The following is the transcription of an interview I did for a radio podcast.

Before the Interview began, this was my prayer.
Hello, Father, this day I am being interviewed on a podcast radio show. I pray that you will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can answer the questions with power and conviction. Thank you Father, for this opportunity and helping me to focus. I pray these words will lead people to read the books you have given me, or listen to them on the Youtube channel @mccartneygreen. I pray You will fill us all with the wisdom and knowledge you expressed through me in the books. All glory be to You. This endeavor, doing Your will in all things is my focus and my prayer, in Jesus mighty and powerful name, amen.

Interviewer: Hello, McCartney, how are you doing today?

Hey! I am doing amazing and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity to tell people about what the Lord has had me do.

 

Interviewer: Wonderful. Well, before we get started, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am the mother of 7, grandmother of 18, great grandmother of 1, a speaker, a writer, a counselor and a totally devoted warrior for God.

Interviewer: Tell us about this book

This book, A Healing - in Jesus’ Name is actually book #1 of a the 15 book series called the In Jesus Name Series. I was actually called by an angel (True story read here) to write this series of books and they are written as allegorical Christian fiction, allegorical, meaning, though they are entertaining stories, they teach us, they heal us, they bring us closer to God and fill us with the Holy Spirit and what they really do is give us an example of the caliber of life we’ll be expected to live when we are living in the Kingdom of God.

Interviewer: Who did you write your book for?

Well, really, All God’s children who have an ear to hear, but if you’re talking about what audience, I’d rate them as PG 13.... so... the books do contain some sensitive content, which makes them best for readers ages 13 and up. But let me break this down a second...because there is lots of action and meaningful lessons geared toward males—ranging from teenage boys to grown men of all ages—the books tend to resonate deeply with the male audience because we learn that being a strong male is not toxic at all. And then at the same time, the stories are rich in romance, love, and drama, making them equally appealing to women and teen girls. The books are extremely helpful to young adults that are searching for the perfect partner or the right path for their lives. I would recommend anyone getting married to read all the books before they do...to have the perfect marriage. They truly offer something for everyone, they deliver powerful life lessons and spiritual growth. But this one, this first book in the series is actually designed to help overcome trauma and help readers draw closer to God and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.

Is there a central message in the book?

In this particular book of the series, A Healing, there is a woman who was raped and she is having a very difficult time overcoming that trauma, so, the Lord took me through a series of events that are pretty intense, they’re pretty painful, and He takes us through the fire so to speak, and by the end of the book, we feel strong enough to overcome the trauma of rape or really any other trauma for that matter.

 

Interviewer: If you had to choose, what would you say is the single most important idea you’re sharing in your book that is really going to add value to the reader’s life?

Well, if we can trust God and let go of our victimhood, that’s a big deal in this day and age, victimhood... if we can let go of the victimhood, we’ll find that God has a plan, and He will take away the pain, and He will heal us, and He will lead us to amazing joy, joy that I call unshakeable, meaning, no matter what we face in this earthly life our connection to God helps us remain in joy.

Interviewer: If you were asked to compare this book with any book out there we might already be familiar with, which book would it be and why?

I think maybe Mitch Albom’s the five people you meet in heaven, just because both books deal with deep life lessons and spirituality, though five people you meet in heaven is more about reflecting on life’s purpose from the afterlife perspective... and A Healing, is taking us through life, in a faith-based, redemptive kind of way.

 

Interviewer: Tell us about some of the characters in the book?

This book, and the entire series is based on black belt hall-of-famer, Grandmaster Eric Kino, well, in this book, he’s not a Grandmaster yet, so he is only Master Eric Kino. He is a devoted warrior for God, a martial arts master who had a spiritual experience when he was a ten year old boy stuck in a cave in Hawaii,(which is where he’s from) ..and that experience changed his life. Master Kino teaches through his example of integrity, honesty, chastity, charity (and spirituality) and has brought many people into the fold.

