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What can you tell us about your new release, Plain Roots?

This is the story of a woman searching for her roots and for the family she’s never known. Her quest leads her to the Amish country and a surprising connection to the Plain people. She soon discovers that no family is perfect, and even in this idyllic setting, secrets and tragedies abound.

The story is set in one of my all-time favorite ‘happy places’ —the Amish countryside in Lancaster County, PA. To make certain the details were right—and to show the utmost respect for the Plain community—I had the book proofed by a local Mennonite woman, who in turn proofed some of the details with her Amish friends.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always loved reading and creating stories in my head. As a child, I loved the Trixie Beldon and Little House on the Prairie series, and I dreamed of one day writing my own stories.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

How can I limit that to just 5?

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

My first guest(s) would be an avid reader who could share what he or she finds so magical about books. After all, without readers, there would be no reason to publish my works.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

Meeting so many new friends—those I create, and those who read my creations.

What is a typical day like for you?

I try to spend the morning writing and/or researching, but there are so many distractions—the phone, the internet, the lure of social media… Afternoons have the added distraction of appointments, the welcome distraction of family, and so much etcetera. If I’m in the middle of a book, my husband will encourage me to squeeze in a couple of more hours of writing after dinner.

What scene in Plain Roots was your favorite to write?

Probably a scene in Chapter 30, when Taryn, the protagonist, hides in plain sight as an Amish woman working a roadside stand. She teams up with young Deborah, who artfully dodges the truth and keeps Taryn’s identity safe.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

My books may not change someone’s life. But they may change someone’s day—and sometimes, that’s just as important.

Becki Willis is the author of the new book Plain Roots

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What can you tell us about your new release, Into Colors?

Into Colors is the great longing everyone carries around with them but has a hard time sharing -- the longing to be accepted, loved, understood. Through the eyes of the Mire family, this longing is brought to the surface as every character is given a chance to express what they truly want and desire. Although not all of these wants and desires are realized throughout the course of the book, I wanted to give them a chance to be seen and heard.

The book is named Into Colors because of this and my desire to share and open up conversations with people that might allow us to "color ourselves in", giving us the opportunity to finally say who we are and what we truly want.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

First and foremost, the love and support of my family and friends. Without them, I would know nothing of the courage and strength I am now able to find in my life.

In addition to this, my own struggles with addiction and Bipolar have allowed me to become a more empathetic person and seek a more disciplined and honest lifestyle that is better able to adapt to and contribute to the society I so desperately wanted to be a part of when I was actively using and not taking care of myself.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

1.) Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
2.) All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten - Robert Fulghum
3.) Dune - Frank Herbert
4.) Desert Solitaire - Edward Abbey
5.) Intelligent Investor - Benjamin Graham

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

This is a very difficult question. However, I would like to interview Viktor Frankl. His unique life experiences and ability to persevere and continue to grow after the camps amazes me. I would very much like to learn from him and get his opinion on many subjects and possibly some therapy!

What's your favorite thing about writing?

Writing has always been the most complete way I can express my feelings. If I do not write it down, it does not feel like it is fully me.

What is a typical day like for you?

Typically I wake up in the afternoon for my first job at Starbucks and then I will work until early morning for my third-shift job teaching ESL. In the times between I am soaking up as much time as I can with my fiancee, friends, family, and books.

What scene in Into Colors was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene was incorporating my best friend, Chuck into my book. He was my very best friend and mentor and always encouraged me to self-develop and look out for others. It was an honor to find such a natural place for him in this book with a similar role and function. It is wonderful to have people we can celebrate in our lives.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

"Don't take yourself too seriously"

Trevor James is the author of the new book Into Colors.

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