Our interview today is with Angie Brashear. Thanks for being here today Angie and for agreeing to this interview.
Question: What do you think prepared you or qualifies you to write in your chosen genre?
Answer: In all honesty, I don’t consider myself qualified. The world of writing is wide and, though I’ve learned a lot in the past year or so, I still have much to learn. But I am certain of one thing–the Lord speaks to young girls through speculative fiction. Without The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, my life would have been dramatically different. My hope is that my passion for the genre will lead teenage girls living tough lives to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Question: Tell us a little about your “real” (Non-writing) life — family, job, church life. Does it give you inspiration for your writing? Does it get in the way of your writing, or are there times when you get help, from people or circumstances?
Answer: I am a daughter of the Most High, wife, mother of three, educator, runner, reader, and writer. All provide inspiration for my writing. Thus far–during my short experience as an author–I’ve found sermons inspire increased depth to the spiritual themes of my work while my family inspires growth in each of my characters. Running clears my head, allowing me to put all of my thoughts together and prepare to write during the late night hours while my family sleeps.
Question: Tell us about your newest book. Make us want to read it.
Answer: Here’s a little blurb for Never Let Go which I recently wrote for a contest…
Laila Pennedy awaits inevitable death. By means of murder. For the Rendow Clan rules the Woodlands, seeking to slaughter those whose faith lies in the Maker. To eliminate the weak.
Her heart pounds. Standing in a line of Faithfuls, the rope pinches her neck as she gazes at her brother. If not for her failings, he’d be safe. Instead he balances on a barrel beside her, a noose chafing his neck. Death moves closer. She flinches with each thud of the executioner’s feet on the platform. Terror snatches hope from her grasp, though she isn’t surprised. For she’s weak, no more than a burden to those she loves—all seventeen years of her life.
Yet a flicker of hope evades terror’s wrath. Found in the blue eyes of Lars Landre, the Chosen. The man destined to lead Faithfuls out of persecution.
So when her brother’s life is taken, Laila seeks the path of a warrior and vows revenge against the Clan.
Clashes of weapons and souls. Brutal loss of lives. Unrequited love. How in all the Woodlands will Laila survive?
Question: What is the “message” of your writing? (For example, is your purpose to encourage old-fashioned values, encourage romance, or do you have different purposes in different books?)
Answer: Because I spent the majority of my life wondering if there was a God, my message is simple–there is a God and He rescues us from all worldy devastation. No matter the tragic circumstances, He is waiting to embrace us.
Question: What’s the worst trouble you ever had with getting a book written (plots, finding needed information, getting a cover done)?
Answer: About a year ago, I finished writing Never Let Go only to learn that it was written in lackluster omniscient narrative. By God’s divine appointment, HopeSprings Books recognized my voice despite the many flaws of manuscript, provided some fabulous advice, gave me a chance to demonstrate my new skills, and then offered me a contract. Reworking the entire manuscript over the next six months was mentally and emotionally exhausting. But…it was also a blessing for I learned a lot through the rework.
Question: What is your current WIP?
Answer: I’m currently in the process of writing the sequel to Never Let Go, which is the second novel in my tentatively titled Legends of the Woodlands trilogy.
Question: How many books do you have out?
Answer: My debut novel, Never Let Go, is scheduled to release in June 2014. Whoohoo!
Question: What are your future projects?
Answer: Following the completion of the Legends of the Woodlands, I plan to write a trilogy about a teenage girl’s path to salvation…in the fantasy setting of course. Oh, and werewolves will be primary foes. I’m definitely looking forward to writing it!
Question: Are their characters/stories/scenes/etc based on anything in real life?
Answer: In Never Let Go, Zander Costigan’s recommitment to the Maker is based on the moment of my salvation as a young adult. There truly are no words to describe the experience, but Never Let Go reflects my best attempt. The bottom line–the Father waits for nonbelievers with open arms. When we open our hearts to Him, He shows us the way. He allows us to see all the ways in which He has been with us, guided us through tough times. Loved us when noone else did. Protected us when others abandoned us. Sent His Son to die for us. And then, as if His love isn’t enough, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within our hearts. Amazing.
Question: What is your favorite book/character?
Answer: Tough question because I love many books, but it’s difficult for works of fiction to compare to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The story left a lifelong impression on me as a young girl and I’m forever grateful to the teacher who read it to me.
Contact Angie:
Angie’s Website
Angie’s Facebook Page
Angie’s Twitter Account
Author’s Biography:
When Angie Brashear isn’t working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She’s an avid reader and runner, both of which perplex her husband. Saved in her early twenties, Angie is grateful for the Lord’s presence in all aspects of her life. She is originally from Rockland, Maine and currently resides in Cameron, Texas with her husband and three children.