What compelled you to write Colors of Truth?

Ideas for my novels typically stem from a question I'm wrestling with, a spiritual struggle perhaps—and real history. Real history is always involved. All of that is true for Colors of Truth.

The theme of truth runs throughout this story. And also lies. Lies told to us. Lies we tell ourselves. Lies we tell others. We live in a time when integrity and truth seem hard to come by. God met me on the pages of Colors of Truth and drew me closer to him through the characters' struggles. I hope readers experience the same.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? How did you overcome this difficulty?

I wrote this book during the last year of my father's life here on earth. Dad had a ten year journey with dementia and passed in August 2019. So much of what we experienced together, of what Dad (and also my Heavenly Father) taught me during those last days, weeks, and months made it onto the pages of Colors of Truth. The never-failing love of both my earthly father and Heavenly Father got me through.

Who is your favorite character from the novel? What about them makes them your favorite?

I love them all yet feel a special closeness to Wade and Catriona because I wrote the story from their points of view. But I have to say that Tempy's character first captured my heart when I wrote Christmas at Carnton (the novella that launched the series) and With This Pledge (Carnton book 1). Tempy's character is based on the real African American woman who served as the cook at Carnton for the McGavock family for the majority of her life—before the Civil War as an enslaved woman, and after as a freedwoman. I also love Nora's character.

I've always wanted to write a story with sisters, and that Catriona and Nora are Irish made writing it especially enjoyable.

Do your characters ever seem to have a life of their own?

Oh gracious, yes. I'm often surprised when something happens in the story I'm writing. My husband always shakes his head (when I tell him this) and counters, "But you're the author. You know what's coming!" But as I tell him, these characters are "living, breathing people" who just happen to live inside me. They have minds and wills of their own.

As far as the message of the novel, I rarely know that until I'm well into writing the book. Sometimes not until the first draft is completely written. Then in rewrite, I go back and strengthen the story and character motivations in that regard.

How has writing this book impacted you personally?

God met me at so many turns in this story. But the ultimate truth that he engraved on my heart as I wrote Colors of Truth is to tell the truth. Always. No matter the cost. That means telling the truth to myself, to others, and to him. Because he IS truth.

How many books have you written to date with Colors of Truth's publication?

Seventeen. All historical fiction/romance. Seven are written against the backdrop of Colorado history, ten about real Southern history. The ten Southern novels are set against the authentic history of three antebellum mansions in Nashville—Carnton, Belle Meade Plantation, and Belmont Mansion—and the people who lived and worked there.

What is your favorite thing about writing? And also your least favorite?

Favorite thing? Readers. Hands down.

Second favorite? Having written.

Least favorite? Writing the first draft. I'm a writer who lives for rewrites!

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

Every "no" along the way is really part of God's final "Yes!" when his perfect timing is reached. It's true in writing and it's true in life. God will never lead you to something but what he will not also equip you to do it. His faithfulness never ends!