Craig Hastings is a novelist of spy thrillers and inspirational romance book series. Born in Muncie, Indiana, he served within the Air Force as a communication systems programmer until 1994. After returning to the United States in 2004, he settled in Oklahoma City with his wife and three miniature dachshunds. Today, he finds time to write while also working under contract for DELL.
Visit Craig Hastings online
Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning
All beginnings have an ending, but some endings bring beginnings. Jazmine’s life hasn’t been the dream they promised her. Born to an affluent, New York family with a diamond-encrusted, golden spoon in her mouth, her mother died when she was five and her father was financially ruined and went to prison when she was twelve. Having to leave her private schools and mansions behind, she grew up in foster care, a ward of the state. Now again, life has yanked her dreams away. She withdraws into depression and self-loathing, believing she must be unlovable. Dragged from her despair by an incessant knocking at the door, she finds a local, complete with a cowboy hat and his monstrosity of a truck parked out front. Life is about to float another dream of happiness at Jazmine. Will it be another mirage that evaporates like a puff of smoke, or the beginning of the life she always dreamed of and more?
- ISBN: B09BC89L8D
- Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Interview with Craig Hastings
From programming computers systems in more languages than he can recall, Craig Hastings has moved on to craft a more creative lexicon and explores the language of families, love, and grief. As a self-professed “geek with class,” we are excited to learn more about Craig’s emotional side and incredibly diverse writing talents.
* * * * *
How did you decide to start writing novels instead of computer programs?
Computers are still my day job, but I enjoy storytelling, and this led to writing. Once I started, I was hooked. I was amazed how the characters developed almost on their own and all I needed to do was put their story on paper so to speak.
Has writing always been a passion for you, or was it something you discovered later in life?
Reading has always been a passion of mine, and I enjoy telling stories, true or imagined. As with many folks, I thought about writing a book someday and even made a start a few times, but in 2013, I got serious and completed my first book. When I finished the first draft, I was amazed how easy it was, but then came the editing. This was a bigger challenge than writing the draft. Programmers do not normally excel at spelling, and grammar has no logic to it. Probably why spellcheck was one of the early free software programs available.
Given your background in the Air Force, I can see how you may have been inspired to write spy novels, but what prompted the idea for Moose Ridge and writing an inspirational romance?
I have a few spy novels in the works. I was working on one when the idea for Moose Ridge came to me. Many have devastating events in their lives and struggle to deal with them. During one event in my life, I found Not My Will by Francena Arnold, which helped me deal with what was going on. So, I have an opportunity to pass this on to others. When the character Jazmine introduced herself to me, I knew she had a story to share and needed me to write it. Using the vehicle of an inspirational romance made sense for the best way to share her experiences.
Has living in Oklahoma City sparked a love for all things Western? Is there a real Moose Ridge with an alive-and-well cowboy culture?
We settled on a small acreage in Oklahoma City after returning from twenty years overseas. It’s different from Indiana where I grew up, but I’m no cowboy. I do have several friends who fall into this category though.
It was probably my love of Louis L’Amour’s books that fueled my interest in the West. This story takes place in a small town outside of Casper, Wyoming. The town of Glenrock is real, but the events in the book are not. However, many of the sites mentioned do exist. The idea for Wyoming came as I was thinking what would be a 180-degree change for a New York City and Boston girl. As I travel this country, I’m still amazed at the vast differences you can find.
Your story’s protagonist is Jazmine, a highly-educated, young women born to an affluent NYC family, who has had some horrible losses in her life. How did you prepare to write, not only from the opposite sex, but from the point of view of a character who is vastly different from yourself?
From the moment Jazmine introduced herself to me it was obvious she had persevered through so much yet kept pushing on. She’s smart, organized, beautiful, and talented. However, in her eyes, she’s never good enough. Her time as a foster child caused low self-esteem, so she always strives to improve. To be the lady she knows her parents would want her to be. I think many can relate to this. My parents divorced when I was young, and I mostly grew up in a home with my mom, grandmother, and two older sisters. I witnessed things from the female perspective quite often. Now, I’m not saying I fully understand the females of our species or that I ever will, but I was given a portal into some aspects. Plus, being the youngest I had little say in what was on TV, so I watched a lot of "chick flicks" over the years. Guess it had an impact as I still enjoy watching them.
