1.
Why do you write the kind of
books you do?
Every life
has places of pain, a need that only Jesus can meet. My stories take me deep
into those places, those needs, and shows me over and over how faith overcomes.
I love that. The more I write about God’s grace, the more I experience it. I
hope it’s the same for my readers.
2. Besides when you came to know the
Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
There isn’t just one day that
stands out. The day I married my sweetheart, the births of our children and
each of our grandchildren – each one thrills me.
3. How has being published changed your life?
It has given me the
confidence to say, “Yes, I’m a writer.” I’ve written for as long as I can
remember, but it was just something I did for myself. Now I feel that it is my
calling.
4. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I love going for walks in the
woods, kayaking on gentle waters, and gardening. Gardening feeds my soul.
5. Tell us about Nila’s Hope – a brief blurb:
Just
when her career as a carpenter and a relationship with Will Jamison are within
reach, Nila Black’s abusive ex-boyfriend is released from prison. He’s out of
jail, out for revenge, and making promises she knows he’ll keep. Nila will do
anything it takes to save Will and her friends from the evil that will come
their way if she doesn’t put distance between them—even if it means abandoning
her new-found faith. It will take a miracle and an angelic messenger to show
Nila that God is her greatest protector. He has never left her side, and He
wants only the best for her and for the man she loves.
6.
Is there one particular message
or “moral of the story” you hope readers walk away with?
Freedom
comes through forgiveness.
Nila was introduced in my first novel, Melody’s Song, and some readers asked me to please continue her story. I’m glad I did.
8. Tell us about your research process.
I read everything I could find on domestic violence, talked to a worker at a women’s shelter, and had long conversations with a retired police officer. A dear friend who is a nurse helped me with medical questions. Research was ongoing, as the more I wrote, the more questions came up. I was blessed by the generosity of those I queried.
9. What impact did your research have on you personally?
The deeper I got into Nila’s character, the more I struggled. I think I began to see things through the eyes of a victim, and I had to consciously push through reactions aside. It took a lot of prayer.
10. How do you see yourself in your character’s story, if at all?
I have not experienced abuse like Nila did, but I’ve had experiences where forgiveness seemed impossible. So I identified with that struggle.
11. While you were writing Nila’s Hope, do you think it mattered where the book was set?
The story itself could have been set anywhere, but since the
Where can readers find you online?
www.kathleenefriesen@gmail.com
Bio:
Kathleen Friesen
grew up with her nose in a book. A shy child, she found warm friendships and
grand adventures within those tantalizing pages. Many years later, she enjoys
creating her own characters who teach her about faith and courage as she
discovers their stories.
When not working
at her computer, Kathleen loves to travel with her own long-time hero, Ron, and
spend quality time with their kids and grandkids. As often as possible, she
works to overcome her fear of deep water by learning to kayak. As she seeks to
follow her Lord, she can’t wait to see what the next adventure will be.
2 comments:
I loved this! I learned new things about you, Kathleen! I truly enjoyed Nila's Hope and I know readers will, too.
Thank you, Julie.
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