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 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…
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.
craftybooksheeps says
Wow that is so awesome how God inspired you! So cool how God does that! Thanks for sharing your story! 🙂
Angie Brashear says
Thanks! God is amazing! I hope you enjoy Laila’s story.
Anna Weaver Hurtt says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Angie Brashear says
You are very welcome! I hope you enjoy Laila’s story. 🙂
Gwen says
I love that you’re a Texan and enjoy the Newsboys! Wow, writing with there kids! You’re an inspiration. 🙂
Angie Brashear says
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.
Jennie says
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
Angie Brashear says
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. 🙂