MEET READER EXTRAORDINAIRE: Phyllis McCray-Crenshaw

It's Avid Readers' Appreciation Week! Today, Monday, 11/07/2022, join me as I moderate the celebration for our avid readers. This event will be filled with wonderful prizes, surprises, and giveaways. Join the celebration on Facebook here: Ann Marie Bryan's Readers' Cafe.

Meet Our Honoree

We are honoring reader extraordinaire, Phyllis McCray-Crenshaw. Here are fun facts about Phyllis.

We know you love to read but what else do you do for fun?

I love to crochet, but I tend to crochet more during winter as it's too hot in the summer.

Where is your favorite place to read?

I can read anytime and anywhere.

What is your favorite snack while reading?

I love, love, love potato chips, but… I have to limit myself. Chips are an easy snack to eat while reading.

Do you like coffee or tea?

I like both actually. I normally drink coffee in the morning and peach, ginger, and turmeric tea at night.

Chocolate or candy?

I love chocolate especially with any kind of nuts in it.

Beach or mountain?

I like both. We go to The Smokey Mountains often, but we go to the Gulf Coast beaches just as often.

What is your favorite scripture and why?

Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalms 91 are my all-time favorite scriptures because they speak of God's unlimited provision and love for me. I love Him.

What got you into reading in the first place?

I got hooked on reading in elementary school when we had to read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss.

What is your favorite genre and why?

I can read different genres, but I love romance novels because I believe in love and the beauty of it!

What is your favorite part of a story?

I love the development of the characters and story line on their way to finding what's in store for them.

How do you decide whether or not to buy a book?

I have my favorite authors and buy their books consistently. New authors I read by word of mouth from friends and book club members. It's really fun discovering new people.

How important are book covers and back cover description in your purchasing decision?

Covers get my attention, but the story has to hold and keep it.

Do you like book teasers? Why or why not?

I love book teasers as they give you something to look forward to. I'm not really into cliffhangers though.

Do you write book reviews? Why or why not?

I write book reviews because I believe it's important to the author and those interested in purchasing that particular book that it's worth the read. I don't do spoilers though. I feel like a review can be done without spoilers.

How can authors attract new readers?

I think book price promotions will attract new readers to a new author. A good book will then keep them coming back.

What themes would you like to see in Christian Fiction?

Real Christians with real issues and the process on how to overcome and remain victorious is a win for me. Not perfection, but persistent faith.

About Phyllis

My name is Phyllis Crenshaw, and I was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. I was born on election day the year Kennedy was elected president, so I have always been interested in his branch of the Kennedy family. I am a graduate of the University of Alabama, Birmingham with a degree in Mathematics and minor in Economics. All I really wanted to do though was get married and have babies. I did get married to my best friend 36 years ago. Our parents actually lived across the street from each other when we were little kids before my husband's family moved.

We later moved to Tulsa, OK, and attended Rhema Bible College. I joined my husband in ministry and we pastored churches over the years in Huntsville, AL, and Tupelo, MS. Currently, we are itinerant ministers traveling the United States preaching the gospel in word and song. We also have a singles ministry and a couple's ministry. We have conducted seminars here in the States and Costa Rica. I love to read, crochet, and travel. We've been to Mexico, Bahamas, Belize, France, Costa Rica, Honduras and are planning a trip to Panama. I love to spend time with my three sons and three grandchildren. Life is good and God is good to me and mine.