Bio: Candace West was born in the
Welcome, Candace. I was born and lived in Arkansas until I was a junior in college. Then my faily moved to Texas, and I transferred to a Texas school. I didn't transfer again when they moved to New Mexico the next year. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Even though a little bit of myself exists in my characters, I enjoy discovering their differences and looking at the world through their eyes. They need to be distinct and unique. The challenge is learning how they react to situations, how they think, and feel.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Often during my teen years, I donned an old fashioned dress, grabbed a book, a quilt, and spent the afternoon in a hay field reading. I pretended I was Anne of Green Gables.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I was twelve. My family and I were on a long car trip to
visit my grandparents in
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read either clean or Christian books. Historical fiction is my first choice, hands down, but I read contemporary romance and some suspense as well. I love the classics and British literature. I also enjoy reading biographies and autobiographies of historical figures, particularly American ones.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
All my life, I’ve been a homebody and a country girl. Spending time with family is therapeutic for me. When things get too busy, I step back and spend time with them. Also, spending time with the Lord keeps me grounded and resets my focus.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
That’s a funny question because when I first started writing, I opened a phone book. Remember those? I thumbed through the list of names and picked the ones I liked. Now, though, I search through old fashioned names on the internet. Sometimes, if I hear an unusual name, I’ll jot it down for future use.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
That’s a hard question because often I don’t feel I’ve accomplished much. My hope and prayer is that the Lord will use my life somehow for His glory. Ever since I had my son, my desire is to be a blessing to him, to teach him what it is to walk with the Lord.
A very worthy endeavor. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
What a fun question! I love animals of all kinds, but I especially love cats. They’re comfortable in their own skin, confident. They’re master tree climbers. And most importantly, cats know how to nap!
What is your favorite food?
Mexican and southern home cooking. Enchiladas with white cheese sauce, beans, and rice is my favorite Mexican dish. At home, during the summer, I could eat fried okra and fried squash every day. And let’s not forget purple hull peas. Now, I’m hungry!
I love okra, squash, and purple hull peas. The best way to cook okra without frying it is to cook it whole on top of purple hull or blackeyed peas. There's no slime that way. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Time. During my twenties and mid-thirties, I had little time to write. After marrying and starting a family, I found even less time. Stories filed away in my head for some day. In 2018, I made up my mind to publish Lane Steen. The way I overcame not having time was to make time. It’s a daily thing.
Tell us about the featured book.
How does a villain become a hero?
Sounds interesting. I love second-chance stories. Please give us the first page of the book.
September 2, 1910
The torrent swept away Lorena’s well-devised surprise into the muck. Coal-black clouds hurled sheets of rain upon the surrounding Ozarks and against the little train station huddled under the trees.
Stranded. Lorena was five miles away, but she might as well be five thousand miles from Valley Creek. No one knew she was here. Father told her to wire first, but she wanted to surprise her daughters. Lorena shook her head.
Edging back farther on the covered platform, Lorena winced as rain thundered down the tin roof, splattering mud on the bottom step as it pounded the ground. A burst of lightning swept across the sky and the hills. A sudden flood of color assailed the next moment with gray. Thunder crashed and rattled the station’s windows.
“Ma’am.” The stationmaster poked his whiskered head around the door. “You ain’t got no one to pick you up?”
“No, I was planning to walk to Valley Creek. I guess it’ll have to wait for now.”
I want to know what happens next. I'm sure my readers do, too. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Please connect with me. I love becoming friends with my readers!
Subscribe to my Newsletter: www.candaceweststoryteller.com
Facebook Author page: www.facebook.com/inspirationalnovel
Follow me on BookBub! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/candace-west-afcba060-cca9-4d77-9dc8-23c330b29f9b
Twitter: www.twitter.com/candacewest111
Instagram: www.instagram.com/candace.west.posey.10
Scrivenings Press: https://scriveningspress.com/candace-west/
Purchase
https://scrivenings.link/valleyofshadows
I’m also coming soon to the Mosaic Collection of authors. https://www.mosaiccollectionbooks.com/
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
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27 comments:
Thank you again for having me, Lena. I'm looking forward to interacting with your readers!
I have learned a little more about you my friend . I really enjoyed reading up on this . Looking forward in the next book to come out .
Hi this is Amanda Gardner from a small country town where they grow cotton and corn. Cherokee Alabama.
I enjoyed learning about the author. This captivating story interests me greatly. I live in NM.
Amanda, your friendship and encouragement never ceases to amaze me. I'm glad you stopped by. One day, we'll have to finally meet!
Hi! Stories of lost love, forgiveness, and restoration are among my favorite to read and write. We're broken people in need of healing, just like the characters in this story. Thank you for stopping by!
I am intrigued!
Melanie Backus, TX
Poor Lorena! Got to find out how it all turns out! Thanks for sharing.
Robin in Raleigh, NC
Sounds like an interesting story, thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Wendy in Nebraska
wfnren at aol dot com
I hadn’t heard of this book or author. They’re both on my radar now!😉
Elly -Indiana-
Thank you for sharing this is a New Author to me Sounds like a great book! Blessing from Sarah in Ohio.
I appreciate your interest. Thank you for taking the time to stop by, Melanie!
Lol! You said it best! Blessings, Robin!
Hi Wendy, thanks for taking the time to get to know me and the story a little better! God bless!
Hi Elly! Connecting with readers like you is a blessing. Thank you for your interest. I'm currently working on book 3 in this series. They are all connected because they share the same characters. But they can each be read as a stand-alone. Blessings!
Hi Sarah, I'm sending you a big hello and blessings from way down in Arkansas. Thank you for taking the time to stop by!
This cover is gorgeous, I want that dress!!! 😍😍😍😍
Abigail in VA
Interesting interview. I enjoy second chance stories. Thank you for sharing. Blessings from WV.
So intriguing and definitely worth reading! Thanks for sharing.
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Love this story idea!
Melissa from TN
So do I, Abigail! The background photo with the tree is an actual place in Arkansas. Thanks so much!
Thank you, Lucy! Second chance stories are my favorite. I'm glad you stopped by. Blessings!
Many thanks, Connie! Your friendship is a blessing to me!
I'm so glad, Melissa! It's a part of a series (Valley Creek Redemption), but each book can be read as a standalone. Thank you for coming by!
Fantastic cover FL
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
Thank you! This story is set in the Arkansas Ozarks, and the background photo is an Arkansas scene. Blessings!
I'm so glad you're interested! Good luck! Thank you for stopping by, Sharon.
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