JARM DEL BOCCIO, AUTHOR
  • HOME
  • About Jarm
    • Children's Author
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • My Books
  • Author Engagements
    • Author Events
    • TEACHER'S GUIDE & HEART RESOURCES
  • My Blog

A Writerly Blog

Changing Genres, Changing Bios: Who Am I?

9/24/2022

2 Comments

 
Jarm Del Boccio, author Http://www.jarmdelboccio.com/

It never occurred to me that my desire to write middle-grade historical fiction would change. Nor, that my author’s bio must follow suit. But I was recently enlightened when I had to write a book proposal (much like a term paper, for those of you who are unfamiliar with them) and with it, include my bio. Seems simple, until you understand I am writing a non-fiction book on “aging confidently”, something I am struggling to do lately. Now, instead of writing for young people, I'm reaching my peers.

My Middle-grade Bio


This is what I created when I published The Heart Changer in 2019:

Jarm (‘J’ pronounced as a 'Y') Del Boccio finds her inspiration in everyday life, but in particular, when she travels the globe, observing the quirky things that happen along the way. Focusing on lives of characters from the past, Jarm is devoted to breathing new life into the pages of history, and offers her young readers hope, heart, and a real-life hero.

Jarm loves to travel, is passionate about visiting new places and determined never to visit the same location twice. Unfortunately, sometimes she has to break her own rule. Having journeyed to six out of seven continents, she’s slowly checking off destinations on her bucket list. Jarm’s next dream destination is a stay in a Mongolian yurt with plenty of yak milk to drink!


Some interesting factoids about the author: Her first job was working in — no kidding — a Chinese laundromat! After meeting a bat head-on, Jarm had the distinct privilege of sporting black eyes for eighth grade graduation. Her secret desire? To get caught up in a flash mob singing a tune from a favorite musical.


Jarm taught Kindergarten and high school art/home economics, served as school librarian, and later, nannied a four year old girl. But her greatest challenge was educating three missionary children in an isolated bush village in Papua New Guinea, without the benefit of modern conveniences.


Jarm is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers, and has published three articles in The Old Schoolhouse magazine (2013/18/19). She finished her advanced course with the Institute of Children’s Literature, completing her third MG historical fiction.


Jarm Del Boccio is content with the journey God has placed her on, and lives with her husband, adult daughter and son (when he lands at home), in a tree-lined suburb of Chicago. Her debut middle-grade historical fiction, The Heart Changer released with Ambassador International April 26th, and recently won the Illuminations Silver Medal Award in the Children’s/YA category, and honorable mention in The Purple Dragonfly Book Award’s spiritual/religious category.


You can connect on her website: Jarm Del Boccio, Author or social media platforms: Goodreads, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram.
​
Jarm Del Boccio, author Http://www.jarmdelboccio.com/

A New Genre, a New Bio—a New Identity!


Now that I am writing a non-fiction book on Aging Confidently, it's necessary to change my bio to reflect the current ‘me’ and to identify with my future readers—folks in their silver years and beyond. Below is my revised but tentative bio. I'd appreciate your feedback!


​Jarm (‘J’ pronounced as a 'Y') Del Boccio has spent the last 10 years breathing new life into the pages of history offering middle-grade readers hope, heart, and a real-life hero. Now, well into her silver years, and maturing along with her peers, she is looking forward, and not back. Jarm sees a reluctance to let go of the past and its comforts to forge ahead into new territory that will enlighten, refresh and energize the spirit. What many peers fear is the very thing that will help them age with grace, confidence and faith, making their last years productive and meaningful.


Jarm scares off the aging bug with travel, and is passionate about visiting new places—she is determined never to visit the same location twice. Unfortunately, sometimes she has to break her own rule. Having journeyed to six out of seven continents, she’s slowly checking off destinations on her bucket list. Her secret desire? To get caught up in a flash mob singing a tune from a favorite musical. Jarm feels like a 20-something when someone comments on her stunning silver hair. She tells them it's God’s gift to her (along with her stellar hairdresser of 30 years.)


Although Jarm taught elementary and high school students, served as school librarian, and later, nannied a young girl, her greatest challenge was educating three missionary children in an isolated bush village in Papua New Guinea, without the benefit of modern conveniences.


Jarm is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Word Weavers, and Hope*Writers. She has published articles in The Old Schoolhouse magazine and recently, her devotional on Nehemiah was accepted for Unlocked Teen Devotional.


Having sold her home in a tree-lined Chicago suburb, Jarm has moved 11 times in four months. Although it's an adventure she wasn't asking for, Jarm is content with the journey God has placed her on, and plans to settle down with her husband to the North Carolina coast. With this move, she has become an avid declutterer and minimalist, since discovering it fogs her aging brain.