Which character in Moose Ridge resonates the most with your own personality and life experiences?
That would be Jason. He’s had his own losses in life but holds onto his faith in God. While he is seen to be an excellent veterinarian and very knowledgeable in his area of expertise, he does have issues interacting with females. Also, I can relate to the condition of his office, although he does exceed me in this area. He is a devoted father and grandson and a hard worker who would do about anything to help someone else.
How does your own faith and spiritual life affect your storytelling?
For me, it is always front and center. I see this as one avenue I can use to share about God, what He has done for me and what He means to me. But not only to someone who doesn’t know Him personally, but also to someone who believes but is facing struggles in his or her life. The Christian life was never promised to be without problems. When these arise, we need to know where to turn and to remember that God’s in charge.
What message do you hope readers take away from this book?
That no matter what you face in life, it’s okay. God’s in charge. For me, I remember L-O-G-I-C. Life’s Okay, God’s In Charge. While you may not understand the why when problems happen, you can trust that He is in control.
Can you let us in on the other passions in your life? What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
My career has allowed me to travel quite a bit and see some wonderful sights, so now I’m more of a homebody. I’m active in my church and teach a Bible study class. We live on five acres, so there’s always something to do. I’m also into classic Jaguars. Plus, there’s my day job. I enjoy golf, but most of my time is spent on my computer either writing, editing, or interacting with other writers online. My first grandchild is due in August, so this will be a new experience.
What are some of the books you feel every writer should read?
First, I would say the Bible. I don’t know of any book more important to read on a regular basis. Second, read books in the genre you are writing in. Reading books on writing doesn’t work for everyone, but if it does for you then have at it.
This will be your first published novel, but you have many other stories already written and in the works. What tips can you give to writers who are struggling to finish their first novels and share them with the world?
It will sound a little cliché, but write. Find what works for you and push on. There are those who will say there is a set way to write a book, but in talking with other writers, I’ve found there are many ways. Some do outlines, some write numerous notes, some research every detail, and others start at page one. Don’t worry about it being perfect, as that comes later. Believe me, there will always be the need to edit. For me, it is important to let the story lead me and not force my own ideas in the direction they should go.
__________________________________
As a teen, Tara Ross first discovered how hope-filled prose can change the entire trajectory of a person's life. Case in point: her life. She now has the joy of sharing this truth with youth every day as a speech-language pathologist, youth ministry worker, and YA author.
Her debut novel and blog, hopeprose.com, were created to ignite sparks of faith for Generation Z. You can follow Tara on Instagram (tara.k.ross) or Twitter (tara_k_ross) for more book reviews, tattoo-worthy quotes, and updates on her publishing journey.
* * * * *
How did you decide to start writing novels instead of computer programs?
Computers are still my day job, but I enjoy storytelling, and this led to writing. Once I started, I was hooked. I was amazed how the characters developed almost on their own and all I needed to do was put their story on paper so to speak.
Has writing always been a passion for you, or was it something you discovered later in life?
Reading has always been a passion of mine, and I enjoy telling stories, true or imagined. As with many folks, I thought about writing a book someday and even made a start a few times, but in 2013, I got serious and completed my first book. When I finished the first draft, I was amazed how easy it was, but then came the editing. This was a bigger challenge than writing the draft. Programmers do not normally excel at spelling, and grammar has no logic to it. Probably why spellcheck was one of the early free software programs available.
Given your background in the Air Force, I can see how you may have been inspired to write spy novels, but what prompted the idea for Moose Ridge and writing an inspirational romance?
I have a few spy novels in the works. I was working on one when the idea for Moose Ridge came to me. Many have devastating events in their lives and struggle to deal with them. During one event in my life, I found Not My Will by Francena Arnold, which helped me deal with what was going on. So, I have an opportunity to pass this on to others. When the character Jazmine introduced herself to me, I knew she had a story to share and needed me to write it. Using the vehicle of an inspirational romance made sense for the best way to share her experiences.
Has living in Oklahoma City sparked a love for all things Western? Is there a real Moose Ridge with an alive-and-well cowboy culture?
