Oct 8, 2025 | Interviews, Religious, Spiritual
Today, we’re talking with Heather Morse Alexander about her book, The Grace Writers
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I didn’t start writing in earnest until my late 40s, when I joined a writing group while my husband was deployed. Now, at 60, I’ve finally published my debut novel. It’s never too late to do what you’ve dreamed of doing.
Why do you write?
To share through story the fact that we’re not all that different from one another. We struggle, we’re quirky, we grieve, we laugh, we yearn for peace, and we are all on a journey.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I joined a writing group many years ago. The women were fun and quirky, inspiring a few of the characters in my book. Then I discovered vintage photographs at a flea market. The snapshots told stories. I began writing the stories and shared them in the writing group. The women loved them, and The Grace Writers began to take shape.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Contemporary fiction can be relatable in the present. Someone out there may “get” my book and feel the story deeply. Contemporary Christian fiction reaches a deeper level, where even those who are skeptical may find the messiness of a faith journey something in which they can find comfort.
How would you describe your writing process?
I’m a “pantser.” The general plot is born, and I begin to write. The characters direct the story as I go. I’ve tried to be more methodical, but it stifles my creativity.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I’m not a big fan of social media. I did sign up for social media before my book released, however, and there is a benefit to it. Obviously, it helps with exposure, but I have had to ask many of my friends and acquaintances for favors and shout-outs to expand my reach further. It’s not easy, but it has been humbling to realize how many people are willing to help.
What advice would you have for other writers?
You’re not too old to begin. Embrace critique for the gift that it is. Pay for a good cover.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
The book titled itself. I didn’t mull it over much. I hired a cover designer. I love my cover and it was worth every penny!
What’s your next step?
I have a semi-finished middle-grade novel and another Grace Writers book in the works.
What book do you wish you had written?
One of my favorite contemporary books is “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.” I love the way the author (Gail Honeyman) made me care so deeply for Eleanor, so much so that when I finished the book, a sigh rose from my chest in utter satisfaction with the ending.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I’m initially excited that someone read my work, then relieved that they related to it, and enjoyed it.
FIND HEATHER’S BOOK ON AMAZON
Aug 1, 2025 | Interviews, Religious, Spiritual
Today, we’re talking with Linda Shirey about her book, Wolves Among Us
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
As a 15-year-old passenger, I survived a head-on collision because the nearest wheel buckled and turned the momentum away from me. The EMTs (apparently) used the jaws of life to free me from the car, and I lost my memory for 6 hours, including my parents’ names and my home address. But I remembered the name of the current President and that I didn’t like him. (I was listening to a lot of talk radio at the time.)
Why do you write?
For nonfiction – in hope that it can help hurting people to recover more quickly. For fiction – to educate and entertain.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
Many years wondering why my home church kept attracting people with an agenda, and what we could have done to prevent the slide into spiritual depression.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
It’s open to so much unsung and untapped potential, so much experiential knowledge in unusual areas. So many professions that no one offers as an option. So much real-life adventure!
How would you describe your writing process?
Lots of scribbles and half-formed ideas on random sheets of lined paper eventually compiled into one document and organized into readable content.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Finding out that their ideas already have traction and an audience!
What advice would you have for other writers?
It’s really true that the majority of the work can be done in 30 to 90 days. Clear the calendar. Friends and family will still be there in a few months. If they aren’t, they didn’t need to be in your calendar anyway.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Painstakingly, after discussing with my Selfpublishing.com coach and at least 5 family and friends.
What’s your next step?
Finishing book two, a collaborative work (my dad wrote most of it before he died): “Cults Among Us”.
What book do you wish you had written?
How to Live a Champagne Life on a Beer Budget
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Primarily gratitude. “This is amazing!” Then considering next steps or new audience members. (How can I get one more?)
FIND LINDA’S BOOK ON AMAZON
Aug 1, 2025 | Interviews, Religious, Spiritual
Today, we’re talking with Bob Albo about his book, The Spirit Reader
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
When I studied physics at university, I was amazed with how the universe worked out perfectly to support life.
For example, if the force of gravity had been slightly stronger or weaker, then after Big Bang, the universe would’ve either collapsed on itself or expanded without the formation of stars. There are two possibilities: we’re in the one life-giving universe out of an infinite number of random failures or our universe was created by Intelligent Design, a supernatural thing.
This riddle nagged at me for over thirty years, but it wasn’t until my career ended that it started my writing passion.
Why do you write?
To explore the mysteries between science and spirituality in character-driven stories.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
While on a mountain trail, I saw a broken piece of glass glittering in the sunlight. I picked the trash up. Then I looked through it at everything around me, nature and my fellow hikers. Imagine seeing deep down into the essence of things.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
New developments, like science or spirituality, and their impact on society. This could be AI, dark matter and consciousness, or mystical crystals.
How would you describe your writing process?
Start with a core idea, like reading spirits through a crystal, then write the first chapter. Do another chapter a day for the next month or two. Set the book aside for a month. Then spend the next 6 months revising.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Building a loyal base of readers, but I haven’t figured out how.
What advice would you have for other writers?
I’m not qualified to give advice to other writers, but for me, I write because I enjoy the process of working through ideas in character-driven stories. I want my stories to be widely read so the audience gets my ideas, but the royalties aren’t important, which is fortunate.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Consulting with my daughter and wife.
What’s your next step?
Write a YA sequel called Son of the Spirit Reader
What book do you wish you had written?
The Bible. Not because of its religious significance, but its portrayal of spirituality in the daily life of old civilizations.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Hopeful that the reader liked it. I read the review to see what in my book worked and didn’t.
FIND BOB’S BOOK ON AMAZON
