stand strong in the faith.
Me: I see some journals on this table.
Joanne: The 'Be Brave' book (and God) invited me to be vulnerable to share my story with others. In recent years, I had been limping through a season of grief, crisis, and trauma, as our son struggled with addiction, mental health, and incarceration. As I walked daily with my Heavenly Father, I would hear words of hope, peace and love to keep walking in my faith. I would write them down poetry-style and share that piece of encouragement on Facebook and Instagram.
Me: Tell me about the acorns in a whale dish.
Joanne: The acorns in a whale dish sit on my windowsill as a reminder of God’s heart for me. A few years ago, He “rained acorns” down to remind me of His steady love and protection over my broken heart. I share this beautiful story in my book.
To connect with Author Joanne Daggett:
Email: joanne.daggett@gmail.com
To purchase Sing, Dance, Pray: Amazon
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/what-...
Joanne Daggett
Author Interview: Hannah Gaudette
I am here with Christian author, Hannah Gaudette, who has written several fantasy novels, as well as smaller works in other genres, including a contemporary/Biblical fiction novella. Her first novel was published when she was nineteen. "Six books in, I don't ever want to stop," Hannah says. "Writing is a form of worship for me, and I connect deeply with Jesus in the act of creation."
Me: Welcome Hannah! I would like to know... what advice would you give to those who are aspiring authors?
Hannah: It sounds simple, but . . . just write. Start small. Write short stories, enter contests—as many as you possibly can. But just write. You can't improve a craft you aren't actively using.
I especially encourage new authors to hone their skills by writing short stories. You'll see improvement in your craft much more quickly, and the short form will actually help you to write a stronger novel, if that is ultimately your goal.
You are never too late (or too early!) to start writing. Don't let negative thoughts about yourself or your work hold you back.
You will always be improving . . . but you can't improve if you don't start.
Me: Awesome advice! Tell me about your recent book.
Hannah: My most recent release, Divide, is the first book in the One Light Trilogy! Katrina and Andrew, childhood friends who became bitter adversaries after Andrew caused an accident that left Katrina's sister blind, are pulled into a strange world, into a kingdom on the edge of a civil war.
The One Light Trilogy is a Christian portal fantasy series exploring hard questions. These characters bring a lot to the table (dealing with bitterness, unforgiveness, abandonment, betrayal, etc.) and they ask the same questions of God we all ask sooner or later: "Why?" and "What now?"
Me: Who are your literary influences?
Hannah: In my teen years, when I was becoming much more serious about writing and publishing, I was also reading the River of Time Series by Lisa Bergren and Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye Knight. These books/authors had an incredible influence on my writing at that time. For instance, you'll see faint echoes of the River of Time Series in Divide's story, and you'll probably see a similarity between my narrative style and Jaye Knight's.
I am incredibly thankful for these influences, because they helped to propel me to the next level as a writer.
Me: What is next for you? Any new books?
Hannah: My next book will be released on July 25th! The Sound of Silence is a standalone dystopian novel that I am crazy excited for.
After that, Declare, book two in the One Light Trilogy, will be released on September 19th. So, an exciting year of new books!
To connect with Hannah Gaudette:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
To purchase her book, Divide, in the One Light Trilogy:
Amazon
Hannah Gaudette
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/featu...
Me: Welcome Hannah! I would like to know... what advice would you give to those who are aspiring authors?
Hannah: It sounds simple, but . . . just write. Start small. Write short stories, enter contests—as many as you possibly can. But just write. You can't improve a craft you aren't actively using.
I especially encourage new authors to hone their skills by writing short stories. You'll see improvement in your craft much more quickly, and the short form will actually help you to write a stronger novel, if that is ultimately your goal.
You are never too late (or too early!) to start writing. Don't let negative thoughts about yourself or your work hold you back.
You will always be improving . . . but you can't improve if you don't start.
Me: Awesome advice! Tell me about your recent book.
Hannah: My most recent release, Divide, is the first book in the One Light Trilogy! Katrina and Andrew, childhood friends who became bitter adversaries after Andrew caused an accident that left Katrina's sister blind, are pulled into a strange world, into a kingdom on the edge of a civil war.
The One Light Trilogy is a Christian portal fantasy series exploring hard questions. These characters bring a lot to the table (dealing with bitterness, unforgiveness, abandonment, betrayal, etc.) and they ask the same questions of God we all ask sooner or later: "Why?" and "What now?"
Me: Who are your literary influences?
Hannah: In my teen years, when I was becoming much more serious about writing and publishing, I was also reading the River of Time Series by Lisa Bergren and Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye Knight. These books/authors had an incredible influence on my writing at that time. For instance, you'll see faint echoes of the River of Time Series in Divide's story, and you'll probably see a similarity between my narrative style and Jaye Knight's.
I am incredibly thankful for these influences, because they helped to propel me to the next level as a writer.
Me: What is next for you? Any new books?
Hannah: My next book will be released on July 25th! The Sound of Silence is a standalone dystopian novel that I am crazy excited for.
After that, Declare, book two in the One Light Trilogy, will be released on September 19th. So, an exciting year of new books!
To connect with Hannah Gaudette:
Website
Newsletter
To purchase her book, Divide, in the One Light Trilogy:
Amazon
Hannah Gaudette
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/featu...