Eric whose first wife died of cancer, which btw, is another trauma that is addressed in a later book, Eric is divinely led to help Shelley Adams, who is a young divorced mother of three who was sexually assaulted as she walked in the park one afternoon and she is struggling to overcome the trauma.

And then, another major player, is Eric’s 21 year old son, Ricky Kino who is a martial arts movie icon, he is a fun, bright personality.

And there is a bad guy, of course, a very bad guy. James Crane.... An enemy Eric made waaaay back when he was in high school, and that enemy brings much pain into the scenario.

 

Interviewer: Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters?

Oh yes, absolutely. As the Lord gave me the scenes to write, some were directly from my life. I could see His wisdom, because He was healing me as He was healing all those who read the books. For just one example, in some ways I was Shelley, feeling alone, struggling to get by, sexually assaulted, making stupid decisions. Also, I love the martial arts, my children were Georgia State champions and Junior Olympic champions and so that was fun to include that part in the books.

 

Interviewer: Was there a character or a scene that you could say is your favorite?

There are many scenes because a whole lot happens in the book, like the craziness that happens at the New Orleans tournament, or the conversion of a bunch of hookers in jail, the boulder that plays a major part near the end of the book, but I think I gotta go with the scene on the beach in Daytona, when Shelley interferes with some kids who are roughing up a teen girl, and she gets herself into trouble and Eric and his son Ricky having to rescue her, and Eric is very angry that Shelley would put herself in danger and after he totally chews her out and she totally chews him right back he finally kisses her. I really love that first kiss!

 

Interviewer: What inspired you to start writing?

Okay, now, hold onto your hat, because this is a true story, and I know people think I’m crazy, but back in 1994 I awoke one morning, opened my eyes to see an angel standing at the foot of my bed. He had a bright light all around him, it was so bright, and he had the kindest smile I have ever seen... there was love, that’s the only way I can describe it, love, emanating from him and I felt absolutely no fear at all, and He told me to write. Up until that moment I had never even thought about writing. Never crossed my mind. So, that is what started me on this journey. I based the character of Grandmaster Eric Kino on that angel in looks and demeanor... I made an AI pic of him and put it in the photo album on my website. It’s pretty close to what I saw.

 

Interviewer: Your book has been out for awhile, what is the overall response you’ve received from readers?

I have had such a wonderful response from both women and men. Many of them say the exact same things... like, the characters are so real I feel like I know them, it’s like watching a movie inside of my head, I wake up in the morning and wonder what the Kinos are doing today and then I remember that they are fictional. Stuff like that. The main thing is they say that the book has helped them to heal from their assault or from their specific trauma, or especially brought them closer to God and whenever they are reading or listening to the books, they feel God’s presence. I really love that response. One reader said the books helped him to overcome his alcoholism.

 

Interviewer: Is there any response that has stood out as special to you?

Yes, actually, there was this one man, I don’t know him, his name is Matthew and he made a comment under the last chapter of book #9 on the youtube audio version... please let me read his comment because it perfectly sums up what the books are all about. He said: "I just finished book number nine in the series —and I can honestly say I’ve been hooked since I started a few weeks ago. I found the author’s website and began listening to her read the books aloud, and I haven’t been able to stop since.

The best way I can describe these books is that they’re like a “how-to” manual for living as a Christian, told through an incredible story. Despite being the best fiction I’ve ever heard, the characters stay true to their faith—they don’t cuss, and they don’t sleep around before marriage. (Let me just insert that if they do, they are remorseful and repentant.) Instead, they lead by example, showing what it means to live a life guided by Christ.

The books don’t shy away from real-life struggles either. They walk you through tough situations, showing how to respond with faith—when to pray, how to pray, and how to lean on God through it all. I’ve read the Bible so many times that, at one point, I started to feel a little numb to it. But these books brought a fresh perspective that reminded me why I love the Scriptures in the first place.

