Twenty twenty-two has been a busy year. As we approach the celebration of our Savior’s birth, it’s time to take a breath. We take a moment to look back, but keep our eyes on what’s ahead, anticipating God’s plans for us.
Today, I’m honored to speak with a talented author, Regina Merrick. We are both published by Scrivening’s Press, and both of us look forward to new projects coming up in 2023.
Jenny: Hi, Regina. Thanks for coming to talk to my readers today. I’m hearing rumblings about an exciting series of books beginning in January. Tell us what inspired your part in this project.
Regina: The inspiration behind “Window of Peace” was an exercise at a writing conference! I, along with three other writers, discussed a series covering 4 different time periods connected by one family, and one object—in this case, a stained-glass window. Heather Greer has “Window of Opportunity,” set in the 1920s, releasing in January 2023. My book, “Window of Peace,” set in 1970, releases in April 2023. Amy Anguish’s book, “Window of the Heart,” set in the present, releases in August 2023. Erin Howard’s book, “Window of Time,“ set in the Dystopian Future, releases in December 2023. As you can see, it’s been quite a project, and we’ve had a great time coordinating the family tree, writing historical, which is new for Heather and me, and bouncing ideas off of each other when our characters go off on tangents! I’ve joked the whole project that I got 1970 because I’m the only one that REMEMBERS the 1970s!!!
Jenny: That sounds like a lot of fun. Especially since you have had to collaborate with the other authors. When you need a break from writing, what other activities do you enjoy?
Regina: My other love is music. I am a keyboard and vocalist in our church’s praise band, and it’s just about the most fun I have all week! Other things enjoy spending time with my grown-up girls and son-in-law. You’re going along just fine, and then suddenly one of your kids moves to NYC and gets married! It’s been crazy. My younger daughter is closer, so that helps! 😊
Jenny: Speaking of music, what type of music do you play when you’re writing? Or do you need total silence?
Regina: I chuckled when I read this question! I can’t listen to anything with lyrics. As a musician, if I hear singing, I’m GOING to sing along! For “Window of Peace,” set in 1970, I found a playlist of popular 60s and 70s songs in instrumental form – it was my go-to for this book, and it was filled with songs I love!
Jenny: We have talked about your writing process. I know you love to see the results of your writing as well. What is the favorite feedback you have gotten from a reader?
Regina: My favorite feedback came from my husband’s 95-year-old aunt. She recently entered a nursing home and has been bored out of her very-sharp mind, and her daughter took her one of my books. She devoured it! I soon got a message from her to send more books, and a week later, send the REST of my books. It was unexpected, and thrilled me! Another was a young mother who approached me at an author event three counties over, where I knew nobody but the library director. She came up to me and asked if she could hug me! 😊 She was a nurse, and said as she read my first book, “Carolina Dream,” she gave her co-workers the play-by-play every day at lunch!
Jenny: So, here’s an off the wall question- What is the most amazing thing you have seen in the past few days?
Regina: Typing “The End” at the end of my manuscript. It’s been a hard year with deaths in both sides of our family, moving, and remodeling. I was about 6 weeks behind most of the summer, but it is done except for the editing!
Yes, typing “The End,” was amazing!!!
Jenny: Do you have any parting words for our readers?
Regina: I’ve questioned over and over why I’m an author, and then, when I’m at my lowest, I’ll meet someone in the grocery store, funeral home, family reunion, etc., who is thrilled to meet me because they loved my books. God sends those times to us to encourage us. Many of my characters are having crises of faith in some form, and I do this because I understand depression, hurt, sadness, and insecurity. I’m so blessed, and so thankful I have a God who understands me in ALL things!
Jenny: Regina, it has been so much fun getting to know you better. I hope all of my readers will follow the links we are providing to check out the books you have already written. Then, they can watch for this great “Window” series coming out in 2023. With four different authors, and a mix of historic, contemporary and dystopian, there’s something there for everyone.
Readers, since it is Christmas time, you might also want to check out the novella collection, “Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams” that Regina helped write. It combines Christmas romances with a beach setting, and Regina’s story, “Mr. Sandman” is a delightful part of the excitement.
Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things fun, beachy, and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com .
Social Media:
Website: https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Regina-R-Merrick-512257938964888/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/trmerrick64
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginamerrick/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rmerrick/
Scrivenings Press, LLC: https://scriveningspress.com/
I hope all of you enjoy every minute of the celebration of our Savior this year. Relish each moment with family and friends, and when you have a chance, spend some time in God’s word. He sent His son as the culmination of a perfect plan, and His word is the best story of our past, present and future.
Authors like myself and Regina love to create stories that provide hope and encouragement for your daily walk.
Don’t forget to watch for the second book in my Crossroads series, Faith Moves Mountains coming out at the end of January, 2023. This time, the oldest siblings, Faith Caldwell and John K. Billings struggle to put their past decisions behind them as they approach their exciting future. Watch this space as the date gets closer, for more about this story, set in my favorite state of Arkansas.
If you haven’t already read the first book, “Hope Takes the Reins”, now is the time! Follow this link to snag your copy on Kindle or paperback.
https://www.facebook.com/jennycarlisleauthor/
What was your favorite book from 2022? Which book are you looking forward to reading in 2023?
Hi Jenny! I had so much fun with your interview! Thanks for having me!
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