Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my 2020 interview. I have now authored six volumes of the series Suddenly Free, novels about what the world might be like at the end of human time. I have written three volumes on the Biblical theme of sowing and reaping, one of which is a devotional on the topic.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is still the Little Book of Harvests Devotional, organized so that it makes a good devotional or group Bible study.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual to write a while, then play a computer game while thinking, then going back to writing, then choosing a different game, then write, then consult my daily “to do” list…. I guess you’d say I’m an interval writer. I also like artwork, even though I’m not as good as one of my siblings. I can’t use photoshop, but there are other applications that I use to add something visual to my writing. I haven’t published any, but it helps me visualize my characters and their environment.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Science fiction has influenced me the most: Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison. Each of them has written a story or two (novel, novella, short story) that raises questions about the existence of gods: the Christian God, the middle eastern panoply of gods, alien gods.
What are you working on now?
I am organizing the stories I have written about the characters and their lives in the Suddenly Free series. I am thinking about serializing them and distributing them on the internet in some way. Each episode is long enough to be a total spiritual topic, but short enough so that it provides a succinct topic for contemplation or discussion.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is really having a book in my possession. My pic is on the back cover of all but one of my books, so some people buy just because they now know an author. My newer thoughts are usually distributed via email to those on my email list. All of my published books are sold on Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop! I am inspired by my personal relationship with God, and an insatiable desire to know everything I can find out about Him and Creation before my demise. Whatever inspires a writer should drive them to keep writing. If you have the drive, you won’t stop. You might get discouraged, slow down or take a break. But don’t stop.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There were different ideas at different times in my life. “Be good,” was good for my life until I was two digits old. “Finish what you start,” became the best advice for me in my teens. After that, “Do good.” Now, in the last portion of my life (I am 70 years old), “Do your best,” is the best advice I can follow. What’s better than one’s best?
What are you reading now?
I am always reading and re-reading what I write. I read the Bible everyday, and something about the Bible almost everyday.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The serialization of the Suddenly Free series of novels. Teachings, sermons and Bible studies, and essays on the themes evident in the Bible.
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 in as many versions in one volume that I can find. The Imitation of Life because I never finish reading it. If possible, one volume with all of the stories from Suddenly Free volumes 1 through 6 (I like them!).
Author Websites and Profiles
Yvette Carmon-Davis McMillan Amazon Profile
Yvette Carmon-Davis McMillan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
I was not aware that you were so prolific a writer! I take to heart your advice for new authors, ” You might get discouraged, slow down or take a break. But don’t stop!” I think that applies in life, as well as in writing. May The Lord continue to “make thy way prosperous and give you good success.”
Your Sister-in-Christ,
Rev. Susan Davis