Theresa Hodge (Lafayette, Alabama)

Theresa Hodge is an Alabama native - loving mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She is at her best when she is able to bring happiness to others. This author loves to read almost as much as she loves to write fictional stories. She finds writing to be therapeutic at times, especially during the loss of her oldest sister from breast cancer, which birthed her "Ask Me Again" Series. This was her first but this compilation led to her writing several other books.

Theresa has a love affair with poetry. She began writing poetry at an early age and it served as a catalyst for her growth as a writer.

If Theresa can bring a smile to your face and encourage someone else along her journey, she considers it a blessing beyond measure.

She can be found on Facebook Instagram and Twitter. @Poetic__Life

List of ALL books written, starting with your most recent
Nicholas North, Hot Miami Knights, The Babysitter, Edge of Winter, Loved By Hart, Noelle's Rock 5 book series includes: Noelle's Rock A Holiday Romance, Noelle's Rock 2, Noelle's Rock 3, On The Hunt For Love book 4, Shelby's Demand book 5, The Billionaire Wives Club books 1-3, A Piece of Sunday's Soul, You're The One For Me series books 1-3, Luvin' On The Pastor spinoff of You're The One For Me series, Ask Me Again 3 book series, It's The most Wonderful Time of The Year-Christmas collaboration. (Pen name RESA: Secrets I Should've Told You First, collaboration with JROC), Pen name Lexi collaboration with Mercedez :Thug and Harmony and book 2 the finale coming soon, I'd Rather Be With you, Penetrate 1- books 2 and 3 coming soon.

Synopsis of your most recent book
Nicholas North: A BWWM Christmas Romance: A Standalone Novel

Felicity Snow is the Miss fix it all in her family. She takes it upon herself to confront her dad's boss after he is fired from his job just before the holidays. Even if she thinks her dad's boss is the big bad wolf she confronts him anyway. To save her father's job she will go toe to toe with whoever it takes.

Nicholas North is a take charge type of man who doesn't take kindly to demands. He is the one who likes to be giving the demands inside and outside of his professional life.
Will the sweet tempting spitfire Felicity Snow, warm Nicholas North's heart just in time for the holidays or will he be a heartless Scrooge and cause the Snow's to have a Bah Humbug Christmas?

When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?
My oldest sister died from breast cancer. But before she died, she made me promise her to pursue my dream of writing and becoming an Author. For years, she knew my desire to do so. In August of 2014, I kept my promise to her by penning my first novel in my Ask Me Again series.

How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc?
My first book Ask Me Again was titled with a line that I heard the great Billy Dee Williams, say in a movie once. One series was titled from a song, I have even dreamed a couple of titles, others were thought over and talked over with my family or publisher.

How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like?
I spent over a year writing my first book. The process was very hard for me because I wrote it while grieving my sister's death. I was depressed but it helped me by writing through my depression and pain.

What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author?
I have had someone tell me thank you for writing this story. They said, this character was me at one time. Thank you for writing about redemption and second chances. The conversation humbled me. If my readers get what I'm trying to convey through my writing, it's all worthwhile. 

Was there ever a time you felt like giving up?
There have been many times when I have felt like giving up but then I think about why I started to write in the first place. That is what keep me pushing forth.

There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things?
I am still learning the business side of things. There is so much to take in and understand. I am learning about marketing my books, targeting an audience, etc. There is so much more I need to know and I am willing to listen to others who has the knowledge. 

Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books?
My publisher acquires the editors for my books.

Who does the cover art for your book(s)?
The Publisher uses a designer for my books. In the past I have used a designer's named Bryant Sparks and Tammy Capri. 

Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it?
Whenever I encounter writer's block, I will read or either watch a good movie. 

How often do you write?
I try to write everyday. But whenever I don't write, I will read. I try to keep my mind active. 

Tell us about your last book signing.
I haven't had a traditional book signing but I was invited last fall to this library function to bring my books. I did sign and sale a few. I was beyond honored.

Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)?
I have business cards with my information on it. I will pass them out if people are interested in reading. I keep books in my car whenever I go out, in case I run in to a reader. Some of my readers also help to get the word out about me. I appreciate their help tremendously. 

As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most?
Growing up, I wrote poetry. Maya Angelou is one such woman that inspired me. It showed me how incredible black women like her, Rosa Parks and others could change history. They left a legacy for all the generations to come. 

Who is your biggest influence?
God is my greatest influence. 

Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it?
I regret growing up shy. It limited me from being outgoing and missing out on certain things because I was too timid to put myself in certain situations that could enhance my growth.

How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you?
I pray without ceasing. My faith in God is what gets me through good times and the not so good times in life.

What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013?
I want to write more books in 2017 and I want my books to help the reader in some way.

What do you have planned next?
I am always planning or plotting out my next story. 

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
Via Facebook, my Author's page is Author Theresa Hodge, Twitter: Poetic__Life and I am on Instagram. I also have a website on Amazon.