We settled on a small acreage in Oklahoma City after returning from twenty years overseas. It’s different from Indiana where I grew up, but I’m no cowboy. I do have several friends who fall into this category though.
It was probably my love of Louis L’Amour’s books that fueled my interest in the West. This story takes place in a small town outside of Casper, Wyoming. The town of Glenrock is real, but the events in the book are not. However, many of the sites mentioned do exist. The idea for Wyoming came as I was thinking what would be a 180-degree change for a New York City and Boston girl. As I travel this country, I’m still amazed at the vast differences you can find.
Your story’s protagonist is Jazmine, a highly-educated, young women born to an affluent NYC family, who has had some horrible losses in her life. How did you prepare to write, not only from the opposite sex, but from the point of view of a character who is vastly different from yourself?
From the moment Jazmine introduced herself to me it was obvious she had persevered through so much yet kept pushing on. She’s smart, organized, beautiful, and talented. However, in her eyes, she’s never good enough. Her time as a foster child caused low self-esteem, so she always strives to improve. To be the lady she knows her parents would want her to be. I think many can relate to this. My parents divorced when I was young, and I mostly grew up in a home with my mom, grandmother, and two older sisters. I witnessed things from the female perspective quite often. Now, I’m not saying I fully understand the females of our species or that I ever will, but I was given a portal into some aspects. Plus, being the youngest I had little say in what was on TV, so I watched a lot of "chick flicks" over the years. Guess it had an impact as I still enjoy watching them.
Which character in Moose Ridge resonates the most with your own personality and life experiences?
That would be Jason. He’s had his own losses in life but holds onto his faith in God. While he is seen to be an excellent veterinarian and very knowledgeable in his area of expertise, he does have issues interacting with females. Also, I can relate to the condition of his office, although he does exceed me in this area. He is a devoted father and grandson and a hard worker who would do about anything to help someone else.
How does your own faith and spiritual life affect your storytelling?
For me, it is always front and center. I see this as one avenue I can use to share about God, what He has done for me and what He means to me. But not only to someone who doesn’t know Him personally, but also to someone who believes but is facing struggles in his or her life. The Christian life was never promised to be without problems. When these arise, we need to know where to turn and to remember that God’s in charge.
What message do you hope readers take away from this book?
That no matter what you face in life, it’s okay. God’s in charge. For me, I remember L-O-G-I-C. Life’s Okay, God’s In Charge. While you may not understand the why when problems happen, you can trust that He is in control.
Can you let us in on the other passions in your life? What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
My career has allowed me to travel quite a bit and see some wonderful sights, so now I’m more of a homebody. I’m active in my church and teach a Bible study class. We live on five acres, so there’s always something to do. I’m also into classic Jaguars. Plus, there’s my day job. I enjoy golf, but most of my time is spent on my computer either writing, editing, or interacting with other writers online. My first grandchild is due in August, so this will be a new experience.
What are some of the books you feel every writer should read?
First, I would say the Bible. I don’t know of any book more important to read on a regular basis. Second, read books in the genre you are writing in. Reading books on writing doesn’t work for everyone, but if it does for you then have at it.
This will be your first published novel, but you have many other stories already written and in the works. What tips can you give to writers who are struggling to finish their first novels and share them with the world?
It will sound a little cliché, but write. Find what works for you and push on. There are those who will say there is a set way to write a book, but in talking with other writers, I’ve found there are many ways. Some do outlines, some write numerous notes, some research every detail, and others start at page one. Don’t worry about it being perfect, as that comes later. Believe me, there will always be the need to edit. For me, it is important to let the story lead me and not force my own ideas in the direction they should go.
__________________________________
As a teen, Tara Ross first discovered how hope-filled prose can change the entire trajectory of a person's life. Case in point: her life. She now has the joy of sharing this truth with youth every day as a speech-language pathologist, youth ministry worker, and YA author.
Her debut novel and blog, hopeprose.com, were created to ignite sparks of faith for Generation Z. You can follow Tara on Instagram (tara.k.ross) or Twitter (tara_k_ross) for more book reviews, tattoo-worthy quotes, and updates on her publishing journey.
For more great interviews, visit our Author Interview Archives.