Angie and I after she took a workshop on photography. Yes, photography.
Do you have mentors in your life? People who have knowingly — or unknowingly — challenged us to improve our life in one way or another. One of my mentors — and friend — is this month’s featured author, Dr. Angela Hunt.
Angie wears many hats — she’s probably designed hats at one time or another. On any given day, her fingers could be flying across the keyboard writing her next award-winning novel, or taking care of her chickens, or painting (as in artwork, but no doubt walls, too), or spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, or lecturing or traveling. Maybe even all in the same day!
Her official bio is no less impressive: Angela is the author of more than 150 published books and has over 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note [which was made into a Hallmark movie], The Nativity Story [which she wrote as a companion to the Hollywood movie], and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and ACFW presented her with the same award in 2019. In 2006, Angela completed her doctorate in Biblical Studies and her Doctor of Theology in 2015 — yes, doctorate! She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs and chickens.
2019: ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award
One would think that Angela set her heart on writing award-winning novels that were loved by millions while in the womb, but, well . . . Rather than me explaining, let’s get to know this NY Times bestselling author and renaissance woman.
What was your inspiration for writing in general—why did you choose writing?
I’m afraid my approach to writing is pretty pragmatic. I became a writer because 1) I wanted to work from home and be with my young kids and 2) I knew that I would have to work, because as a youth pastor’s wife, I needed to help put food on the table. 🙂
Hmm. Really? You may not have chosen writing, but writing definitely chose you!
How has being published been a fulfillment of your dreams?
I’ve never dreamed of being a writer—and frankly, as someone who’s life belongs to the Lord, I’ve always felt a little funny about having dreams. My life isn’t about doing what I want; it’s about being obedient to what HE wants. But I have to say that the Lord has led me through some great experiences that have taught me and stretched me.
The LORD has opened many doors from writing, to painting, to baking, to photography . . . and the list goes on!
What did you read as a child? Or, what did/do you read to your children/grandchildren?
I’ve always been a reader—anything I could get my hands on. In late elementary school I loved GONE WITH THE WIND, JANE EYRE, LITTLE WOMEN, THE NUN’S STORY, and THE SILVER CHALICE. Later I devoured anything by Michael Crichton. I smile now, seeing as how what I write is what I used to love to read.
Loved Jane Eyre and Little Women!
Who is your most favorite character—protagonist or antagonist?
My favorite character is Semi, the gorilla in UNSPOKEN. It was so much fun to create her and she had a sparkling personality. I can’t read her ultimate scene without crying even now.
I know the scene of which you speak. I’m tearing up right now.
What is the story behind The Apostle’s Sister?
THE APOSTLE’S SISTER is about Aya, sister to Paul/Saul, and how her life is affected when her brother becomes a believer.
Fascinating. And I must say, I learned a lot from this book. (Check out my 5-Star Review of The Apostle’s Sister on YouTube.)
What is a question no one has asked you about The Apostle’s Sister and you wish they would? Why?
Angela (circa 1970s) in front of the chorale group’s touring bus in Korea.
Like Aya, I am a singer, and I understand the frustration she felt when she couldn’t sing in public. I used to with a professional group, and I sang all the way through college, but I missed it after I graduated. For me, singing is just another form of communication, but God has taken that urge to reach people and turned it into writing. Now I communicate with my fingertips instead of my vocal cords.
What are you working on now?
Just started a new series that pretty much picks up where the Jerusalem Road series left off. It’s called the Emissaries.
BTW, “emissaries” is the Hebrew/English equivalent to missionaries.
What is the least helpful writing tip you ever received? Why wasn’t it helpful?
I was told—other writers are often told—to stick to one genre. I’d go nuts if I had to write only one thing.
And, dear Readers, aren’t we glad Angie writes whatever the good LORD moves on her to write!
The August’s Author Highlight Giveaway!
Yes! Thanks to Bethany House Publishing and Angie, this month’s giveaway is the COMPLETE Jerusalem Road series — all four books!
Isn’t this exciting! And you could be the winner? How? Well, by entering!* And you can enter up to six times (see below).* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to this newsletter and receive two free gifts from me.
NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*
Check out my YouTubeAuthor Highlight interview with Angie. Because, in the video interview she will answer different questions–including some insights into her debut novel. Plus you don’t want to miss one very exciting little known fact about Angie. By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.*
The Deadline is August 11th!
Author Highlight with Terri & Angie
That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!*
Be sure to tell your friends! See you there!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Angie! It sure was a treat catching up with my friend.
Next month’s Author Highlight is the award-winning and bestselling author Jennifer L. Wright.
Thanks for stopping by! God bless and KEEP READING!
