Since I’ve begun writing, one of the great things has been the many wonderful people I’ve come across. Jessie Mattis is one of them. Although, I haven’t met today’s author in person, I feel a kinship with her. She has published in different genre’s, something I plan to do. She is a homeschool mom, I was one too. She has a writing shed, something I want! I feel sure you’d like to learn more about her too.
Hello Jessie! I’m excited to begin my first author interview for my blog. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m married to my best friend Chip, and we have three kids ages 14, 12, and 10. We love being together and spending time with extended family too. We have a two-year-old labradoodle (or labradoofus, as my husband affectionately calls him) named Guster. He has the curliest hair of any dog on the planet, and keeping him groomed is a nightmare, but he’s loveable and my kids adore him.
What books have you written so far? I saw you won an award with one of them.
My first book, a middle grade novel called Power Up, was written because I craved good fiction that would show my children how to listen to and lean into the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and I found little t nothing available. I wrote it to fill the gap n what my family needed, and pray it meets that need for someone else too. It came in second in the Selah Awards.
If you’d like to learn more or purchase Power Up click here.
That sounds great! What else have you published?
Last year I contributed a short story in a book called Christmas from the Heart: A collection of Christmas Romances. My story, titled Almost Christmas Again, was inspired by a mash-up of friends and family’s experiences, imagination, and a delightful vacation we once took to Colorado.
Who doesn’t love a good romance? Check it out here.
These both look great. What is your current work in progress? Is it hard to find time to write?
These days I’m working on historical fiction, and my writing is very much inspired by my own family history. For example, I’ll think of a situation my grandmother faced and think, “What if…?” The story takes off from there. Always, the ultimate goal is to inspire others in their walk with God. The hardest part of writing is finding the time! 🙂 As a homeschooling mom of three, my days are full, so I have to get creative to make space for writing.
Do you have a favorite place to write?
Two years ago, my sweet husband, dad, brother-in-law, and a friend transformed our run-down garden shed into a writing shed, complete with mini fridge and coffee bar. It’s one of my favorite places in the world, and it’s the easiest place for me to focus and get my work done.
A writing shed is a huge dream of mine! I’m so happy you have a space like that to write. Another super important question to lots of people…do you drink coffee and how much?
Big fat yes. Black coffee in the morning, mid-morning, and afternoon makes life possible…with Jesus, of course. (And I do make sure to drink lots of water!)
Thanks Jessie for taking the time to share your work with us! I look forward to the historical fiction you’re working on right now. This has been a great first interview for my blog!
If you’d like to connect with Jessie Mattis here are her links.
https://www.jessiemattis.com/ Free e-book here!
https://www.instagram.com/jessie_mattis