Today I’m happy to share a special interview with Christian author Andrea Renee Cox. I loved having the chance to get to know her better and can’t wait to share our visit with you too.

Andrea has written a short story as part of a collection called Novelists in November. The wonderful thing about a collection of short stories like this is that you can finish a couple in an evening, then go to bed satisfied. It’s perfect for the holiday season! Best of all, the Novelists in November anthology is written specifically by Christian women for Christian women. Each story is rich and nourishing.

And now without further ado, let’s meet Andrea and get on with the conversation.

Born and raised in north Texas, Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical or contemporary, women’s fiction, romance, or romantic tragedy, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as a large dose of prayer and guidance from God—at every turn in the journey to produce the best story of her ability every single time. Her books may be found on her website, and readers are welcome to follow her blog and subscribe to her newsletter for the latest updates in her journey.

To connect with her, visit: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Pinterest | BookBub | Newsletter

Alena: To start us off, let’s hear a little bit about you as a person. What is a verse in the Bible that recently stood out to you?

Andrea Renee Cox: Psalm 33:15 was the verse I finally landed on for “Melting-Pot Thanksgiving.”

“He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.”
~ Psalm 33:15 NKJ

I loved how much it suited Sarah Jones, the leading lady of the story. But I also find it incredible how this verse speaks to each of us. He crafted each of our hearts individually, and He places into them dreams meant solely for us. I especially love that second part: “He considers all their works.” God cares about and considers each of the works we do. Whether that’s writing a story, smiling at a stranger, or lending a helping hand, He sees and considers our works. How neat is that!

Alena: That’s a beautiful verse, and such a good reminder for each of us. It’s too easy to forget at times that God does see and consider each of our works.

Who are some of your favorite fiction authors?

Andrea Renee Cox: This changes from time to time for me, but there are a few authors who seem to be permanently on my list at this point. I’ll include one of my favorite books by them in case your readers and you, like me, love a good recommendation.

• Kim Vogel Sawyer, My Heart Remembers
• Lynette Eason, Life Flight (and the rest of the series)
• Christina Suzann Nelson, The Way It Should Be
• Kathryn Cushman, Chasing Hope
• Tracie Peterson, The Miner’s Lady (but please read the series in order)
• Shannon Sue Dunlap, Love Overboard

Alena: Ooh, I do always love a good book recommendation, and the Miner’s Lady is the only one on that list that I’ve read. Can’t wait to check out the others!

While we’re still on the subject of books, what is one of your favorite fictional books of all time?

Andrea Renee Cox: I’m glad you said “one of” because it’s virtually impossible to narrow it down to just one. My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer has been on my favorites list a long, long time. I love the sweetness of it and how the author keeps me guessing until the final page even though I’ve read the book multiple times. I love a good siblings story, and this one definitely fits the bill as it features Irish immigrant siblings who get separated by orphan-train adoptions and try to find each other once they’re all grown up.

Alena: Sounds intriguing! Adding that one to my to-read list as well.

At what point did you first realize that you wanted to become an author?

Andrea Renee Cox: I first knew that I wanted to be a screenwriter at age sixteen. It took a few years and eight or nine scripts before I switched to writing books. Once I figured out the ins and outs of the different storytelling style, I discovered writing books is one of my favorite happy places. I’m so grateful God has blessed me with the job of my dreams.

Alena: So interesting that you began with screenwriting, and then moved to books.

How have you seen God at work in your writing journey?

Andrea Renee Cox: Oh, He’s everywhere in it! He’s constantly giving me ideas for stories and helping me write the stories. I could never do an ounce of this job without Him.

One of my favorite things about rereading my own stories is realizing that He has used me to write many really great lines—so great that it’s hard to believe I had anything to do with them! That’s when I know it was all Him. I’m telling you, I’m just the pen He chooses to use to create the stories that have my name slapped on the front cover. I’m just along for the ride.

And it’s a spectacular ride!

Alena: I love how you call yourself “just the pen He chooses to use.” That’s a wonderful perspective.

Now let’s turn a little extra focus onto your story “Melting Pot Thanksgiving,” which is part of the Novelists in November Anthology. I just love the colors of this book!

Here’s the description:

Can she create the Imperfect Perfect Thanksgiving?