I’d recommend this series over watching TV or just about anything else the world has to offer—except reading the Bible itself."

He really got to me with that.

 

Interviewer: You say the books in the series are gritty, what are some of the gritty issues addressed in this first book?

Oh, so many. Rape, death, cancer, child abuse, kidnapping, torture, horrible childhoods, poverty, good Christians who fall and have to repent and overcome, corrupt politicians, working hard at something and seeing it all the way to the end, and learning and understanding the God-given roles of men and women, masculine and feminine, and finally the joy it brings to find and follow God’s plan for us.

 

Interviewer: Can you give us an example as to how one of the situations faced in the book teaches biblical type principles?

First, there are so many times that Eric and Shelley are tempted to take their relationship to another level outside the covenant of marriage but they resist... but that’s an easy one. One that is a little deeper, might be when Eric is attacked by eight men, he is beaten mercilessly. When he’s found, Shelley and Ricky and his two friends are completely devastated to find him in such a state. But Eric does not play victim or wallow in his pain. Because he remains strong, almost plays it off, it instantly helps the others around him to feel better, soo, we learn that a strong man who does not play victim, or cry woe is me, makes everyone around him feel safer. How is that biblical? Eric picks up his little cross and carries it without complaint. He serves in his role as father, husband, leader, by protecting those around him, even protecting them emotionally, by not playing victim himself. Of course, I didn’t think of this. God himself gave me the scenes, the scenarios to write and He gave me the wisdom— and that’s just one tiny little lesson. The book is riddled with them, really encoded with them.

 

Interviewer: Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage?

Sure, because you write what you know, right? So, when the Lord had me write about a little girl in book 2 who was the child of alcoholic parents, I took it straight from my childhood. And the martial arts was much easier because I was in that world. And my five boys played football and baseball, some in high school and college and pro and my girls and all of my grandchildren are athletes, so in the later books, it was much easier to write about those kinds of things. I loved the performing arts, and took dance and even taught for a minute, and I was involved in theater in my life, so that too made it easier to write about those things.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre?

My genre, Christian Fiction, I prefer to write in because that is what God sent an angel to me to tell me to do... and I love it. I love working with the Lord to create stories that heal, uplift, motivate, and that fill us with the Holy Spirit and brings us so much closer to God.

 

Interviewer: Tell us your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

Simply... Just having people write me and tell me how the books have brought them so much closer to God than they’ve ever been, or how they have healed and feel so blessed because of the books, both Christians and non-Christians... feel healed from their life traumas and feel at peace.

 

Interviewer: How would you describe your writing style?

Simple. I mean, I’m not a fancy smancy snobby writer, but simplicity mixed with God’s wisdom makes for a great read. There is a lot of fun and realistic scenes that people seem to identify with. There’s a lot of action, and, there are a lot of conversations.

 

Interviewer: Are your characters pure fiction, or did you draw from people you know?

I modeled the main character, Grandmaster Eric Kino after the angel that visited me. I’ve incorporated my own children’s and husband’s personalities into many of the characters... not just one. With seven children, and 18 grandchildren, I have a lot of personalities to pull from, but mostly, the characters and their flaws or strengths, are what God has given me.

 

Interviewer: Are you more of a character artist or a plot-driven writer?

Hard to answer... but I guess I’d have to say, the characters are remarkable and have to do whatever they’re asked to do in the plot... so I’ll go with characters. I have to reemphasize that God literally gave me the characters and the scenes and the plots.

 

Interviewer: Other than selling your book, what do you hope to accomplish with it?

Well, first, I’m not really selling my books. Let me explain. My goal is not to become a big, rich, famous best-selling author. My goal is to put these amazing words of God in front of as many people as possible, (in front of His children who hear His voice,) and let them heal and be lifted up on their journey to the Kingdom. So, I’m not telling you this to get you to buy more of my books because the Lord told me to not make one penny off these books. He had me put them on my website for a free download and then the print books on Amazon, he had me put to the lowest price where Amazon gets their money and I get zero royalties. He had me do this stay in complete integrity so that people would know that I’m not trying to sell you something... the books are priceless in what they will do for you. All glory to God.

