For those who enjoy the darker shades of wood, this is a nice kitchen.
Lord, you give creativity in all colors and styles. Thank you for all the divine inspiration that results in beauty. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Introducing readers to Winter Austin (aka Winter Peck), Part Two:
I know you do some research for your novels. How much and how do you choose to get your information?
Research is come as I need it situation. For my novel Atonement, the main character dealt with PTSD, that was easy, as it’s been plastered all over the news and social media. I belong to a lot of Facebook pages where veterans suffering from the disorder talk about what they're dealing with. Articles from reputed publications help me dig a bit deeper. I’ve seen first hand how this affliction affects the sufferer and their families. I’m pretty stingy on where I get my information, too, because there are so many biased pieces out there.
I write about cops, and I have a few friends who are police officers I can consult with. I tend to stay away form watching certain TV shows because of the misinformation they show in order to create the drama.
For the third book in my McIntire County Series, I’ve been reading and researching TBI’s (trumatic brain injuries) this came about after reading a long article in National Geographic while in my chiropractor’s office. I knew the next lead role in this book would have it, and it's a deceptive disorder, because many people, most veterans and NFL players, never know they have it until the symptoms get really bad, or worse, they commit suicide.
These are the subjects I don’t shy from. And no subject matter is off-limits to me.
Do you have a set pattern for your writing time? Is your family accommodating to your allotted times when you’re off in storyland?
I recently started a new job that was a prayer come true, I have more leeway with work time so I can get in my writing time. I enjoy the job I do, and that really, really helps with the creative juices.
Yes, my kids have been ‘groomed’ to know when to bug off and leave me alone. In fact they love where we currently live because they can run off to a friend’s house and give me hours of alone time to work—even their friends come over asking if I need to be left alone and they can take my kids. My husband is an Ag teacher/FFA adviser and so if I need him to be somewhere else, he just goes to his shop or his classroom to work. But if the family is bugging me, it’s a good indication it's time to stop and focus on them. Writing will always be there, my kids won’t be kids much longer.
Although you are a woman of faith, you’ve chosen not to write the “typical” Christian novels. You usually include a mention or demonstration of faith in your stories by a particular character, but you also inject some profanity and occasional circumstances which might offend the more rigid Christian readers. Generally speaking, this usually has to do with the audiences a writer hopes to reach. What is your reason for writing the way you do?
When I hoped to be published in the CBA market, I couldn’t break the curtain that editors demanded for books that were to be published. I struggled to even write a faith element that was accepted. To me, my faith is not in what I write, or what I do, it’s who I am. I’m not perfect and my characters aren’t perfect, they live in the real world, they’re influenced by the same things I am and how they react to it shows their faith.
I went where God led me. And He’s opened doors that were shut/slammed/locked in my face. I know His hand is in everything, because I have an editor who shares my faith and knows what I want my characters to say or do without flaunting it. I’ve been given a freedom that was never an option before, and that’s what Christianity is about: Freedom in Christ.
I write dark, gritty, bloody at times. I don’t mince words when it comes to the horrors men inflict on each other. And like I said before, when I’m told I can’t do something, because of x, y, or z, I rebel. I’ll prove you wrong. Personally, I don’t realize what I do until it’s on paper, but ask my editor, ask my readers, somehow, someway, I write characters that reach people, I don’t spew flowers, and rainbows, and God solves it all with His angels in the end. Life is hard, dirty, and ugly, and I don’t ever want to sugarcoat it.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
An understanding of what that person next to you might be going through. That maybe your life is reflected in the characters I’ve created. And that there is hope, and love, and faith, and the battle doesn’t have to end on a bad note.
Do you have a favorite story and/or character from your collection or are they all individually satisfying for you?
Right now, it’s hard to say, but I really loved writing Nic Rivers. She’s everything opposite of what a woman is supposed to be. I had a lot of fun just letting go with her, and she’s always been that way.
Her sister, Cassy Rivers, was great to write, too, but I had to be careful with her to not make her, as my editor said, a Nic 2.0. And she’s not.
Finally, what do you want readers to know about you, your writing, your opinion of “Christian fiction”?
Know that you’re going to get a great read, while I write more toward a thriller/suspense style the book is still a romance at the heart and my characters tend to show a more real life progression to their relationships than you might find in a mainstream romance.
As to my opinion of “Christian fiction,” I think there needs to be some huge changes made and for them to pay very close attention to the audiences coming up and what is being read in the indies, because that’s where the readers are going. Quite honestly, unless it’s been a non-fiction book my husband and I are reading, I have not read a Christian fiction novel in over 3 years.
