Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the worship coordinator (volunteer) for our church and am involved in church-related projects state-wide from time to time. I’ve been a speaker/leader for workshops, conventions, retreats, and special programs. I have four grown children and a husband who laughs with me. Usually. I still miss my dog who died two years ago.
HopeSprings, an imprint of Chalfont House Publishing, just launched my first book. I also have a children’s musical, A Light At Christmas, published by Meriwether Publishing. I wrote a short essay for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. It hangs in a frame in our cabin up north.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mrs. Covington’s Sunday School Dropouts was inspired, at least a little, by my own experience. I’ve (along with my husband) taught Middle School Sunday School for just shy of 30, yes 30, years. I’ve followed up on occasion with former students with whom I’ve lost touch. For many years when the students were promoted from our class, I would tell them say hi when they saw us, to open the door for me, that we would be watching as they became adults, and that we would be expecting great things of them. It is what I had my character say to her students in the book. Of course most of the incidents in the book are just pure fun fiction.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am probably as ordinary as it gets when it comes to writing. I sit in my little study and type while I imagine. Then I edit.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like what Jan Karon did with her Mitford Series. Her fans have been a force in the publishing world, don’t you think? I like C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, Vince Flynn, Mary Saums, John Grisham, and Richard Foster. When I’m worn out with the world, I also like to read a set of little-known old Seranade/Saga books written by various authors – just very frivolous love stories. My family doesn’t understand it. I’m not sure I do, either.
What are you working on now?
I have a few things in the works. I have four musicals that need to be converted to pdf so I can send them to a publisher, not quite as easy as I would hope considering the old program I use to compose music.
I am writing a YA story, The Trouble At The Bagel Café, about a couple of young adults whose friend stumbles onto a drug ring and ends up in the witness protection program – they think.
I’ve begun writing a sequel to Mrs. Covington’s Sunday School Dropouts.
And I’m getting my son to a college 500 miles away and trying to figure out college-related finances. I’m sure no one reading this will understand that stressor. 🙂
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own blog, my own author page on Facebook, am on LinkedIn and Pinterest, and am writing for and interviewing with some bloggers. I am sharing my book with Facebook groups to which I belong.
I am donating my book to a few select libraries. I am making my book available at events where I am either in charge or have a large part to play.
I’m new to this, so I don’t know yet what the best method is.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. When you get a rejection, go ahead and cry, but then get back at it. Pray for God’s blessing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never Give Up. Also: Don’t burn your bridges. Also: People might forget if you attended their wedding or the funeral of a loved one, but they’ll remember it if you didn’t.
What are you reading now?
Dr. Sarah Sumner’s Men and Women in the Church: Building Consensus on Christian Leadership
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to think I’ll write until I’m 80 or older.
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, Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, a book on survival if I had time to find one beforehand (or Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe), and Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
Author Websites and Profiles
Connie Miller Pease Website
Connie Miller Pease Amazon Profile
Connie Miller Pease’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account