Maria Henriksen Interview

Today, I am pleased to welcome author Maria Henriksen to Interviews & Reviews. Maria is a mother of boy/girl teenage twins. Her book, Not Again, addresses many of the challenges teens face today in a profound and sometimes witty way.

The intent of her novel is to keep the story interesting as well as realistic in order to convey the many themes within. Her hope is that readers in various stages of life, not just teenagers, will be transformed by the inspirational messages. Healing hearts one page at a time is her motto.

Maria is also offering Not Again as a giveaway to our readers! Maria, welcome to Interviews & Reviews!

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Which do you enjoy more, the research part for a book, or the writing? 

I definitely enjoy writing over research. As a person who is a stickler for accuracy, I found that research was necessary but a bit of a nuisance. Fortunately, I didn’t have much research to do to write my novel.

What is the central theme of your book? 

I would have to say that the central theme of Not Again is overcoming challenges in life with the help of Christ. This includes everyday stressors in addition to dealing with traumatic events. Not Again offers many practical techniques to reduce stress along with meditating on scriptures.

Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

Not Again is a complex book in that it has many themes. My biggest hope is that readers will become saved as a result of reading Not Again. That’s why it is so important to me to get it in the hands of as many people as possible. Even if the reader is saved, they will still be inspired by the messages Not Again has to offer and will hopefully recommend it to others. Healing hearts one page at a time is the motto of my book.

Do you have any other books in the works? 

Yes, Not Again, The Fallout is the sequel to Not Again. It will address two main themes that will provide healing and resolution. My motto of healing hearts one page at a time will continue in the sequel.

Which do you enjoy more – reading or writing?

That’s a tough question. It really depends on my mood. I almost feel guilty when I sit and read as if I’m not being productive enough. When I read, I feel like I’m cheating on my writing. However, when I’m writing, I feel guilty for not reading all the books I promised I would read. 

What do you do when you aren’t writing?

If I’m not reading, writing or promoting, I’m hanging out with my family or running. Running helps clear my head for writing. Otherwise, I’m at work as a substitute teacher primarily for middle and high school grades. I absolutely love being a substitute teacher. The students are great!

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers? 

Yes, my writing is my ministry and it’s very challenging to get it off the ground. If you have a heart for helping people, especially teenagers, please join me in making the world a better place one reader at a time. Not Again can be extremely impactful in transforming lives, but I need your help to get the word out. You can join my Facebook group called Maria’s Muses: Inspirational, Christian and Close-to-The-Heart Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/292254218386413.  You may contact me via my author’s email address at authormariathenriksen@gmail.com.

What is your favorite Scripture verse, and why?

One of my favorite verses is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). This verse is a quick and easy reminder that Christ is always there for me. I can look to Jesus for the strength to do even the impossible. Since this verse speaks so deeply to me, I couldn’t resist using it in Not Again.

Thank you for sharing Maria. And now, dear readers, if you would like to win a copy of Not Again, just fill out the form below! This contest ends January 27, 2020. The winner has one week to claim their prize. If left unclaimed another winner will be chosen. 

NOTE: DUE TO ITS DESCRIPTIVE AND MATURE CONTENT, NOT AGAIN IS RECOMMENDED FOR OLDER TEENS, AGES 16 AND ABOVE. 

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This contest is closed.

Christina De Rosa holds a potentially deadly secret that threatens to get out. As an innocent young teenager, Christina survives a terrifying detailed sexual assault that destroys her self-worth and trust.

In her daily struggle, Christina searches for ways to keep her torment at bay, so she can function as a "normal" teenager. Meanwhile, Christina's spiritual journey leads her down a path causing conflict within, as she's riddled with guilt and shame.

A chance encounter with her longtime, hot crush, Avery Evans, sparks a fire in Christina that she can't extinguish. As the sweet, loving, knight in shining armor he readily portrays, Avery offers the safety and security that Christina craves.

In her quest for internal peace, Christina must make a decision. Will she give her heart, body and soul to the super popular, Avery Evans?

Will Christina's nightmares become all-consuming or will her discoveries lead her to a renewed way of life?

Find out if true love triumphs in this edgy, faith-based young adult page-tuner, set in the 1980s.

*Not Again is NOT your typical Christian coming of age story. Fierce faith doesn't come without a fight. Prepare for heartache, self-harm, traumatic events, real romance, and actual scripture in these pages.

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