The Christian Book Lover’s Retreat is happening this weekend, and first-time attendee Morrisa Tuck is stopping by Black Fiction Addiction to discuss her latest release and what she’s looking forward to at CBLR.
Tell me about your latest book.
I’m so excited to introduce CBLR readers to And Troubles Rise: A Love Story. Faith-centered and goal focused, perpetually single, 30-something Reese Joseph appears to have it all: loving (and divorced) parents, well-meaning (and meddling) friends, a promising (and thankless) career as a TV news journalist, and a handsome (and toxic) ex. Her secret blog is more than a creative outlet; it’s also a lifeline from the storms and tribulations she is trying to navigate through. The last thing she needs is Mr. Right appearing at the wrong time. Forget love-drunk, a steady stream of blind dates and non-starter romances has left Reese feeling love-punked. So when Davis Richards walks into her life, and Reese faces the greatest tests of her relationships, her career, and her faith, she can’t help but wonder if her answered prayers are more than she bargained for. On the journey to happy, sometimes the road we travel is long and winding.
Why did you decide to write it?
I was inspired by the many wonderful women in my life… Master-created, beautiful, intelligent, talented, world-changing women who just happen to be single. Each is amazing in her own way and does not need a man or children to validate her worth or justify her existence. The protagonist of the novel, Reese Joseph, is one of these women. I wanted to tell a love story that is thoroughly modern and relatable to readers.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I want readers to experience love in all of its facets—from our relationship with God to our connections to our family members, friends, colleagues, and the world around us. Love through the work that we have been purposed for. We are all connected, and love is all around us, if we are only willing to rest in the love of our Creator and experience these facets of love each day. I want readers to understand that God always has our best interest at heart, even when our plans look very different from His. His plans for our life are always best. Even if it takes a winding path for us to get where He wants us to be, there are lessons to learn through the journey, faith-building opportunities for us to experience life and love in ways that far exceed our greatest expectations.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
I want readers to learn that—and I hope it leaps off the pages in all of my work—truly all things work together for our good. I’m so grateful for the foundation of faith that my life was centered in from a very early age. It has transformed my life in miraculous, inexplicable, and at times indescribable ways. The good, the bad, the ugly of life is made beautiful in Him. My faith informs my work and makes it possible. I’m very blessed to not only be able to live the life I live, but to be trusted with the gift of sharing God’s goodness with others. I try to pour some of my own experiences, life lessons, trials, and triumphs into my work. The good, the bad, and the ugly of my own life makes for entertaining and inspiring fiction.
What can readers expect from you if they attend CBLR?
I’m an introvert by nature, but I love connecting with readers and the faith community. I may be one of the quieter authors in the room, but I’ll most definitely be wearing a smile, and I would love to hear about the lives of participants, what they are interested in reading about, and how my work can offer hope and encouragement to them. This is my first CBLR, and I’m eagerly anticipating the event!
What’s something readers would be surprised to know about you?
I didn’t fully appreciate the wonders of soul food until I reached adulthood! I’m a trivia buff and would rather watch Jeopardy! than anything else on television. My ideal evening involves pajamas, pizza, and a night at home with my family.
What books have you read lately and loved?
Currently I’m reading: What If by Dr. Steve L. Robbins. It has been a great read! I homeschool my three sons, and we are reading The Swag Is In The Socks by Kelly J. Baptist and The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate as family read-alouds. We are enjoying them as well!
What books are you excited to read?
My friend and colleague Elizabeth Williams just released her first book, That’s BIG (Believing It’s God!). Elizabeth has a powerful testimony, and I’m excited to read her story, and we are all so very proud of her! I’m also excited to read What We Found in Hallelujah by Vanessa Miller (releasing November 2022). As an author of Christian fiction, Vanessa has been such an inspiration. She also happens to be the founder of the CBLR. My overall “to be read” pile is much too long to list all of the books that I look forward to reading soon…or at least one day!
What’s next for you?
I have several projects in the works, and I hope to keep inspiring and encouraging readers! The next novel I’ll publish is Playing Church (readers familiar with my debut novel, Times Like These, will recognize the main cast of characters), which is Third Day’s Next Chapter featuring Reverend Paul and Sister Marianne Dexter. Not a literal sequel, but it definitely features many of the elements that made readers embrace Times Like These. Playing Church is told from the perspective of Pastor and Sister Dexter and follows their journey as they navigate the ups and downs of marriage and church leadership. Faith anchors this novel, as it does with all of my work. I’m also excited about other upcoming projects, including my first children’s book and a collection of skits that are perfect for youth and children’s ministry. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of what God has in store for my readers (and me)!
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I just love God, and I love to write! I love to connect with readers. My novels make ideal selections for book clubs, reading groups, and gatherings of all sizes (friends, family members, church ministries, etc.). Each novel also has an official discussion guide to accompany the work and use in group settings. I am available for Meet the Author events and can attend in-person gatherings in Alabama or virtual gatherings anywhere! My books are currently available on Amazon, through independent bookstores in Alabama (For Heaven’s Sake Christian Bookstore in Alexander City, Sweet Home Books in Wetumpka, and the Homecoming Book Cafe inside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham), and in libraries throughout Central Alabama (Alexander City, Millbrook, Montgomery, Tuskegee, and Wetumpka).
To learn more about author Morrisa Tuck, visit her website, email her or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.morrisatuckwrites.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/authormorrisatuckwrites
Email: morrisatuckwrites@gmail.com