Hey there, book lovers! I’m thrilled to bring you an exclusive chat with the incredibly talented Betsy St. Amant Haddox. From romance novels that tug at your heartstrings to her infectious enthusiasm for coffee, Betsy is a delight in every sense.
Hey Betsy! I'm so excited to have you here for a chat. Kick off your shoes and get comfortable and we'll dive right in with some "fast faves."Five fast favorites:
- Color: Turquoise
- Season: Fall
- Animal: Dog
- Beverage: Nerd Focus energy drink or COFFEE
- Movie quote: “Are you crazy? A man in a really nice camper wants to put our song on the radio! Give me a pen, I’m signin’, you’re signin’—we’re all signin’!” (That Thing You Do)
Michelle: Great choices! Turquoise and fall are such timeless classics. Now, let's talk about your creative process. Do you have a favorite place or environment where you feel most inspired or creative?
Betsy: Sometimes the shower, but lately in the movie theater! There have been several movies lately where I feel that wave of creativity swell up inside me and I just want to WRITE.
Michelle: That sounds magical! There's something about a dark theater and a good story that can really get the creative juices flowing. Aside from writing, do you have any other hobbies or creative outlets that you enjoy pursuing?
Betsy: I’m currently teaching myself the keyboard, via YouTube videos! It’s fun and no pressure and if it takes me ten years to learn this Justin Bieber song (which it probably will), that’s totally fine. Ha!
Michelle: Learning an instrument is such a great way to unwind and challenge yourself creatively. Can you give us any hints about what you’re working on now?
Betsy: I have a three-book series called Magnolia Bay coming out in 2025! Interconnected, contemporary romances set in a fictional coastal town off south Louisiana. Think crawfish, lots of witty banter, beignets, trips to New Orleans, and tropes like enemies to lovers, second chance romance, and marriage of convenience. #swoon
Michelle: That sounds absolutely swoon-worthy! We can't wait to read it. If you were to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Betsy: Caffeinated, loyal, empathetic.
Michelle: Caffeinated is a perfect descriptor for an author! Loyal and empathetic are wonderful traits to have. Do you have a favorite life verse? Why is that one meaningful to you?
Betsy: Hebrews 11:1 has always been my go-to favorite verse, ever since I was in high school. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV) I love the abstract quality and the mystery of it. It scratches something in my soul.
Michelle: It's a powerful and evocative verse. Can you share a memorable encounter or interaction with one of your readers that touched you deeply?
Betsy: My readers are the best! They send me little book-themed gifts in the mail, they participate on my launch teams and help generate buzz for my books, and they seem so genuinely happy to do it. But one encounter that stands out was how one summer a few years ago, I stopped in a local used bookstore. I noticed a lady combing the Christian fiction section. One of my books was ironically on the shelf, so I struck up a conversation, recommended another book to her and then casually pointed out mine. She was like “WAIT WHAT?” And then she freaked out, started yelling for her friends. Long story short, this group of ladies had been passing through town on their way home from a Girls Getaway on the lake, and one of the women in their group had been reading one of my novels on their trip! They bought another one of my books and took a pic with me. So fun and unexpected!
Michelle: What a delightful story! Your readers truly sound amazing. Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us, Betsy. Before we wrap up, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
Betsy: Absolutely! I’m the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. I reside in north Louisiana with my hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. I have a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When I’m not composing my next book or baby-talking my dog, you can find me somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. I write frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offer author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC.
Michelle: That’s wonderful, Betsy. Thank you so much for visiting today!
Exciting News, Readers! Betsy is generously contributing a signed print giveaway of Their Holiday Secret, which is currently an ACFW Carol Award Finalist! For a chance to win, simply comment below. Don't miss this opportunity to own a signed copy of this acclaimed novel!
You can find more about Betsy and her work at www.betsystamant.com. All of her titles are available on her website or through Amazon, B&N, and other retailers.
