I just finished writing Year of the Dog ! It had a massive plot hole that I had to fix which turned out to be more work than I expected. Here’s a snippet: “Hey, Auntie Nell.” He wrapped his arms around her, bussing her on the cheek and breathing in pikake flowers and shortbread cookies. And suddenly he was nine years old again, and her solid presence had made his chaotic world stable once more. “What are you doing here?” He usually took her to dinner on Wednesday nights, but today was Tuesday. The edges of her smile faltered a little before brightening right back up again. “What, I can’t visit my nephew?” She angled around him to enter his home. “Is this your new house? Looks lovely.” Which was a blatant lie, because the fixer-upper was barely livable, much less acceptable to a neat-freak like his aunt. She also left four matching pink and purple floral suitcases on the stoop behind her. Only then did Ashwin notice the cab driver standing slightly to the side of the walkway. “Can ...
Captain's Log, Stardate 09.03.2007
Today I have a fabulous interview with my friend, Sharon Hinck about her novel, The Restorer!
(The Sword of Lyric, book 1)
Susan Mitchell needed a change--any kind of change. Nearly twenty years of marriage to her college sweetheart, Mark, had given her two teenagers and two grade-schoolers, along with miles of unmatched socks, sticky countertops, and the ever-growing hum of sheer bedlam. When had she become so . . . insignificant? Hadn't God once had a plan for her?
Well, at least Mark had a plan: for an attic hideaway free of iPods and science projects and cookie crumbs. But before Susan can finish her first journal entry, she finds herself pulled through a portal into a world grappling for its soul and waiting for a promised Restorer.
Someone does have a plan for her--one she never would have imagined.
While she struggles to adapt to a foreign culture full of unfamiliar technologies and taboos, she faces unexpected battles, mind-poisoning enemies, and a profound spiritual journey. Her adventure will forever change her family, her faith, and how she experiences love--from the One.
Read an excerpt here.
I wrote a review here.
And now, here’s me and Sharon!
What inspired you to write The Restorer?
I¹ve always been fascinated by the story of Deborah in the book of Judges, and wondered what a modern woman would look like in that role. The fantasy genre provides a powerful way to look at a familiar story in a new way. I loved the challenge of creating a completely relatable character, and then inviting the reader to follow her into an imaginative journey.
I wrote this story for my friends – ordinary women who are sometimes called on to fill extraordinary roles that they don¹t feel prepared for. We may not be literally yanked into an alternate universe, but the idea of being pulled into an unexpected challenge is very real to most of the people I know. I wrote this book for my friends who receive a diagnosis of cancer, or the news that their child has a learning disability, or their parent is battling Alzheimers, or their spouse has lost their job. They suddenly find themselves in a foreign world, facing new rules, and being asked to fill a role they don¹t feel ready for. My prayer is that as well as being entertaining, this novel can inspire courage and determination for those facing daily battles.
What's your favorite scene from The Restorer?
There is a character that is particularly hostile toward Susan. At one point he offers to do some sword work with her, tests her resolve and tries to determine whether she will hurt or help his world. At the same time, Susan gets some insights into him. I really enjoy their interaction in that scene.
What's your heroine's favorite ice cream and why?
Cinnamon because it's unusual and has a bite to it...and it's great with apple pie.
If you were a llama, what would your name be and why?
Dolly, of course. Dolly Llama.
LOL! Okay, I guess I deserved that one.
What novel are you reading right now?
Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace. Powerful story.
You're off the hotseat! Any parting words?
Hotseat? Is that the silly toilet-seat cover you knitted?
Seriously, my parting word is that if aren't normally a reader of "high-fantasy" or speculative fiction, try The Restorer anyway. I picked a contemporary voice and a relatable character to take us into the imaginative adventure, and am getting scores of letters from people who don't usually read fantasy who love the story and are taking some deep insights from it.
Camy here: Thanks for being here, Sharon!
Today I have a fabulous interview with my friend, Sharon Hinck about her novel, The Restorer!(The Sword of Lyric, book 1)
Susan Mitchell needed a change--any kind of change. Nearly twenty years of marriage to her college sweetheart, Mark, had given her two teenagers and two grade-schoolers, along with miles of unmatched socks, sticky countertops, and the ever-growing hum of sheer bedlam. When had she become so . . . insignificant? Hadn't God once had a plan for her?
Well, at least Mark had a plan: for an attic hideaway free of iPods and science projects and cookie crumbs. But before Susan can finish her first journal entry, she finds herself pulled through a portal into a world grappling for its soul and waiting for a promised Restorer.
Someone does have a plan for her--one she never would have imagined.
While she struggles to adapt to a foreign culture full of unfamiliar technologies and taboos, she faces unexpected battles, mind-poisoning enemies, and a profound spiritual journey. Her adventure will forever change her family, her faith, and how she experiences love--from the One.
Read an excerpt here.
I wrote a review here.
And now, here’s me and Sharon!
What inspired you to write The Restorer?
I¹ve always been fascinated by the story of Deborah in the book of Judges, and wondered what a modern woman would look like in that role. The fantasy genre provides a powerful way to look at a familiar story in a new way. I loved the challenge of creating a completely relatable character, and then inviting the reader to follow her into an imaginative journey.
I wrote this story for my friends – ordinary women who are sometimes called on to fill extraordinary roles that they don¹t feel prepared for. We may not be literally yanked into an alternate universe, but the idea of being pulled into an unexpected challenge is very real to most of the people I know. I wrote this book for my friends who receive a diagnosis of cancer, or the news that their child has a learning disability, or their parent is battling Alzheimers, or their spouse has lost their job. They suddenly find themselves in a foreign world, facing new rules, and being asked to fill a role they don¹t feel ready for. My prayer is that as well as being entertaining, this novel can inspire courage and determination for those facing daily battles.
What's your favorite scene from The Restorer?
There is a character that is particularly hostile toward Susan. At one point he offers to do some sword work with her, tests her resolve and tries to determine whether she will hurt or help his world. At the same time, Susan gets some insights into him. I really enjoy their interaction in that scene.
What's your heroine's favorite ice cream and why?
Cinnamon because it's unusual and has a bite to it...and it's great with apple pie.
If you were a llama, what would your name be and why?
Dolly, of course. Dolly Llama.
LOL! Okay, I guess I deserved that one.
What novel are you reading right now?
Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace. Powerful story.
You're off the hotseat! Any parting words?
Hotseat? Is that the silly toilet-seat cover you knitted?
Seriously, my parting word is that if aren't normally a reader of "high-fantasy" or speculative fiction, try The Restorer anyway. I picked a contemporary voice and a relatable character to take us into the imaginative adventure, and am getting scores of letters from people who don't usually read fantasy who love the story and are taking some deep insights from it.
Camy here: Thanks for being here, Sharon!