Interview with Erika Mathews (A Year of Springtime in Surrey)

by Kellyn Roth |

July 22, 2024

Hey folks! Today I’m sharing something new for the A Year of Springtime in Surrey Celebration … an interview with Erika Mathews, one of our authors!

I won’t keep you waiting … let’s introduce you to Erika!

Hi! I’m Erika Mathews, the author of Fear Not Tomorrows in Springtime in Surrey. I’ve been writing stories and poems since I was five. I’m an author of several Christian living books, both fiction and non-fiction, that demonstrate the power of the kingdom of God through ordinary people, transforming daily life into His resting life. Kingdom adventure fiction, poetry, devotionals, commentary, and spiritual non-fiction are a few of my favorite genres to write…all of which can be found at restinglife.com. Outside of writing, I edit, mother my young ones, keep house, enjoy the great Minnesota outdoors, play instruments, and make heroic ventures into minimalism, clean eating, and gardening. I’m passionate about a deeper relationship with Jesus and knowing Him through His Word!

My story, Fear Not Tomorrows, is set around 1900 and it’s about Margaret Enfield, a cheerful, energetic sister of seven who manages the household for her I’ll mother while also planning her summer wedding. When her fiancé is suddenly called away for an indefinite period of time, Margaret is thrown into worsening depression and desperation. Throughout the springtime, she must choose whether to “fear not tomorrows” and “trust them with Jesus” when it seems impossible.

My favorite thing about being a part of SiS is the camaraderie that grew from this group project. There were others to brainstorm and discuss Surrey customs and period correct descriptions with. And it’s so fun to see all the different stories and angles on this quaint part of the country.

I’m like my leading lady in that many of the lessons she had to learn in the story are lessons I’ve had to learn (and am still learning). I’m prone to become depressed when life looks bleak and things keep going wrong. I’m prone to throw myself into a task to distract myself from negative things. I’m not as wildly emotional (both in excitement and depression) as she, and definitely not as extroverted. I’m also the oldest of eight siblings, just as she is.

Yes, I’d visit Surrey. I always love visiting scenic locations. It would be fun to see in person the inspiration for our stories.

The most challenging part was the plotting and drafting. This story fought me tooth and nail and at at least one point I wasn’t sure whether it would ever be any good. However, much prayer led me through to the end, and since its publication, I’ve been amazed at how many people this little story has touched.

Do it! If you’re newer to publishing, it’s a great way to get your feet wet in the publishing world without having the sole responsibility for every part of the process. And whether you’re a seasoned author or not, it’s a great opportunity to collaborate and reach new audiences. Also, be proactive about collaboration – part of the fun of an anthology is when your story can be connected (in obvious ways or with vague, brief mentions) to one or more other stories in the anthology!

Currently I’m writing a vacation story about a bachelor and his grandfather. I’m also working on publishing my three non-fiction books on prayer, faith, and Constantly Listening. And I’m also plotting my project I’ll be writing in November.

You have a few options for keeping updated:

You can read about me and my books (and buy them) at restinglife.com.
You can sign up for my occasional newsletter at restinglife.com/signup for all the major book news.
You can connect with me on a more day to day level on Instagram @erikamathewsauthor.
You can kindly stalk me on Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, and Pinterest @erikamathewsauthor if you’d rather see more random, occasional snippets of my life.

Remember, Springtime in Surrey is currently available on Amazon. You can also purchase a copy directly from us here.

But as I mentioned, we’re having a CELEBRATION here … and that includes a giveaway!

How to enter? Simple – participate in A Year of Springtime in Surrey, our ongoing (casual) blog/social media/email list tour!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN A YEAR OF SPRINGTIME IN SURREY

Make a post between July 15th-July 26th that features Springtime in Surrey in some way.*
Enter the giveaway! The instructions are here:

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Post to any social media, website/blog, or share about Springtime in Surrey or one of our authors (mentioning Springtime in Surrey) July 15th-July 26th, 2024.
This can be anything (a review of the book*, interview, guest post, spotlight) as long as it in some way features Springtime in Surrey.
When your post is live, fill out this form to claim your points. If you have posted more than once or to more than one website, please fill out the form an additional time for each post. The form will remain live until July 30th.

*If you are interested in providing an honest review, I can provide a free ebook copy. Please email contact@kellynrothauthor.com to claim your ebook copy of Springtime in Surrey in exchange for an honest review!

However, it is very important that you do not claim any points for posting the review to Amazon, Goodreads, or any other review website or bookseller, and further, the content of this review must be your honest thoughts and include the proper disclaimers. Any attempt to claim points for posting a review to Amazon, Goodreads, or any other review website or bookseller will be immediately removed from the giveaway entries.

NOTES ON POSTS

They can be guest posts from the authors, interview, or simply a book spotlight/review. If you’re interested in a review copy, please send an email to contact@kellynrothauthor.com (see above).

The date of the post is unimportant as long as it’s between July 15th-July 26th, and you can post on any social media channel, blog, or even send this information to your email list to count. You do not have to give us prior notice before making this post. Simply fill out the form once your post is live. The form will remain live until July 30th.

Need a media kit? Please check out this one!

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

A paperback copy of Springtime in Surrey
A mug with the heroines’ names on it
Special tea (of your choice)
A $20 (USD) gift card from the online store of your choice
A journal and pen
Far too many rubber ducks

Open to international and US entries.

Please fill out the form to claim your prizes!

We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

TTFN!

~Kell~

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