 

Interviewer: Who should I buy this book?

Anyone who loves a fast-paced, action-packed, gritty story filled with love, romance, and danger and overcoming, you should read this book. The books are Christian books, but not only Christians should read them. Everyone will benefit from the lessons in these books because they teach honesty with others and with yourself, integrity, priorities, values that are not only Christian, but what any good person would want to emulate.

 

Interviewer: Do you have a website?
mccartneygreen.org.

 

Preliminary Questions to prepare: Which in some way, may be more telling than the questions above!
I never thought these simple (short) questions could be so hard! I’ve never been into marketing and branding and stuff like that. Mention marketing to me and it’s like a steel door closes in my brain, and so coming up with answers to the following questions was difficult for me.

Our primary goal is to help you market your work. It is very important that you answer the following questions so that we can develop a powerful MARKETING interview. Please do not skip any questions and please do not answer with 'NA'.

1. What is your branding statement?

I may be confusing a branding statement with a tagline, so I will give both and you can discard what you’d like to discard.
Writing with a heavenly calling, a vessel for Christ, I write powerful, hope-filled, gritty stories that entertain, uplift, and inspire deeper devotion to Christ and encourage believers to walk boldly in God’s truth.

Powerful stories born of a holy encounter, illuminating and guiding hearts on our journey home and beyond.

2. What is the PRIMARY benefit, above all others, that your potential reader will gain from reading this book? (Be very specific. Please do not answer with 'good read' or 'page turner' or some other worn out, overused phrase. Be concise and avoid generalization.)

Even though this book, (or these books since this is book #1 of the fifteen book, “In Jesus’ Name Series,”) is extremely entertaining, motivating and inspirational, it provides so much more than that. We learn that being a strong masculine man is not toxic, and that being a strong loving woman and mother is indeed a special calling. Above all else, this book heals people from trauma, as it takes us through the fire, getting us emotionally involved with many traumatic and gritty situations and we learn to heal and trust in God completely.

3. If you had to compare this book to any other book out there, which book would it be?
(Remember: The audience does not yet know you. It is very important that you reference something they might be familiar with to effectively and powerfully communicate what your work is about. You are NOT saying you are 'better than' or 'just like' this comparative, but are somewhat the same in a very general sense, to give the listener a point of reference.)

[Well, this was a hard one. I had to get some of my family to help with this one.]
I’ve come up with... Christian writer Mitch Albom’s the five people you meet in heaven and tuesdays with Morrie– meets John Grisham, only because of the intrigue, meets Nicholas Sparks because there is definitely romance and finding the one meant to be yours, and douse all of that with a slew of martial arts films. There is a whole lot of action, a whole lot of love, a whole lot of humor, a whole lot of drama, a whole lot of getting strong and a whole lot of overcoming evil.

4. Hundreds of thousands of books come out every year. Why should someone buy THIS book? (What is it that sets THIS book apart from ALL those other books in the same genre or category? What will the buyer get from you and ONLY you that simply cannot be found elsewhere?)

There are a few things that set this book(s) apart.
1- I only began to write them when an angel appeared to me at the foot of my bed – TRUE STORY– I wasn’t asleep. He appeared, told me to write and disappeared in front of my eyes. I used to be hesitant to tell people about this, because they think I’m crazy, but as my faith grew, I realized I cannot deny what God has shown me. So, that’s pretty unique... though there are other books about angels, this one isn’t about the angel, it’s about contemporary people, and it is what Jesus gave me to write that is so beautiful.

2 - I am simply a vessel. Through dreams and visions, Jesus revealed scenes to me, and with His guidance, I wrote them down to the best of my ability. When I asked Him why He wanted me to write this series, He explained that these books serve as allegorical manuals, illustrating the caliber of life He calls us to live in His Kingdom.

