Interview With Author Erin Coss + Giveaway!

Erin Coss (known as The Chicken Dance Mama) is the author of A Tidbit Romance. She's a published author and speaker. Among that, she's worked on a television series and documentary. Erin lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and three children.

Erin dropped by The Christian Scroll to do an interview with us and has graciously offered to give one of her books away!

Welcome, Erin!

When did you first show an interest in becoming an author?

It’s funny because writing kind of fell into my lap. Growing up I never thought of myself as a writer and I didn’t aspire to be one. A few years ago I wanted to encourage fellowship with the women of my church online. I started a yahoo group and thought that we needed devotions so I started writing them. About the same time that I started writing my Tidbits, I was approached to write a piece in a book and then I received an option to write for a magazine. All of a sudden I found myself as a writer, getting paid for something that wasn’t on my radar.  I had one direction in mind for my life, but God had another. Here I am writing and loving it!

What do you enjoy most about writing?

I most enjoy taking obscure pieces of scripture and discussing them. I love to dig into God’s Word and find bits and pieces that are not usually topic of conversation and bring them to light. It’s exciting to find a hidden treasure in God’s Word that brings joy and encouragement.

Erin, I noticed that you’re known as the Chicken Dance Mama. How did you get this nickname and why?

I enjoy all things fun and cheesy in life. As I have become a part of the Facebook and online community over the past years I’ve also gotten sucked into some of their games. As a requirement of playing I needed to pick a character name. I tried to come up with one that described me perfectly. I absolutely love weddings and love dancing on the floor for hours. The Chicken Dance is a great example of a cheesy wedding dance song. I took one of my most favorite things to do in life and created my character name. It wasn’t till I noticed after a short while that my children and friends were calling me Chicken Dance at home and in public, that I realized the name had stuck. I decided to use it as a platform to share Christ and talk about salvation and the wedding supper of the Lamb. I absolutely love it!  

Your new book A Tidbit Romance releases July 20th. What inspired you to write it, and what is the meaning of the title?

I wanted to share my time studying God’s Word. I absolutely fall in love with God every time I open His Word. It’s like the perfect love letter. He woos us as a gentleman does. I agonized for weeks over the title of the book. I knew I wanted to use the word Tidbit in the title since that’s what my devotions have been known as for years. When I broke down what my time studying God’s Word meant to me, I realized that I was falling in love with Him all over again each time. I referred to the dictionary and started looking up love references, when I saw “Romance” it was like a beam shining from Heaven. I knew that was the word I was missing.  A Tidbit Romance was a great title to explain what was encompassed inside the book.  


What made you choose to write a devotional over the other genres?

A devotional was just a natural direction for me. This book was something I strongly felt led to do. I felt that writing this book was an act of obedience in a lot of ways. I hope to write more devotions and other genres in the future.  

What do you hope people will retain after reading A Tidbit Romance?

I hope people will fall in love with God’s Word all over again and seek out obscure verses in their own time of study. I want people to feel as though I met them where they are in life, walked with them in their circumstances, and together the joy of the Lord lifted us up to a greater relationship with Him. I pray this book brings people closer in their walk with Christ.

Can we expect to see more books from you in the near future?

Oh, yes! I’m very excited to continue my writing career. I have already co-authored two children’s books and written several articles. I have two more devotions in the works as well as a study into historical women who led by Christian example. I’m very excited about my next writing ventures.

Do you have any advice to share with our up-and-coming writers?

My best advice would be to seek the Holy Spirit and follow His path. I find each time that I am obedient and surrender to the Lord that I see things happen in life but also in my writing career. Don’t focus on your plan but surrender to His for your life. He’s got a much greater path to walk!

What Bible verse/verses do you really lean on when you need the encouragement?

My favorites are Psalm 27 and Isaiah 30:21. The Lord gave me Revelation 3:7-8 for the book launch. No one can shut the door that the Lord has opened in your lives. Trust Him, walk through the door, and into the splendor He has for you!

How can readers get in contact with you?

Readers can contact me through my website at http://www.ChickenDanceMama.com or by emailing erin@ChickenDanceMama.com

Thanks, Erin, for doing this interview with us and for giving one of your books away! We wish you all the best on your writing.

Grace, thank you for your kindness and hospitality. I’ve enjoyed answering these questions and being able to share my heart. I pray the Lord will continue to bless and grow your ministry. Blessings! Erin


Book Giveaway!

A Tidbit Romance: Falling in Love with God's Word One Devotion at a Time by Erin Coss.

Synopsis:

It's like sitting on the front porch with God, having a chat over fresh-squeezed lemonade. 
Come, sit down, and relax as you enjoy A Tidbit Romance. This book of devotions is meant to meet you wherever you are in your walk with Christ. Written in a down-to-earth fashion, these tidbits will lift your spirit and allow you to fall in love with His word, one devotion at a time.

Book Info:

Trade paperback
Pages: 186
ISBN: 978-0981784731
Condition: New

Giveaway Rules:

You must leave a comment with your e-mail address, so that we can contact you if you're the winner. US and Canada only. This giveaway starts today and ends on the 23rd of July. A winner will be chosen on the 24th. The winner will be chosen randomly and notified by e-mail. If the winner doesn't respond within a week; we will have to pick another. Good luck!


God bless!
~Grace