Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Claudia McCants’ first novel, Dream Tapestry, was published in 2001. Shortly after that, she became ill and stopped writing while she spent the next decade dealing with various health problems and devoting much of her time to her growing son. In 2013, her second romantic suspense novel, Broken Angel, was published in softback and as an eBook.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Broken Angel, was actually inspired by three things. First, I heard a local newscaster make a remark about a news story that grabbed my attention. I used that line of dialogue to begin my first chapter. My second bit of inspiration came from my love of art glass. Around the time I began writing Broken Angel, my son was considering a career in glass blowing and we did everything we could to provide him with information to give him guidance and perspective. We had just recently attended the “Chihuly Across Florida” exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art. I decided a glass blowing factory would be the perfect backdrop for my story. Finally, I am always inspired by the state I live in…Florida. My last book had been set in Maryland, my home state, but I wanted to take my readers on a tour of north Florida, where I now live.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I still deal with chronic health problems, so much of my writing is accomplished at night when I cannot sleep. Before I write, I usually pray for guidance and help, and then my words just seem to flow. Most writers are writing even when they aren’t putting words to a page. That means we think about storylines, dialogue and characters when we’re in the shower, shopping for groceries, or trying to go to sleep. I keep a recorder or notebook with me most times. Otherwise, I’d be writing on napkins or grocery receipts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In my late 30’s, I finally decided to pursue my dream of writing a novel, and I had to decide what genre I wanted to use as my nitch. At the time, I was an avid reader of Sue Grafton’s letter mysteries, and I liked romantic stories by Layrle Spencer, so I decided Dream Tapestry would be a mystery with a romantic backstory. The title of the book was inspired by the lyrics of one of my all-time favorite songs, “We Can Never Know” by Charles Aznavour. When I decided to write my second novel, I wanted to use it as a vehicle to encourage others who are having problems. Both of my stories are about families who are in crisis, and in both novels I try to show the grown of the character from the beginning of the story to the ending. Four authors made it possible for me to embrace the idea of sharing my faith in a fictional story. They are Donna VanLiere, Beverly Lewis, Marta Perry and Jillian Hart.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a Christmas-themed novel and a non-fiction book about prayer.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m always looking for new ways and new websites to promote my books. Some of my favorites include Good Reads, Book Daily, and Christian eBooks Today.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Use an outline to help you plot your book and plan your characters. Write every day, even if it is just a few pages. Do not proofread until you finish the story; otherwise, if you’re like me, you’d never get finished. I finish a chapter, print it, and put it in a notebook; then I make any changes in ink but I don’t go to the computer to make the changes until I’ve written the whole story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
These words from a sermon preached by my pastor, Gene Guerra: “Sometimes God allows us to get into situations where there doesn’t seem to be any good answers. The only answer is humility and faith.”
What are you reading now?
George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m honing my skills as a public speaker. I can write a speech fairly easily, but being in front of an audience still gives me the shivers. That’s why I love writing…I can do it in the privacy of my home, even when I’m in my pajamas.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible; You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times by Max Lucado; Praying God’s Word Day by Day by Beth Moore; Chesapeake by James A. Michener.
Author Websites and Profiles
Claudia McCants Website
Claudia McCants Amazon Profile
Claudia McCants’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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