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Interview with Chris Posti

Hi Chris! Congratulations on the recent release of 'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season. It’s a wonderful book that ends your series Next Act. I have so many questions about both, so let’s jump right in! Your Next Act series explores the lives of women navigating new seasons in life. What inspired you to focus on the stories of 50+ women in 'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season and the series as a whole?

Let me answer your question with a question: how often have you read a novel that featured three women over 50 as the main characters? Probably not often—if ever! That’s precisely why I wrote my series. I like to say, with tongue in cheek, that my novels have created their own subgenre—women’s fiction for the overlooked, over-50 woman.

All three books in your series have the same three main characters: Marla (‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season), Rachel (Maybe Now, Maybe Never), and Suzanne (Falling Apart, Falling for You). Which character’s story did you find the most challenging (or rewarding) to write, and why?

I loved creating the journeys for all three of them, yet Marla’s was the most rewarding. Spiritually, she had the farthest to go, and her growth is the heart of why I expanded the story into a series rather than leaving it as a single novel. I wanted to give Marla time to develop authentically, so by the third book, her transformation would feel both realistic and moving. My hope is that her journey will inspire readers and perhaps even change lives for eternity.

Port Mariette—a fictional town in Pennsylvania—feels like the quintessential small-town backdrop for faith, friendship, and community. How did you develop this setting, and does it hold any personal significance for you?

Although I’ve lived many places, the Pittsburgh area is my home, and I drew on my experiences here to create Port Mariette. Early in my career, I worked for a company involved in steelmaking and coal mining, which gave me an understanding of life in tightly knit working-class communities. At one point, I briefly resided in a tiny Pennsylvania town called Coal Center, which also influenced my vision of Port Mariette.

Marla, Rachel, and Suzanne are all strong yet vulnerable women. How do you hope readers see themselves reflected in their stories?

Even the strongest women have vulnerabilities—sometimes well-hidden. I wanted to show the beauty of growth and change in my characters, encouraging readers to see that transformation is possible at any age. My hope is that these journeys resonate with readers, inspiring them to step into their next acts with relish.

Second-chance romance is a prominent theme in your book. What, in your opinion, makes second-chance love so compelling?


By age 60, more than 40% of American women have experienced divorced, around 36% have been widowed, and about 5% have never married. These statistics are reflected in my characters. At the outset, Suzanne is divorced, Rachel is widowed, and Marla is single. Their relational statuses may evolve throughout the series, but their growth is the central focus. Second-chance love resonates because it reflects the hope, resilience, and new beginnings so many women seek later in life.

One of the unique aspects of your writing is its focus on real-life issues for women over 50. What advice would you give to women who might be starting their own “next act” in life?

One of the core messages of my books is this: no matter your age or the obstacles you face—move forward anyway. I like to say, “a brick a day.” If you break challenges into manageable steps, over time, you’ll build something amazing.

How has your personal faith shaped your writing, particularly in crafting stories that inspire readers while staying authentic to real struggles?

The more I learn about the Lord, the more I realize love is what matters most of all. That’s why love –whether it’s romantic love, familial love, agape love, or love of an enemy—is a recurring theme in my series. My faith guides me to write stories that are honest about life’s struggles yet still filled with hope and love.

Your Next Act series is complete. What’s “next” for you? We’d love to hear about any upcoming projects!

Brian Bird, executive producer of Hallmark’s #1 show, “When Calls the Heart,” encouraged me to write a script for a TV pilot based on my series, so I spent gobs of time, money, and energy learning how to do that. Various people in Hollywood have reviewed my script. They say the writing and characterization are excellent, but the women are too old, and besides, TV programming is shrinking; studios are not buying new shows. So, for now, I’m sitting tight, waiting for the Lord’s direction.

In the meantime, I’m writing a memoir just for my family, and at my church, I’ll soon be facilitating “Writing for God” workshops, where my experience as a novelist, nonfiction author, business writer, and newspaper columnist ought to come in handy in helping others find their voice.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Time with family and friends is my great joy. I also enjoy arts and crafts. I’ve amassed a huge collection of pine cones and rocks, and now, I finally have time to do something fun with them.

If you could only read one work of fiction one more time, what would it be?

This is a tough question for me. Except for proofreading my own novels, I don’t have a habit of reading fiction more than once. That said, I do remember re-reading My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin when I was much younger. Maybe for kicks, I’ll read it again.

When it comes to nonfiction, though, I’ve re-visited plenty of books on faith, fitness, business, and careers, and recently, I reread J. D. Vance’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. I read it when it first came out and told my Marine nephew, “This guy is going places!”


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At the age of thirteen, Kimberly Keagan discovered romance novels. Whenever possible, she ignored her chores in favor of a book she couldn't put down. In time, she earned a degree in accounting and enjoyed a brief career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, but not very romantic. By God's grace, she married her own handsome hero and raised two wonderful children, whom they homeschooled. Now, she is following her long-held dream of penning historical romance. Her debut novel releases in 2025.




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