It’s time to interview another author I’m acquainted with. Today we have Chris Maday Schmidt. Welcome, Chris. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Chris Maday Schmidt, and I’m a Publishers Weekly Bestselling author and self-professed princess who believes it’s always the write time for real-life fairytales brimming with hope for new beginnings, humor in the messy middle & heart for happy endings. Originally from the Midwest, I relocated to the Southwest with my real-life hero, Bob and daughter, Bailey. I have a bachelor’s degree in Literature, Writing & Film, and my past careers include administrative, editorial and substitute teaching. I’m a member of Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers, and currently reside in Northern Arizona where I write clean & wholesome stories about family, friendship, and faith.
I love to add humor to my writing too. What advice would you give to a beginning writer?
Even though I’ve been writing since I was a young girl, I still consider myself a beginner since my first fictional story wasn’t published until I was in my mid-50s, and my debut novel released after my 58th birthday. But, I think Stephen King’s advice in his book On Writing is key: “read a lot and write a lot.” Also, I highly recommend cultivating a community of support.
Great wisdom. Are you a traditional, indie, or hybrid author? Share a little bit about that journey.
I’m a traditional “late bloomer” author whose writing hopes were deferred, but not denied. My journey began after I graduated from ASU as a nontraditional (older) student and worked as an intern at a beauty magazine, where I gained experience blogging and writing articles. Several months later, I was hired by a commercial trade publisher to write interviews and articles along with my editorial duties, and I also started submitting stories to lifestyle magazines. In 2021, Woman’s World published my first sweet romance, followed by eight more over the years, and I’ve also been published by Chicken Soup for the Soul and Guideposts. In 2023, I entered the Love Inspired Great Author Search contest and my debut Love Inspired novel—A Father’s Vow—was selected for publication. My next book—The Fire Chief’s Surprise—will be available in July 2025.
That’s wonderful. Congratulations! What is your favorite Bible verse?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite Bible verse. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been memorizing scripture passages (I’m up to 55 now) and reciting them during my morning prayer walks. One of these scriptures became the overarching theme of A Father’s Vow—I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust (Psalm 91:2). Then, at the beginning of 2023, while walking through a challenging season, God drew me to a particular verse that’s become an encouragement whenever circumstances threaten to steal my peace: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin (Zechariah 4:10). Finally, the message in The Fire Chief’s Surprise hinges on Ephesians 1:5 and how we’ve been adopted into God’s family through our faith in Jesus.
Those are some great verses. What is the back cover blurb for your new book?
Here’s the back cover blurb for my debut Love Inspired novel, A Father’s Vow, that released in April 2024:
His daughter is his priority…
But is there room for one more?
Dedicated to protecting his daughter and the town of Sweetwater, widower Constable Jack wells will do anything to stop the vandalism at their beloved wildlife preserve—even partner with its new veterinarian. But fighting his attraction to Emerson Parker might be the greater challenge. Soon their on-duty stakeouts evolve into off-duty family outings. But with heartbreak in his past, is he ready to risk a second chance?
Sounds like a great read. Tell us a little about your research for this book.
Both of my books take place in Sweetwater, a fictional town based on a real-life “sanctuary” my husband and I fell in love with while vacationing in Northern Arizona’s City of Prescott. So between online searches and relying on my memory, I’ve been able to relive countless happy weekends spent in High Country.
That’s great. Where can readers find you online?
I love to connect with readers in the following locations:
Website: https://chrismadayschmidt.com
Always the Write Time newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/540452/96340117796423269/share
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisMadaySchmidtAuthor/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/AlwaysWriteTime
Email: info@chrismadayschmitdt.com
