Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Edwards. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Stephanie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
My husband and I adopted our dog, Shadow, seven years ago, right before we took a trip to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, near Charleston. We weren’t sure if she would bark and disturb neighbors, so we opted to rent a cute cottage one block off the ocean instead of staying in a condo or hotel room with shared walls.
What we didn’t anticipate is the spooky environment that awaited us in the backyard. Ancient oak trees, draped in Spanish moss, cast eerie shadows across the back of the house, and the moss whipped in the wind like fingers daring us to enter the enclave. I knew the moment I stepped foot into this foreboding environment, I’d found a setting I had to write about, so I took on the challenge–writing 10 chapters of my first novel by hand in a small notebook before we returned home from our trip.
Something told me there was a story to be told. I’m so glad I listened! My sixth novel, Charleston Grit releases on April 7!
Stephanie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been writing professionally since I served as the school correspondent for my middle school at my hometown newspaper at the age of 13. I’ve never wanted to do anything else with my life, and seven years ago, I started writing my first novel, which I launched in 2020. I’ve released at least one book a year since then while working a full-time job and promoting my novels at festivals and bookish events in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Kentucky, as well as online.
I’m proud to write strong female main characters who are facing huge obstacles but make it through the chaos with help from their family and friends. My stories also have a bit of romance. All of my books conclude with a happily ever after or a happy for now ending. Everyone deserves happiness, especially when they’re going through such tumultuous situations.
Additionally, I feel called to include Deaf characters in many of my books. My mom grew up with two Deaf siblings, and she taught me American Sign Language at an early age. Having these family members has impacted our lives in meaningful ways, and inclusion of their culture and world is my tribute to them.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I suffer from daily/chronic migraines, vertigo and brain fog. It isn’t always easy to focus on my writing, especially after a full work day for my corporate job. I push through as much as I can. I give everything I do my best effort. If I need to come back to something, I don’t beat myself up. The story will still be there tomorrow; I can come back to it when I feel better.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I try to be genuine in all my interactions both online and in person. Also, I strive to keep my writing style consistent, so readers know what to expect from my books.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephedwardswrites.com
- Instagram: @StephEdwardsWrites
- Facebook: @StephEdwardsWrites
- Youtube: @StephEdwardsWrites
