Stacey Pyne is a writer, Mother of three and a clothing business owner. Stacey lives in Mount Maunganui with her husband Jake and three children Milla, Hayes and Ari. Stacey is a first time author and her book Goldie is a collection of short stories based on back ground characters in the Bible. Stacey’s daughter Milla drew the illustrations throughout Goldie. Stacey talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about your book Goldie.
Goldie is a collection of short stories based on background characters in the Bible. My Goldie stories bring to life many characters who are usually out of focus, the under dogs. My daughter Milla illustrated Goldie, this was a lot of fun to do together.
What inspired you to write this book?
Years ago I started writing stories for my children, I wanted to bring the Bible stories to life for them. I did not know at the time that they would become a book, but here we are. I had written many short stories based on Biblical characters when I had the idea that I could collect them together to create Goldie. Milla (my daughter) also started drawing the Goldie illustrations quite naturally too. She would listen to a story and then draw a picture to go with it – just for fun.
What research was involved?
A lot of research! I have learnt so much about the Bible through this book writing experience. Each time I write a new story, I need to research about the characters and times, it has been so eye opening and very interesting. I have loved it.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
With writing Goldie, I would always begin with reading the Bible. I would read and read until a character jumped out at me and I could see their story playing out in my mind. Excitement would take hold and I would reach for my computer to get it out.
Who is the book aimed at?
Although originally I was writing my Goldie stories for my children, I have had an incredible response from both adults and children alike. My stories seem to be well received by all ages.
What did you enjoy the most about writing Goldie?
My favorite part about writing Goldie was in the creating of the characters and their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed taking a small scripture and imagining a life in to being. I have also loved watching my readers reactions when they reach the end of a story and finally realise that it was a Bible story.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
My book release party was cancelled due to lock down last year, but it would have been a great party! Perhaps I’ll still have one at some stage.
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
I don’t get a lot of time to read with Mum life.. but I did read a book this year while camping during the summer which was called ‘Shaping history through prayer and fasting’ by Derek Prince. It was pretty heavy but very interesting!
What’s next on the agenda for you?
I am currently working on my next book which will hopefully be ready sometime this year and loving it! Although my daughter, who is now a teenager, is a lot harder to pin down to draw me pictures.. haha.