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Sara Ella

September 17, 2014

Meet Angie Brashear | Featured YA Author

Plus an ebook giveaway!

About Angie Brashear…

When Angie Brashear isn’t working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She’s a fan of speculative Angie Brashear - Headshot (2)fiction and an avid runner, both of which perplex her nonfiction-reading, football-loving 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.

About Of the Persecuted…

Of the Persecuted (ebook cover)Laila Pennedy awaits death by hanging. For the Rendow Clan rules the Woodlands Region, aiming to slaughter the Faithful. And she deserves to die. But Lars Landre, the man destined to lead the Faithful out of persecution, has other plans hidden behind his rare and mysterious blue eyes. Rescue.

Following the daring escape, Laila seeks the path of a warrior and vows revenge against the Rendow Clan. She embarks on a dangerous journey with Lars, one in which they endeavor to reach the promised safety of a magical village, to train for battle, and to ultimately assure freedom for those with faith in the Maker.

Clashes of weapons and souls. Brutal loss of lives. Unrequited love. How in all the Woodlands will Laila survive?

Q&A with Angie…

Grace asks, “Do you dream about your characters?”

Hi Grace. Thank you so much for featuring me today. Do I dream about my characters? Definitely! In fact, I keep a journal next to my bed so I can record fresh ideas during the wee hours of the night, even if I can’t understand my own writing the next morning. [big smile] This may seem strange, but I get to know my characters best through dreams. Only then am I finally inside their heads without interruptions.

Denise asks, “How do you find the time and quiet to write?”

Time, especially quiet time, often eludes me, Denise. My husband is a high school football coach, which is a big deal–a big, time-consuming deal–in Texas. He works seven days a week, usually from dark to dark, so I’m often left to manage our family on my own. Well, not on my own, for I rely on Christ for strength. Anyway, three kiddos can present quite a challenge after a long day at work. As such, my journal is a key component throughout the day and evening. It goes where I go. I jot down ideas as they pop into my head in the midst of my responsibilities. Once my husband is home from work and my kiddos are tucked in for the night, I finish my day with a long run, often fueled my the talents of the Newsboys. Then I rehydrate. Then…then, I sit down to write. And I write until I can no longer keep my eyes open.

Cheryl asks, “Who or what inspired you to write?”

Cheryl, my inspiration for Of the Persecuted was three-fold. First, as a child, a reading of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis opened my eyes to God, and inspired a desire to write. But I chose not to follow that path for too many reasons to explain in one interview. Second, in January 2012, my assistant and I exchanged late Christmas gifts. During the exchange, we discussed the various challenges of our jobs and the “what ifs” of other possible employment endeavors. Cue the violin, right? I mean, a lot of people face stressful situations in the workplace on a daily basis. As we talked, my assistant said, “The longer I work with you, the more I imagine you as an author.” My jaw dropped, for I’d NEVER shared my deepest dream with her, or anyone else for that matter. I squeezed the lovely gift in my hands. She smiled and glanced at the journal. “Whenever you’re ready,” she said as she walked out of my office. For the next three months, I prayed.

Third, an image of a teenage girl awaiting death by hanging surfaced repeatedly as I sought God’s guidance. A torrent of fright, insecurity, anger, and determination filled her eyes. And Laila Pennedy was born. So, a character was the final component of my inspiration. Once I understood her, the setting and theme fell in place.

Sue asks, “From where do you get your inspiration and plots?”

My continued inspiration comes from various directions–music, people watching, my kids, even random conversations. But mostly, Sue, my continued inspiration comes from my relationship with Christ. Any time I spend seeking His guidance or worshiping Him, my mind clears and my heart is at peace, both of which allow for the flow of ideas. I’m also a pantser not a plotter. I often let my characters tell me about their journeys as I write. Whether they’re damsels in distress, heroes, or villains, they all have story to tell me.

Mary asks, “Chocolate or vanilla?”

Hi Mary! I much prefer salty snacks, but if I had to choose between chocolate and vanilla…chocolate. Though, when I’m up late writing, any snack satisfies my growling stomach. LOL!

Marie asks, “Do you “set up” your writing space when you’re working (ie…music, candles, etc…?)”

You know, Marie, I often hear other authors talk about their writing spaces. I don’t actually have a writing space. I have a writing bag, which is convenient for whatever room, sports practice, or game in which I happen to find myself. Maybe when I’m a best-selling author, I’ll redecorate a room in my house specifically for writing. LOL!

Thank you all so much for inviting me to visit today. I hope you all have a blessed week.

