Exclusive Interview with
Tricia Draper
When did you start writing?
I always loved writing. My Mother was a school Librarian, so I was surrounded by books all my life. In school, I could not wait to write English papers. I always enjoyed making the ideas in my head become reality on paper. I began writing professionally as soon as I could. I still joyfully continue on my writing journey.
What makes writing your passion?
It gives me a sense of excitement and purpose. Whether I am writing to help someone in their life journey, or simply having fun with a story, I feel a longing to do it in my spirit and soul. It burns within me, and I am fulfilled when I finish something I write.
How long have you been writing?
Not including school, I have been writing since 1997. I have done mostly short stories until the last few years of turning to Christian guidance. I still enjoy writing the stories that enter my mind.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I was elated! It was a sense of fulfillment. I knew that not only would I enjoy these stories, but everyone else could as well. It was so refreshing to hold that first book in my hands!
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I have written mainly Christian fiction stories. They vary depending on the instance, but they mainly have the same sense of having or finding faith in God. I have published a children's book, also. That was so much fun. I love allowing people to see the joy in all my characters.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I think the marketing is the hardest. It is not easy having a book you know can help someone else, but there's no easy way to get it to them. I know we all have this problem. I wish there were an easier way.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I pray and go to God. He mainly tells me what to write. He helps me in every situation.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Helping people and bringing them joy is what fuels me on. Knowing I can give them something they need or enjoy moves me forward. I would encourage new writers to follow their heart. If they have the passion is takes to stay in this business, they will find their way. Giving up is easy, but there is no reward in the end.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I would tell myself to keep seeking God on His plans for my life. I would encourage all the love and joy I can obtain from Him.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I have had several good reviews. It makes me feel as if I have done the right thing by putting the hard work into seeing the book come to reality. All the blood, sweat, and tears become joyful.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes. I often use real life scenarios to help get my point across.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes. It is what the reader will see first. It is a first impression. It either makes the reader want to buy or walk away.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love interacting with my readers. The feedback they give helps me know I am on the right track.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I feel as if I have done my job. I feel complete. It makes all the hard work worth while.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
My dream is to have our ministry, The Messengers Ministry, large enough to help people around the world. I would love to touch lives of people everywhere.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes, I would. There are grammatical mistakes in some. I have self-published, so when I needed an editor, I did not have one. One book was uploaded before any editing. The main point came through, and everyone else loved it. Mostly personal reasons like that.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
What would you say to your readers?
I would tell my readers that I love them. I pray everyone who reads these books is blessed in some way. They are meant to enjoy the books. I love to encourage them to learn and grow.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in a small town in North Texas. I have been married over 20 years to an amazing best friend and husband. We have one miracle son. I was supposedly unable to have children, but God had a wonderful surprise. My parents live close, and we all get along together joyfully.
What is your day job if you have one?
I work part-time at a small market in town. I stock the shelves and check out the customers. I absolutely love it! I love my customers.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
My husband and I star in and produce videos on the internet about every day life lessons with God. This is part of The Messengers Ministry we have. I write them, and we both speak in them. I also love acting. It is another passion I have. My husband, son and I have skits I have written and perform them in other churches.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I had a very happy childhood. There were ups and downs, but I was raised in a loving home with wonderful parents. I know not everyone can say that, so I know how blessed I am.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I really began writing after my first husband left me. It was a hard time in my life, but writing helped my through. I wrote my first book while on bedrest during my pregnancy.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I think our children need to be taught morals. They lack the understanding about life we had when I grew up. We need to teach them truths and not lies.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
I love contemporary Christian music. Mercy Me is one of my favorite groups.
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