Conversations With Creatives: Candace West

I’m so excited to introduce you to fellow author Candace West.

I’ve just started reading her Valley Creek Redemption series, and I feel like I’ve stepped back in time to when I fell in love with my beloved Janette Oke books.

Take a moment today, pull up a chair, enjoy a refreshing cup of something warm on this cold winter day and get to know Candace West.

Christina: Please tell me a little about yourself.

Candace: I was born in the Mississippi delta and grew up in small-town Arkansas. When I was twelve years old, I wrote my first story, “Following Prairie River.” The rest, as they say, is history. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, I share the Gospel and encourage readers. I currently live in Arkansas with my husband and son, along with two dogs and three bossy cats. My passions are reading, history and Mexican food. I’m always ready to explore historical places and old trails.

Christina: I love that. I can really relate to living with bossy cats.

Let’s talk books! What is your book called?

Candace: Lane Steen

Christina: When was it released?

Candace: 2018

Christina: Is it a series?

Candace: Yes, it is the first book in the Valley Creek Redemption series.

Christina: Exciting! Can you share your book blurb with my readers?

Candace:

To let go of the past, she must confront it.

When Lane Steen discovers her father kidnapped her years ago, her fractured world shatters. A different world and a new family await to welcome her if she’ll only take the chance.

Will they love her? Or will she trade one hostile home for another? Perhaps the journey will only raise more questions.

Who is her father, really? And what happened to him? Will she ever be able to forgive him so that love can heal her heart?

Valley Creek may be her prison, but perhaps it holds the unexpected. True love, purpose, grace, and redemption.

Christina: What is the inspiration behind your story?

Candace: My Great-Grandmother inspired Lane’s story. Even though most of the events in the book are fiction, the hardships she faced underscore Lane’s struggles.

Christina: What’s your favorite part of your writing process?

Candace: Brainstorming scenes in my imagination is lots of fun. My favorite part is when a character takes the story down an unexpected path. Most of the time, they’re right.

Christina: If you could give one piece of advice to budding creative what would it be?

Candace: Be patient with yourself and the process. Be persistent in finding the right publisher. Accept constructive criticism with grace and never hold onto your written words tightly because you have to let them go.

Christina: Great advice! Now for some fun! Name something quirky in your workspace. Can you give a little backstory about said item?

Candace: The quirkiest thing is my cat Boswer. He’s my mascot and faithful writing companion. He also thinks he’s the king of our house … and I guess he is.

Christina: Favorite snack to get your creative juices flowing?

Candace: Dark chocolate, of course!

Christina: What book are you reading right now?

Candace: Properly Kissed by Kasey Stockton. It’s a Regency romance and a very good read.

Christina: That sounds great! I love a good Regency romance, I might have to add that to my TBR list!

Okay, here’s another fun question. You just won free tickets to anywhere in the world! Where are you going? And who are you taking?

Candace: I’m going to the UK to visit as many castles as possible! And I’m taking my mom.

Christina: I love the UK. Great choice!

In your writing, what are you working on next?

Candace: I’ll be working on novel two in my Windy Hollow series.

Christina: That sounds exciting!

What childhood story has stuck with you through adulthood?

Candace: Little Women and Pilgrims Progress are two books that remain close to my heart.

Christina: I’m a big fan of Little Women!

One final question. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Candace: Even though I’m a bit of both, I’m more of a pantser. I usually have a general idea of my plot and how I want it to end. I let my characters work out most of the details.

Thank you so much Candace for sharing a bit of yourself with us today!

To connect with Candace and learn more about her books please check out her website:

Website: www.candaceweststoryteller.com

To join her reader’s groups check out these links:

Join my readers’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1350640218476311/

The Mosaic Collection Readers’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMosaicCollection/