Today’s special guests are writing duo, D. Tina Batten and Traci Wooden-Carlisle to chat about their new Christian fiction fantasy, The Prayer Warrior.
During their book tour, Tina and Traci will be giving away a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn participant. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit their other tour stops and enter there, too!
Bios:
D. “Tina” Batten is a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter and Mima to her grandchildren. She is a gifted visual storyteller who is passionate about bringing encouraging messages of inspiration and hope to the world.
Tina Batten, a writer for over eighteen years of various dramatic works of performing art via stage, and film, encompasses unique ways of creating fascinating story concepts that touch the heart of most who view or read her work. She is both honored and thrilled to have teamed up with long-time friend, sister in the gospel and co-author Traci on this phenomenal collaborative book project. With such a humble heart and desire to bring people together in love and unity, Tina Batten will continue her work as a visual storyteller spreading the good news of Jesus Christ one project after the other.
As Always, D. “Tina” Batten gives God All the Glory!
Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing to publish in 2011 and enjoys writing stories that provoke thought and evoke emotions. Her desire is to draw readers into the lives of her characters and share messages of God’s love, His faithfulness and peace. The messages in her books speak to her way before they speak to her readers.
Traci lives in San Diego with her husband, David. When she isn’t writing she does some light traveling or assists people with their physical fitness, creates graphics, designs pretty things for her jewelry business and swag for authors.
Welcome, Ladies. Please tell us about your current release.
The Prayer Warrior revolves around a Christian Academy student counselor named Ms. V. who lends an ear and wisdom-filled advice during the day. Then battles for the souls of the students and staff in her dreams at night. It takes intercessory prayer and spiritual warfare to another level.
What inspired you to write this book?
Sister Batten and I had been wanting to collaborate on a writing project for over a year before we could free up our schedules. Once we found the time the idea wasn’t hard to find since D. Tina Batten and I both have experience with intercessory prayer and spiritual warfare. Of course, there were dramatizations and scenes added for entertainment but we both believe that prayer changes things.
Excerpt from The Prayer Warrior:
The mist settling over the earth was about five inches high. It nearly obscured the ground in front of her as far as her eyes could see. She was reminded of mud-covered battlefields with little to shield one from enemy fire.
The clouds hung low, making the whole scene look like something out of an apocalyptic dream. The fallow ground before her was vast. It was a wasteland, offering only the promise that nothing would ever grow there again. The desolation could have gone on forever, except for the demonic presence that lined itself up like a dirty barrier of windows used to dim and conceal what was on the other side.
She felt them, though. She felt each and every one of the children held in bondage on the other side of that transparent demonic force. The thought brought to mind a scripture, and she looked down at the writing on the sword in her hand. She could have spent time thinking about how odd it was that she didn’t remember taking a sword with her, but there were more pressing matters, and she was happy to have the weapon to wield.
She began reading the inscribed scripture out loud, her voice ringing across the barren land slick with mud. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,”
As the words left her lips, they solidified in the atmosphere, charging toward their mark like a spear. They reached the barrier, causing it to shift and ripple but not tear.
What exciting project are you working on next?
We are planning out the next book in this series and are really looking forward to delving into Ms. V’s best friend, Madison’s world and her spiritual growth.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
D. Tina Batten: As a person of faith, I am inspired by the Lord. It is my destiny to be a writer. As a child, I enjoyed writing short stories. I won a few essay contests, but sports and performing arts always came first. It wasn’t until I turned my life over to the Lord when my writing skills and interest in writing truly manifested. I’ve been trying to perfect my craft ever since. I started out as a playwright, then screenwriter and now novelist. In doing so, I am fulfilling my purpose in life.
Traci Wooden-Carlisle: Even though I started writing stories to myself when I was young, I don’t believe I considered myself a writer until I began writing to publish in 2011.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Neither of us write full time. Sister Batten works outside of the home full-time and judging from our phone calls, which usually happen in the evening for me and almost midnight for her, she does a great deal of her writing at night.
I, Traci, run a business that keeps me going most of the day. Since I am a night owl, I will usually write at night.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I like writing with fingerless gloves.
D. Tina Batten: When I get really sleepy I get silly, especially if I am on the phone with Traci at that time. We had so many late night giggle fests as we sorted out plots.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Traci Wooden-Carlisle: As a child I wanted to be a writer. I thought, “What could be more fun than giving people the gift of an adventure right where they sat.”
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
D. Tina Batten: I consider myself to be a visual storyteller of stage, film and now books. My motto is to encourage, and inspire readers and viewers with every project. I love storytelling!
Traci Wooden-Carlisle: I am a panster and even though I share my stories with the masses, I still write to entertain myself. I like getting into my characters’ heads and finding out how they tick.
Links:
YouTube | Amazon | Facebook – Traci | Website | Twitter | Instagram
We appreciate you featuring today’s authors. Thank you.
The cover looks great. Thanks for sharing.
It truly is a great read. Traci and I wrote the book with the reader in mind. Every page will have something of great interest on it as you follow the journey of Ms. V.
Sounds like a very good book.
Sounds like a good read.