Today I have a special treat for you. My friend Bethany published a book called Willow a few years ago, and she is ready to publish its sequel soon. Stay tuned to learn more about Bethany M. Griggs and her writing!
Luba: Bethany, welcome to my blog! It’s a pleasure to have you here!
Bethany: Thank you so much for having me, Luba! I enjoy reading your blog, and it’s my privilege to be here for a chat with you today.
Luba: For those readers who are new here, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Bethany: I’m Bethany M. Griggs, and, first and foremost, I’m a child of my Father in Heaven. In the past year, I’ve been learning to embrace that as my identity and find joy in His love like never before. I enjoy writing Christian fiction and non-fiction to encourage other people in their relationships with Jesus and through the challenges we all face in life. One of my challenges is living with multiple chronic illnesses, and that is a topic that finds its way into many of my writing projects. Besides writing, I also enjoy going for walks with my sister, tatting bookmarks and baby shoes, dabbling in song writing (which I guess is still writing), and, as of this summer, playing Cornhole with my family.
Luba: What do you love most about writing?
Bethany: One of the things I love most about writing is getting to share my thoughts with others through a format that allows me time to think through what I want to say. I have also gotten so much enjoyment out of the many hours I have spent thinking about my characters, coming up with ideas for them and their stories, and talking about them with my sister.
Luba: What is the most challenging part of self-publishing a book?
Bethany: The most challenging part is that there are so many parts! Drafting, editing, editing again (and again), proofreading, formatting, cover design, blurb writing. These and more are all part of the process. As you might guess, the single step that tends to be the hardest for me is editing.
Luba: What motivates you to write?
Bethany: A big motivator these days is readers anticipating my next books. Knowing there are people waiting to read what I write helps me to keep pressing on. The new story ideas I get are also very motivating. I have so many ideas that I want to write!
Luba: Well, that’s exciting! I do look forward to all your future books.
Luba: What author(s) have influenced your writing the most?
Bethany: If I were going to name just one, it would be my sister. She is also an author, and we help each other a lot with our projects. From her excitement over my new story ideas, the many walks we have taken to brainstorm new ideas or pull me out of a plot hole, to her editing skills and cover feedback, she’s part of the process each step of the way. One author I’ve read a lot who has likely influenced my writing style is Isabella Alden. She wrote books about everyday people living ordinary lives, and that is something I enjoy doing as well. It’s also the connection that allowed Luba and me to meet!
Luba: Who would enjoy your book Willow?
Bethany: Christian ladies who enjoy a relatable story that encourages them in their walk with Jesus. Also, someone dealing with a loss, whether of a family member or their health, may find this story comforting.
Luba: Since there are so many planners out there, can you tell us what makes yours unique?
Bethany: The Simplicity Planner is just what it sounds like: simple. It has a quarterly check-in section, monthly calendar, weekly layouts, and plenty of room for notes. These spreads come with a lot of flexibility for you to personalize to meet your specific needs. Unlike many planners, there aren’t a lot of sections that may or may not pertain to your life. There is also limited space to help you practice simplifying your schedule.
Also, the weekly spreads each come with a Bible verse, a pretty picture, and a color scheme to match the picture. There is room to decorate if you’d like, but it comes decorated for you to enjoy without needing to take the time to add decorations.
Luba: What encourages you most as a writer?
Bethany: Positive feedback on my writing is very encouraging to me. Also, hearing that people are praying for me and my writing.
Luba: What hints would you like to give us about what you may publish next?
Bethany: My hope is that the next book I publish will be the second book in the Hoofbeats of Hope series. The main character will be a very minor character from the first book. This book is different from the first book in that it has two points of view, Cody and his mom. The story features summer camp, Spina Bifida, close family relationships, gardening, starting a new business, and a Christian school. Sound interesting? Keep your eyes open because the cover reveal should be coming soon, followed by a book release!
Luba: What are your biggest dreams as a writer?
Bethany: I would love to publish a lot more books. I have so many ideas and hope to see many of them on a bookshelf one day. Also, I hope to make a
difference in people’s lives. To help them receive the Father’s love and live joyful lives in His freedom. I’d also like to develop a bigger audience of readers.
Luba: Thank you so much for taking your time to be with us today, Bethany! It has been a blessing to learn more about you and to hear about your books Willow and Canyon!
Bethany M. Griggs writes Christian fiction and non-fiction that reminds each reader of their worth as God’s precious ruby and gives them hope through the rough places in life. She lives in Texas and enjoys crafts, coziness, and creativity. Oh, and alliteration! As someone living with multiple chronic illnesses, she relates to the suffering of others and points them to the joy she finds in Jesus her Savior.
Connect with Bethany M. Griggs:
Website: https://www.arubyintherough.com/
Personal Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094726453166
A Ruby in the Rough Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094479566771
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanymgriggs.author/
Substack: https://substack.com/@arubyintherough
Connect with Luba:
Website: www.healthywithluba.com
Substack: healthywithluba.substack.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lubarokpelnis
What was your favorite part of the interview? Do you have another author you would like me to interview? Please share in the comments below. I read all comments and do my best to reply to each one too.
