Hello Tiffany!  Thank you for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz.  You are one of my favorite Christian fiction authors, so it is truly a pleasure to “speak” with you one on one.

First, tell me about your newest release, The Bishop’s Daughter.

The Bishop’s Daughter is about a writer named Darrin who is looking to find a scandal in a mega-church.  He never expects to fall in love with the bishop’s daughter, nor does he expect salvation to ever be in the mix.

What message do you hope to convey through this story?

First off, I want to convey that salvation, for everyone, is a process.  It’s not just about accepting Christ.  There’s the part of your life that has to conform to God’s will.  I think sometimes we forget about that part of the process in Christian Fiction.  I also wanted to portray that not all men of God are crooks.  Some of them are actually searching after God’s own heart.

What do you find most challenging about writing in the Christian Fiction genre?

Because I view this as a ministry, I have to be careful to convey what God’s mind is on a matter.  When I think of how a character should react, I have to go to the Bible and study on similar stories.  The biggest difference between mainstream and Christian Fiction is not having the stories set in a church.  The biggest difference is that when the characters have problems they look to God for the solution.

Have you ever considered writing in another genre?

I do write Young Adult fiction under the pen name Nikki Carter.  It’s not Christian Fiction, but it is inspirational.  I’d also love to write Science Fiction.  I’m a huge Sci-Fi fan.

If you were to write in another genre, would you feel that you were not being obedient to the calling on your life?

Not at all.  In any way that I use this gift it will be to God’s Glory.  No matter what genre I write in, my novels will be clean.

Do you read novels in other genres?  If so, do you feel convicted, like you shouldn’t be reading that particular story/genre?

Yes, I read novels in other genres.  I didn’t even know there was a Christian Fiction genre until I got published!  No, I don’t feel any conviction at all, but that’s not to say that someone else might.  Everyone’s walk with Christ is different and He requires something different of each one of us.

Since you started your writing career, have you ever questioned God about the course of your life/literary journey?

Hmmm…I’ve never questioned God about the course of my journey, but there have been times where I felt I stepped out on faith and it didn’t pan out.  Those times make you step back and evaluate the scenario to see if you are on the same page as God.

Of your three novels, which was the hardest to write and why?

I would say “Farther than I Meant to Go, Longer than I Meant to Stay”.  I know many women like Charmayne, but I’ve never walked a mile in her shoes.  I tell my single friends all the time that I don’t really know what it’s like to be saved and single.  When I was single I wasn’t saved!  It’s a very unique experience for single Christians.

Are any of your stories based on real life experiences?

No, but my writing is definitely colored by my experiences.  Sometimes, the characters see the world through my eyes, but when it’s time for them to make the life-changing decisions, I really strive to get God’s mind on the matter.

If you had to pick one verse in the Bible that motivates/inspires you the most during trials and tribulations, what would it be?

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  I really do believe this scripture, and it has caused me to be fearless in my pursuits of many goals.

What are three things readers don’t know about you?

That I’m a trekkie!  I dragged my husband to see the new Star Trek movie on the opening weekend and LOVED it.  I also write music.  I’m a very musical person in my worship and in life in general.  I was that girl who listened non-stop to love songs, going through a breakup.  Readers can hear some of my music on my MySpace page www.myspace.com/whatasista.  Some of the songs are from a gospel stage adaptation that I did of What a Sista Should Do.  My favorite song on there is “Dream Deferred”.  I wrote that in response to a time in my life, where I’d stepped out on faith and it wasn’t successful.  Lastly, I love to cook.  I didn’t used to be a good cook before I got married, but I’m pretty good at it now.

Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz.  Any last words for those who are reading this interview?

Thank you for having me!!!  I appreciate it.  I just want to let readers know that in a couple weeks, I’m going to have a special edition short story on my website.  It’s the prequel to “What a Sista Should Do”, and for those who read the book, it will shed more light on Taylor’s paternity scenario.  My second book, “Farther than I Meant to Go, Longer than I Meant to Stay” will be out this fall in mass market edition.  I’m excited about that because it’s a way for readers to get acquainted with my work!  My fourth novel “In the Midst of It All” will be out in February 2010.

My young adult fiction is in stores now!  The first two titles “Step to This” and “It Is What It Is” have been getting great feedback from parents and teens!

If you’re in Florida, please think of joining us for at least one day at the Faith and Fiction Retreat.  We’ve got ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Angela Benson, Tia McCollors and myself as the featured authors and a score of author panelists including Sherri L Lewis, Linda Leigh Hargrove, Pat G’Orge Walker and more.  Florida residents can register for the entire weekend at www.faithandfictionretreat.com/payment.html or for special Florida one-day pricing at www.faithandfictionretreat.com/florida.html .  Hope to see you there!

Many blessings to you & yours!

Visit Tiffany online at: www.tiffanylwarren.com, www.faithandfictionretreat.com, Facebook, www.myspace.com/christianauthor, www.twitter.com/texasauthor