Orsayor: Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Candice: I’m an army brat, tiny in stature with a whole lot of FAITH. I LOVE food, the silly things in life, I Love Lucy & dance movies. I’m an Emmy Award-winning choreographer/dancer. I got my first job at 12 (working for designers), entered and won my first pageant at 16, worked in radio and as an editorial assistant for the Associated Press. I’m also obsessed with The Five Heartbeats. Seriously. This is random – but that’s my personality: Random & Free.
Orsayor: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Candice: I bleed Pepsi, but writing is my LIFELINE. In elementary school, I wrote my first book – “Renae’s Report Card.” It was donkey drool, but it ignited my passion for telling the story. All of my fears, insecurities, victories, dreams, failures, triumphs & desires began flowing from my pen. Oddly enough – it was fear that kept me from actually publishing a book until I hit my 40’s. I’m much stronger now.
Orsayor: Can you share with us something about Only Tithes Will Tell that isn’t in the blurb?
Candice: Whew – Only Tithes Will Tell isn’t for the RELIGIOUS at heart. It’s not an indictment against the church – but it’s about how the church shouldn’t indict people. The everyday Believer will get that “Tithes” isn’t about tithing at all…it’s about overcoming. I’m an expert at overcoming.
What is the significance of the title?
The title dropped in my spirit & I had to dance across the keyboard to bring it to life. Whether they believe in it or not, the topic of tithing makes folks skin itch. They will either argue or agree. It’s also a riff on two of my favorite things: church & soaps. LOL!
Orsayor: Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
Candice: I did until I realized people call me “Ordered Steps” (my dance ministry’s name). I figured it’s best to stick with what I’m known for & grow from there.
Orsayor: What kind of research did you do, and how long did you spend researching before beginning this book?
Candice: Honestly – I’ve “researched” this since childhood. When I was 14, my oldest brother was murdered. The “church” wasn’t there for my family; that drove us away. I didn’t return until I was an adult. Since then, I’ve experienced/seen enough mess, shenanigans, and church hurt to write at least twenty best-sellers. But I’ve also experienced God’s grace. It’s all in the book.
Orsayor: What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
Candice: I want readers to have something to hang their HOPE on. To know that we might be messed up, but God still LOVES us. That giving up is not an option. And I also want them to see Christian Fiction isn’t dull. Christian doesn’t mean DEAD.
Orsayor: Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers?
Candice: Absolutely! Send A Revival is being tweaked & off to editing soon. I hope the main character – Lazarus will be the first mainstream “Christian” book bae.
Orsayor: How can your readers interact with you?
Candice: Readers give me LIFE!!! I hope my books provide them with LIGHT.
FB: Candice Y. Johnson – Author
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Twitter: authorcandicej
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