Hello Karen. Congratulations on your new release! Lets talk about you and your book.
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What is your writing schedule like? My writing doesn’t have a set schedule. Last year I worked in Philadelphia for a 6-month contract job, and I wrote most of A Second Chance for Grace on the hour train ride to and from the city. I now work much closer to home, thankfully, but still full-time, so writing has to fit in where possible. I have two teenagers who like to sleep in, so I get a lot of writing done Saturday mornings and Sundays before church. |
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How did you come up with your title? Sometimes titles take a long time to piece together, and sometimes they click. A Second Chance for Grace was an easy title, because the book is all about second chances. None of us follow God perfectly, and He always gives us second (and third, and fourth…) chances to make things right. I’m so grateful God is a God of second chances. Several of the characters in the book are grateful for it as well. Some of the second chances are obvious from the start – Mac becomes a Christian in Following the Sparrows, and A Second Chance for Grace chronicles his journey through his Christian walk. Other characters receive second chances as well, either with God or in relationships with one another. |
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Tell us about your hero and heroine. What makes them likeable? Christopher (Mac) MacAllister is a 34-year-old construction foreman who is quite intimidating at first glance. At 6’4” and full of muscles, he’s bound to get your attention. We first met him in Following the Sparrows, where he gave Adam a hard time for being a Christian. God has since gotten ahold of Mac’s heart, though, and while he still has a long way to go, he’s trying his hardest to follow after God. He cares deeply for his teenage son, and tries to be the best father he can. Susan Montgomery, a fiery red-head in her late 20’s, is the apartment manager for her building. She loves her niece, her friends, her church, and the town of Pine Springs in general. She’s the kind of friend who listens without judging and makes you want to be a better person. She meets Mac toward the end of Following the Sparrows, and instantly wants to get to know more about him. |
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What makes this book special to you? Funny as it may sound, A Second Chance for Grace is the book that made me feel like a writer, even though it is my second. Having it accepted for publication confirmed I wasn’t a “one shot wonder.” I loved writing about the town of Pine Springs, and I didn’t want to say goodbye to the characters in my first novel. I enjoyed watching Mac grow as a Christian, and Susan is a wonderful character – someone I’d love to be friends with in real life. |
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How can readers connect with you? I love to hear from readers! The best way to follow my writing journey is visit www.KarenMalley.com, where readers can learn more about me, the other books in the Pine Springs Series, and read short stories on my blog. Readers can email me at [email protected], or send a letter to PO Box 55, Devault, PA, 19432. I’m happy to answer all questions. I can also be found on Twitter at @KarenLMalley. |
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What is the spiritual takeaway for your reader? It’s never too late for a second chance with God. |
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Is there anything edgy/possibly controversial in your book? A teenage girl becomes pregnant. |
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What is your hero's main character flaw? He tries to live life on his own terms without listening to God, although since becoming a Christian, he’s actively working on changing this. |
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What is your heroine's main character flaw? She holds people to very high standards. |
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What can readers learn from your villain? Money is not the secret to happiness. |
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What makes your hero heroic? He uses his time to help others and make the world a better place. |
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what makes your heroine heroic? She prays for other people and helps them feel at peace. |
thank you and wishing you the best
