Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I do a little bit of this and that, but I’m always writing in between this and that. In my spare time, I enjoy DIY projects and crafting, and spending time with family and friends, playing board games and watching movies. I’m a a bibliophile, cinephile, and pluviophile (how’s that for a vocabulary lesson!), and I’m fascinated with everything from history to science to theology. I’ve been a Michigan transplant in the great state of Texas for the past several years, but now I live it up in Oklahoma City, where I can’t choose between saying “you guys” and “y’all.”
I love Jesus and wants to focus my writing on Him.
I am the author of THE FIELD, an allegorical fantasy about three women lured into a forbidden field by a charming prospector and the promise of buried treasure.
I am in progress on two works of contemporary women’s fiction, A YEAR WITH THE BAPTISTS, a story about a woman navigating faith and relationships in post-grad life, and THE SISTERS WOODS, a story of how death changes a family. I have a fantasy series brewing on the back burner. I am also the author of numerous short stories, flash fiction, essays, and when the mood hits, the occasional poem on my blog at lydiathomasauthor.wordpress.com.
I am currently represented by Vox Dei Publishing, an imprint of Booktrope.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m so unimaginative when it comes to book titles! THE FIELD is about a field. A YEAR WITH THE BAPTISTS is about a character who spends a year with the Baptists. THE SISTERS WOODS is about four sisters with the last name Woods.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t focus without things going on around me, be it conversation at a coffee shop, or a television show playing in the background at home.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Dickens and George MacDonald, because they are both authors who really understand society and people.
What are you working on now?
My year-end project is getting A YEAR WITH THE BAPTISTS ready for publication. It follows a recent college graduate as she navigates faith and relationships.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You know, I love to read, and so I review and analyze books on my blog. It has really helped me connect with readers, and even other writers (who are often readers themselves).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It seems like there are an awful lot of people offering step-by-step formulas for success, so I’d say not to worry about any of that. Be yourself – online and offline. Write about what gets you excited. Share things that interest you. It will all fall into place when you do.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Work hard, and be patient. (Kind of self-explanatory).
What are you reading now?
A few things: for pleasure, I’m reading Melanie Surani’s THE SILENT TREATMENT; to stretch my brain, I’m reading CRIME AND PUNISHMENT by Fyodor Dostoevsky; and for spiritual development, I’m reading THE CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE by Richard Foster.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing, of course.
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?
I guess a solar-powered Kindle doesn’t count, huh? The Bible, There and Back by George MacDonald, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, and an empty journal.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lydia Thomas Website
Lydia Thomas Amazon Profile
Lydia Thomas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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