Today we are featuring one of our very own contributors, Alexis A. Goring! I not only got to chat with her about writing, but also about Hope in My Heart. Hope y’all enjoy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.
Connect with Alexis:
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Pinterest | Goodreads | “God is Love” Blog
INTERVIEW
1. Why did you want to write three short stories in Hope In My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories? What were the inspirations for each?
It was more of a matter of “What’s ready to publish?” with my first book. So, I chose three of my best short stories that I’d written over the years, found a good book editor and the rest is history! ☺ Since I wrote these short stories over a time span of about maybe 12 years, I don’t remember the inspirations for each one. But I can say that my love for music, movies and people fuel my creativity for each story that I write.
2. What do you hope readers will walk away with after reading the collection?
I hope that readers will have warm hearts and sweet smiles on their faces because they’ve read an example of how all things work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28) in the stories and that’s true to real-life.
3. Do you have a favorite (or two!) character? We promise not to tell the others.
I have a favorite character in each story! ☺ Esmeralda is my favorite in the first story, “Love Unexpected” because she’s beautiful, brilliant and a very good matchmaker for Chandra (the heroine). Eric Hazelton (Christina’s love interest) is my favorite character in “The Best Gift” because he’s swoon-worthy, smart and so kind to Christine (I adore how he woos her heart). Elle is my favorite character in “Peace and Love” because I relate to her plight as a “starving artist”.
4. What role does faith play in these stories?
Threads of faith in God are woven throughout each story and play a critical role in the outcome of each story. I think that my readers will appreciate and maybe relate to the journey that my characters go on with God.
5. What made you want to be an author? And more specifically, a Christian fiction author?
I wanted to be an author since age 9 because of my love for reading and writing. Also, that was when I wrote my first “book” and fell in love with the creative process. As an adult, I wanted to be an author of Christian fiction because I believe that our world needs stories of hope, love and faith in God. It’s important to share God’s love for humankind with the world in a way that brings them closer to His Heart and changes the world for the better. I believe that good Christian fiction is like a witnessing tool for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and encouraging people who need hope. It’s also refreshing to read books that make the reader feel good about life, books that make them want to know more about the real God that the fictional characters in these books pray to and believe in.
6. Who are some authors who have inspired you?
Becky Wade, Brandy Bruce and Mary Manners inspire my writer heart!
7. What is something about your life right now that you would never have imagined 5 years ago?
I never would have imagined that I’d be friends with my favorite authors! It is a blessing from God and I’m so grateful.
8. What is one thing that you would go back and do differently if you could?
Nothing because my journey got me where I am today.
9. What is one of the happiest moments of your life?
When Cynthia Hickey offered me my first writing contract with her traditional publishing company, Forget Me Not Romances.
10. What is one thing you want the next generation to know?
The Creator of the Universe loves you unconditionally! Seek Him because He has good plans for your life. Read John 3:16 and Jeremiah 29:11.
And now a couple for fun!
Yay!
Tea or Coffee?
Green tea from PANERA
Cats or dogs?
Adorable puppies
Beach or mountains?
The beaches in California and the Caribbean islands!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories with characters in need of hope.
In Love Unexpected, a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly.
Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, The Best Gift. Christina desires to lose ten pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister’s wedding. Jordan wishes her mom would stop trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God.
In Peace and Love, three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching. Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to resolve his issues concerning his parents’ divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season and fill their hearts with peace and love.
WHERE TO BUY: Amazon
Thanks so much for sharing Alexis and I hope y’all enjoyed getting to know more about Alexis and her writing!
Alexis A. Go
Diversity Between the Pages 