Interview with Faith D. Cox & a Giveaway

I’m pleased to introduce Christian Fiction author, Faith D. Cox, to you this week. She’s sharing about her contribution to the Novelists in November anthology, My Heart Still Sings. Be sure to leave a comment below by Tuesday, November 26, for a chance to win a paperback of the book. (US winner only)

Welcome to the Hope-filled Fiction blog, Faith. Tell us about yourself and your family.

Thank you, Deena, for hosting me on your blog. I am a minister’s wife and mother of two grown daughters. I was born and raised in Texas, and it is home to our family. I have a tutoring business where I tutor students in math, reading, writing, and English, and I am an author and a produced screenwriter.

My short story My Heart Still Sings in Novelists in November anthology is my second short story to write and second to be published with my daughter Andrea Renee Cox. We are a family of writers. My husband, Richter, has a couple of books he has written, and Andrea Renee Cox is currently working on novels. My younger daughter Kristy has also shown a talent for writing, but it doesn’t fit into her schedule at the moment.

It’s great to share such a wonderful passion with others in your family. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer and a teacher. 

How wonderful that you’re doing both! Who was your favorite book character as a child and why?

One of the earliest characters I recall reading is Amelia Bedelia. She always brought laughter as she took to tasks literally. At such a young age, I knew it wasn’t how the chores were supposed to be performed, but it was a great concept to read how someone could misunderstand and perform their duties so literally. It was great entertainment! 

How and when did you start writing?

When I was in fourth grade, the class received an assignment to write a story. I thought that was so exciting! I carried a spiral notebook and pen with me and wrote my first story. I knew then that I wanted to be a writer.

A sweet memory. What genre do you write and what inspired you to write that particular genre?

When I began tutoring, the Lord led me to tutor in a variety of subjects, not just one. The same is true with writing. The Lord has led me to write in a variety of genres. I have found a joy in writing contemporary Christian women’s fiction, romance, young adult, and tragedy short stories along with children’s and middle grade books. The Lord has also recently been speaking to me about writing devotional and inspirational books in the near future and possibly diving into a full-length novel in the more distant future. 

God is my inspiration, always. Without Him, there wouldn’t be any of these stories. I have been called to share God’s love to encourage, inspire, teach, and entertain through the creation and penning of stories and devotionals.

I also write family-friendly, heartfelt screenplays. I have a short screenplay, You’ll Remember Me, that was released October 4, 2024, which can be viewed HERE. I also have a feature screenplay that is currently in pre-production. The Lord has also blessed me with 36 awards, including having scripts nominated for “Best Role for a Leading Woman,” “Best Ensemble Cast,” and “Humanitarian” awards.  

Congratulations on your success, Faith! Tell us a little about Novelists in November.

Novelists in November is a Christian short story contemporary and historical collection with each story taking place in November with a character being a novelist. It features eleven emotional tales of authors finding their calling in Christ to share hope, joy, and inspiration with others.

Sounds like a cool concept. What do you hope your readers take away from Novelists in November?

With the book release being November 19, 2024, I haven’t had an opportunity to read all the stories yet, so I can’t speak as to what they all bring to the readers. With my story, My Heart Still Sings, I hope readers see the encouragement, resilience, and hope to apply to their own lives. 

Hard times, and even difficult changes, sometimes life-changing, may come to each of us, but with God’s help, we can endure and strive to always be the best He wants us to be. I also hope the story will help readers be more aware of those struggling around them and be a part of their support system. Together, we can all do our part in creating friendships and better communities. 

I love that. What was the hardest scene to write?

Oh, an emotional one between Kaylee and her coach—but I can’t give specifics because it will give too much away of the story.

We’ll just have to read it, right? What is one of your favorite quotes from your story in the anthology?

A favorite quote from My Heart Still Sings is when Coach Bennett tells Kaylee, “Success isn’t always measured in gold, silver, or bronze.”

Amen to that. How do you incorporate Christ and hope into your writing?

I pray about my projects and seek God’s will and words for each one. Each character is unique, and every story reveals Christ’s love and hope somewhere between the front and back covers through the characters’ journeys. 

Hope and love … just the kind of stories I enjoy reading. How do you balance writing with your other life and family obligations?

I fit writing in whenever I can throughout the day if the day allows it. I normally find my best writing time is when everything has settled down for the evening, so I’m able to accomplish the most with my writing late evenings into early morning hours.  

Do you enjoy marketing and social media? Which platform are you most active on? 

Yes, I do enjoy marketing and social media. I hand out bookmarks, and sometimes other swag, personally while I’m out running errands. I’ve met some really great people through personal marketing! I also post on social media accounts. Other than my website and blog, I am most active on Twitter, now known as X.

Join the conversation. Who was your favorite book character as a child? Does an anthology focused on novelists as the main characters sound interesting to you? Are you a fan of short story anthologies? Do you have any questions or comments for Faith?

Be sure to comment below by November 26 for a chance to win a paperback of Novelists in November anthology. (US winner only)

Please share Faith’s interview on social media to help spread the word about the anthology’s release!

If you missed my spotlight on Misty M. Beller last week, find it here.