So, there you have her. Thank you, Winter, for taking the time to share your thoughts on reading, writing, and Christian fiction. A lot of people who visit here share some of your views. I'm almost ready with my review of Born to Die, and I too loved Nic Rivers in Atonement. I believe I've read all of Winter's novels and have truly enjoyed them. Talented and entertaining with some twists you just don't see coming. Good writing.
Lord, hold her close and keep her safe. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Interview with Winter Austin (aka Winter Peck), Part One:
Winter, give us some background on you and your writing journey.
I’ve always wanted to be an author, as far back as the fourth grade when I learned that my all-time favorite author, Walter Farley of The Black Stallion fame, had become an author while he was in college. Granted, I never accomplished being an author that early in life, but the dream never died. Most authors will tell you that they have been complimented most of their lives with their writing abilities, and I’m no exception. I had teachers and countless others who noticed, and a few of those teachers tried to push me in that direction—and this shy small-town Iowa farm girl was petrified at times with going out in the big wide world with her talents, so I almost sabotaged my own dream with my fears. It wasn’t until I had a few people tell me I could never make a living doing it and that I shouldn’t waste my time after false hope that set the fires. Introvert went into hiding and the extrovert came out.
I started the serious journey to publication after the birth of my twin sons. Two more kids later, several moves, learning with each step of the way, a deployment, I reached a level that got me noticed by an agent, and finally I made it to my first writers conference. With a few more years under my belt, I landed my first book contract with the help of three other published authors, then there was a change in agents. But it was the four book contract with my publisher that I’m most happy with that happened in October of 2012. By that time the decision was made to leave the CBA market and join the general market where my style of writing was more accepted. The accumulation of years from the birth of my sons to publication was 14 years. 14 years of never giving up and never giving in when there was opposition. And I don’t regret one step.
Today I fight more with finding time to write while working, being an integral part of my kids’ lives, and all the trappings of promoting and marketing my books while people demand my time.
What kind of novels do you read?
I do have a short range of genres I love to read from, but you’ll always find suspense/mystery/thriller books on my nightstand or on my Nook. Far back as I can remember I’ve loved the mystery/suspense genre. I don’t read straight romances any more unless its from a certain author, if it's a romance it's always a romantic suspense or a paranormal or futuristic. Depending on the author, I will read some fantasy and young adult novels. And here as of late, thanks to my sons, I’ve fallen in love with the superhero/comic books.
Your female protagonists tend to be tough, smart, and sassy with hardship and/or sorrow in their pasts. Does that have any resemblance to personal history?
About the only thing my heroines might get from me is sass. I didn’t exactly have the hardships and sorrows in my life that I put my gals through. But I do draw from some things around me, that have happened, or what I’ve observed. I like to think of myself as tough in certain aspects, but I’m still a woman and I don’t make no bones about being that.
Winter's novel Born to Die became available on March 28th. To get the best preview to this novel, read Atonement first.
Lord, please continue to inspire Winter, direct her every step, and keep her safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said.
Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:12-16 (NIV)
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Five things of beauty in God's creation:
Mountain ranges
Green pastures
Forests
Rock formations
Oceans
The simple complexity of the earth you created with such amazing beauty. Tainted by sin but still retaining its stunning remnant of perfection. Forgive us, Lord, for our sins that marred such beauty. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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This gorgeous mountain awaits our view in the dawn's light. From several windows we see the beauty of God's amazing creation. Humbled by the sight. And grateful.
Lord, no words except thank you from our hearts. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Is that a great cover or what? Captures the sassy and smart character of Winter's novel. I'll introduce you to both of them soon. Available now.
Lord, please continue to supply all that Winter needs to fulfill her obligations and desires. Bless her writing and keep her filled up with the stories you have for her to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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This isn't even close to what ours will look like when it's done, but the caption to this one was "white kitchen". No kidding.
Anyway, the re-do of our kitchen begins today. Honestly, it seems surreal. This is something that other people do. But here it is us. Wow. You've seen the "before". I'll do my best to get the "after".
Father, I'm in awe of your benevolence and blessings. You restored what the locusts had eaten and the foolishness of our youth. Thank you is so inadequate, so never enough. Thank you, Lord. Deeply. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised . . ."
Luke 24:46-49 (NIV)
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Who didn't love "Morgan" played by Shemar Moore? He is leaving the series, but it might not be for good. He needs a break and the door's been left open for his return. The final episode with him was a tear-jerker, at least for me. Especially the scene with his friend and fellow agent, genius Dr. Spencer Reid. That one cut to the heart. As with most characters who last this long, it's hard to imagine the series without him and his interaction with "Penelope Garcia" who he affectionately addresses as "Baby Girl". Hope he does return . . .
Lord, thank you for the talents of excellent actors. May they come to the place where you wait for them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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