Welcome everyone! Come sit and have a chat with me and author Nacy J Farrier on this lovely Wednesday!
Nancy: I love writing on my laptop. My husband gave me a gaming monitor (my last birthday gift) which is hooked into my computer. The larger monitor allows for several screens to be open at once for writing and research, so everything is easy to access. I love it so much.
When writing, I'm not sitting at a desk or on a couch. Sitting down for any extended time is uncomfortable for me. Instead, I write while walking on my treadmill. It's set to a slow pace but keeps me moving. I spend several hours a day walking slowly and typing away. This helps me to keep fit as I'm working.
Michelle: Wow, that's quite an innovative setup! So smart. So what is your creative process like? Do you have an unusual place where you find inspiration for your writing?
Nancy: Okay, you're going to think I'm totally weird, but I'm being honest here. I often find inspiration in church during the message. The pastor will say something that sparks an idea to include in my current story, or for a brand new idea. I often wonder if people around me think I'm diligently taking notes, when in fact I'm jotting ideas before I forget them. Getting this flood of ideas can be both exciting and exasperating. It's exciting because new ideas are always fun, and exasperating because I really just want to listen to the pastor's message and take regular notes on the sermon so I can look them over during the week.
Usually, the ideas are quick to jot down, and I miss very little of the message. But if you even see me taking notes somewhere, now you'll have to ask if that was a new story idea. :)
Michelle: I’ll definitely be curious if I see you with a notebook! Inspiration can strike at the most interesting times and carry us to some intriguing places. If you could live in any fictional world, what would you choose and why?
Nancy: There are so many books that have drawn me into the world and fascinated me. Still, I think the one I would choose is J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. I don't really like fireworks, but I'd love to see Gandalf's fireworks show for the hobbits. And the hobbits, so fun with their round door on the houses and their laid-back lifestyles.
Seeing the Ents, the trees that talk, would be amazing. And what about the trolls that Bilbo kept talking until the sun came up and they turned to stone? Or the elves walking through the woods, singing. I'm not sure I'd do well in the mines of Moria, but I might brave them just to see the wonders there.
Tolkien built one of the best fantasy worlds I've ever read. It would be a pleasure to see that world firsthand.
Michelle: Yes! His worldbuilding is...out of this world, lol. Middle Earth would be an amazing travel destination. And I love the way he wove elements of faith into his stories as well. Do you have a favorite verse? Why is it meaningful to you?
Nancy: There are many verses that are favorites, but the one I'm thinking of now is the verse God gave me when I started writing.
"…Write down the vision and write it on tablets distinctly, that the one who reads it may run." Habakkuk 2:2
I love this verse because I want my writing to be words or stories that encourage the reader in their faith. My hope is that the person who reads my books will feel lighter and refreshed after reading, will be encouraged in their walk with God, and will be able to run—or at least walk faster—spiritually.
Michelle: It's beautiful to see how deeply your faith influences your writing. I'd love to know more about you beyond your writing life. What do you enjoy doing besides writing?
Nancy: Spending time with my family or church family is at the top of this list. I love when the grandkids come to visit or we have a family vacation. Such fun.
Other than that, I love walking/hiking. I walk four or five miles every morning out in the desert. Hiking on the weekends, weather permitting, which in Southern Arizona means only in the winter months is my happy place.
Things I enjoy: playing music—piano and guitar, crocheting and knitting, and playing video games has become a fun pastime. I have a Nintendo Switch with some fun games that I play for an hour or so in the evenings. I am not a fanatic, but fighting those bad guys and exploring different worlds relaxes me.
And, of course, there's reading. Reading is my super power. I read all the time, mostly ebooks and audiobooks. I love story and am always looking for my next great read.
Michelle: Four or five miles every morning? Wow, that's impressive. And you certainly have a diverse range of interests! I love hearing hear how you balance your creative pursuits with outdoor activities and family time. Now, I'm sure our readers are eager to know - what are you working on now? Can you give us a hint about your current projects?
Nancy: I just finished the last book in my Driftwood Cove series. The Memory Quilt is now in the editing process. I feel like I'm at Crossroads with multiple choices of which road to take. It's exciting and a bit terrifying. lol
A friend invited me to submit a book for a collection they are putting together. The book will release in 2025 and is a suspense collection. My story is a romantic suspense that I've had in mind for a while. I'm so excited to put this story out in the world and to try my hand at suspense.
My passion is to write stories that resonate with readers and encourage their faith. I believe that is possible no matter the genre. I've written historical and contemporary, and now romantic suspense. They are all so fun to imagine and write.
Michelle: They sure sound fun! Nancy, it's been such a pleasure talking with you. Your eclectic interests, your passion for the written word, and your dedication to encouraging readers through your work is truly inspiring. Thank you for visiting and giving us a glimpse into your creative world. We'll certainly be looking forward to your upcoming projects!
In "A Prayer Quilt Christmas," Meg's Christmas with her sons is nearly ruined by her ex-husband, and tests her newfound romance with Wade.
"Love's Song" sees Calyn recovering after her brother's death, and drawn to Gavin despite familial pressures.
"Christmas at Whispering Pines Lodge" follows Kelly's quest for redemption and love, facing her past and a potential second chance with Neil.
Bio:
Nancy J. Farrier lives in the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona amidst mountains, sunny skies, prickly plants, and unusual critters. She is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 25 novels and non-fiction books. In addition to writing and being involved with her family, she loves speaking at writer’s conferences and retreats. She is part of the worship team at her church. In her down time, she loves to hike, play with her cats and dog, do needlework, and read—with an emphasis on reading—her superpower.Links:
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorNancyJFarrier
Amazon: amazon.com/author/nancyjfarrier
Goodreads: goodreads.com/NancyFarrier
Bookbub: bookbub.com/search?search=Nancy+J.+Farrier
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