Her award-winning debut middle-grade historical fiction, The Heart Changer released with Ambassador International in 2019, and still has two more kidlit novels to submit when the time is right.


You can connect on her website: Jarm Del Boccio, Author or social media platforms: Goodreads, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram.


Jarm Del Boccio, author Www.jarmdelboccio.com
What do you think of my new identity? Would you add anything to my bio that would represent my ‘silver self” better? Anything you would remove that is not necessary? Please tell me in the comments below. . .
2 Comments

New Beginnings: The Way Home by Tessa Afshar

7/8/2020

0 Comments

 
The Way Home by Tessa Afshar

I am so honored once again to be a part of Tessa Afshar’s book launch team for The Way Home released by Moody Publishers. This time, instead of a Biblical fiction novel, Tessa has written a 6-week Bible study on a topic dear to her heart: women in Scripture who have found a new beginning and a deep faith. Although I have never met Tessa Afshar in person, I feel she is a kindred spirit in so many ways, and is dear to me!

​When I discovered she was drawn to Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë, I had part of the reason. The other part you will find in the videos and interview below. Enjoy and be blessed!

The Inspiration to Write
​

— Tessa, what inspired you to write, “The Way Home”? What was the most difficult part of writing it?

Seven years ago, while researching In the Field of Grace, a novel I wrote based on the book of Ruth, I realized that this deceptively simple story gives us an incredible insight into the redeeming grace of God. It reveals the power of the Lord at work in the daily life and toil of ordinary people. I knew then that one day I wanted to delve deeper into the book of Ruth.

Perhaps the most difficult part of this study was the context. The events of the book of Ruth take place during the era of Judges. To truly understand Boaz, Naomi and Ruth, we have to understand their times. And the book of Judges makes for a hard study. Everyone does what is right in their own eyes. Everyone fails, from the religious leaders to the political and military powers, right down to ordinary men and women. And what is perhaps most difficult, is that we see ourselves in these people, making similar mistakes.

Unfortunately, so true, Tessa!

Biblical Inspiration for the Author's Journey
​

— If you could be any Biblical character found in your novels, which one would it be, and why?

This is a hard one! My characters go through a lot of pain before finding deep joy. I think I might choose either Ruth or Lydia. Ruth left her home only to find her true home. Her ultimate destiny. And Lydia found success in the world but still had the eyes to recognize that she needed Jesus. I think those are two of the most important things in our lives. That we realize how badly we need Jesus, and that we cling to God so closely that he opens the doors to our ultimate destiny on this earth.

— If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

Eden? I long to visit the place where it all started. Where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sickness, no beauty marred, no shame.

Ahhhh, that would be wonderful, Tessa! So encouraging to know that Heaven will be our home someday!

— Do you have a favorite Bible verse, Tessa? And if so, why is it your favorite?

Right now, it is probably a word rather than a verse. The last word in the book of Ruth. It’s actually a name. The book of Ruth starts with a famine. It starts with hunger and lack and death. It ends with a person. That person is David, Ruth’s great grandson. The original readers of this story would instantly have recognized the promise contained in that name. David was the first king to unite the twelve tribes. The first to cast out the enemies of Israel so they stopped pillaging and burning their harvest. His name was synonymous with God’s provision and sufficiency. But for those of us who live under the New Covenant, the name of David points to an even greater reality. It points to the “Son of David”, the coming Messiah. We know his name. Jesus. And Jesus called himself “the Bread of Life.”

The book of Ruth starts with death. But it ends with an allusion to the resurrection and the Life. It starts with a famine, but ends with the Bread of Life who provides for every hunger and lack we may have ever experienced. It’s as if by its simple structure, God is reminding us that there is no famine in our lives that he cannot provide for through his Son.

That truth is so comforting, Tessa!

An Author's Writing Process
​

— Tell us a bit about your writing process? Do you have a schedule? Where and when do you write?

I have a writing room with big windows. I generally write at my desk, though sometimes, I push aside the books that inevitably sit piled on the sofa, and settle down with the computer on my lap. I am more organized when I am under deadline. In the mornings, I grab my tea, have a time of prayer, and write until I meet my word count for the day. But generally, my schedule is more flexible, including a lot of correspondence, research, and reading.
​
What a perfect way to being a writing session, Tessa! God's Word is inspiring, as you obviously know. ;-}
​Thanks so much for this opportunity to join you and your readers, Jarm. It’s been an honor to hang out with you. You always bring so much joy and kindness wherever you are.

