Keri has answered a few questions for us about herself and her journey to being published.
And the best part is...Keri is giving away a paperback copy of her book! Instructions on how to enter are at the bottom of this post!
Drop by Keri's blog to see to see her interview with me and a chance to win a paperback copy of Rustlers and the Texas Trail!! http://storiesbykerinicole.blogspot.com/2015/01/interview-and-book-giveaway-with-lauren.html
Thank you! I'm 19 years old, a homeschool graduate, and I live on my family’s farm in Ohio. We grow corn, soybeans and wheat; and we raise cattle as well. I love farming—harvest especially is my favorite time of year. I have great parents and two awesome younger brothers, and we all have a blast together! Singing, playing piano, harp and mountain dulcimer are a few of my hobbies, as well as crocheting, quilting, gardening, baking and more! I also enjoy spending time with friends, square dancing, playing cards and volleyball. One of my biggest passions is ministering to the persecuted church. I have had the privilege of serving with The Voice of the Martyrs, which has been an incredible blessing and encouragement to me. I have been reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus Christ, and it is my desire to live my life as a testimony of the One who has given His all for me.
How did you get started writing, and what inspired your book, In Paths of Righteousness?
Towards the end of my freshman year in highschool I was supposed to write an 8-10 page short story. As I began to work on it, I started getting bigger and better ideas and the story line grew immensely. After several weeks—when it became apparent that this was not going to be finished by the end of the school year, and that it would far exceed 10 pages—Mom told me to take as long as I wanted, just as long as I promised to finish it. What she didn't realize was that it would take me over 3 1/2 years! I can honestly say that it was God who guided me to write this book the way that I did. As I grow in my relationship with Him, I realize more and more how important it is for me to share what He has done for me, as well as seek to honor Him in everything that I do. I grew more in my understanding of the gospel during those 4 years than any other time of my life, and I found myself wanting to incorporate those deeper truths into the story. Now that it's all said and done, I marvel at how the Lord has worked in my own life and given me the inspiration to share what He has done for me through this story.
Can you give us a synopsis of your book? In Paths of Righteousness is set in a small Minnesota farming community in the late 1800's. The main character, David Riley, is an enthusiastic, hardworking young man of sixteen with an appetite for adventure...and for truth. Being raised in a family where religion was nothing more than a deeply rooted tradition—but one that none dared to challenge—David finds himself struggling in vain to ever be good enough to please God. |
I would recommend this book for ages 12+. It's written on a level that young teens can grasp, and yet I've had numerous adults of all ages read it and say that they couldn't put it down.
Do you plan to write more books?
Yes, I have started writing a sequel to In Paths of Righteousness. I have ideas in mind for several other stories as well, but we’ll see how the Lord leads.
Where can people connect with you online (social media, websites, blog)?
You can order a copy of my book through my website at: www.storiesbykerinicole.com Follow my blog to stay updated on farm life and what I'm currently writing: www.storiesbykerinicole.blogspot.com
Like Stories By Keri Nicole on Facebook
Become a fan, or ask me a question on Goodreads
Or add me to your circles on Google+: google.com/+KeriNicole7
Thanks for being here with us today, Keri!!
And now, you have an opportunity to win a paperback copy of Keri's book!
Your name will be entered once for each task you do. Leave a comment telling us which ones you have completed.
The giveaway will be open for entries until midnight on Wed. Jan. 28th.
I will announce the winner one week from today on Thursday, Jan. 29th. I will contact the winner after that to work out the details.
-Like Keri's facebook page
-Share the link to the giveaway on facebook (go to Keri's facebook page and reshare the link to the giveaway she has there so she can track the shares)
-Follow Keri's blog, either by email subscriptions or becoming a member
-Become a fan, follow, or ask a question on Goodreads
-Follow on Google+