Interview with Felicia Alvarez

Felicia Alvarez

Felicia, welcome to Homeschool Authors. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi Sarah! Thanks for letting me share on your blog!

I’m a girl who loves avocados, sunshine, and serving the Lord. I was born and raised in Southern California and enjoy sitting at the beach on a comfy beach chair with a good book. My family is amazing! My mom dedicated her life to raising and educating me and my two younger siblings. My dad is the most supportive and encouraging dad you could ask for. Although my siblings and I are all adults, we still live at home because, well, we can’t get enough of each other J. In all honesty, though, we truly enjoy spending time together and I’m so thankful for the loving family that I am privileged to come home to each day.

Currently, I’m employed as a dance instructor and teach over one hundred kids each week. It’s such a blessing to work with young people! I’m also a freelance writer and am thankful for the many doors of ministry writing has opened up—for instance getting to “meet” all of you!

If you had to describe your homeschooling years in five words what would they be?

Loving

Funny

Crazy

Creative

Focused

Who are some of your favorite writers? 

I absolutely love Elisabeth Elliot. My mom introduced me to her years ago and I find so much encouragement and wisdom in her writing. Passion and Purity is of course what she’s most known for, but I also like her books Discipline and Quest for Love.

I also admire the works of old dead people like Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, and Amy Carmichael. Their writing is a wealth of knowledge. I hope to one day know God to the depths that they did.

Other books that I’ve enjoyed include Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis, The Race by Della Loredo, Worldliness by C.J. Mahaney, and anything by John Piper or Eric and Leslie Ludy.

What caused you to start writing?

Haha. This question always makes me laugh. Just a few years ago, I was dancing, working part-time as a dance instructor, and attending college.  Once I graduated with a degree in business from Liberty University I asked the Lord, “What do you want me to do now?” I wasn’t sure if I should continue dancing or if I should enter the business field with my new degree.

Well, God answered my prayer, but He took me in a completely different direction! He placed on my heart a burden to write about my homeschool experience. At first I didn’t want to do it. Sure, I was great at journaling, but I had never considered writing my forte. But I listened and wrote Exposed: The Life and Thoughts of a Homeschool Graduate. God gave me all the words I needed and continues to do so. Each step in in my writing is because of His provision.  

Through that experience I learned that God doesn’t require perfection, just obedience and hard work!

What inspired you to write your upcoming book Disenchanted: Navigating Relationships in a Twisted World and what is it about?

Relationships today are hard and the more I experienced things and saw friends experience things, I came to understand that the real reason relationships are so complicated is because our worldview has changed drastically.

Typical relationship books put relationships into a box, addressing the symptoms and not the root cause of relationship problems—which is our disintegrating Christian worldview. Our worldview dictates how we live, and a Christ-honoring relationship can only begin with a Christ-honoring lifestyle. You cannot have one without the other. In my book I talk about the current relationship trends, evaluating the pros and cons of them in light of Scripture and, most importantly, evaluating if they are even biblical. Then, the book goes into practical application for relationships. My goal for Disenchanted is to encourage the young adults to abandon the current trend of lukewarm Christianity and pursue relationships for the glory of God.

Who will enjoy this book?

Anyone in their teens/twenties, I hope J Right now I’m praying to find the right publisher for Disenchanted.

Are you planning on writing more?

Yes, I actually just started on a book for girls. You can stay updated on new books by subscribing to my blog or through Facebook. I’ll be sure to keep you posted!

How does your faith affect your writing?

My faith is the foundation to my writing—He is the source of truth that I rely upon and my inspiration. If I didn’t know the Lord, I know I wouldn’t be writing. In my own strength, I would have neither the courage nor the ability. But “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) and so can you!

Do you have any final thoughts?

I’d like to encourage all of you to take that next step of faith. If you feel God leading you to write (or to another kind of ministry), don’t hesitate, just do it. Rely on the Lord and He will give you the strength. Remember: God does not require perfection, He requires obedience. Trust that He will give you the tools that you need, He will give you the opportunity to practice and improve, and He will open up the doors to share in His perfect timing. 

Announcement Saturday

Authors Added

Sarah Elizabeth

Books Added

On Grandpa's Knee by Sarah Elizabeth

Book Review: 112 Christian Authors and Publishing Professionals Share Their Best Advice for Novelists

Description: Within these pages the most recognized names in Christian publishing share their personal answers to the question, “If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?” In the ever-changing publishing world, you must stay on top of your game to succeed. This book will give you a leg up, with practical tips and advice you can use on your novel writing journey.Includes advice from Karen Kingsbury, Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Jerry B. Jenkins, Josh McDowell, Liz Curtis Higgs, Francine Rivers, James Scott Bell, Terri Blackstock, Randy Alcorn, Melody Carlson, and many more!

Age Appropriate For: All Ages

Best for Ages: 15 and up

When I started writing books, I often wished I could ask authors for their best advice. This book fulfilled those dreams. I only wish I had this book sooner.

The formatting of this book made it not only easy to read, but also a quick read. I was able to read and re-read the authors whose advice I found helpful, and I could quickly move on if an author had advice that wasn’t helpful.

