FRIDAY NIGHT LOVE - Tia McCollors - One Free Book

Welcome, Tia. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think there’s a little piece of me in each of my characters. It may be something small like the penchant for organization, or my cuisine preferences like enjoying Italian food or banana pudding. Other than that, I probably give my characters more of a personality from my friends and family members.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

This is a boring answer to such a good question, but I’m not quirky at all and can’t think of one quirky I’ve ever done!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life. I was a journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track—whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love good, solid literary fiction. I know some people like to read fast, page-turners that leave you hanging at the end of every chapter, but I’m not opposed to totally wading through a five or six-hundred page novel. It gives me joy. When I want one of those suspense filled novels, I turned to my legal thrillers. I also enjoy Christian/inspirational fiction of course. Often times, I’ll try a new author solely based on another person’s recommendation so it’s always great to discover new literary voices.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Sometimes I don’t! Being married with three little ones under the age of 8, my world is constantly in motion. But I do try to slow it down as much as possible when I can. I keep our schedules to a minimum and try not to say “yes” to every social invitation. My family also functions well under “systems’ and “schedules.” It makes all of our lives better when we know what to expect and when.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

It’s happened several different ways. I’ve chosen a name from hearing it in passing at a store, I’ve thumbed through athletic rosters, the phone book, and on social media. If the name fits the picture of the character I have in my head, I go with it.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I count every finished literary work as an accomplishment, especially my first novel, A Heart of Devotion. I don’t think people realize the amount of dedication and sacrifice it takes to complete a novel. And even after the first draft you have edits and rewrites. It can be draining, but it’s worth every take-out meal you had to feed the family and every lost hour of sleep.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Now this is a question I’ve never had to answer. I don’t even like animals! At first I was going to say a fish since that’s the only pet I’ve ever had but they lead such a boring, mundane experience. So because of that I’d say a lion. If you’re going to be an animal, I guess it’s best to be King of the Jungle.

What is your favorite food?

Chicken fettucine. I’m such a simple gal.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Making myself sit down to write. You have to do the work. For my first novel in particular, I was always thinking about the story. I’d mull it over in my head. I’d jot down part of an outline or scene but I wouldn’t take the time to write. That takes discipline. I’ve since developed that.

Tell us about the featured book.

Until Death (Or Divorce) Do Us Part…

Zenja Maxwell was widowed in her twenties; she never thought she’d be a divorcee, too. Yet that’s the destiny she resigns herself to after learning of her second husband’s infidelity and kicking him out of the house. She plans a cruise with her best friend, Caprice, to take her mind off Roman and celebrate moving on with her life.

But Caprice won’t let her give up that easily, especially when Roman seems committed to reconciling. Caprice and her husband invite Zenja and Roman to Friday Night Love, a weekly event for couples.

At the events, the women are issued a series of Bible-based challenges designed to help them cultivate respect for their husband. Zenja struggles at first; she isn’t even sure she wants to rekindle the relationship. But Roman is persistent in his pursuit of her, even when he discovers that she dallied with cheating herself. Through tragedies, triumphs, and trusted friends, the couple learns never to underestimate what the Author of marriage can do when husbands and wives surrender to Him.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“You got what you wanted, but you lost what you had,” I told my husband as I tossed the packing tape dispenser on top of three unassembled cardboard boxes stacked in a corner of the garage.

Roman had come home three hours earlier than usual, catching me off guard. He stared in disbelief at the boxes of his belongings that I’d already assembled, packed, and labeled. Anger clenched his jaw, and the tension between us hardened his normally laid-back expression. As far as I was concerned, I’d done him a favor. I’d given him thirty days to move out, and this was the twenty-eighth day. Now he could be ahead of the game.

“So, this is how you get your point across?” Roman sliced his car key across the clear tape sealing the box marked T-SHIRTS AND UNDERWEAR.

I took my time answering as I finished off the last of the bitter coffee I’d bought from the gas station around the corner. Caffeine wasn’t my thing, but I’d needed the extra boost of energy that morning. After the final sip, I said, “You have two days till you’re supposed to be out, but you haven’t touched any of your things. What did you expect me to do—let you casually move out at your own leisure? I’m not going to subject my children to watching you leave us sock by sock.” I shook my head and turned my back to Roman’s annoyed look. He didn’t have a right to question any of my decisions. After all, this was his fault.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.TiaMcCollors.com

www.facebook.com/FansOfTia

Twitter at @TiaMcCollors

Thank you, Tia, for sharing your new book and a peek into your life with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Friday Night Love - Christianbook.com
Friday Night Love (Days Of Grace V1) - Amazon
Friday Night Love (Days Of Grace) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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