Nadia Crane
https://thepaisleyfrog.com
Author of 5 Minutes with God for Newlyweds
T4JYM: Your book, 5 Minutes with God for Newlyweds, released in January. Can you tell our readers what they can expect from it?
NC: 5 Minutes with God for Newlyweds is a way for couples to pause each day and reconnect — with God and with one another. It’s designed to fit real life: short readings, meaningful prayers, and prompts that help couples build spiritual intimacy without pressure or overwhelm.
T4JYM: What is next for you? Are you working on something new? Anything different?
NC: Yes — I’m working on Sacred Words of Affection, the second book in the series, called The Sanctuary Within. It explores, kissing, embracing, and the tender ways couples stay connected. It follows a more traditional devotional format. The first book, Sacred Words: Listening | Talking | Relationships, A 40-day Devotional, has been sent out to beta readers. And I am anxiously waiting for feedback.
I’m also continuing to write reflections, prayers, and relationship‑focused pieces for my blog and the prayer and support group for those experiencing estrangement, which I manage.
T4JYM: Where do you get ideas for your books?
NC: My ideas come from real life — my own marriage, the stories people share with me, and the quiet ways God nudges my heart.
The first book I wrote is the devotional series that I am currently working on. But God had other plans. I started writing a novel, Wine & Faith. But God had other plans. Then, while editing Wine & Faith, God placed a book on estrangement in my heart. So, the first book I published was Reflections, Poems, & Prayers on Estrangement, including The 8 Stages.
T4JYM: Can you tell us a little about The Paisley Frog?
NC: Funny story. On my way from Arkansas to North Carolina, my hubby & I stopped at a cabin for an overnight. We met the owners, and the next thing we knew, we were submerged in their private pool, laughing and talking about business ideas. The lady asked me what my favorite thing was. I told her that I liked F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God) and the paisley pattern. Hence, thepaisleyfrog.com.
It’s whimsical in name but rooted in purpose: helping people find hope and inspiration in the middle of real life.
T4JYM: Will you describe your writing process, from the spark of an idea through writing, editing, and then publishing?
NC: My process begins with a spark or a nudge. Something that God is bringing to my attention.
From there, I write in small, steady sessions. I focus on what is a priority for that day. Am I writing a prayer on Sunday? Or am I writing a blog series? Or what writing project will I work on today?
Once the piece is drafted out, it gets overhauled in the editing process. That is where the writing gets refined. Polished. To make sure it engages the reader.
Then, if it is a book – off to beta readers. Then the whole process repeats itself.
Once the manuscript is finalized it goes through a last proofread.
The fun part follows. I’m joking! I allott a full weekend to figure out how to get the manuscript uploaded to KDP (a publishing platform). Then after the paperback is done, the e-book follows. The format for the e-book is a bit more challenging. Each page needs to be reviewed to make sure the breaks are in the right places.
As a quick example for the prayer book, I uploaded it at least 12 times before the format was correct. (My mistakes with bolding, font size, and extra white pages). When the proof arrived, I realized the headers needed to be darker, so I had to fix that and upload again. It is a process, for sure. Yet, the finished book makes me cry! (good tears)
T4JYM: When did you begin writing? How has your writing changed from your first work to now?
NC: I’ve been writing for many years, but my early work was more private — journaling, prayers, and reflections. Over time, as I walked through seasons of healing and growth, my writing became more public and more intentional.
Today, my voice is more confident. More compassionate. More focused on guiding others. Gently. With more grace.
T4JYM: Besides writing books, tell our readers a little about you and the things that keep you busy.
NC: When I take a break from writing about hard stuff, I dabble in poetry, especially haiku. My favorite part is finding words of awe and wonder. I also do swim aerobics, and I am on the hunt for a good thrift store.
My older son lives on the West Coast, and my younger son lives on the East Coast. I live with my husband in Florida, and I drive to North Carolina a few times a year to spend time with my great-niece and nephew, who are 3 1/2 and 8 years old.
T4JYM: Let’s explore a few more favorites…
NC:
- Food? Soups and stews.
- Dessert? Vegan cupcakes
- Drink? Mushroom Coffee
- Color? Teal
- TV show? I don’t watch much TV
- Musician/Band? I don’t have a favorite
- Hobby? Writing
- Movie? The Proposal
- Book of the Bible? Song of Songs
- Bible Verse? “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” –Philippians 4:8
- Worship Song? Awesome God
T4JYM: What advice would you give to the youth of this world?
NC: Be
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