The advice itself was great. Some of it was more helpful than other parts. Some of the advice made me smile, some made me think, and some drew me closer to God. No matter what stage of writing you are in, this book has advice and encouragement that is relevant to you.
One of the things that sets this book apart from many other books is that it gives advice from editors, agents, and other people in the publishing industry in addition to that from authors.

I highly recommend that every author get a copy of this book. I would also like to thank C. J. Darlington for putting this together.

Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon and like it on Goodreads

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Interview with C.J. Darlington

C.J. Welcome to Homeschool Authors. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My pleasure, Sarah! Thanks for having me.

I was homeschooled through all my schooling years (Grades 1-12), and kindergarten might even count too as my mom was one of my teachers. I’ve always loved reading, and as a girl I often made up little stories about animals or my pets. I was eight when I began my epic “The Horse’s Story” about Joshua of the Bible’s horse. LOL

But the writing bug bit stronger in my teens. I had no idea God would use it as I grew older---I just knew I wanted to write. I began what would become my first published novel Thicker than Blood as a fifteen-year-old. It went through MANY edits and revisions but was published the year I turned thirty! Just goes to show you can never give up.

What was your favorite part of being homeschooled?

I loved how homeschooling gave me the freedom (thanks to my parents) to actively pursue the things that interested me. We of course learned all the subjects, but Mom made it a point to foster our creativity. It also allowed me to learn at my own pace, something that is sadly missing from many of today’s classrooms. 

How does being homeschooled still impact you?

Homeschooling taught me how to teach myself. I’m so thankful for this. I know that if I come across something in my adult life now which I need to learn, I can research and discover. It’s invaluable!

What caused you to start writing?

I think my writing stemmed from my love of reading. It came naturally to want to tell stories like those I read. Having an active imagination helped too! My sister and I would make up stories with our friends and then act them out. We created several characters this way, and actually, I stole their names and some of their personalities for my first novel!

Also, I see my writing as a way to share the gospel (good news) with people in a way they’ll receive. If I do my job right, I’ll be able to share truth without coming across preachy through stories about characters like us struggling through life.

What inspired 112 Christian Authors and Publishing Professionals Share Their Best Advice for Novelists?

Several years ago I ran a blog series where I asked various publishing professionals and authors for their responses to the question, “If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?” It was very popular. Fast forward to now, and I realized their wisdom would make the perfect ebook as all of it was still just as inspiring today. So I asked some new folks and received permission from those I’d already asked to collect their responses in this new ebook. I was just reading through some of their responses again last night---it was truly an honor to put together.

What was the biggest challenge to compiling it?

Formatting an ebook was a new venture for me, but here we come back to how homeschooling taught me how to teach myself! I read through blogs about the subject, purchased ebooks on formatting, and did a great deal of experimenting on my computer to get it just the way I wanted it. There was definitely a learning curve, but next time will be much easier, I’m sure.

Where can people get it?

The ebook is available on all the ebook sites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo, etc. I have the links up at my website: http://www.cjdarlington.com/excerpts/advice-for-novelists-excerpt.htm

You can also read an excerpt there.

You also have written some wonderful fiction books. Tell us a little bit about those?

Why thank you, Sarah! My first novel Thicker than Blood was published by Tyndale House after it won the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Contest. Let me tell you---that was the biggest surprise and blessing of my entire life and truly jump-started my novel writing career. I was incredibly blessed when Tyndale decided to publish my second novel Bound by Guilt as well.

Thicker than Blood is a story about two estranged sisters who haven’t seen each other for fifteen years. There’s been a lot of hurt and misunderstanding between them. Christy, the oldest, is an alcoholic in an abusive relationship. When she hits rock bottom she lands on her sister May’s doorstep. Throw in a rare first edition of Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls, and a struggling cattle ranch, and I hope you have the recipe for a compelling tale. As of today there are 133 Amazon reviews, which I think is incredible and such an honor.

Bound by Guilt takes place a year and a half after the events in Thicker than Blood. It’s a sequel in some ways, but it stands by itself too. Shuttled between foster homes, Roxi Gold will do anything to fit in. Soon she’s traveling the country stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society—and not just at work. One fateful night, both their lives are changed forever. One searches for justice, the other finds herself on the run.

I had a lot of fun connecting these stories. Roxi ends up on the ranch that adjoins May’s (from Thicker than Blood) and Christy teams up with Abby. A first edition of The Great Gatsby plays a pivotal role in this one!

Who is your favorite author and why?

Oh, boy. I have so many! I’ve always loved Frank Peretti, James Scott Bell, and Sibella Giorello. I’m a huge fan of character-driven suspense novels.

If you could give one piece of advice to a beginning writer, what would it be?

I still have to remind myself of this---write the book of your heart. This is something I mentioned in my piece of advice for the ebook. It’s so important! Sometimes we put the cart before the horse, you know? We worry about publishing, editors, marketing, etc. when we haven’t even finished our books. More and more I’m realizing that without a good book, nothing else matters. So first write that book which moves YOU. Chances are, if you enjoy writing it your readers will enjoy reading it. The passion will show. Everything else will come later. And it will if you never give up. Commit your work to the Lord, and He’ll make a way. It might take fifteen years, like it did for me, but the wait is worth it.

