Interview with Author, Lois Casto

Today I am doing an interview with Lois Casto, author of Azariah’s Legacy.

Lois is a retired educator.

Inspirational fiction has always been of interest to her and it is now her goal as a Christian and fiction writer to provide enjoyment and inspiration for others.

She is a founding member of the Appalachian Word Smiths and a successful entrant in several West Virginia Writers competitions over the years.

Lois lives in central West Virginia and is completing two sequels to Azariah’s Legacy.

1. Lois, what audience do you target with your book?

I wrote the book for adults who want a relaxing read with lots of enjoyment and inspiration regarding God's care as a solution to every problem.

2. What inspired you to write the story?

I was inspired by the desire to write a story as a way to present a Christian witness. Hopefully, the reader will identify with some of the characters and become aware of God's care for the character and for them.

3. Do you have a writing routine that you follow?

I do not have a set routine for writing. I had the responsibility of a job when I started the book. When I finished it I was babysitting for a grandbaby from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, so most of the writing was done in the evening or on weekends. If I had an idea while doing something else, I tried to jot down enough of it to elaborate on it when I had the time.

4. How do you come up with ideas for your stories?

The idea for Azariah came from reading a genealogy. Azariah is actually an old family name and the character did come from Europe on a ship which put him off on the northeastern shore of the United States. After that, the story idea grew as I wrote. I do not have the whole story planned before I start writing. I get ideas from reading the newspaper and books, from talking to people, from situations in the community/state/nation, and from research when I am working on the story.

5. What is the most difficult part of getting published?

The obvious answer is finding a publisher. Ideally, I think an author would be happier being represented by an agent because I had no idea of what to look for in the business side of dealing with a publisher. However, an agent is also difficult to find. I have just finished a sequel to Azariah's Legacy and I am going to self publish this book. I want to be in charge. It was a shock to know most authors must do a lot of the marketing for their books and I want to control this if I have to do the work.

6. What are your goals now?

One goal is to complete a third book for this series. It is already started. A second goal is to make the books I write, books that will be a Christian witness. Some people can sing, others can administer programs, I think writing is a God-given talent and I want to use it to tell others, some of whom may hear it in no other way, about God's love.

7. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

An aspiring author should write. Don't spend too much time planning and reviewing on the first writing of your story, get is down and then you can polish it. You may never sell your story but completing it is a satisfaction, don't worry about selling it.

8. Can you give us a synopsis of Azariah’s Legacy?

Azariah and his younger brother find themselves on Captain Kidd's pirate ship because of the death of their parents. The captain takes a great and unexpected interest in the boys, adopting Samuel and providing Azariah with the training to be a medical doctor. Azariah studies in Angola with an African doctor trained in China, where he comes into the possession of a valuable oriental medical book full of priceless knowledge. Azariah is led to the American colonies where he practices medicine at an almshouse in Philadelphia, becomes a member of Captain Kidd's family, and finally moves to the hills of Virginia. As he meets each situation, he becomes more convinced his mother gave him the most important legacy in the world when she assured him with her last words that "God will take care of you."

Thank you, Lois, for your interview.

I have read Azariah’s Legacy and enjoyed it. You will become attached to Azariah as I did and not want to put the book down.

Azariah's Legacy can be purchased at Border's in Parkersburg, WV or Evergreen Flowers and Christian Books in Ripley, WV or contact the author, Lois Casto, at 304-532-2361.

It can also be purchased at Headline Books and Amazon.

I hope you enjoyed this interview with my friend and fellow writer, Lois Casto.