Interview & Giveaway: Ashlee Willis ~ Author of The Word Changers!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Ashlee!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks so much for having me on your lovely blog, Melanie! I’m a wife and mother, and the only thing that means more to me than my family is God. I’m a pretty strong introvert, so I usually have to push myself to leave my comfort zone, but I always find it worth it when I do! I love the outdoors, crafting, playing the piano, and (of course!) reading.

What is your novel, The Word Changers, about?

The Word Changers is about a 15-year-old girl named Posy. She comes from a troubled home, and one day when she’s attempting to forget her troubles, she finds a book and falls straight into it. At first she thinks it’s a dream come true because she’s fallen right into the role of the princess, who for some reason has run away from the story. But Posy soon learns that all isn’t well in the fairy tale kingdom she’s become a part of. The characters of the book speak of their Author as if he’s a myth – they haven’t heard from him in centuries – and the cruel king who has taken control of the Plot holds Posy in his grasp now, too. Posy has to travel to the outer edges of the story, and even beyond, hoping to find the Author and bring him back into the story he created.

Where do you like to write?

I wrote my first full-length book in a spiral notebook when I was 14 years old. I never stayed in one place to write it – part of it was written in the woods behind our farm, part of it was written leaning against a haystack in the field, part of it was written in our barn loft, part of it was written sitting in front of our wood stove at night. I’ve found that things haven’t changed much as I’ve got older. Although I constantly tell myself I’d love to have a space dedicated specifically to writing, I’m just not sure it would work. I love to move around, and I take my laptop everywhere! Coffee shops, libraries, parks, my bed, my chair, trips in the car (while my husband drives, of course!) – nowhere is off limits. It can be stimulating – when my body is on the move and my eyes are seeing different things, my imagination comes alive.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love spending time outdoors. My 7-year-old son and I hike through the woods, splash around in the creek behind our house, take bike rides or walks nearly every day – even when it’s snowing or raining! I just love being as near to God’s creation as possible – it makes me feel more alive and it refreshes my spirit for both writing and living. I also love crocheting and crafting – it’s a creative outlet, like writing, but so different that it makes a wonderful change sometimes!

What is your favorite genre to read and why?

My favorite genre to read is also the genre in which I write – fantasy. The idea of creating worlds that are different than our own is just fascinating to me. And yet those worlds we create can still be so linked to the one we live in. It reminds me of the things we as Christians are aware of – the battle of good and evil that is here and so real, yet is invisible because it is living within us. I think the fantasy genre gets some of those ideas across better than any other. That’s why it’s always had a special place in my heart.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Oh, my! What a difficult one. I’ve always really loved 1 Corinthians 3:9:  “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”  It reminds me, especially where my writing is concerned, that I am only the tool, and God is the true power behind any good that comes of what I do.

Some this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms!  I even enjoy it when our electricity goes out and we have to light all the candles J

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate all the way!

Tea or Coffee? Tea.

Call or Text? Call. Nothing, for me, can replace the sound of another person’s voice.

Cats or Dogs? I love them both! But if it came down to it, I’d have to say cats.

Early-bird or Night-owl? Big-time night owl!

Introvert or Extrovert? Introvert.

Facebook or Twitter? Hmm … I enjoy Facebook more, but I’ve been more successful on Twitter.

Mystery or Romance? After fantasy, there’s nothing better than a cozy mystery!

Sneakers or Sandals? Sneakers in winter, sandals in summer J

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?

I certainly am! I recently finished the first book of a YA fantasy duology. I’m letting it sit for a while before I begin editing it, and have begun work on its sequel in the meantime. As with all books in this stage, it’s hard to give details, since by the time I’m finished with the second book many things could change! After I am finished it will have to go to my agent, who will then send it out to publishers, who then may or may not take an interest! It’s a long road. But as things progress I plan to post updates and tidbits about it on my blog!

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

I want all your great readers to know that I am thrilled they are interested in my book and hope they’ll ask me anything they are curious about! They can visit my blog at http://ashleewillisauthor.wordpress.com, follow me on Twitter @BookishAshlee, or find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AshleeWillisAuthor. Thanks once again for having me, Melanie! It was an honor.

Amazon, B&N, Goodreads

Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Word Changers by Ashlee Willis! Giveaway is open to the US and Canada. Ends 7/17.

How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!

Entry-Form

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