Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Kristen Ethridge, author of the Romance Writers of America-nominated Port Provident series. I have six inspirational romance books out (two with Harlequin, four with an independent press) and a non-fiction memoir about my time during Hurricane Ike, which inspired the Port Provident: Hurricane Hope series. I like to think of it as the story behind the stories.
I live in Texas with my husband and children and one self-important poodle. I’ve been writing since childhood and had my first piece published in our local newspaper when I was in third grade. I’ve been hooked ever since! I was nominated for an RWA Golden Heart award and was signed with Harlequin’s Love Inspired line through their So You Think You Can Write contest that same year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest series is the Port Provident: Hurricane Hope series. There are four books in it (Shelter from the Storm, The Doctor’s Unexpected Family, His Texas Princess, and Holiday of Hope.) This series was inspired by my time living in Galveston, Texas. While we were there, Hurricane Ike ripped through the island (and my home and business). I liked the idea of putting a fictional hurricane, Hurricane Hope, in my fictional town of Port Provident, Texas and showing how the residents of the town could grow and become stronger through life’s storms. I’ve had a lot of fun writing the series (certainly more fun than rebuilding my own home after Ike!) and have gotten some great reader feedback as well.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I don’t think. I do still work a day job and I have small children, so my most unusual habit is probably how I schedule the hours in my day to get everything done. It’s a bit like being a pretzel.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite books are historicals with romantic elements like the Outlander series or Philippa Gregory’s books, which is funny because I don’t ever see myself writing a historical. I enjoy a lot of series romance as well, and really enjoy reading books by some of my favorite fellow Love Inspired authors.
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up the Port Provident: Hurricane Hope series. The last book, Holiday of Hope, releases in about a month and so I’m in the mode of getting everything ready for that. Beginning early next year, I’m leaving the hurricane behind and launching the Port Provident: Holiday Hearts series, setting heartwarming inspirational romances in Port Provident around some of the best-loved holidays of the year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Consistency is my best method. I think different sites are going to work better for different authors, depending on the genre you write and the audience you’re trying to reach. Especially as an indie, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, I’ve learned. But I think consistency is the key, no matter what. Do your research, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to evolve. But most importantly, keep working your plan.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be the same as above. Be consistent. Whether that’s meeting word count goals, marketing, reading non-fiction books on how to succeed in indie publishing, networking with other authors and readers…be consistent.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The steps to success are built on verbs: grow, move, do… You don’t have the option of remaining still and letting things come to you. You have to keep moving, keep doing, keep growing.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m focused on non-fiction as I close out the year and try to strategize and goal-plan for the year ahead, so I’m reading quite a few books on indie publishing and effective time management.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to keep growing the fictional community of Port Provident. I like to say that my stories are heartwarming inspirational romances set in a Texas beachside community you’ll want to call home. I want to continue to keep growing a community of diverse characters and telling their stories and engaging readers.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kristen Ethridge Website
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