Category: Inspirational

New Beginnings: The Way Home by Tessa Afshar

7/8/2020

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!

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CONTENTMENT: Is it Possible?

1/10/2020

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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.

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Surprised by the Light: The Shepherd's Story

12/18/2019

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https://freebibleimages.org/photos/shepherds-angels/

Have you been floundering in the dark lately? Or maybe you're not aware your light has dimmed. Maybe, you are just living life as it comes, but underneath, are realizing there is something more.

I believe that's the way the shepherds felt over 2,000 years ago on the night Jesus was born. Since this is the Christmas season, I want to share a portion of my Christmas Musings written in 2012. For another character sketch in this series, here is the link for the Magi's story. I hope you are blessed by my interpretation of what happened many centuries ago and many miles away. How would you have responded that night?

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Mr. Rogers: Would You Be My Mentor?

12/4/2019

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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.

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Confessions of a Debut Author: Does Anyone Care?

4/24/2019

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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!

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Finding My Way: Lost and Found

1/17/2019

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Our path up to the ledge in Derbyshire, England, where Jane Eyre (Ruth Wilson) collapsed and sobbed in the 2008 version of the film.

I love a good writing prompt. But sometimes, I fight them. Mostly because the memories of my past have faded far too fast. So, I began to use the prompts to remind myself of my adventurous childhood. In fact, it was when my almost-one-hundred-year-old mother passed away in 2008, I began my writer’s journey.

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Discover Yourself — Make a New Beginning

1/12/2019

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I remember standing in line outside the aluminum-framed glass doors of Midwestern Christian Academy, waiting to walk through the hallowed halls and into my 7th grade year.

The day was cool and crisp. The leaves were turning shades of gold, orange and brilliant burgundy. There was a freshness in the air that mirrored my own musings. I loved new beginnings.

My meticulously sharpened pencils and just purchased outfit and supplies readied me to begin this new educational chapter in my life. All was right with the world. My world. No mistakes or ugliness to cloud the day. I had the chance to begin again. With schoolwork, friends and attitude.

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A Writerly Blog

New Beginnings: The Way Home by Tessa Afshar

The Inspiration to Write

Biblical Inspiration for the Author's Journey

An Author's Writing Process

CONTENTMENT: Is it Possible?

Surprised by the Light: The Shepherd's Story

Mr. Rogers: Would You Be My Mentor?

Confessions of a Debut Author: Does Anyone Care?

As you can see, I have many concerns. But I understand it's totally normal.

Finding My Way: Lost and Found

Discover Yourself — Make a New Beginning

Good News!

Archives

Categories

A Writerly Blog

New Beginnings: The Way Home by Tessa Afshar

The Inspiration to Write ​

Biblical Inspiration for the Author's Journey ​

An Author's Writing Process ​

CONTENTMENT: Is it Possible?

Surprised by the Light: The Shepherd's Story

Mr. Rogers: Would You Be My Mentor?

Confessions of a Debut Author: Does Anyone Care?

​As you can see, I have many concerns. But I understand it's totally normal.

Finding My Way: Lost and Found

Discover Yourself — Make a New Beginning

Good News!

Archives

Categories

The Inspiration to Write

Biblical Inspiration for the Author's Journey

An Author's Writing Process

As you can see, I have many concerns. But I understand it's totally normal.