Angie Brashear ~ Of the Persecuted

Christian speculative fiction author Angie Brashear makes time for writing when she isn’t working or taking care of her family. But, besides writing her debut novel, she also started a publishing company to publish it. It’s all in a day’s work for a girl with a dream, who usually writes at night after her kids fall asleep.

Originally from Rockland, Maine, she and her husband and their three children currently reside in Cameron, Texas.

What inspired your decision to write?

In January 2012, my assistant and I exchanged late Christmas gifts. During the exchange, we discussed the various challenges of our jobs and the “what ifs” of other possible employment endeavors. Cue the violin, right? I mean, a lot of people face stressful situations in the workplace on a daily basis. As we talked, my assistant said, “The longer I work with you, the more I imagine you as an author.” My jaw dropped, for I’d NEVER shared my deepest dream with her or anyone else for that matter. I squeezed the lovely gift in my hands. She smiled and glanced at the journal. “Whenever you’re ready,” she said as she walked out of my office.

So I prayed for the next three months. And then I wrote. I completed the manuscript after seven months of late night writing, having absolutely no knowledge of the writing world. I later had to convert the manuscript from lackluster omniscient narrative to one person point of view. While I don’t profess to write without flaws, I do believe my story will reach lost girls. The journal my assistant gifted to me has been life changing. I’m grateful she allowed God to work through her.

God occasionally sends us on a detour in life—many times blessing us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?

Yes, for the Lord certainly works in mysterious ways. My most recent “Divine Detour” occurred as I began to prepare for the publication Of the Persecuted. I simply could not imagine publishing my story outside of the traditional route. I’m ashamed to admit that I had stars in my eyes for a short period of time. But God humbled me, and now I cannot imagine publishing Of the Persecuted outside of my own indie publishing ventures with 4:13 Publishing. He has plans for my novel and I truly am excited to see them unfold.

Let’s talk about your fiction debut, Of the Persecuted (4:13 Publishing, May 2014). Please tell us about it.

Of the Persecuted is a fantasy with a strong thread of romance geared toward young adult females. The story surrounds an insecure girl who believes she is no more than a burden to the people she loves. But in the midst of physical and spiritual war, and through the loss of loved ones, as well as the turmoil of unrequited love, she discovers her true worth lies in her faith.

It’s also your first venture into indie publishing. Who is the target audience for Of the Persecuted?

Ultimately, my goal is to reach young adult females much like the lost, lonely girl I once was. As a nonbeliever for the majority of my life, I enjoyed reading speculative fiction and it was the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis which ultimately opened my eyes to Christ. My prayer is that my stories will do the same for others. I also hope believers will enjoy the Christian undertones of my work.

What did you learn about life, faith—and publishing—in the process of writing and releasing this book?

Through the publishing process, the Lord has reminded me I should be thankful for the challenges He sets before me. Whether in small things, such as finishing a long run even when I’m out of shape, or in bigger things, such as potentially giving up a childhood dream. His will will be done. And I’m either with Him or against Him.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Pizza. Definitely. For some reason, it reminds me of home.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

I pretend I have musical talent. I love to sing. When I’m alone and no one can hear me.

What verse or story in the Bible best describes your faith journey?

My cross country teammates and I lived by Philippians 4:13 in college. We usually began and ended each day with intense and exhausting distance training. Because we aimed to glorify God with our efforts and attitudes, we focused on allowing Him to work through us. I pray my endeavors as a writer do nothing less. In Him, we can do all things to His glory. The verse remains my favorite to date, without a doubt, and is the inspiration for my indie endeavors.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

Great question! I’ve never been the little girl trying to walk in high heels, but I’m a bit of all the others. Truly, I’d love to just be the girl next door, but life circumstances have catapulted me into the strong, female lead—even when I’ve been reluctant. And writing has forced me to take off my dark glasses because the Lord has called me to use my own personal story to glorify Him. Don’t you love how I’ve answered your question with an overly worded response? Okay, if I have to pick just one … I’m the strong, female lead. LOL!

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

I’ve never had a pet of my own or even wanted one, but my young daughter is now the proud owner of a darling little beagle—Pups. I must admit, he tugs at my heart when his little ears flop around while he’s running through the yard.

Thank you, Angie! It’s nice to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

I’ve enjoyed visiting. Thank you so much for inviting me.

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For more information about Angie, visit her website, or on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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