I love to read and I love to read books by new authors, especially ones I know personally. I’m starting a new feature today called “The Reading Nook…” to highlight authors who have new books coming out in the near future. Today I’d like to introduce you to my good friend Martha Fouts, who’s debut book will become available on Amazon tomorrow!

1. Tell us a little about yourself…
I’m currently in that phase of life where I feel like the only description that applies to me is MOM! I have three awesome boys, and I’m usually cooking for them, cleaning up after them, or taking them to church or a sports team practice or game. Other than a mom, I’m also a wife to a wild and crazy always-on-the-go pastor. I’m also a teacher. I teach sixth grade reading, which is awesome, since I love middle school kids and reading!

2. This is your very first published book, what inspired you to become a writer?
I have wanted to be a writer since I was a senior in high school. I love creating a whole universe and filling it up with people and making things happen – hmm… maybe I love writing because it makes me feel like I’m in control of my own little world! (insert evil BAHAHAHA laugh here)

3. What age group do you write for and why?
I love writing for middle school students for many reasons. For one, I love reading books on that level myself. Another is that my boys are middle school age, and my students are as well. Probably the biggest reason I love writing for middle schoolers is that I believe it is a very important age. I think that is the age when most people decide who they are going to be in life.

4. What is your first book about?
I’m so glad you asked! It’s about Sarah Grace, an eighth grade girl with big dreams. She is preparing for a singing contest. The winner of this contest will get a recording contract, and SG (that’s what her friends call her) really wants to win. She has three friends who are also singers and also want to win the contest. This is the story of how these girls become friends, have fights, make up, and cheer each other on. The Cool Springs Girls learn that friendship is more important than stardom, and that they can do all things through CHRIST who gives them strength!

5. Where did you get the idea for your book?
I got the idea for this book from my students. I had a group of sweet girls in my class last year, and I wrote this book about them. Also, some of the stories from the book are real stories from my own middle school years.

6. What do you hope young girls learn from this book?
I hope they learn to set goals and work to achieve them, to notice when others are hurting and be a real friend, to stand up against bullies, and most importantly, I hope that girls who don’t know God will become interested in finding who out He is.

7. This is the first in the Cool Springs Girls series. Have you started Book 2? If so, can you give us a sneak peak?
I’m glad you asked this question, too! Yes, I have started Cool Springs Girls 2! It is “Brianna’s Story.” In CSG 1, Brianna is SG’s best friend, and CSG 2 is told from Brianna’s point of view. CSG 2 is about the annual Cool Springs Beauty Pageant, and you think the singing competition is rough? Well, just wait till you read about the Beauty Pageant! 🙂

8. What advice would you give to other aspiring writers?
Other aspiring writers should just write! Don’t worry about getting published or not being good enough – let the Lord take care of all of that. Just write what God has placed on your heart to write. Then, pray about it and He will find a way for the right readers to read it.

9. What writers inspire you and why?
My favorite author is Anne Tyler. Her characters are so complex and authentic. I own every one of her books and read them over and over. I am so happy every time she comes out with a new book.

10. What is your favorite book of all time and why?
Oh my goodness, that is such a hard question! I have tons of favorite books. Can I give you a list of my favorites instead? To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hunger Games, Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, Breathing Lessons and Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler, The Great Gatsby, Bait of Satan by John Bevere, Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, The Confession by John Grisham, and of course my all-time favorite is the book that is Alive, The Bible!

Thanks, Martha! We look forward to reading it (I have already and it’s wonderful!) and look forward to seeing more from you in the future!

You can preorder “Cool Springs Girls: Book 1: Sarah Grace” right now by clicking HERE.

If you have a new book you’re working on and would like to have it previewed here, please send me an email!