Awwww, thank YOU, Tessa! And I look forward to the day we meet in person, and I can give you a big hug!
Before we end, I want to share a short bio from Tessa Afshar's website below. I encourage you to check it out! And a former blogpost relating to her latest novel,Daughter of Rome.

Tessa Afshar's Short Bio:

"I was born in the Middle East to a nominally Muslim family, and lived there for the first fourteen years of my life. When my parents divorced, I moved to England where I survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. I’ve always enjoyed reading, but in my teen years in England I became a true lover of fiction.

I decided to go to college in the United States, where I have lived most of my life, and have the privilege of calling this country my earthly home. My conversion to Christianity in my twenties changed the course of my life forever. But that’s a story for another time. . .
​
Through all these losses and changes, God has taught me some precious truths, and this, in part, is why I write.

You will be mesmerized as you watch the video below of Tessa's journey. It will touch your heart and bring tears to your eyes. The soul of an author speaks!

0 Comments

Zoom Your Way Through the Corona Crisis

6/11/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture

Ah, yes! Zoom. The connector of the universe. I bet the majority of the population with internet connection have experienced at least one Zoom meeting. If you were one of them, how did that go? Were you delighted? Frustrated? Confused? 

Read More
0 Comments

A COVID Q&A — An Interview With My Writer Self

5/13/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
I began this post a few years ago, and decided now was the time to share it. I wasn't keen to blog about covid-19 again, so it seemed like the perfect time for a Q&A. Some of these answers you may be aware of, and others, not.

​Here goes — enjoy!

Read More
0 Comments

An Author's Visit Across the Pond

3/5/2020

4 Comments

 
Picture
I had the privilege of visiting England the last week of February -- one of my favorite destinations. Since I am a historical fiction author, are you surprised? My purpose was threefold. First, to do a bit of research and sightseeing in Bath, where my latest WIP takes place, although many centuries ago. Second, to do an author's talk at the Bristol homeschool coop near my host's town.


Read More
4 Comments

Mr. Rogers: Would You Be My Mentor?

12/4/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Our family had the opportunity last Saturday to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks, who, by the way, did a fabulous job portraying Mr. Rogers. It would not surprise me if he won an Oscar. It helped me understand the heart behind the man so dearly loved by his young viewers.

Read More
0 Comments

The Ups and Downs of the Writing Life: A Reflection

11/20/2019

4 Comments

 
Picture
It's not as easy as it seems. . .

​People think an author sits and drinks lattes as words stream from her pen. Then off to submit to agents and editors. In a few weeks, voilá - a contract. Soon, royalties come streaming in, and the celebrated author is on the way to her villa in Santorini. Or maybe Tuscany.

Read More
4 Comments
<<Previous

    Good News!

    My MG Biblical fiction "The Heart Changer" debuted in 2019 with Ambassador International.
    ​
    May I inspire you?
    ​ 
    If so, sign up HERE! 


    You’ll receive news of my latest blogpost and inspiration from life and literature to bring focus into your own journey. 

    ​I love to share the quirky things I see in the world. Sometimes, it's for a laugh; at other times, to teach a lesson. Or, just maybe, it will encourage you!

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    August 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All
    Adoption
    Aging
    Amazon
    Author
    Author Endorsements
    Author Historical Sites
    Author Interviews
    Basque Country
    Book Cover Reveal
    Book Endorsements
    Bookish Things
    Book Launch
    Book Trailer
    Bucket Lists
    Charleston
    Children's Book Week
    Christmas
    Crisis
    Debut Book
    Disability
    Emotional Thesaurus
    English Authors
    Faith Insights
    Fantasy Novels
    Film Insights
    Good Reads
    Gratitude
    History
    Insights
    Inspirational
    Jarm Del Boccio
    Julie Hedlund’s 12x12
    Legacy Of Mercy
    Literary Insights
    Lynn Austin
    Media
    Memories
    Mesu Andrews
    Middle-grade Novels
    Minimalism
    Mr. Roger's Neighborhood
    National Reading Month
    North Korea
    Picture Books
    Portugal
    Rice From Heaven
    Sailing
    SC
    SCBWI
    Social Media
    Spain
    Technology
    Tessa Afshar
    The Desert
    The Heart Changer
    The Liebster Award
    The Way Home
    Tina Cho
    Travel
    Travel Writing
    Word Of The Year
    World Events
    Writer’s Block
    Writer's Conference
    Writer's Craft
    Writer’s Journey
    Writer's Retreat

    RSS Feed

  • HOME
  • About Jarm
    • Children's Author
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • My Books
  • Author Engagements
    • Author Events
    • TEACHER'S GUIDE & HEART RESOURCES
  • My Blog