Interview with Paige Munoz: Main Character Monday

Interview with Paige Munoz: Main Character Monday

Welcome to Main Character Monday. Today, I have the pleasure of sharing my interview with Paige Munoz. Paige is from the newly released contemporary Christian romance, Waitin’ on Paige, by Mary Pat Johns. Waitin’ on Paige is the fourth in the Romance in Valiant series, but don’t worry. You don’t have to read them in order (though there will be a few spoilers if you don’t). Now that the details are covered, let’s get to my interview with Paige Munoz.

Paige, I want to welcome you here to Main Character Monday. Please start us off by telling readers a little bit about yourself.

I currently work for Rory Spence as his Personal Assistant, which is all about keeping him organized. No easy task there, but he loves the efficiency I bring to his schedule. We’ve known each other since we were teenagers, and he’s like a brother to me. As much as I’ve loved working for him, I’m ready to branch out. I’ve always enjoyed planning events, and starting my own business is a dream come true. 

Starting a business is a big step, but it sounds like you’ve found one that’s right for you. Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?

Hm. I’m pretty ordinary. The oldest of five siblings. Mom considers me the dependable one. No wild streak, unless you count the way Gus harps about my driving. Says my inner wild child comes out when I get behind the wheel. One little secret I had with Brenna and Vi when they lived with me was, we’d read the same sweet romance novels and compare notes about the heroes. As if there wasn’t enough drama in their real lives. Funny how they ended up with guys similar to the ones they liked in the books. I have no idea where I’d fit in with a romance scenario.  

Maybe, like it happened with your friends, one day you’ll be surprised with your own hero. But romance isn’t all there is in life or even the most important part of it. So,what is your favorite Bible verse and why?

I’ve always loved the question Mordecai asks Esther— “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

I love that one too. It fits no matter the circumstance, good or bad. Is there a person from the Bible that you relate to most?

Queen Esther, though I’m not anything like her. She possessed great courage when she stood before the king to ask for mercy for her people. And I’m guessing she was absolutely gorgeous because she attracted the attention of a powerful king. I’m more like Hannah, the woman who pleaded with the Lord for her heart’s desire. My one big prayer these days is for a successful business.  

I don’t know. I think it takes great courage to pursue your own business. But I’d also agree that taking that desire to the Lord is always the right step too. Maybe you’re a little of both women. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Is there one of these characteristics you find is easier to show than the others?

Kindness is the easy one for me. Practicing patience, however, is a different story, especially when it comes to my siblings.

Siblings can be tricky. If you could give one message to those reading this interview, what would you tell them?

It’s possible to be too goal-focused and too task-oriented. Relationships you care about get messed up when your life is out of balance.

Good message. I think we could all probably use a bit more balance. Now, I’d like to ask some just for fun questions. Nothing deep. Just your quick and unfiltered answers. If you could visit just one place your entire life, where would you go?

I have always wanted to see Paris. The sites intrigue me, and it’s the fashion capital of the world. But I wouldn’t want to go by myself.

If you could choose one talent you don’t already have, what talent would you choose?

Oh, goodness! I’d love to be able to read people better. Rory says I’m good at it, but I’m not sure I agree. Celebrity Ed Clarkston is a complete mystery. Totally unpredictable but fascinating all the same. Otherwise, I’d love to have Mom’s green thumb. Her beautiful flowers thrive. Mine suffer, mostly from neglect.

Dark or Milk Chocolate? Always dark, though Tavo is milk chocolate all the way.

Beach or Mountains? Oh, the beach! Pitting myself against the waves and swells brings a delightful rush.

Sweet Tea or Lemonade? Um. No. But give me a hot fruity tea and I’m good.

Before we let you go, I have one more very important question for you. Mary Pat Johns, the author who shared your story with the world. Can you describe her using only three words?

Hmm. “Not her again” comes to mind. But seriously. Probing. Insistent. And maybe unrelenting. She was very keen on having me look inside myself.

Paige, I want to thank you for joining me today. I have already had the pleasure of reading your story, and I hope today’s readers will check it out for themselves. Readers, if you’d like to know my thoughts on the story, you can read about it in my First Line Friday review.

More About Mary Pat Johns

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began in earnest once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a biweekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ on Jesse is her debut novel, and she’s hard at work on Book Two of the Valiant series.

God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their re-integration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war. As she kept writing, her focus generalized to include ordinary people who learn how to move forward after devastating events. All of her writing has a strong spiritual thread woven through since she considers a return to faith in God the major solution for what ails our society.

She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded when it comes to her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

Countin’ on Jesse placed second in inspirational contemporary romance in the TARA contest and was a finalist in the Crown and the Maggie contests for unpublished authors. It will be published by Scrivenings Press in September 2023.

More About Waitin’ on Paige

Tavo Morales has returned to Valiant, Texas, to stir the embers of a relationship with the woman he has never stopped loving, but hidden reefs from his past threaten to destroy his future.

Paige Muñoz wants her new event planning business to be a success and won’t let anything stand in her way. But the path she’s on to make her dreams come true proves dangerous.

Is the love Tavo and Paige once shared strong enough to survive his secrets and her stubbornness?

Purchase your copy of Waitin’ on Paige

Do you have questions for Paige or Mary Pat? They’d love to hear from you. Just drop your question in the comments, and I’ll tell them you stopped by.