As the author of a dozen plus Christian suspense novels, Urcelia Teixeira writes to first and foremost, bring glory to God. Then, to delight, entertain, and encourage her readers by creating pulse-pounding stories that are infused with inspiration and biblical truths.
Readers have said her books are "addictive and impossible to put down!" They describe her work as being "prolific and well written stories that keep you in suspense," and love her "imagery and attention to detail" that swoop them into the minds of her characters " as if watching a blockbuster movie!"
Many of her readers appreciate the clean action scenes and love that her "faith shines through in her writing as she stays true to herself, giving pause to contemplate."
Visit Urcelia Teixeira online
Readers have said her books are "addictive and impossible to put down!" They describe her work as being "prolific and well written stories that keep you in suspense," and love her "imagery and attention to detail" that swoop them into the minds of her characters " as if watching a blockbuster movie!"
Many of her readers appreciate the clean action scenes and love that her "faith shines through in her writing as she stays true to herself, giving pause to contemplate."
Jacob’s Well: A twisty Christian Mystery Novel
Dark secrets swirl around the small coastal town of Weyport as Mary-Jean Foley discovers just how far she would go to protect her son. Even with a new sheriff in town. Even when her husband doesn’t agree. Even when she thinks God isn’t looking. But how far is too far and at what cost?
As newly appointed small-town Sheriff Angus Reid settles into Weyport, it doesn’t take him long to discover just how corrupt his new town is. With a desk full of suspicious open cases and too much to prove, he is determined to rid his town of crime and win the hearts of his people. But when two teenagers suddenly go missing, it lays bare sinister secrets and emotional ties that threaten to derail his investigation. And as the case untangles, the secrets buried deep within the coastal borders of the tight-knit community slowly bubble to the surface.
Determined to find justice for the missing boys and their families, he races against the clock to find them. Unbeknownst of the dark forces that rage against him. Then he gets a call that a body has been found.
- ISBN: B0C1512LKN
- Publisher: Purpose Bound Press
Interview with Urcelia Teixeira
Hello, Urcelia. I have looked forward to this interview. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions today and share your life and writing career with our readers. I know many will resonate with your story as I do.
What inspired you to write for your particular audience and genre?
Many years ago God gave me a prophetic scripture through which He named me Hephzibah (meaning ‘My delight is in her’). Some time after that, life happened and for a long while I felt unworthy of the name. But, God showed me grace in this area for the nearly ten years that followed. Fast forward to my mid-forties when mid-life contemplations had me thinking about my life and although I never aspired to be a writer, I wrote my first ever book on a bucket list whim in December 2017.
Somehow it evolved into a series, but, while writing the fifth book in my Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging and directing me into using my newly discovered talent for enhancing His Kingdom instead. I obeyed and wrote the final book in that series, The Caiaphas Code, as my statement of faith.
Two days later, the idea for Every Good Gift was born and the day I finished writing the last sentence of this book, I heard the Lord whisper in my ear, Hephzibah, Hephzibah, over and over. That has been the most noteworthy highlight of my short career so far: knowing that I have pleased God and now I want to do nothing more than weave the Word into my stories.
What did you learn along the way to publication that made it click for you? Or, had the biggest impact on your success?
I have learned a great many things about this industry and continue to learn daily! Being a self-published author having to wear so many different hats has not been easy, but when I remove the external noise, the fleshly desires to stroke my ego or fill my pocket and focus only on my Creator and the mission He has set before me, everything falls into place with ease. I have also grown spiritually and learnt to rely on God and remain steadfast in my faith during times the enemy strikes at my health or finances to deter me from my purpose.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? Tell us about that.
I would say I am hands-down a pantser! I have tried plotting a novel using all the different methods out there but each time I end up with a story that is vastly different from those initial outlines. I far prefer coloring outside the lines and going along with wherever the story takes me.
How do you go from a story nugget to a fleshed out plot and characters?
My novels start with praying for a specific scripture and faith message and I will then meditate and study this scripture until an opening scene takes shape. From there, I just keep writing. I don’t focus on any writing rules, I just let my spirit and imagination run wild with me. My characters drive my plot and their journeys always end with another scripture which points to their transformation. Those moments where my writing aligns with a divine moment of spiritual truth are the sweetest and they usually end in tears and praise.
What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique?
My readers always tell me that my novels hook them from the very first scene and do not let go until they have reached the end of the book. I get bored easily so if my scenes do not hold my attention, they will not hold my readers’ either. They also appreciate the way I transport them into the scenes as if they are right there beside the characters. My characters are realistic with real life struggles and spiritual battles that come across non-preachy yet inspirational. I write what I enjoy reading––and for my mother, my pastor, and my teenage children.
Most Christian suspense novels also have strong romance elements. My novels do not. I have three elements only: Mystery, Suspense, and Biblical truths.
Who is/are your favorite authors? Whose work would you love to mimic?
I enjoy many different authors and genres but when I grow up, I’d like to write like Harlan Coben. I love plot-twisting mysteries, drama, and lots of suspense that hold my attention and keep me guessing!
