Check out my guest post on Literarily Speaking today! I talk about the inspiration behind my latest novel, Son of a Soldier. Also, please check out my interview with Literarily Speaking below:
Q: Thank you so much for this interview, Aiken! Can you tell us where you are from?
I grew up in Alabama. I was born and raised in the South...Southern traditions and experiences are what I know, and, though I love traveling, I enjoy writing about a section of the United States that I absolutely adore! It's home...no matter where I am or where I go, this landscape, this way of life is a part of me. My writing is just an extension of me, so, when I write, the southern girl in me comes out. My books are classified as Southern, Christian Fiction. It was the natural fit for me. I’m a proud, Southern girl; I feel led to share my faith through my work, and I have always been inspired by stories about characters who have overcome real-life issues. So, for me, to be able to combine all of those things in Southern, Christian Fiction is just perfect!
Q: How did you come up with the title?
The title Son of a Soldier was inspired by the title of a song that’s lyrics always grab me. The lyrics, “the only one who could ever reach me was the son of a preacher man…the only boy who could ever teach me was the son of a preacher man” are favorites of mine.
Q: They say you can judge a book by its cover. Can you tell us a little about your cover and who designed it?
I designed the cover of Son of a Soldier! I had a distinct vision of an Army green cover with the protagonist, Grant, depicted as a child, standing in his father’s boots, which, of course, represents the coming-of-age story in the novel.
Q: Can you tell us something about your book that would make me run out and buy it?
I can really only say that I feel like this book has a little of something for everyone, and that anyone who reads it will be blessed by the characters you get to know within the story. My books all focus on real life issues and the role that faith plays in everyday life, so I feel like everyone, no matter your age, gender, occupation or current circumstance, can relate.
Q: Are there any messages in this book that you want the reader to know about?
Son of a Soldier is the powerful story of how God used one unlikely, country girl to change the course of history. It seemed impossible to believe that an eighteen-year-old girl from the middle-of-nowhere, Tennessee would have any real significance in the history of our nation…that is until God chose her to make a Godly man out of a flawed, military hero’s stubborn son.
Hailey was a small town, farm girl who had never left her home state of Tennessee. She was a naïve tomboy who possessed an unassuming charm, the power of which she could not comprehend.
Grant was a rebellious Army brat who had seen the world. Glib, sarcastic and self-destructive, he was a loner lost in a world he had never felt he fit into.
They seemingly had little in common, but when two hearts collided, two worlds became one; while Hailey embarks on a beautiful journey of self-discovery in this unique coming-of-age story, Grant travels a winding, dirt road that helps him rediscover a lost innocence and discover a renewed purpose.
Q: What was your most favorite chapter to write and why?
It would be impossible for me to pick a favorite chapter because they are all so crucial to developing the characters and telling their stories, but, of course, there are those great moments in storytelling that, as a writer, you can really sink your teeth into and have fun with. In Son of a Soldier, I really enjoyed the whole Grant and Hailey dynamic as well as Grant’s relationship with his father and with his siblings. Grant Cohen has such a special place in my heart because, as an author, the character has provided me endless inspiration to do what I do; he made the whole book an honor to write.
Q: Why did you feel you had to write this book?
I consider it not only a desire but a responsibility to honor God in my work. We are taught that God blessed each of us with various spiritual gifts. I discovered my passion and aptitude for writing very early on in my life, and I have no doubts that God gave me this gift with a responsibility to use it for His glory. My goals in everything I do are just to be open and willing to be used however God sees fit. If we are not open to what God wants to do with our lives, we will miss blessings beyond anything we could have imagined for ourselves. When I write, I pray for God to give me the words He wants me to say. I want to be a gateway through which God blesses others. I want to plant that seed in the minds and hearts of readers. My books are about life and love, and I can't imagine either without Christ as the center.