Follow Angie

 http://angiebrashear.com, http://facebook.com/AngieBrashearAuthor, and https://twitter.com/AngieBrashear.

Of the Persecuted available at:

 Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Also check it out on Goodreads. 

The Giveaway…

Thanks so much, Angie for hanging out with us on the blog today!

Guess what, readers? Angie is offering Of the Persecuted in a giveaway! Just leave a comment or question for Angie and you’ll be entered to win an ebook copy of this awesome read.

Other entries available via the Rafflecopter. Enter now through Tuesday, September 30th. Until then, happy reading!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:

I have not read the book featured in this post. This post also contains affiliate links. To learn more please read my full policy.

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8 Comments

« Endings | The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Meet Jennifer Slattery | Featured Author »

Comments

  1. craftybooksheeps says

    September 17, 2014 at 9:02 am

    Wow that is so awesome how God inspired you! So cool how God does that! Thanks for sharing your story! 🙂

    Reply
    • Angie Brashear says

      September 18, 2014 at 12:39 pm

      Thanks! God is amazing! I hope you enjoy Laila’s story.

      Reply
  2. Anna Weaver Hurtt says

    September 17, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
    • Angie Brashear says

      September 18, 2014 at 12:45 pm

      You are very welcome! I hope you enjoy Laila’s story. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Gwen says

    September 18, 2014 at 9:56 am

    I love that you’re a Texan and enjoy the Newsboys! Wow, writing with there kids! You’re an inspiration. 🙂

    Reply
    • Angie Brashear says

      September 18, 2014 at 2:01 pm

      Thanks Gwen! Do you live in Texas too? And, yeah, the Newsboys are great and a form of entertainment I can share with my kiddos.

      Reply
  4. Jennie says

    September 18, 2014 at 3:28 pm

    Angie do you ever miss or think about people from the past, and did they contribute to some of your writing? Love and miss you

    Reply
    • Angie Brashear says

      September 21, 2014 at 6:57 pm

      Hi Jennie! I definitely think about people from my past, as well as miss so many of them. Leaving Maine was bitter-sweet for me, but a necessary path for me to follow in order to understand God’s truth–that He exists, and that He eases all pain.

      And yes, people and experiences from my past did influence the creation of some of my characters. With Laila, her relationship with her father is what I wanted mine to be–if we’d only had more time. Zander represents a boy I was once close to. There is so much good in him, but he just doesn’t believe in himself. You’ll see more of him in book two. Finney is a combination of my two boys–discerning, yet hilarious. Those are just a few examples. 🙂

      Reply

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Sara Ella
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1st Place ~ ACFW Genesis Contest 2014 ~ YA Category

1st Place ~ ACFW Genesis Contest 2014 ~ YA Category

1st Place in the Young Adult Category for 2013!

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About Me

Once upon a time, Sara Ella brought dreams to life as a Disney cast member, wishing for the day she’d find her prince and live in a castle of her own. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it's almost Christmas (even if it's only January). Sara is the award-winning author of The Wonderland Trials, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy. She is old enough for fairy tales and believes happily ever after is never far away. Read More…

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🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS! I have a full lineup of b 🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

I have a full lineup of bookish events this spring! I’d love to see you at one or all of these:

@storyconusa | Salt Lake City, UT | February 27 & 28 | Workshops + Interrogate an Author + Book Signings

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🍪 Food is my love language. Whenever we go out of 🍪 Food is my love language.

Whenever we go out of town, I’m already looking at menus ahead of time, planning what yummy things I want to eat.

Themed food is my favorite. Call a honey latte a Pooh Bear Latte and I’m sold! Serve me a cup of the most delectable potato soup I’ve ever had and call it Samwise Soup? I’m there! 

If I’m going to Disneyland, I’m planning my day around which new cold brew I want to try and where I want to eat lunch. And if I’m going to a writing conference? You’d better bet I’m on the hunt for a Vanilla Coke and the best hotel cookies yet!

Yummy food just makes everything a little more magical. Can you relate? What’s your favorite food, drink, or dessert?

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There aren’t many people in this world who tackle hardship with joy the way you do. You are a true example of what it means to “count it all joy” amidst trials. Even on your toughest days, you find ways to bless others and see God’s sovereignty.

I don’t know what I did to deserve you as my best friend all these years. But I do know that God brought you into my life because He knew my life would be richer and fuller and just all around better with you in it. He knew I would need someone to walk alongside me in good times and bad. Someone to encourage me during discouraging years like this one has been.

