Rip the plaid from yer looms, my readers! We've a castle to spy out. Or in this case, a new author! Olivia Rae has ceased from wandering long enough to chat at my stone fireplace, though the hearth is cold given it's blistering summer (wink), with turkey legs in hand. Her books have the most fascinating backstory, much more interesting that my lame opening, ha! So let's not dilly about, let's dive in!
PT: Olivia Rae, welcome to the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction. My first thought is motivation. Can you share with the readers your motivation or reason for writing? Throw in why you write this genre and why?
OR: I love to tell stories. In fact, I started verbally telling
stories even before I started writing them. I decided to write Christian
fiction because I could share my faith and the love of Christ along with
telling a good story. I have always loved history, so writing historical novels
seemed a great way to share the knowledge I have gained from studying different
times in history.
PT: That’s a great reason to write! So do you have a Bible
truth that is your mantra for your books?
OR: Though all my books carry a different Biblical message
(i.e. A lie is never the answer; man can plan, but God directs). All my books
share that salvation that is found through Jesus Christ.
PT: Despite the chaos of last year, did you have anything
special or moving that occurred/memories made/ rediscoveries?
OR: My children are all grown and live far from me. Usually
I see them about once or twice a year. The pandemic has stretched that time into
two years. My writing has kept me sane and fought back a lot of depression. I
am thankful that God has allowed me to be an independent person. I am thankful
for my health and that of my husband’s. I will say I have gotten closer with
our church family during this time. Another wonderful blessing.
PT: Our church family is so important. What a great support
system! Tell us a little about your devotional time.
OR: I usually do my devotions and prayer time early in the morning. Like in the movie War Room, I have a private closet. I have a long prayer list which I divide up into ten people a day so that I can take the time to say a special prayer for each person on my list. Of course, there are always urgent prayers that need attention daily. I also do a devotion with my husband after dinner. This way I start and end the day with my Lord.
PT: What an inspirational plan to stay close, not only to
God, but to your husband as well. I, too, love doing my devotion time first
thing in the morning. So, do you write on the inside or outside? In an office
or random spot? Do you need a snack or no snack? Then, give us a peek into your
writing schedule.
OR: I usually write in the morning from 8:00 to noon or 9:00
to 1:00. I am usually up in our loft, which is my office. If I write 1,000 to
1,500 words a day, I think I am doing great. I try to get up every hour and
walk around the house. Snack – somedays yes, and others no. Snacking is a mood
thing for me. I also set a daily (Monday thru Friday) goal with three other
writers. This helps me stay on track.
PT: That’s a great schedule! I bet you get a ton of writing
done. Can you share the best place you have gone since reopening?
OR: I was able to fly to California to visit my kids.
PT: How do you deal with writer’s block or distractions
while writing?
OR: I never understood this question until my husband
retired. He isn’t the quietest fellow.
If I can’t focus because he is making noise downstairs, I will go in
another room to write. One that has a door!
As far as writers block, that only happens to me when the
plot isn’t flowing right. At those times I brainstorm with my critique groups.
Yes, I have two groups. This always helps me to get back on track.
PT: Which is the most trying for you: writing, editing,
promoting, or some other thing?
OR: It has to be promotion. I absolutely hate tooting my own
horn. I was taught that is a prideful thing and not necessarily a good thing. I
have a Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram account, but I don’t post like I
should.
PT: I’m always curious how writers determine the looks of
their characters? How do you do it?
OR: Sometimes if they are real people, history will give me
their looks and names. Some character looks are determined by real historical
relatives. (I.e. Father had blues eyes so son has blue eyes) Most character
looks just come to me as if they are born looking a certain way in my mind.
PT: It’s funny how characters just come to be in our own
minds, complete with their own looks. Well, tell us a little bit about your new
series, The Secret of the Queens.
OR: Back in 2009, I went to England and learned about Lady Jane Grey who was queen of England for
nine days in 1553. Her life was very tragic. Her father and John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland in an attempt to grab the throne forced Jane to become queen. The coup failed and Jane was executed. She was only sixteen. The first book in series is a “what if” Lady Jane Grey lived.OR: A Life Redeemed is actually the story of the sister of our hero in book one. Audrey Hayes is contacted by Queen Elizabeth to uncover secrets of treason that are brewing up in Scotland. Audrey goes to Scotland where she meets a mysterious Scottish laird, who has a son of questionable heritage. A heritage that could connect him to the English throne.
PT: Oh,my! A Life
Redeemed sounds very intriguing. Will there be another book in the Secrets of the Queens series?
OR: Yes, one more. Thomas the young boy in book two is all
grown up and will be leading us all on a merry chase. Through England, Scotland,
and the Malabar Coast.
PT: It sounds like a series our reader won’t want to miss! Now,
we’re at my favorite part. Tell us five things fast about Olivia Rae that have
nothing to do with writing?
OR:
I love to hike. I love our national parks.
I love to take convertible rides.
I have a wanderlust spirit though I have been married for 43 years.
I hate snow, but live in Wisconsin.
Every trip I take must have a castle or a fort or I am not going.
PT: Hiking, no snow and add a castle, got it! What is on the
horizon for your next book?
OR: I am working on book three for my Secrets of the Queen
series. After that, who knows?
PT: Olivia Rae, it was so good to have you’re here on the
Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction! Here's Olivia's links so you can check out more info about her and her fabulous books:
Olivia is the winner of the Angel Awards, Book Buyer’s Best Award, Southern Magic Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill Award, the American Fiction Award, and the Illumination Awards.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you enjoyed this interview! Please follow Peggy Trotter and subscribe to her newsletter @https://www.peggytrotter.com/. P.S: Don't miss her new Release, The Misfit Bride.
5 comments:
I love Olivia Rae's books! Thanks for sharing so much about yourself, and your new release!
I'm thrilled you have a new release, Olivia. I've enjoyed all your books. Can't wait to dig into this one!
Thanks, Olivia and Lori. I do hope you enjoy this one.
Hi Olivia. I have enjoyed all of your stories. What a great interview.
Thank You for sharing sounds like such a great book! Sarahbaby601973(at)gmail(dot)com
Post a Comment