What advice would you give to new authors, or authors who are not new, but have struggled to keep at it in the face of obstacles?
Find your ‘why’ and focus on that. Do not compare yourself to others. You are on your own journey. Also, do not make it about the money. Writing is a creative outlet that should not be driven by fame or fortune. If you are writing Christian fiction, keep your eyes on Jesus!
What are you working on now?
I am working on the second book in the Angus Reid Mysteries series along with rebuilding my website that got hacked a year ago.
Again, Urcelia, it has been such a pleasure to learn about you. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord through writing. And thank you for inspiring us today to seek Him first and follow His lead, even above the “writing rules.”
________________________
Terri Thompson is an author, foodie, nature lover and philanthropist. She loves walks along the beach at sunset, dancing in the living room with her grandchildren, the beauty of flavors expertly combined, and the joy of words creatively knit together to bring truth to life. She blogs about writing, life and inspiration at www.terrilynnthompson.com To learn about the non-profits supported by the H. G. Clay Foundation go to https://www.hgclayfoundation.org.
What inspired you to write for your particular audience and genre?
Many years ago God gave me a prophetic scripture through which He named me Hephzibah (meaning ‘My delight is in her’). Some time after that, life happened and for a long while I felt unworthy of the name. But, God showed me grace in this area for the nearly ten years that followed. Fast forward to my mid-forties when mid-life contemplations had me thinking about my life and although I never aspired to be a writer, I wrote my first ever book on a bucket list whim in December 2017.
Somehow it evolved into a series, but, while writing the fifth book in my Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging and directing me into using my newly discovered talent for enhancing His Kingdom instead. I obeyed and wrote the final book in that series, The Caiaphas Code, as my statement of faith.
Two days later, the idea for Every Good Gift was born and the day I finished writing the last sentence of this book, I heard the Lord whisper in my ear, Hephzibah, Hephzibah, over and over. That has been the most noteworthy highlight of my short career so far: knowing that I have pleased God and now I want to do nothing more than weave the Word into my stories.
What did you learn along the way to publication that made it click for you? Or, had the biggest impact on your success?
I have learned a great many things about this industry and continue to learn daily! Being a self-published author having to wear so many different hats has not been easy, but when I remove the external noise, the fleshly desires to stroke my ego or fill my pocket and focus only on my Creator and the mission He has set before me, everything falls into place with ease. I have also grown spiritually and learnt to rely on God and remain steadfast in my faith during times the enemy strikes at my health or finances to deter me from my purpose.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? Tell us about that.
I would say I am hands-down a pantser! I have tried plotting a novel using all the different methods out there but each time I end up with a story that is vastly different from those initial outlines. I far prefer coloring outside the lines and going along with wherever the story takes me.
How do you go from a story nugget to a fleshed out plot and characters?
My novels start with praying for a specific scripture and faith message and I will then meditate and study this scripture until an opening scene takes shape. From there, I just keep writing. I don’t focus on any writing rules, I just let my spirit and imagination run wild with me. My characters drive my plot and their journeys always end with another scripture which points to their transformation. Those moments where my writing aligns with a divine moment of spiritual truth are the sweetest and they usually end in tears and praise.
What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique?
My readers always tell me that my novels hook them from the very first scene and do not let go until they have reached the end of the book. I get bored easily so if my scenes do not hold my attention, they will not hold my readers’ either. They also appreciate the way I transport them into the scenes as if they are right there beside the characters. My characters are realistic with real life struggles and spiritual battles that come across non-preachy yet inspirational. I write what I enjoy reading––and for my mother, my pastor, and my teenage children.
Most Christian suspense novels also have strong romance elements. My novels do not. I have three elements only: Mystery, Suspense, and Biblical truths.
Who is/are your favorite authors? Whose work would you love to mimic?
I enjoy many different authors and genres but when I grow up, I’d like to write like Harlan Coben. I love plot-twisting mysteries, drama, and lots of suspense that hold my attention and keep me guessing!
What advice would you give to new authors, or authors who are not new, but have struggled to keep at it in the face of obstacles?
Find your ‘why’ and focus on that. Do not compare yourself to others. You are on your own journey. Also, do not make it about the money. Writing is a creative outlet that should not be driven by fame or fortune. If you are writing Christian fiction, keep your eyes on Jesus!
What are you working on now?
I am working on the second book in the Angus Reid Mysteries series along with rebuilding my website that got hacked a year ago.
Again, Urcelia, it has been such a pleasure to learn about you. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord through writing. And thank you for inspiring us today to seek Him first and follow His lead, even above the “writing rules.”
________________________
Terri Thompson is an author, foodie, nature lover and philanthropist. She loves walks along the beach at sunset, dancing in the living room with her grandchildren, the beauty of flavors expertly combined, and the joy of words creatively knit together to bring truth to life. She blogs about writing, life and inspiration at www.terrilynnthompson.com To learn about the non-profits supported by the H. G. Clay Foundation go to https://www.hgclayfoundation.org.
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