I have been so blessed to see you so much in 2025. Although we are states apart, when we are together it feels like no time has passed at all.

Here’s to the woman who inspires me as an author, speaks truth into me as a wife and mom, and reminds me that God never leaves us and that His plan and timing are perfect. I love you, Bestie! Many happy returns for the rest of 2025 and the year to come! My life is better because I know you.

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You know I’m always behind on the trends, but I co You know I’m always behind on the trends, but I couldn’t resist doing this one for Disneyland. 

I’m definitely dreaming of a Disneyland Christmas this year. 🎄 If anyone knows of someone giving away free tickets for a family of 5, send them my way! 😂

Fun fact about this date: December 18, 1971 was the first ever Candlelight Processional held at Magic Kingdom. 🕯️

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🎄CHRISTMAS PAINTED EDGES GIVEAWAY! 

Did you see my unboxing reel for the painted edges of Glass Across the Sea? These editions are extremely limited as they are hand-painted by the very talented @hilltop_art . 🎨

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🎨 Painted Edges Unboxing & GIVEAWAY 🎁

I’m so thrilled to finally be holding these beautiful painted edges for Glass Across the Sea in my hands. Bethany @hilltop_art made my vision for the most beautiful lighthouse come to life! And the details are even more stunning in person. From the lighthouse to the fireflies and cherry blossoms, I couldn’t be more in love!

I want to give one of these gorgeous limited editions away for Christmas, along with some other goodies! 🎄

🎁 One U.S. winner will receive:

📖 A hardcover of Glass Across the Sea with Painted Edges

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✍️ When did you first start writing? This is a c ✍️ When did you first start writing? 

This is a common question I’ve received in various settings over the years. The easy answer is, “I’ve always been a writer.” And it’s true. English was my favorite subject all through school, and I’ve never not loved reading.

But when did I actually start taking novel writing seriously? When did I really begin believing that I could pursue it and reach my dreams of having a published book in my hands?

That happened in my 20s. When I had a baby on my hip, and my mom’s health began to rapidly decline. She’d always said I was a writer. It’s why my first book, Unblemished, is dedicated to her. But the truth goes deeper than that.

My mom’s lifelong dream was to open a coffee shop. I suppose it’s part of why I love this beverage more than any other. She wanted to create a place where people could fellowship, eat, laugh, and, of course, drink all the yummy coffee. But she passed away before that dream became a reality. 

She had always put off her own dreams for us kids. She sacrificed everything for us. As a mom of 3, what she did for us holds so much more meaning now. But she didn’t want me to wait. She said I could do both. That if I put off writing a book until I had time or my kids were grown, I never would.

I don’t know if that’s true. Lots of people write books later in life and are highly successful. But her hope for my future stuck with me, and so, after she passed, I made a promise to myself that I would write a book and get a publishing contract by my 30th birthday.

Many of you know the story—3 days before my 30th, I got the call. My dream publisher at the time wanted my trilogy. 🥹 And the rest is history!

Now I have 7 YA fantasy and fairy tale novels on the shelf, I have the most amazing family at @enclavepublishing , and I’m blessed with encouraging readers and writers all around me.

If you’re holding back from pursuing the thing you are passionate about, I’d encourage you to go for it.  Take the leap! My mom always said I’d write a book, and as always, she was right. ❤️

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🩷 Happy Small Business Saturday! When I first sta 🩷 Happy Small Business Saturday!

When I first started out on my writing and publishing journey, I never imagined my idea for a portal fantasy about a girl afraid to look in the mirror would lead to a decade of books, editing clients, mentees, and more.

I am truly grateful for every single manuscript I’ve had the privilege to edit. For every author I’ve mentored who has equally blessed me with encouragement and kindness. And this year especially, for every reader who took a chance by picking up Glass Across the Sea, and every Substack subscriber who has followed me on my new venture.

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But I do know I am so grateful for each person who has blessed and supported my little writing and editing business in different ways. You have made a greater impact on me and my family than you know. And for that I’m humbled and thankful.

👉 Tag your favorite small business in the comments so we can spread the support and follow them! Some of mine include:

@mariposa.aristeo.art 
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@nadinebrandes 
@enclavepublishing 
@cassieporathauthor 
@gracebought 
@music.with.noelle 
@eahcreative 
@hannahprewettstories 
@hilltop_art 
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@ms.madeleine.elizabeth 
@crystalgrantauthor 
@erinmcfarlandaz 
@story.crumbs 
@yourebakingmehappy 
@lamplighterliterary 

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