KRISTI WOODS
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1. Do you have a favorite Bible story? Tell us what about that story captivates you?
I love the story of Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 13) when they scoped out the Promised Land. Caleb and Joshua believed and trusted God, unlike others who saw and experienced the same thing. These other leaders/spies spread a bad report and turned the Israelite community against Caleb and Joshua. Yet the two men persisted. They remained steadfast when abandoned by man, and God displayed His faithfulness. As a result, Caleb and Joshua entered the Promised Land.
2. What inspires your writing most (i.e., your life experiences, nature, something you’ve read, etc.)?
Life experiences play a major role in my story locations and characters. Sometimes, it’s my own or observing others. To recharge my creativity, I read some of my favorite authors to enjoy the cadence of their writing.
3. You’re sent back to school for one year. Which grade would you choose and why?Second grade calls my name. My teacher, Mrs. Oman taught with a stern but creative bent. (She had the best stickers and prizes!) She kept up with me over the years through letters and championing my writing work until her death in 2024. What a special lady!
4. Do you have the plot firmly fixed in your mind before you start writing or do you let the characters speak to you, or some of both?
God seems to download an opening. I work to figure out the rest, but I definitely lean toward plotter status.
5. Who is your favorite author and why?
How about an author/book combo? Here are a few powerhouses for me, although this is not an exhaustive list. TI Lowe’s Under the Magnolias, Karen Kingsbury’s Baxter Series, Francine Rivers’ The Masterpiece, and Charles Martin’s Long Way Gone are all favorites due to strong characters and a story that keeps me turning the pages.
6. How has your favorite author influenced your writing?
All of the above have poured into my journey, even though they probably have no clue! Cadence in their writing as well as characters and the balance of dialog versus description are all things I’ve chewed on thanks to those men and women and their storytelling skills. I’ve also studied some of these books for hooks, tag lines, and back cover copy.
7. You’re required to build a world for your new fantasy romance novel. Which real life location would you use as a model for your world? What would your world include (i.e., dragons, giants, etc.)?
Oh, this one’s hard, because I write contemporary romance and my brain doesn’t really operate in the fantasy world. However, we lived in Hawaii, and there are so many incredible beaches and mountains there. I’d probably set it there and include fairies or angels. Or, both!
8. Do you notice one particular theme in your books? If yes, what is it?
Other than the typical romance’s happily-ever-after, you’ll find a military thread, because I’m the wife of a US Navy veteran. But for theme, I’m not sure yet. Ask me when I’m four or five books in.
9. Share a favorite Christmas memory.
Turning off all the lights in the house except for our artificial Christmas tree. That old tree felt like a member of the family, and those twinkling lights brought pure joy.
10. Are you easily distracted when you’re writing? If yes, what do you do about it?
For sure. I have to have a quiet space or instrumental music--that I don’t know the words to, if it has words. Timed sessions help, an intentionally planned schedule, too.
11. What’s your favorite time and place to write? Do you listen to music or prefer complete silence?
My brain works best in mornings, and I write in my office or, sometimes, downstairs. Music—see question 10.
12. If you could change something about one of the books you’ve written, what would it be and why?
My novel career is just starting, but I’ve been in the freelance, blogging, and gift book arena for over a decade. I never planned to write novels, but now that I’m here, I wish it’d been sooner. However, God has a plan. And I’m sticking to it. (Best as I can.)
13. What book are you currently reading?
Together this Christmas by Beth K. Vogt found space on my nightstand. For nonfiction, I’m reading Refilled: Finding Fullness in God when Life Leaves You Empty by Kristine Brown. For craft, it’s Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker.
14. What one thing would you like readers to know about you?
I’m one of you. And we’re all part of the Almighty’s plan. May what we do, whether it’s write books, read books, or otherwise, bring Him praise.
Thank you for your time and willingness to share your heart with my readers. God bless you as you continue to write for Him!
Kristi Woods, speaker and author, shares stories about Jesus and other heroes through contemporary Christian romance and Christian nonfiction. Find her award-winning work spread widely online and in print, including an upcoming Love Inspired romance, Spark Flash Fiction, Guideposts, and her gift book, 101 Prayers for Military Wives. Kristi, her Desert Storm pen pal-turned-husband, and three (now adult) children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle and have set roots in Oklahoma. There, she keeps a close watch for tornadoes, rich, creamy chocolate, and visits from her grandbabies. Stay updated on new releases and find encouragement for your faith by subscribing at KristiWoods.net.
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