Do you have any final thoughts?

Never stop learning! Whether it be in your writing or something else that you’re passionate about. The moment you think you’ve arrived, warning bells should start clanging in your head. We never arrive. That’s what makes the writing journey so exciting! I’m learning to embrace that truth. 

Book Review: Shrouded Jewels by Jansina

Age Appropriate For: 16 and up (some thematic elements)

Best for Ages: 16 and up

Description: Davey Blake’s invitation to the Benson’s home is evidence of his good character, but Mical Benson knows it is the perfect opportunity for him to steal her father’s great wealth. In spite of her suspicions, Mical eventually falls into his 'trap' and moves beyond mutual loathing. When Davey’s past returns, all he has built up may be lost forever…

This is a very different book then I normally read. I usually avoid fiction written for teens because it is more gritty then I like my fiction. Yes, I am parcel to the ones that are happier and always end on a high note. Although this book was very different then I normally read, I found myself enjoying it.

There were only two things that had issue with in this book. The first and foremost being that it ends on a cliffhanger and the second book isn’t out yet. The second is that some things were not as clear as they should have been. I thought the story was about of teens for the first few chapters, only to find that the kids I am reading about were in their early twenties.

The characters were awesome. Not many independently published authors have characters as well developed as Jansina has. Michal was a troubled but very likeable person. I love how she strives to protect her siblings from her father’s fits of rage and works to keep them together. Her two siblings were also very lovable even though they have suffered at the hand of their father. Davey was by far my favorite. I loved his background, his faith, his relationship with his parents, and his high standards. I also loved his ideas of church and the Fathers love for us.

The story itself was good, but hard at times. I loved the realism of it. Even in the end, there are many things that are not resolved. Some of the characters make some big mistakes. Without giving anything away, let me just say that that some secrets are kept that will cause the characters heartache in the future.

I recommend this book to those who like realistic books with characters that have real problems and dilemmas, but also with a strong faith element.

Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon and like it on Goodreads

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Interview with Jansina

Jansina! 

Jansina, welcome to Homeschool Authors! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Thank you for having me! I was homeschooled until college, and earned a BA in English Literature & Writing. I love to see characters come alive on the page, whether in my own writing or others'. I'm currently rewriting my third novel, and running an editing and publishing company, Rivershore Books (www.rivershorebooks.com). When not enjoying the written word, I spend my time Irish dancing, playing board games, and experimenting with various crafts.

What is your favorite memory of your homeschool years?
In general, I loved the flexibility it gave me. I could work ahead (or, sometimes, get behind), and I could spend more time on the subjects I enjoyed most. A specific memory, though, is one of the field trips we went on. Our homeschool group visited a 1900s one-room schoolhouse and spent the day being taught as they would have been--wood stove, outhouse, and all.

What caused you to start writing? 
When I was younger, I would tell stories verbally--usually things that had happened to friends of mine (or, more often, fictional characters from books, movies, or Adventures in Odyssey). It was a natural progression to writing after that.

What inspired Shrouded Jewels?
 It's a modern retelling of a Bible story (1 Samuel 18), but it was first inspired by the CD for the musical King David. I haven't seen the actual musical, but the songs focus some on the romance between David and his first wife, Michal. I wanted to explore that further.

What is Shrouded Jewels about?
It follows the friendship and romance of Davey Blake and Mical Benson. Mical's father is guarded, so Davey's invitation to the Benson's home is evidence of his good character, but Mical isn't convinced that his motivations are innocent. The book delves into the motivations and challenges Davey and Mical meet on their journey to trust and faith.

Who will enjoy this story?
The target audience is teens and young adults who enjoy realistic fiction and romance.

You are working to reach teens with your stories. Why Teens?
When I was growing up, and especially as a teen, I was constantly reading. Mostly, I stuck with the classics. I found most modern fiction lacking in the moral department, and didn't know of many contemporary Christian authors. While I still love the classics, I saw a gap and wanted to help fill it. I'm thrilled that others are doing the same now!

If you could give one piece of advice to your teen-self, what would it be?
Spend time writing the difficult parts. For me, that's the endings. Although I spent much of my free time writing, I was 19 before I completed a full-length novel. The more you write [insert your personal challenge here], the easier they become.

How does your faith affect your writing?
I strive to keep my faith at the center of all I do, and especially in what I write. My goal with my stories is to both entertain and inspire, so my faith in God is a backdrop to everything I write--whether it's mentioned directly or not.

Do you have any final thoughts?
One of the questions I'm asked most often is how many books I've sold. That information isn't a secret, but the question bothers me because it's not the reason I write. I write because I feel called to--and because not writing is difficult. Writing, and seeing my books in print, is the passion God gave me. Whatever happens after that point is up to Him. No matter what passion God has given you, pursue it with your whole heart--for Him, and for you. It's worth it.

Jansina is forgiving away three digital copies of her book Shrouded Jewels! Enter below:

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