Golden Keyes Parsons will touch your heart with her dynamic Bible teaching, combined with her vivid personal examples, moving from tears one moment, to laughter the next, all the while communicating the message that God is faithful--keep trusting Him.

Golden and her husband, Blaine, have just retired as pastors at Faith Mountain Fellowship Church in Red River, NM. They have three grown daughters and eight grandchildren. Her testimony and myriad of life experiences lend a touch of authenticity to her teaching. She loves to speak for women's conferences, seminars, luncheons, retreats and Mother/Daughter events.

Favorite Verse: Psalm 138:8 The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Thy loving kindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Thy hands.

 Our Interview with Golden Keyes Parsons

How did you get started as a writer?

I grew up writing. My dad was a newspaper man, and reading and writing were integral parts of our lives. I won some contests in school and had some small things published along the way. But I didn’t pursue publication in earnest until 1996 when I started speaking professionally.

What inspired the concept for writing A Prisoner of Versailles?

A published genealogy of my French Huguenot family.

How familiar are you with France?  Have you visited the palace of Versailles?

Unfortunately, I’ve never been to France. It’s my dream to be able to go one day.

Do you prefer to write historical fiction?  If so, why?

Yes, that’s my preference. Historical fiction has always intrigued me, and it’s what I prefer to read as well.

Is any part of A Prisoner of Versailles factual?
 
The historical setting, the politics of the time, and some of the family stories, but the main story line is fiction.

How did you choose the location for the setting?

A matter of history.

How long did A Prisoner of Versailles take you to complete?

One year.

Do you have a favorite character in A Prisoner of Versailles? Why?

Not really. I like them all for different reasons, even the minor characters.

How much research did A Prisoner of Versailles take?

Volumes, literally. I read books, personal accounts, essays, searched the Internet about Louis XIV, the Huguenots and that time period.

What was the most interesting fact that you learned while writing A Prisoner of Versailles?

I think one of the most interesting things I found out was that King Louis actually sent spies into Switzerland to bring the French Huguenots, who had fled there in the face of religious persecution, back into France.

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?
 
Marketing is my biggest challenge.

What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most?

Creating story.

What writing clubs or organizations do you belong to?

American Christian Fiction Writers
Christian Leaders Authors Speakers Services (CLASS)

What were your favorite books as a child?

Black Beauty, Nancy Drew Mysteries, The Secret Garden

What is your writing style?   (Do you outline? Write “by-the-seat-of-your-pants?   Or somewhere in-between?)

I am basically a “seat-of-the-pants” writer. However, I have just recently found an outline method that works for me, so I am moving toward the “somewhere-in-between.”

Do your characters begin to take on a life of their own as you write?

Absolutely.

What other new projects do you have on the horizon?
 
Books Three and Four in the Darkness To Light Series.

Who was the person who influenced you the most with your writing?

That’s a tough question, but I would probably have to say my dad. He’s been deceased for many years, and we had a very troubled relationship, but I think I inherited his talent and motivation for writing.

What message would you like your readers to take from A Prisoner of Versailles?

That God always makes a way for his children.

What is your greatest achievement?

A marriage that has lasted 47 years, and three grown daughters who love the Lord and are contributing members of their communities.

What is your goal or mission as a writer?

To glorify God primarily. To open the hearts of readers to the fact that God wants to be a vital part of their lives.
I would like to make a best seller list and win some major awards.

What do you do to get away from it all?

My husband and I “retired” about a year ago, and I just realized that we haven’t gotten away since then. I would love to go on a cruise someday.

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