Get to know

Ocieanna Fleiss

and her recent novel

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Summerside Press

What appeals to you most about writing fiction?

So many characters live in my brain, striving to get out. I love breathing life into them, seeing where they take me, and discovering how God will work in their lives. I grow and am encouraged by the Lord through each one.

Why Christian fiction?

I have so much respect for non-fiction authors, but for me, I have to write from my heart. God has blessed and transformed me in such intimate, beautiful ways; I can’t help but share His love with others.

Name five things you can’t live without

The Bible. Of course. It’s my food and water. Breathes life into me every day. I’d be lost without it.

I also love my laptop. It gives me the quick and easy ability to write, which would definitely be tortuous to give up.

Kindle. Books! I keep it in my purse, so I can read while in line at Starbucks, or waiting at a red light, or at the doctor’s office. I love it!

Heater. I’m a Southern California girl who transplanted to a chilly climate. I’m still a wimp when it comes to cold. In the winter, I want my room heater, blankets, and scarves to keep me warm. A fire in the fireplace is even better.

I admit. I’m addicted to chocolate. Maybe I should live without it, but I don’t want to.

Favourite book ~ Favourite movie ~ Favourite TV show

Book: My favourites change all the time! Right now I’m reading David Copperfield. The layers of character development and amazing voice are making it my current fave, but that may be different next month.

Movie: For movies, it’s kind of nerdy, but Henry V. That one hasn’t changed for years. I love the story of triumph over impossible odds as well as the themes of honor, courage, and loyalty. I also really like You’ve Got Mail.

TV Show: My current favourite TV show would have to be Bleak House. I’m in a Dickens trend lately.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

When just out of high school, I went on a mission trip to the small island of Yap. What a cool place. The tiny town had one building for the fire station, police station, post office, and jail. I learned so much there, especially from the incredible hospitality of the lovely locals.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

From a young age, I imagined myself as a teacher. Homeschooling my own kids has really fulfilled this natural tendency in me. Of course, once I got the writing bug, that became my dream.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?

I had a sudden cardiac arrest two years ago. My heart stopped beating twice, but God brought me back to my family. It completely changed my life.

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests—her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town’s colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA’s pressures.

In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children’s governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover—as Ellie did—that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

What was your favourite scene to write in Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, or share your favourite paragraph.

This was a lot of fun to write. It’s from when my character, Ellie, first arrives in Alaska and meets Clay:

Just then, I’m sorry to say, a wave rocked the dock hard. Ellie’s trunk slid from under her feet and she fell into me. Worse, that big old chest scooted right across the dock, straight to the edge. It tipped a moment, like it might stop. She shrieked, pushed away from me, and tried to grasp it. But another wave shook the dock and that trunk slid into the Alaskan depths. The sewing machine too.

She leaned over the edge, grasping for it. Finally I hauled her back up. My anger turned to pity. Her shoulders quivered.

Which character did you connect to the most?

Ellie. I dug deep into my own insecurities and spiritual life to find her heart, so I connect with her quite deeply.

Which character was the most difficult to write?

Clay. It’s hard to keep a guy sounding like a guy and still be in tune with his feelings enough so that lady readers can relate. I worked really hard on his voice. Still, he’s my favourite.

What’s next in your writing pipeline?

I’m working on a memoir about my cardiac arrest.

Thanks Ocieanna!

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character Spotlight on Ellie & Clay from LFY in Glacier Bay
Review of LFY in Lonesome Prairie and Character Spotlight on Julia
Character spotlight on Rosalie Matthews from LFY in Victory Heights
Visit Ocieanna’s website and blog
Visit Tricia’s website and blog
Buy LFY in Glacier Bay at Amazon or Koorong