Thursday, January 29, 2009

Author Stephanie Perry Moore - FINDING YOUR FAITH - Free Book

Today, we're talking to an author of young adult fiction. Welcome, Stephanie. What has drawn you to writing for young adults?

I’ve been drawn to writing young adult books because I longed to tell stories to help the young people know they can be cool, but still live a life that pleases God. Since I’ve been there and done that, I just felt compelled to help them have hope by telling stories that can be an inspiration. Connecting to so many young readers through talks and emails, I get more and more request to tell stories that are similar to their struggles.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Well, one thing my husband thinks is weird is that I talk to my fictions characters sometimes. I figure as the USA Network says, “Characters are Welcome.” And if I don’t see the people in my books as real, then how can I expect the readers to truly feel them.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
In the 7th grade, I wrote episodes of the Cosby Show. That is when I knew I had a desire to write create and tell moving stories.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I enjoy anything Christian, fiction or Christian non fiction and I love romance novels as well. Basically, I love reading things that inspire me.

If you love romance novels, you might enjoy reading mine. What other books have you written, whether published or not?
I’ve written the Payton Skky Series, The Laurel Shadrach Series, The Faith Thomas Novelzine Series, The Carmen Browne Series, The Perry Skky Jr. Series and my two next YA books are from the Beta Gamma Pi series, a collegiate sorority story and the Yasmin Peace Series, an inner city 8th grade series. I’ve also authored four adult titles, Flame, A Lova’ Like No Otha’, Chasing Faith and Wearing My Halo Tilted. I feel the lord has given me tons more ideas for books, and I pray many more titles are still waiting to be written.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I pray and I love to get away with a book story, book, movie, tv show, or hearing someone tell me a great tale. I know God has something for us all to do and though things aren’t always like I want them, I feel the urgency of now pushing me to keep on writing. Also, I like being a little insane. I think to be able to write about problems you have to have a screw loose to get in the minds of all types of characters. In the days when I’m most vulnerable I feel my best writing shines through.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?
I volunteer on a regular basis and I’m most proud of my public service. I feel my books are also my mark on the world. I want to leave things better than I found them. I seek the applause of Heaven. Though I can’t fix every problem or get it all right. I do feel, my work in the community and my writing in each tale I am inspired by God to tell is something I’m doing right.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Fun question, if I could be an animal, I’d be an Eagle. I’d want to be one to soar high and to mount my wings and fly for Jesus.

What is your favorite food?
I love seafood, especially whole crabs and sushi. Eating the exotic food makes me feel free and tastes so delicious.

Is it hard to break into the YA market?
Yes, it is very hard to break into the YA market. It took me seven years to get published. Also, I’m now finding it’s hard not only to break into the publishing world, but it’s hard to stay published. The economy is so tight right now and publishers need books to sell, sell, sell. But God can do anything but fail.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?
So advice I’d give would be to keep on writing, trying, and praying. Don’t stop until God grants your dream. And when you get that dream it will be something else He’ll have in store. It won’t be easy, but you can achieve greatness.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?
The Yasmin Peace series book 1-Finding Your Faith is a tale about a triplet who is from a tough background. Even though life is hard, God is there and He cares. I believe this novel can uplift any reader. We all need to know that the tough times do make us strong and better in the end.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
On the web, I can be located at http://www.stephanieperrymoore.com/. I’d love for readers to come and visit me there.
Stephanie, thank you for spending this time with us.


Readers, you can order the book by using this link.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Don't forget to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won.

I still haven't heard from these winners:

Fecarly (2 books)
~ley
Stampedwithgrace
Megan.nadalet
Katir8407
Pat(grist)
hippmom
Marla

12 comments:

Katie said...

Hello I am ... katie8407.... So I think I won one of your books... here is my email.. katie8407(@)gmail(.)com

Katie said...

I would also Love to be entered for this book!!!! thanks...
katie
katie8407(@)gmail(.)com

darbyscloset said...

Hi, I would like to win this book. I would like to keep in mind what Stephanie stated about characters while reading her book.
Thanks for the opportunity!!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

Norma said...

This book sounds great - please enter me.

windycindy said...

My mom was one of a set of triplets!
They all lived to be 80+! I agree that what doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger! Please enter me in this delightful author's book giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

meliaka said...

Interesting interview. I'm a YA fan and hope to one day be published in YA myself. Thanks for the encouragement.

Unknown said...

Good morning Lena.... thanks so much for another great interview with an awesome author and another chance to be included in a drawing..... have an awesome day and enjoy the weekend.....

cedson76255(at)yahoo(dot)com

apple blossom said...

I love to read good YA books. This one sounds wonderful. Loved the interview. When she mentioned talking to her characters it reminded me of a movie my dd and I watched. Nim's Island is a movie I think any author would love. There is an author in the movie and her and her character have dialog throughout the movie. It is a cute movie. I'd love to win this book.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

lilac grandma said...

Thanks for writing for young adults.
I would love to win this book for my teenage daughter Whitney. Thanks!
msproule1225 at gmail.com

Marla said...

Thank you for the entry. I would love to give this book to a young girl, who is in my care. I believe, she would gain a lot from this book.
koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Simply Stacie said...

Thanks for the great interview and for introducing us to Stephanie!

Martha A. said...

I am sure it is hard to stay in the young adult market, but it is a needed market!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com