As an author, I’m super blessed to network with other like-minded individuals who model great writing. It’s amazing the uniqueness of each and what I’ve learned from those interactions. Meeting Stacy Simmons was definitely one of those blessings.
She was the president of a local Christian writers’ group when I first met her. She led the group with grace and gentleness. Her fun spirit eased my fears at a time when I desperately needed to feel included. When I told her I was about to self-publish my first novella, she exclaimed, “It seems we’ll be congratulating you with your first ACFW pin next meeting.” Her enthusiasm disarmed the imposter syndrome waging war within me.
I’m thrilled to spotlight Stacy and celebrate her new book release, A Promise for Faith, the first in the Briar Creek Series.
INTERVIEW
Kelley: Tell us a little about yourself.
Stacy: I’m a SPED inclusion paraprofessional during the day, wife, mom to two grown kids, and author at night.
Kelley: From where did you draw the inspiration for A Promise for Faith?
Stacy: Several times since my family and I moved to Texas, we’ve had job transitions occur. It gave my husband and me an opportunity to minister to others in this situation and the impetus for me to create this story.
Kelley: Who is your favorite character and why?
Stacy: They are all great, but little Jackson (Jack) Gaines stole my heart. He’s a toddler who loves reading, his dad Caleb, being outdoors, and comes to love Faith as well. Just a precious little guy.
Kelley: What is your favorite scene in A Promise for Faith?
Stacy: The hot air balloon scene. It’s something I’m too scared to do myself but will put my characters in that situation to live vicariously through them. LOL!
Kelley: If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Stacy: Tahiti or Hawaii. The allure of the beach and beautiful natural scenery is exciting to me. I was born and grew up in Florida, so sand is in my veins.
Kelley: How do you keep your faith strong?
Stacy: Daily Bible reading and prayer time. Also, speaking with fellow faith-minded friends.
Kelley: What childhood experience shaped you as a writer?
Stacy: My parents raised both my sister and me to try to do something to see if it can be done. We baked in a real oven instead of a “toy” one like our friends had in their homes, and we made clothes for our Barbies out of our mom’s extra cloth from sewing. It taught me to think in a different, creative way, and tenacity.
Kelley: What is your favorite animal and how do you relate to it?
Stacy: This is a tough one, I’d say a Dophin. The way they joyfully swim through life and have other family and friends by their side is endearing, plus I think they are so adorable!
BOOK EXCERPT
Enjoy an excerpt from A Promise for Faith.
Marching to the rear of her SUV, she threw the mitts into the box and crossed her arms across her chest, eyeing the road for a sign of life.
“Need help?”
A car’s motor droned on the other side of the hill. Faith’s eyes focused on the road, and she lifted a hand to wave. The gray sedan sped past. Her stalwart smile faded in the taillight’s afterglow. Faith pressed her glowing phone screen to make a call. Her shoulders sank. Zero bars. In imitation of her old hometown’s treasured statue, she held her phone aloft, like the Statue of Liberty and pivoted to try to get one single bar. Walking a few feet from her car, she tried again. The tall evergreens are blocking my reception. Will I have to walk into town?
Instinctively, her muscles corded together, and Faith swallowed the last drop of moisture in her mouth and turned, her keys laced between each finger.
Him. Faith scrutinized his face, investigating any changes over the years. A wrinkle above one eye was new. Still had that beach-blonde-brown hair that didn’t like a comb and amazing green eyes. And ripped, strong arms.
What an enticing little morsel!! Congratulations on your book release, Stacy T. Simmons, and thank you for stopping by to share A Promise for Faith. I can already tell I’m going to love it. I can’t wait to read it! Get your copy today.
Connect with Stacy:
Blog: Fueled By Faith and Caffeine
Hi, Kelley!! Thank you so much for inviting me to chat with you on your blog. You are an absolute sweetheart and talented author. Wishing you many blessings! Hugs, Stacy
Stacy,
You’re welcome! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you more. Best wishes with this book and your future writing endeavors!
~Kelley