I had the pleasure of meeting Sammy Tippit a few years
ago when we were both taking the same writing course. Welcome Sammy!
It's great to have you here to discuss your new book and learn a little
bit more about you. :) How does your faith and spirituality work in with
your writing?
It
is at the core of my writing. I am attempting to write fiction that
doesn’t just add my faith in the story, but my fiction where faith is at
the center of the story.
I can relate to that since I also write fiction. :) How did you develop a 'love of story'?
It
began early in my Christian life. I experienced a personal faith in
Christ while attending the university and found that following Jesus was
an incredibly wonderful adventure. I began writing and speaking about
the adventure upon which I had embarked. I developed a style of speaking
that included telling stories of the things God had done in my life.
When I started writing, it was natural to take the storytelling with me.
A few years ago, I started thinking about fiction. I didn’t have any
idea how to write fiction, but I knew how to tell a story. Once I
learned some of the basics of fiction writing, I found a fun way to
share truths through fiction stories.
That's great, Sammy. When do you fit writing into your day?
I
have a crazy schedule, especially when I’m traveling and speaking. I
try to find “seasons” to write. During those seasons, I write mostly in
the afternoons and edit/write during the mornings.
How long have you've known you're a writer?
I
knew I wanted to write in 1985. I had visited Romania and saw the most
incredible spiritual revival among people who were suffering for their
faith. I was compelled to write their story. I wrote it shortly
thereafter. It was published by Moody Press.
That's
right, you have a number of nonfiction titles you've written as well.
You are a man of many talents. :) You shared that you write Christian
inspirational on the nonfiction side and mystery and suspense on the
Christian fiction side. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book?
I’ve
been traveling back to city (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) where I grew up
during the past few years. My wife’s father passed and her mother became
ill. Thus, I found myself needing to travel to Louisiana on a
consistent basis. South Louisiana has a unique culture, and I thought
it would be fun to write a series of Christian mystery/suspense
thrillers set in Baton Rouge. As I met with some of my high school
classmates, I wondered what might happen to someone who had left the
city and returned after forty-four years. The story began to take shape
in my mind. Also, I became aware of thousands of young people who are
being trafficked in America and thought it would be good to create a
story that highlighted human trafficking in America. The story is not
about human trafficking. It’s about one man’s search for family, but it
highlights trafficking.
I love the cover. What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your story?
The power of forgiveness to heal our deepest hurts and revive our hearts.
Ooh. that's a great theme. What do you plan to work on next?
I
will be writing the second book in the Louisiana Family Mystery series.
It will highlight cyber crime and continue with the same major
characters.
That's wonderful. Where do you get ideas?
Everywhere, everyone I meet.
:) What qualities do you look for in a hero and heroine?
Transparency and authenticity.
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Philippians 1:20, 21. Jesus isn’t just a part of my life. He is my life.
Amen. What does your writing space look like?
I
love to write in coffee shops. And believe it or not, I write much on
airplanes. Because I travel much and no one can contact me on a plane,
it’s a great place to write.
I know your speaking ministry has taken you all over the world. What is the farthest place from home that you've traveled?
Siberia.
That's definitely somewhere I've never been. :) Is there something about you most people wouldn’t know?
I am a little reserved.
:) I'm guessing most writers would say the same thing. Where can readers connect with you?
Thanks
again for sharing your life with us, Sammy. Best of wishes with your
new release. Next week Darlene Franklin will be sharing. Be sure to
leave a comment this month for the chance to win:
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