3 - This is a significant one... because the books are completely free. Jesus instructed me to ensure integrity and make it clear that this isn’t about profit. He had me make the books available as FREE downloads on my website, and for those who prefer printed copies, they are offered on Amazon at the absolute minimum price, ensuring I earn zero royalties. I’ve even made an audible version by recording the entire series, chapter by chapter, on Youtube. All free of charge. My goal is not to become a rich, famous, best-selling author, but only to put the books before as many of God’s children as possible, and teach them what He wants them to learn from these books.

 

5. Who is your target audience?
(Be very specific. Gender? Age range? Geographic area? Primary interests? What benefits does the reader hope to gain from buying a book like this book?)

The books contain some sensitive content, making them best suited for readers aged 13 and up. With plenty of action and meaningful lessons geared toward males—ranging from teenage boys to grown men of all ages—they tend to resonate deeply with this audience. At the same time, the stories are rich in romance, love, and drama, making them equally appealing to women and teen girls. These books truly offer something for everyone, delivering powerful life lessons and spiritual growth. Perfect for anyone 13 and older, they are designed to help readers draw closer to God and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. Let me be clear, they are Christian books, though I guess the name, A Healing-In Jesus’ Name, kind of gives that away, lol. The books are good for anyone, as long as they aren’t offended by all things Christian, (i.e. prayers, testimonies, etc.)

 

6. What are your marketing goal(s)?

And now we get to the crux of the matter. I have no marketing goals other than getting the books out there so that God’s children can find them and read them. I’m not good at marketing, marketing strategies, marketing anything... it just doesn’t compute to me. I’m alone in this monetarily speaking. I have no money for advertising or marketing gurus. Back in 2021, my husband and I both got Covid. It took us down pretty hard. In August of that year, he was taken to one hospital and I was taken to another. I was in a coma and on a respirator for almost three months. When I finally awoke, a miracle in itself, I was told that my husband has passed away back on August 31st. I finally went home in November. I had no income and live on the little bit of SS I get. I’m telling you this so you’ll understand that I have no means to pay for advertising and I am pretty much depending on the Lord to be my agent in all things. I was delighted to find an email from you on November 3rd, inviting me to apply to your show and telling me that there was no fee. So, I hope this interview will boost the books into being seen by many more people!

7. In regards to this book in particular, what have you found to be your biggest marketing challenge?

Well, I guess I sort of answered this question above. But maybe I could add, that it’s important to know that this book is just the beginning, and this book addresses some pretty harsh circumstances. Some people were not strong enough to make it through the book and get to the healing at the end of the book, much less the healing at the end of the series. As a matter of fact, the Lord just had me put a warning on this book....

“The Lord has pressed it my heart to add this warning/encouragement to the front of Book #1.

Though I have already stated that these are not just some fluffy romance type novels, I must make sure you understand something, warn you even. There are some scenes, some happenings in this book that are very intense, very difficult to take. They are not here for gratuitous violence. You see, as these scenes are honing the characters in the fire, they are also honing you. If you are “triggered” by some of these things, that is not a bad thing. That is a very good thing.

Keep moving forward—you are on a journey of healing from your trauma. Life on earth is challenging, as the Lord has revealed to me. Difficult moments like these, and even far worse, happen every day. At times, life may feel overwhelming, the pain too intense to bear. But remember, Jesus is right there with you, walking through the fire by your side. He is strengthening you, shaping you, and preparing you for what’s ahead. So don’t lose hope. Press on, and don’t stop until you’ve reached the end of this journey. You WILL be transformed, blessed, and stronger than ever as you embrace and apply what you’re learning along the way!”

Note: I’m not listing the interviewer’s name or the name of the podcast because I was unable to buy the package so that I could share the actual interview on my website and social media.