Today I welcome author Aubrey Taylor, and she has generously offered the opportunity for one lucky person to win a free book. Please read through to find out how to enter.

Sometimes, people who are “in the know” say that the first book you write is the deepest, truest expression of your heart. On the other hand, I have also heard people claim that you should not publish the first book you’ve ever written. If the latter is true, this advice came far too late for me to heed it. Besides, in my mind, God had given me something to say. I wanted to be sure it was heard.

             Whatever the truth is, this post is devoted to my first novel, Sani: The German Medic, a German-perspective story of the Second World War, which will be made available in audio format from Amazon, Audible and iTunes this month.

In my kitchen, an idea was birthed that I simply could not resist. Although I wrote almost constantly as a child, I had only once endeavored to write creatively since reaching adulthood. This was fresh, fascinating, and urgent, however. Ideas were pouring out left and right, and my fingers could barely keep up as I typed late into the night. I pored over research and background reading.

Yet there were limitations. What, exactly, are Christians allowed to write about? In hindsight I think I erred too far on the side of safety. If I were to tell you some of the things I pulled out of that book, you’d be surprised. If I ever re-release a second edition, a lot of them are going back in. Because this is life. Let’s be honest with each other.

Secondly, I know that the book is heavy on religious themes. When I wrote it, I knew it was going to fall definitively into the Christian historical fiction genre, but again, in hindsight, I feel like there is a lot that may alienate readers who are not of like faith. Although there have been a number of people of different faith backgrounds that have enjoyed it, I wish there were more. A message of hope, of doing good when placed in the most adverse circumstances, looking past the politics and the prejudice of life, and of forgiveness? We all need that.

Also, I think I’d clean up some of the sloppiness which betrays my status as a novice author. Yet the positive reviews stand as proof that God loves to work through our weaknesses. I’m excited and a little awed when people tell me they loved the book, especially when they say how real Frederick and the other characters were to them.

The upcoming audio edition is a masterful performance by Derek Shoales, and complements the inadequacies I still see in the written text (we are our own worst critic, of course!) It is amazing to hear my characters, and the story, come to life. The German accents. The slight Scotch brogue Hannah inherited from her mother. The sheer drama of Frederick Smith’s intense emotions.

Giveaway: Leave a comment, and we will randomly draw for one lucky person to win either a print copy (US only), ebook, or audiobook (if available). Include your email address so we can contact you. Comments without an email address will not be included in the drawing. Cleverly disguise your email address so the bots don’t find you. For example: donna AT livebytheword DOT com

Getting to know Aubrey: 

·      What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful? If you have already read Sani: The German Medic, or The Prodigal Sons, share them! If you are local, consider sharing them with your book club, minister, or local library. I would love to come and share, or set up a table and do a book signing. And please consider posting a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub!

·      What can your readers expect from you next? I am already working on Book 3 of the Gott Mit Uns series. It picks up where The Prodigal Sons (TPS) left off, because the two books were originally intended to be one novel. I’d also like to see TPS become an audiobook in the near future!

·      What do you enjoy most about writing? I have always enjoyed history. At seven, I began wishing I’d lived in the 1940s. I know, that statement sounds ignorant to anyone who actually lived through that time, especially because I have dear friends who actually did experience the period of German history about which I write. I’m the kind of person that needs a “deep inner life,” and my Schmidt family is as real to me as anyone that lives under my roof. Ask my daughter, she thinks I’m nuts! But, I enjoy the opportunity that writing affords: to live in an alternate reality on a regular basis! I hope this little bit of foolishness on my part makes the story better for my readers!

About Aubrey: 

After creating stories prolifically as a child, Aubrey experienced a renewed interest in writing as she entered her 40s. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children, and enjoys reading, playing music, crafting, sketching, exploring the outdoors, and traveling whenever possible. She is a lover of Jesus, the Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats, and has a special heart for those who struggle with severe anxiety and depression.

Connecting Online:

https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com

https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/

https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks

https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/

Find her books:

Sani: The German Medic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096SWZKZP

The Prodigal Sons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCX7NF5Q