Award-Winning Author Interview with Terry Overton

Can you share a little about your recent book?

The Journey, book five of The Underground Book Readers, was released in December. This is a Christian futuristic action-adventure book with a dystopian feel. My hope is this series reaches readers who like a bit of (clean) science fiction but who might not choose Christian books. Through the books in the series readers will learn wholesome family values, the importance of friendship, Old and New Testament Scripture, and United States and World History. In this series a group of preteen and teen characters live in a world where books are banned, schools destroyed, and churches burned. Most adults have been taken to work camps or to serve in the military. The teens find each other, survive by helping each other, and hide forbidden books and Bibles deep in a cavern of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  Throughout the series, the group decides to make the world a better place by escaping the rule of the World Force and establishing their own new settlement.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

As a retired educator, I write from a Christian worldview to provide children, teens, and adults, with new information and to especially draw each reader closer to Christ.

How long have you been writing?

My first short story for a competition in elementary won a blue ribbon. I have been writing all my life. Before I retired from teaching graduate students at the university level, I wrote nonfiction researched based books and articles. After retirement, I began writing Christian fiction.

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

I am both traditionally published and have self-published. My first traditional publisher contract was over forty years ago in the field of education. In the past six years I have been traditionally published and self-published.

Which of your books is your favorite?

The book that is the most special to me is Legends of the Donut Shop. It was written and dedicated to my parents. This book was at the editor when they both passed away from Covid. They had seen the book cover but did not get to see the finished book.

Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?

My favorite character is the grandfather in Legends of the Donut Shop. The grandfather was based on my father.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

Legends of the Donut Shop has won the most awards of all my books. It won the Christian Indie Award, the Mom’s Choice Award, the American Writing Award, and several other awards. These awards are special for different reasons. The Christian Indie Award is special because it is given to Christian authors who are self-published. The American Writing Award is judged only by fellow authors. And the Mom’s Choice Award is unique because a book must meet certain “mom” and family friendly criteria.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Lately, working on the teen series, The Underground Book Readers, it has taken about four months to complete each first draft. Rewriting and going through several rounds of edits takes another two months or more.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

Unlike many writers, I write in long spurts and several days of time off in between. My writing days consist of long days. I write for several consecutive days and consecutive weeks until it is finished.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

I am not sure if it is a quirk, but some of my ideas seem to begin out of the blue. I might be awakened at 3:00 AM and will get up and begin writing. I believe this is a gift provided to me.

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

Hands down hearing from readers! Love to chat on Facebook, get Christmas cards, and meet them at book signings. I try to stay in touch with as many readers as possible.

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

Maybe not a dark moment but frustrating moments happen during self-publishing. I first had to learn various platforms and how to work within parameters.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

I have not counted rejections but have had many. Rejections are often form letters or emails. After a rejection, I submit again elsewhere.

Where do you get your ideas?

Some creative ideas begin, as stated earlier, in the middle of the night. Other ideas for characters or plot twists, might come from observations or be based in part on people I know. Some ideas are based on my own life experiences. A story of a near-death experience was based upon my own near-death experience after complications during surgery.

Who is your favorite author to read?

I have many authors whose work I enjoy. I read books written by my Christian author friends as well as authors like John Grisham, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

Don’t wait until you retire to start writing! If you are a writer, write every chance you can.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?

In reviewing books by new authors, I have seen some amazing books. I have also read many books with editing mistakes and others with character or plot inconsistencies. Be careful and let others read your work before you submit or self-publish. Always use a professional editor before you submit.

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

If you cannot find an agent or publisher, hire experts (editors, cover designers, etc.) and publish it on your own.  Over thirty percent of all ebooks sold are self-published and the numbers continue to increase.

Also, feel free to include: book cover image(s), where book(s) can be purchased, and social media and website links.

You can find Terry’s books on Amazon

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.