 If you’ve wondered what goes on in the mind of an author, wonder no more! I am thrilled and honored to be interviewing one of my favorite Biblical fiction authors — Tessa Afshar, author of her latest novel, Daughter of Rome. Tyndale House, Tessa’s publisher, did an interview a while ago, and we get to listen in!
You will discover fascinating facts about the first century church, and insights into the characters. So settle in with your hot beverage of choice, and enjoy. And don't forget to click on the images for more info about Tessa and her books. You will discover some surprising things about her life.
0 Comments
 Statue in a Buenos Aires cemetery. Oh. I must catch my breath! Did I truly see such a magnificent creature and live? I paled. My heart pounded as the mighty angel, dressed in a flowing white robe with searing eyes that pierced my soul.
 Today, I will be interviewing a good friend and fellow author at Ambassador International, Mary E. Sandford about her debut middle-grade historical novel, Unwanted! She was my Word Weavers critique group leader a couple of years back, but moved to Texas recently, so we don't see each other often unless we connect at a conference.
 I'm learning quite a bit as a debut author. And blog touring is one of these aspects. My MG historical fiction, The Heart Changer is going on tour May 20th to 24th — even if I can’t. I was hoping for some R&R, but that comes at the beginning of June. Here is the link: Just Read Blog & Review Tour if you are interested in those who expertly share your book with their readership. It’s not possible for debut authors to be at all places all the time so this essentially doubles their reach. I consider it a jump-start to our career. . .
Sometimes, there is a fee, usually it includes a giveaway — you supply the books, they give them away. Occasionally, you can choose to offer an e-book in place of a physical one. Many times, you are responsible to ship the autographed book to the winner. So which companies offer this opportunity?  Little did I know this meme would be a self-prophetic reflection of my feelings at this time. I know we are not to rely on feelings, since they can lead us astray. They are as fleeting as wind. I want to be honest here: I'm worried. About many things. My book, The Heart Changer launches in two days - April 26th. Does anybody really care? I've poured my heart and soul into my novel - based on a historical event. I want my young audience to fill with hope after reading it. Life is too short and full of hard times. We all need a bit of hope. But will my book reach those who need hope? Will it get into the right hands? What about my writerly friends - and family. Do they care? Enough to pass the word about my debut novel? Am I being too pushy? Too 'in your face' with my social media posts? I have it on a good authority that followers expect you to push the envelope when it comes to posts in the few days before publication. Have I done enough? Too little? In the best way possible to make my book seen? Will people find it on Amazon with such an obscure tag? I was hoping for a "juvenile historical fiction" category tag, but it wasn't to be. Will I get 50 reviews within a month of publication or less, which brings my book up in ranking on Amazon? Or more troublesome - will I get any reviews?? What if my readers don't like it? I do understand there will always be a couple of reviewers who for some reason or another, give it a 1 or 2. I've heard those ratings can reveal some truth about my story. Read my post on reviews here.  On Friday, April 26th at 8pm CST, I am hosting my very first author's FB Live event on my Page (have you liked my Page yet?) Will anyone show up? Or will I be talking to crickets? And my FB Page Chat Party on Saturday, April 27th from 2-2:30pm? Will anyone join in to ask questions? Or will I need to entertain myself for half an hour? As you can see, I have many concerns. But I understand it's totally normal. My word of the year is PERSEVERANCE, and boy, I will need plenty of it during these next few weeks! Perseverance to push through the gloom of insecurity and hopelessness, and move towards HOPE. Because this one thing I know for sure - I have a great God. He wrote my story, and therefore, I needn't worry. All those readers who need hope will read my story. I will get as many reviews as He sees fit. And I will have exactly the right friends to join me in my first author's FB LIVE and Chat Party events.
You, see - He is the Heart Changer!  I must admit — Les Misérables by Victor Hugo is my second favorite classic novel. Jane Eyre is my first. I also need to admit that I’ve never read it (it’s on my list), but I’ve watched numerous film versions. And I see the thread of hope running through them all.
Obviously, an author writes from his own worldview. He can’t help it. So, when I discovered Hugo’s quotes, that became clear. I also found the word HOPE in these quotes. No, you may not see the word, but each one reveals an element of hope. |
Good News!My MG Biblical fiction "The Heart Changer" debuted in 2019 with Ambassador International. Categories
All
|
RSS Feed