When Angie Brashear isn’t working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She’s a fan of speculative fiction and an avid runner, both of which perplex her nonfiction-reading, football-loving husband. Saved in her early twenties, Angie is grateful for the Lord’s presence in all aspects of her life. She is originally from Rockland, Maine and currently resides in Cameron, Texas with her husband and three children.
How to connect with Angie...
Website: http://angiebrashear.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AngieBrashearAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngieBrashear
Purchase: Of the Persecuted
Author Interview | Angie Brashear
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You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
...My “normal” activities surround raising three amazing kids, as well as a career in public education with a focus on students with disabilities. I love to read and I love to run, especially now that my kids are old enough to do both with me. And now I love to write books into the wee hours of the night, after my kids fall asleep. LOL!
How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...When I was in the fifth grade, my teacher read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis aloud to my class. In doing so, she opened my eyes to adventure and possibilities, all the while helping me escape a world of darkness for a short time. At its conclusion, I wondered, Is God real? He couldn’t be, right? For if He existed, innocent young girls wouldn’t suffer the wrath of drunken addicts, or the torment of abandonment. I continued to speculate. Each time God placed believers in my path—a high school teacher, a college friend, and a college coach—my fascination with the possibility grew stronger until the truth stunned me like a slap to the face. God indeed lives in the form of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He rescues. He saves. And He waited for me. Then He embraced me. It all started with a little seed, planted in the empty heart of the girl I once was. A love for reading expanded to a love for writing. A desire to know God became a desire to serve Him, to reach nonbelievers. So I write, in hopes of reaching at least one lost girl.
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...Of the Persecuted is a fantasy with a strong thread of romance geared toward young adult females. The story surrounds an insecure girl who believes she is no more than a burden to the people she loves. But in the midst of physical and spiritual war, and through the loss of loved ones, as well as the turmoil of unrequited love, she discovers her true worth lies in her faith.
...Ultimately, my goal is to reach young adult females much like the lost, lonely girl I once was. As a nonbeliever for the majority of my life, I enjoyed reading speculative fiction and it was the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis which ultimately opened my eyes to Christ. My prayer is that my stories will do the same for others. I also hope believers will enjoy the Christian undertones of my work.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Yes, Zander Costigan. He quickly emerged as my favorite because he battles darkness in a way that tugs at my soul.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...That our true worth lies in faith, in salvation through Jesus Christ.
Back Cover Blurb:
Laila Pennedy awaits death by hanging. For the Rendow Clan rules the Woodlands Region, aiming to slaughter the Faithful. And she deserves to die. But Lars Landre, the man destined to lead the Faithful out of persecution, has other plans hidden behind his rare and mysterious blue eyes. Rescue.
Following the daring escape, Laila seeks the path of a warrior and vows revenge against the Rendow Clan. She embarks on a dangerous journey with Lars, one in which they endeavor to reach the promised safety of a magical village, to train for battle, and to ultimately assure freedom for those with faith in the Maker.
Clashes of weapons and souls. Brutal loss of lives. Unrequited love. How in all the Woodlands will Laila survive?
Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Both. For example, Laila Pennedy’s insecurities are inspired by my own, though her circumstances are quite different.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Seek guidance from the Lord, for His path may be very different than your desires.
You
What is one thing you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing?
...I’m a long distance runner, though I’m not sure most people wouldn’t consider my lifelong passion a relaxing activity. But running relaxes me, clears my mind. As such, it’s a great time for me to seek counsel from God. My cross country teammates and I lived by Philippians 4:13 in college. We usually began and ended each day with intense and exhausting distance training. Because we aimed to glorify God with our efforts and attitudes, we focused on allowing Him to work through us. I pray my endeavors as a writer do nothing less. In Him, we can do all things to His glory.
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Thank you so much for joining us at Thinking Thoughts Angie! What a beautiful testimony of God's goodness and perseverance you shared! I also love how you are focused on reaching teen girls - being a volunteer with high school students for the past 10 years I have a heart for that age group as well. Plus, I completely connect with you on the running aspect! It is relaxing no matter what some may think. I find when I'm running I'm able to put my mind to plotting or story crafting and I hardly notice the miles fly by :) 
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