About the Author
TIA MCCOLLORS is a national bestselling author who secured her spot in the publishing industry with the release of her debut novel, Zora’s Cry. She received her B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina. After ten years as a public relations professional, Tia emerged as an inspirational speaker and author of faith-based novels. Her other titles include The Truth About Love and A Heart of Devotion. She continues to pen inspirational works and is currently writing a series of children’s early reader chapter books targeted towards girls, ages 7-9.
In addition to being a novelist, Tia is a motivational speaker and instructor for writing workshops. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers organization, and serves as the vice president of Visions In Print. Tia was voted as the Breakout Author of the Year by the Open Book Awards of the African American Literary Awards Show.
Tia lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area with her husband and son. For more information, visit her online at http://www.tiamccollors.com/.
List your published books:
Steppin’ Into The Good Life, The Last Woman Standing, The Truth About Love, Zora’s Cry, A Heart of Devotion, A Million Blessings (An Anthology)
Which book did you find the hardest to birth?
My first novel, A Heart of Devotion. I questioned whether I was a good writer, if I had an interesting story to tell, and I wondered if anyone would actually read it. At the time, I didn’t have the confidence in my writing, my calling, and my purpose that I do now. Once I completed my first novel it gave me an extra boost of confidence. After I wrote the first book, the others were easier (not easy, just easier!). When you start at page one, you know that if you keep writing, you CAN get to the end.
Which book is your current favorite?
I wouldn’t say Steppin’ Into The Good Life is my favorite, but it’s definitely the one that’s getting the most attention and love right now. It’s the newborn in the family. I always compare my books to babies when people ask which is my favorite one. I love all of my books equally, but differently, based on the joys and blessings they bring to my life.
How would you describe your writing style?
I think I write books that are like watching or talking to some of your close girlfriends. My books touch the hearts of women – because they touch my heart. I can also tell by the emails I receive from readers when they share a testimony or personal story that somehow relates to one of my novels. My books are about real situations and have characters whose faith is being challenged. That’s why I often describe my books as a sweet blend of faith and fiction.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind?
So this is the thing. I can’t sing a lick, but I wish I could! With that being said, I don’t listen to music that much when I’m writing because I end up doing more singing than writing. Lately when I listen to music, it’s mostly instrumental if I’m in a writing flow. If it’s not instrumental, it’s Israel Houghton or my all-time favorite, Fred Hammond.
Tell us anything about you as a writer that you think might be interesting or unusual.
I’ve been asked that question before, and I didn’t have an answer. This time I thought quite a bit about it, and the only thing I could think of was that when I’m planning to do have some serious writing time, I always do a “spring cleaning” to my house. I think it has to do with “cleaning clutter” in my mind.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Keep writing until the end, even if it’s not your best. In fact, your first draft WON’T be your best. But you can’t edit or revise blank pages.
Writers are often encouraged to write what they know. Have you found that to be the case with your writing?
Somewhat. There’s a small part of “me” in each of my books, but unless you’re one of my close girlfriends, you wouldn’t know what it was.
About the Book
Shelia Rushmore thought she’d be the last woman standing when it was time to fight for her man. Instead Ace, her boyfriend of two years, chose to reunite with his ex-wife, leaving Shelia emotionally devastated. It’s a year later when Sheila is convinced that sneaking into their wedding ceremony will put closure on the gaping hole in her heart.
But it’s on the back pew of the church where a new relationship begins for Shelia. She can’t explain the touch she received from God on that day, but she’s determined to be a better woman-a woman of faith. Since high school, Shelia has been chasing her definition of the good life – it’s left her with no home, no man, and no money. But now that’s she’s living life for God, things should get better, right? Shelia learns that living a faith-filled life isn’t always easy.
With faith, tough love, and some tough decisions, Shelia realizes that the life she’d been praying for she could have for herself is actually attainable. Being wrapped in God’s arms, she decided, was by far the safest place she’d ever been.
Book Review
Steppin’ Into the Good Life by Tia McCollors is a very good book and an interesting read. It is the follow up book to The Last Woman Standing. I did not read the first book and I thought that I would be lost and have a difficult time knowing all of the characters; however Steppin’ Into the Good Life can carry its own.
Shelia Rushmore is trying to get over and move on from a previous relationship that she thought was going to be her happily ever after. When she finally gets closure with one relationship she starts another one with God. Shelia soon realizes that all of the things that she was chasing were not going to truly give her the good life that she desired.
She thought that what she really needed was a man in her life a high paying job and nice home to make her happy. Shelia slowly understands that there is only one thing and one relationship that will truly make her happy and that was her relationship with God.
Shelia has always chased after the good life but it always seemed to be just out of her grasp. With her new found faith, she begins to step into a new season and realizes that with God she is truly stepping into her best life.
Tia McCollors wrote a thought provoking book that challenges you to let go of your baggage and be open to what God has for you. Don’t let unresolved issues keep you from stepping into the Good Life.
Reviewed by Janette Malcolm
Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BooksaMillion.com, Christianbooks.com
For More Information
• Visit the author online at http://www.tiamccollors.com/.
• View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/SteppinIntotheGoodLife
