Interview with J. E. Grace and #giveaway!!!

Today, we welcome J. E. Grace to my blog. J. E. Grace is very graciously giving away one print copy of her book, USA only. To enter, leave a comment and include contact information. 

 Good to have you stop by. Tell us about the book – can you share the blurb?

A Walk with Heavenly Spirits is my longest novel so far at 337 pgs.

I wanted to write a book about ordinary people with broken lives and how God heals them and uses them to his glory. Spirits instruct Allison and lead her back to God, which gave me the title for the book.

Blurb:

Allison Stevens became a Christian at a young age, but she makes a wrong decision that takes her on a collision course of disappointment and heartache. God loves her and wants her back, but Satan wants to keep her in a life of despair and lies.

Heavenly Spirits are sent by God to instruct and remind Allison of God’s promises. Can she learn to trust God’s word and become the woman God meant for her to be?

A family she didn’t know she had, a man grieving a personal loss, and a felon who wants her dead makes her relationships more complicated than ever. Can she learn to trust God again and walk by faith?

On the road back to God, she discovers that the path doesn’t come without trials but now she realizes she isn’t alone. God is with her. Can she stay strong and follow God’s path?

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I draw some from past experiences, my own walk with God, and sometimes I believe God gives me a direction he wants to go with my writing. I also read a lot and sometimes a true story I’ve read or a magazine article will spark an idea for a fictional twist for a new book.

 What's your key environment that helps you get to writing? Do you have a writer’s nook, corner, getaway? Where do you do your most productive writing?

I have a home office with a desktop computer and I write using Microsoft Word & Grammarly.  My best writing time is late night. It seems to be when my writing flows more effortlessly and I’m more relaxed.  I don’t do a lot of outlining and sometimes I don’t always know the ending or the ending can change.  I do make notes as ideas come to me. 

 What are you saying in your book(s) that will encourage Christians today?

 For them not to ever feel like they have drifted too far away from God to find their way back and that if they will submit to his will, He will lead them on their chosen path. Life will be fuller and more meaningful than they could ever imagine. God is a God of possibilities and miracles.

How do you pick names for your characters?

 I do have favorite character names that I like to use.  I think of what role the character plays in the novel and then match up a name that suits them.  Sometimes, the names just come to me as if they were meant to be.  In this book, one the children in the story, Lana, is named after my new great-granddaughter.

How important reviews to you? 

Being a fairly new author, I have learned that reviews are the lifeblood of our writing.  I look forward to every review and use them as a way to improve my work. Feedback from my readers is very important to me.

Who are some of your favorite authors? What genre is your favorite? What books have you enjoyed lately? 

My list of favorite authors: The top of my list are James Rubart, William P. Young, Kristin Hannah, Mitch Albom and Tracie Peterson.

My favorite genre is Christian fiction of which I also enjoy romance, suspense, inspirational, and Amish novels.

Other authors I’ve been introduced to recently are Tamara Alexander, C.J. Darlington, Becki Willis, Joanie Bruce, Caryl McAdoo, June Foster, Laura V. Hilton, Jennifer Dornbush, Amber Schamel, Michelle Griep, Dana Mentink, Angie Dicken, and Lorana Hoopes.

Bio

I was born in California where I managed a campground for quite a few years.  In the late 60’s, I lived on a 4,000-acre horse ranch situated along the coastline of Northern California which became the backdrop for my Pacific Cove series.  I moved to Missouri in 2000.

I have a background in Retail Management.  After relocating to Missouri, however, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of working in Real Estate. I continued as a Real Estate Agent until I retired in 2012 to pursue my true passions; Writing & Painting.  My art work is showcased on Fine Art America, Zazzle and Society 6.  I’m also a traditional oil/pastel painter, as well as, digital artist.

I have enjoyed writing since an early age and continue to educate myself in the craft.  I currently write in the Christian fiction genre. 

My first novel, The Zarion-Saving Mankind was published in 2015 and my Pacific Cove Series: Haunted Visions & Testament of Faith in 2016.

I am presently working on a couple of new Christian mystery novels and Book 3 of my Pacific Cove series titled, “Love’s Enduring Legacy.”

Links – social media and to buy

Facebook  Author Page     https://www.facebook.com/julie.grace.338

Twitter    http://twitter.com/bizwings

Amazon Author Page  http://amazon.com/author/jegrace

Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/jegrace

Google +    https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JEGrace

Link to book

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WQVHR3  

A Walk with Heavenly Spirits is scheduled for a Celebrite Lit Blog Tour on April 3^rd.