Sarah Jones has many responsibilities on her plate, but Thanksgiving wasn’t supposed to be one of them. When asked to host the holiday, she can’t push aside the task, even if it means dealing with her mother’s interference. As Sarah juggles meal preparations, a tight writing deadline, and guiding her two foster children through difficult life events, she must also find the courage to buck high expectations and family traditions. 

Will the trials of strained communication, disappointment, heartache, and altered plans strengthen Sarah’s God-given novelist dreams? Will this imperfect yet dutiful daughter find a way to craft the perfect Thanksgiving dinner?

Novelists in November is a Christian short story collection featuring eleven emotional tales of authors finding their calling in Christ and pursuing hope, joy, and inspiration. This anthology contains touching stories from contemporary and historical fiction authors with a mix of romance, women’s fiction, and mystery.

Alena: Where did you get the idea for your story “Melting-Pot Thanksgiving”?

Andrea Renee Cox: From God, of course; He gives me all my story ideas. Other than that, I have no idea! It was the eighth or ninth idea I’d gotten for this anthology, so the origin is simply gone, as they all ran together there for a bit. However, when this idea came to me, I knew it was the one God wanted me to write at that moment. Once I dove into it and discovered that it featured foster kids and family dysfunction and hosting Thanksgiving dinner, I was well and truly mesmerized. Of course, I scrapped the entire first draft and the story had to grow on me, but I knew right away it was a winner of an idea—which is why I didn’t give up and kept powering through draft after draft until it sang. Now it’s one of my favorites!

Alena: Foster kids, family dysfunction, and hosting Thanksgiving dinner all sounds like a combination worthy of a story, all right. What are some of the faith themes your story explores?

Andrea Renee Cox: The faith theme in “Melting-Pot Thanksgiving” is that God places dreams in our hearts and then helps them blossom into reality. I came at this theme from two different perspectives, but to say anything more would spoil a key moment in the story. I hope readers will enjoy discovering how this theme plays out.

Alena: Which character was the most fun to create?

Andrea Renee Cox: I loved creating all the characters in MPT (as I do with all my stories), but the leading lady’s brother, Brian, really surprised me. He came in and owned the joint. I love a character who comes alive instantly like that! All I have to do is type furiously to keep up with whatever they do or say next. Occasionally, I have to rein them in a bit, but this time, I didn’t have to do that—his sister, Sarah, did it for me. Just wait until you see that moment when she slams the fridge door in his face! At that point, I knew I was in for some good brother-sister chemistry. That scene ended up being one of my favorites.

Alena: Now this I’m going to have to read about. Sounds like a great character combination!

What is your favorite line from the story?

Andrea Renee Cox: “Words were impossible today.”

I mean, it’s hard to narrow it down to a single line, and I’m sure there are more profound ones in the mix, but that one resonated so well with me when I wrote it. It sort of summed up the entire first draft, which came out flat as a French crêpe. The story could only get better from there, and when I wrote that line—and every time I read it afterward in the various drafts this story went through—I smiled and thanked God that He kept giving me the words to make this story amazing. Honestly, if it were up to just my guppy-sized memory and me, this short story wouldn’t exist. All the glory truly does belong to Him.

Alena: There have been plenty of days when that line definitely resonates for me, too.

To close our conversation, what do you hope readers will take away from your story, Andrea?

Andrea Renee Cox: From my vast experience as a reader, I know that every reader has their own unique journey with the books they read. I hope that as they read MPT, they will keep their hearts open to whatever it is God would like to whisper to them. I’m sure He’s got a special message in the story that’s meant particularly for them—and He’s simply waiting for them to discover it.

One thing I took away from the story was that no matter what, I’m going to follow God’s nudgings for the long-haul. He’s got the best, most amazing plans for my life, and I can hardly wait to see where all He takes me on this incredible journey.

Be sure to grab your copy of “Melting Pot Thanksgiving” by Andrea Renee Cox in the Novelists in November anthology! This book is guaranteed to so give you the perfect cozy feeling to match the season.

Before You Go . . .

Everyone who enters the blog tour for the release of Novelists in November will receive a free paperback copy of the novel and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Enter the giveaway using the link below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cbb544c922/

Rules

Entrants must be 18+ or have parental permission to enter. This giveaway is open to US and international winners.

To access the rest of the tour schedule, please visit Kellyn Roth’s blog. Thank you for stopping in!

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