When we stumbled upon Avrie Swan’s debut novel Embers of Truth, we knew we had to have it as one of our May ’25 Reading Is a Lifestyle Subscription Book Picks. We invited Avrie to share her journey to becoming a published historical fiction author on the Shelves Bookstore blog and we’re excited for you to read it!
What are some things that you learned during your publishing journey?
One of the biggest things I learned through publishing was that it’s okay to ask questions. When I first decided to try and publish my book, I was clueless as to where I should start. I didn’t know any authors or agents and had no idea what resources were available to me. That’s when my family suggested [that] I email some of my favorite authors and ask them. At first, I was terrified! Why would they bother responding to me? Imagine my surprise when they did respond and offered me lots of incredible advice, including some suggestions for conferences and groups I could check out. So, if you’re looking to start writing or [want to] publish a book, never be afraid to ask around!
At what point did you decide to write your debut novel?
outline. Once that was finished, I took off writing and never looked back! I wanted to create something that would glorify God and inspire the people around me, and it is my hope that Embers of Truth does just that.
Do you mind sharing your writing process for Embers of Truth?
I am the type of person who makes outlines for my outlines. I started out by designating what important event would occur in each chapter. With that settled, I then started writing. It took me around three months to finish the first draft, and it was as messy as you could possibly imagine! I had to go through it multiple times before I was ready to approach a publisher. Once it was accepted, it went through plenty of additional edits that helped to make it shine.
Was your novel inspired by a particular person or event?
Historical fiction has always held a special place in my heart. As a history major myself, I am a big fan of the past—especially when it comes to local history. That’s what drew me to the Peshtigo Fire and inspired me to create a series around it. I also love creating characters and giving them their own special personalities. That’s where the fiction part became important to me. I love the freedom that writing historical fiction gives me while still allowing me to explore the topics I love most.
So, who did you write Embers of Truth for?
Embers of Truth is a novel written for lovers of adventure, mystery, and romance. It was made for people who enjoy reading about snowy nights and warm gingerbread. It’s written for those who have experienced hard times and know what it’s like to triumph over them. Lastly, it was created for readers who want to read novels that glorify God in a clean manner. If that sounds like you, feel free to add Embers of Truth to your TBR [stack] today!
Get your copy of Embers of Truth at Shelves Bookstore or save 20% on Avrie’s debut novel when you sign up to become a Reading Is a Lifestyle Subscription Member. Three subscription options to choose from, two affordable payment plans.
