Author Interview

Can One Book Change Your Outlook?

This one can.

If you haven’t read Not Again by Maria T. Henriksen, you don’t know what you’re missing. This book is a must read!

Not Again is a realistic young adult Christian series set in the 1980s where romance collides with conviction and innocence, collides with tragedy. Its inspirational messages will transform your life forever.

ღ About Maria T. Henriksen ღ

Maria T. Henriksen is a lover of reading, writing, and the arts. She enjoys her time down the shore while on vacation from her beloved job as a substitute teacher. Maria considers it a privilege to be able to pursue her dreams of being a multi-published, multi-genre author.           

Helping others in any capacity is what drives Maria. Her debut novel, Not Again was designed to draw people closer to God. Not Again The Fallout was created to demonstrate that by sharing our burdens, as well as asking for and receiving help, anything can be accomplished. Maria believes that it’s also important to dig deep and to look upward and outward to help those in need. She feels that giving of yourself may lead to your own restoration, in addition to being a blessing to others.

This born-and-raised Philadelphia suburbanite resides with her husband, Dave, of over two decades. They are extremely proud of their amazing young adult twins, Brandon and Kathryn. Maria feels extremely blessed to have such a close family and continues to find each of them as a source of daily inspiration.

Now it continues… Maria T. Henriksen’s sequel is here. Not Again The Fallout continues the story of a young girl’s struggle to live victoriously after losing her innocence.

Maria is with us to tell us more about herself and her new book.

How long does it normally take you to write your books?

It takes me several months to write my books. My books are on the longer side, over 300 pages, and they are rather complex with mature themes and multiple characters. Once I get the story written, I go back and fill in the descriptors to grab your senses.

My first book, Not Again, was written from start to finish in a few months. Fortunately, I never experienced writer’s block writing this book.

A small portion of my second book was originally a part of book one. When I realized book one was too long, I decided to create a second book. It took some time for me to wrap my head around a sequel as my bucket list only included writing one novel. I finally got around to continue writing Not Again The Fallout, book two, over a year after book one was complete. Family commitments, work, many health issues, and unforeseen circumstances kept the book from being finished for years. Not Again The Fallout was carefully and lovingly crafted to continue the inspirational messages.

Do you normally use an outline for the books you write, or do you just start with a few ideas?

I don’t start with any notes, not even an outline, not a plot, not a list of characters, nothing. I just start writing as I feel led.

Is there a special place you like to write?

I can write just about anywhere because I do a lot of writing on my phone. When I’m home, I tend to write on my couch in my living room while listening to classical music.

Tell us about this book.

I’m excited to announce that the release date of Not Again The Fallout is Wednesday, July 13, 2022. You can pre-order today and the digital version will appear in your eReader on release day.

Not Again The Fallout is book two of the Not Again series. This edgy, faith-based novel continues the life of Christina De Rosa, who experiences the fallout of her past during her college years in the 1980s. 

Will Christina be able to open her heart again for a second chance romance?

Is she brave enough to face her worst fears to allow the healing needed to live a productive life? Or did her most recent event cause permanent devastating effects?

Will Christina be crushed once again by a former love?

This book will not only tie up unanswered questions from Not Again book one, but the inspiring messages will have a lasting impact. 

Not Again The Fallout is so powerful that it may cause emotional responses, as well as put you on a path of healing. Bring tissues.

What was your inspiration for starting this book or series?

The more I wrote the more I realized that the Not Again series was more than mere entertainment. This series was designed to help people realize their full potential as children of God. The Holy Spirit impressed upon me that there was a need for raw and realistic accounts of overcoming sexual assault, PTSD, addictions, and other challenges that are often swept under the rug. I took these controversial topics head on and offer no apologies for their candidness. Even before I finished writing my first novel, I considered Not Again a success if it only helped one person. Years later many have told me how Not Again put them on a path of healing, and I consider that to be an honor.

What’s one thing you wish readers would take away from this book?

My hope is that readers will at the very least draw closer to God. I would love to hear if someone was saved as a result of reading the Not Again series. Perhaps it won’t happen in my lifetime, but I am confident that it will happen. I already know how this series has begun a healing in many lives, and I truly believe it can have a huge impact on many more given the chance.

How do you feel writing has affected your relationship with God?

I learned to trust God in powerful ways. When I’m experiencing a crisis, I actually expect that God will show His favor. I serve an almighty God, and I welcome the opportunity to share the good news.

What project is next on your list?

I wrote two songs for Not Again The Fallout, and I plan on creating a book trailer for each of them. I wrote a song for the first novel and have two books trailers that feature the song in the background. A local teenager, Sandi Jorgensen, added a bridge, sang, put music to the lyrics, and produced the song.

I’m looking for at least one male teenager to put his talents to use by doing something similar with The Fallout’s two songs. If you know of anyone who can rap, sing, and play the guitar, please contact me. I really think it would be a super cool project for young adults. This is where you can see both book trailers for Not Again, book one:https://www.mariathenriksen.com/book-trailers

Where do we find you and your books?

Not Again, book one can be found on Amazon in print, digital, and Kindle Unlimited:

Not Again The Fallout, book two, Amazon Pre-order for a discounted price of only 99 cents. FREE CHOICE OF SWAG (Not Again The Fallout bookmark or magnet) WITH PRE-ORDER! MUST SHOW SCREEN SHOT OF PRE-ORDER. CONTIGUOUS US ONLY.

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Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships, a 40-day devotional written by 13 writers

Here’s my beautiful, interactive website for signed copies and much more. New subscribers receive a free relaxation audio download:
https://www.mariathenriksen.com

Join Maria T. Henriksen Facebook Group here, to join in on a live read through of Not Again
Here are the dates:

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