Author interview: Teresa Ives Lilly

Teresa Ives Lilly, author, is visiting my blog today to talk about her life story and passion for writing inspirational books. 

Here's what's in it for you: Teresa Ives Lilly will give away two .pdf copies of her book Lucky in Shamrock Texas! 

The book giveaway contest starts today, March 1 and will end on Sunday, March 15. 

Contest rules: To enter the contest, leave a comment after reading this author interview. You must include your e-mail address in the comment section below so Teresa can contact you if you win and send the .pdf of her book. The two winners will be chosen by Alexis via an old-fashioned drawing. *New* contest update as of March 15: The winners will be notified on Sunday, March 22 and should receive their free book by Monday, March 23. 

Read on for the author interview (questions by Alexis in bold, answers from Teresa not in bold)...

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Alexis: Why do you write Christian Romance?

Teresa: Many years ago I used to read regular Regency Romance, but then I discovered Christian Romance and fell in love. I knew from the first time I read one that I wanted to write Christian romance.

Do you prefer writing novellas or novels? Explain.

Novellas. I’m not sure why, but God has just blessed me to write shorter stories.

How many books have you written and published?

Thirteen between novels and novellas.

Who is your publisher? Do you have an agent?

I am an Indie publisher known as Lovely Romance Press.

You are the Editor of Lovely Christian Romance magazine and publishing company. What a wonderful initiative! Tell me how that happened.

Well, several years ago I began the magazine and several writers showed real talent and didn’t know how to get published so I worked with them on it. However, this last year I closed both to focus on my own writing and work with ACFW group on editing.

When you were a child, did you think you’d be a writer when you “grew up”? Did you imagine you’d be doing what you’re doing now? Why or why not?

Yes, I wanted to be a writer since I was six. As for how I knew...In school we had to write a poem. I wrote one and when I got home I read it to my mother. She told me it was wonderful and that someday I might be a writer. It's one of the few times she ever verbally encouraged me and the dream was born that day. Since then I have written for magazines, contests, children's books and finally settled into my true love of Christian Romance Novellas.

What’s your writing routine?

I do almost all my writing between 9 p.m. and midnight. I work on the publishing end during the day.

Describe your writing space. What makes it unique?

I have a desk in my extra bedroom, and a television which I basically keep old television shows like The Beverly Hill Billies etc. running while I write.

What books are you reading now?

I just finished several Mail Order Bride novellas published by Love Inspired Historical.

Which one of your novellas that you’ve written so far is your favorite? Why?

Christmas Village Miracle because I based it on the Christmas Village I set up every year, and always wish I could just live in.

If you were not a writer, what would you be doing career-wise?

Well, I was a certified teacher for a while then a mom, then a home school mom, then I ran a children’s resale shop for seven years. Now I am strictly focusing on my writing and I help my husband with paper work for his business.

Give my readers a glimpse into your personal life. Are you married with children? What is your favorite hobby? How you spend your free time?

I have been married for 28 years. We became Christians right before our wedding and have been serving Christ ever since. I have three children ages 27, 26, 23 and now a grandson who is 1 years old. Writing is my hobby…but I love to go to garage sales as well.

Complete this sentence: When my readers reach “the end” of my books, I hope______________because___________________________.

Teresa: When my readers reach “the end” of my books, I hope they want to read others by me because they enjoyed it so much.

Thanks for the author interview, Teresa!

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Author bio:

Teresa Ives Lilly is an inspirational writer. She mainly writes novellas, but has a few novels and a few children’s chapter books in publication.

All her work is available at Amazon.com, BN.com, Smashwords.com.

She had had a variety of articles published in magazines, several items published in anthologies, has written over 200 unit studies for homeschoolers and public schools.

Teresa lives in Texas. She would love to hear from you. Contact her through e-mail, teresaiveslilly@yahoo.com 

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Connect with Teresa:

Author page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/teresalillyauthor

Website - http://www.teresalilly.com/