I’d like to extend a warm welcome to inspirational romance author, Annee Jones. I happily connected with Annee recently on Facebook and invited her to take part in an author party I hosted this spring in my Facebook group, Journeying With Jenny. I have come to realize how important community is in the author/writing world. It has been a blessing getting to know Annee. She is a sweet, talented Christian lady and a prolific writer. She has published both traditionally and independently.
Read my interview with Annee below.
* What prompted you to pursue publication?
My father’s 80th birthday. We were unable to visit him due to Covid and he’s always encouraged me to write fiction. I lay awake one night wondering what would be a special gift for him, and in a flash, I knew I had to write a children’s book about our memories together. I got up in the middle of the night and wrote the whole thing! My daughter did the illustrations. After that, I answered a call for submissions for an inspirational romance collection, and the rest is history. 😊
* What inspired you to write?
I’m a disability counselor and professional book reviewer in the genre of Christian fiction. I’ve been a voracious reader all my life, and inspirational romance and cozy mystery are my favorite genres! I love happy endings and biblical themes that point to God’s everlasting mercy and salvation through Christ. Once the door of opportunity was opened, story ideas have been practically seeping out of my pores! I now keep a notebook on my bedside table for middle-of-the-night brainstorms. I’m also used to conducting research for work and write historical research articles – hence I love the research aspect required for my historical romances.
* What was the most difficult aspect of writing your novel? The most rewarding?
Most difficult – researching and familiarizing myself with the publishing industry and technology. Most rewarding – when readers tell me how much my stories touched their hearts or helped grow their faith.
* What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Encouragement, hope, and lots of smiles!
* Which authors or books have inspired you the most, as a writer?
Oh boy, too many to count! A few I can name offhand: Jane Austen, Isak Dinesen, Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Kathleen Fuller, Jenn McKinlay, Leslie Meier, Ellery Adams, Anne George, Tracie Petersen, Jen Turano, Amy Lillard, Sarah Price, Lisa Jones Baker, Beth Wiseman.
* What piece of advice would you offer aspiring authors?
Think about your purpose. Do your homework.
* What do you enjoy doing when not writing?
Reading, practicing Barre and Yoga, spending time with friends and family, church and bible studies.
Connect with Annee:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnneeJones
https://www.facebook.com/groups/anneesangelgroup
Thanks so much:
Thank you, Annee for being my guest author today! Many blessings on your continued publishing journey.
And thank you, followers and subscribers for reading! I hope you get a chance to read one of Anne’s many books. Blessings, J.