Interview with Stephanie Grace

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Stephanie J Grace to the blog. 

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

My name is Stephanie J Grace. I write inspirational and sweet romance. I’m a mother of three beautiful children. I enjoy knitting and yarn crafts and I adore finding love in all aspects of life.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Nope. For years I thought I wanted to go into politics. I’m glad I didn’t do that! Writing has been a joy for me and I love my job.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

Well, first thing I get my kiddos breakfast and check my emails while they eat. Next is getting them dressed and to school. I try to get some writing done in the morning if possible, but usually end up doing promotional type things if I can sit and work. I usually hit writing hard around nap time. I don’t need anything special to write, just my laptop. If I held to rituals or anything but complete flexibility, I’d never get anything written.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most rewarding part of writing is when I go through when it’s complete and find a few lines that make my heart jump. I love when my readers enjoy my work, but there’s joy in finding passages that make me melt.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

My latest book is Felines and Flowers. It’s an inspirational springtime story about Warren and Wendy—two youth pastors busy in their lives. At one point, Warren was Wendy’s youth pastor and helped inspire her to keep youth ministry in her life. When she returns home after college, she takes a job as youth coordinator at her church and finds herself seeing Warren often. There are no sparks, no wild moment, but there’s something growing between them that makes them spend more and more time together. Warren has issues with their age difference and his doubt leads him to choices that hurt Wendy. They have a chance for love, but might need a little extra help to find it.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I originally wrote Felines and Flowers for a springtime story call. I fell in love with the pastors, who remind me of people in my life, past and present. I included many things I love in this story, which makes it very special to me.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

At the moment I’m working on a change of life sort of story about an older woman looking back at her decades old marriage through new eyes thanks to a change in faith. Love comes at all ages and times and sometimes its old love getting a breath of fresh air that’s truly inspiring.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

On the inspirational side of life I adore CS Lewis. He’s my go-to when I’m craving some serious thinking.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 

I think some have definitely made me rethink the standards of telling a story. I enjoy paranormal stories and from them I’ve learned the unexpected can be a great thing and that humanity, for wanting a shot of excitement, also wants to see the humanness in situations.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I can’t wait to tear into my Harry Potter books for the summer. I try to reread the entire series every few years. I’m also going to pick up the Hunger Games series and the Black Dagger Brotherhood books. Ah, why is the list so long and summer so short??

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks so much for having me! I love visiting and meeting readers and other authors.

Find Stephanie online at www.stephaniebeck.net and feel free to contact her at stephaniebeckauthor@gmail.com

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During high school, Warren was just Wendy’s youth pastor. All grown up and shepherding over her own flock of church kids, Wendy Miller turns to her old friend for help. Not that Warren is that old. In fact, the two have a lot more in common than Wendy would have ever thought.

After the death of his wife, Warren was sure he was finished with relationships. Wendy changes that forgone conclusion with her bright spirit and zest for life. Lining up their desires when they’re at very different points in their lives proves a challenge that might take a little divine intervention, or at least help from friends.