I am always thrilled to find other independently published authors who are passionate about supporting the indie community. You might remember that in February, I participated in a Valentine’s Stuff Your Kindle event through the Kindred Indie Collective. Groups like this are great, not just for book promotion, but for getting to know other indies and broaden our circle of supportive friends!
Who doesn’t love support?
Today, I’m hosting Terri Fox, a multi-genre author who also dabbles in digital art and design. Let’s get started!
Thanks again for connecting with me, Terri. Can you tell me a little bit about your writing journey?
When I was younger I wrote poetry full of teenager angst to help process, and sometimes I write that now for my personal use. But I didn’t pick up fiction until I felt led to write children’s books. My son was dealing with a lot, and I wanted a book to reflect what younger kids deal with that often goes unspoken. Christian romance wasn’t even on my radar until a few years ago.
Interesting! I think creative writing is a great way to work through things like that, whether it is journaling, poetry, or fiction! I see that your website is Terri Fox Creatives, meaning you do more than just write stories. Tell me a little bit about your other creative outlets.
Yes! I like to call myself a jack of all trades. I dabble in Christian digital art which is available through Zazzle and Redbubble. I used to run a photography business but it took too much time away from my family. I still enjoy taking nature and stock photography images. I also handle marketing, social media, and web services for my husband’s company.
I couldn’t resist checking out your designs on Red Bubble. You have a lot of products already available for sale, but the cool thing about RB is that customers can also have the designs printed on anything, from a t-shirt to a pillow to a phone case. I even found a scarf that measures 55 x 55 inches! I have to know: is there a product or design that seems to be a customer favorite?
My mother-in-law LOVES “Lily’s crazy cat” (because her granddaughter drew it). But aside from that, I think the most popular 2 are “Jesus is the Center of it all,” and “No Matter What” with the empty tomb. My personal favorites are “Perfectly Loved” and “Otterly Love You.”
Well, since we’re here to talk about books, we’d better get started! The trouble with writing Historical Fiction is that I am usually a few books deep in background and research, so I don’t get to read a lot of fiction, but I couldn’t resist picking up Where Warmth Waits in February. I was fascinated by both the setting and time period. Can you tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the Skyline Manor Series?
It’s a little embarrassing to say, but there was a sign at a breakfast restaurant that said, “Mom, Mother, Maid” and my son thought it was hilarious, so I added, “Murder” and there was the inspiration for Where Warmth Waits!
Totally not embarrassing. I think some of the best ideas start out off the cuff like that!
I had actually never planned to do a series until I was halfway through writing the first, and it just felt right.
Relatable! Sometimes, other characters or side plots just beg to be explored further. Can you tell me how you chose the setting?
The setting is based off an actual town in New Jersey (but I changed the name) near where my family used to live, and I’ve always found the time period fascinating.
It really is, so much happened during the 1930s. Related to that, I loved the way you wove a mystery into historical fiction and romance. Could you tell me more about how you plot a mystery?
I just write and let it happen, lol.
Actually, for each book I know what type of mystery I want to write. The first one was murder, the 2nd book is sabotage, later down the road I have a blackmail story. In my head, I have an idea of how I want the mystery to unfold, but somewhere in the story my characters tend to detour and I run with it. My goal is to always have at least 1-2 characters as red herrings and build situations around them to throw readers off. Usually who I PLAN to be the villain always changes mid-way.
I love that about “discovery writing.” We’re the first ones who get to watch the story unfold!
At this writing, I’m 85% of the way through Where Warmth Waits and I still have no idea whodunit, or even who I think “dunit.” You’ve done an awesome job!
I was really touched by Edith’s quote, “I wake up angry…Before I even get out of bed. It’s like something’s already gone wrong. Like I’ve already lost.” I have felt that way in my own life, and there are so many other relatable quotes in the book. Would you say that your own experience has influenced your characters at all? (It’s deep, I know!)
I have probably experienced every emotion, even slightly, that the ladies have experience: from Edith’s anger to Mrs. Romano’s light to Mae’s warmth. I look toward Mrs. Romano a lot, I’ve had my moments when I’ve had to choose joy and shine God’s light, even when I don’t feel it.
I know exactly what you’re saying about Mrs. Romano, in fact way back in the beginning I see that I highlighted the phrase “To Mae, she was just Mrs. Carmela, like a favorite aunt who always had flour on her skirt and advice on her lips.” Mae goes on to say, “‘Is it just me, or does the kitchen always feel warmer with you in it?’” The kitchen scenes were some of my favorites!
To Mae, she was just Mrs. Carmela, like a favorite aunt who always had flour on her skirt and advice on her lips.
From Where Warmth Waits by Terri Fox
I want to thank you for being so supportive of your fellow indie authors, myself included. What made you want to go indie instead of the traditional publishing route?
Honestly, control. I’ve done everything on my own from my cover art to the content in my book. And then there’s imposter-syndrome. “Am I even good enough for a trad publisher to pick me up?”
I think a lot of us can relate to that. It’s great to have the indie community out there to remind us that, among other things, it’s not really a question of being good enough, it’s a question of whether we feel called to write what trad houses want to publish.
Finally, any advice for aspiring authors out there, especially those who are considering going indie?
Start writing and don’t give up. Ask questions and research. Just because one person does it one way doesn’t mean it’s the best way for you, and that’s alright.
Agreed. Thanks again for taking the time to share with me! I also want to congratulate you on your latest release, Where Grace Grows!
Don’t forget to check out Terri’s website and follow her on social media!
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