This week, we are pleased to feature Marianne Jones. Welcome to my blog Marianne! Shall we get started? 

When did you start writing and how did that come about?

I was about 10 or 11 when I realized that I wanted to be a writer. I had always been writing descriptions in my head of the things I saw around me, even from a younger age. I was an insatiable reader, constantly taking out as many books as the library would allow and devouring them. I especially loved poetry, and would compose poems for the pleasure of it, not for show. One day, when I was looking at a poem I had just written, the thought came into my head, “I want to be a writer.” I felt such a glow of excitement and affirmation that I knew I had found my purpose.

Tell us about you, what you want readers to know.

I am a wife of some 47 years, a mother of two wonderful daughters and besotted grandmother to two adorable granddaughters. I’m also a retired teacher, children’s choir conductor, and sometimes actor and director. As my friends and family will attest, I’m a bit of a goofball.

Do you have suggestions for new authors? Tell us how you started and what struggles you overcame.

It’s always been a struggle, especially because of that voice in my head. You know, the one that’s constantly saying, “Who do you think you are? You really think you can do this? Who are you kidding?” Then there were the long periods of rejection letters that used to discourage me and make me want to give up. What helped me a lot was reading somewhere that success in writing comes to the undiscourageable. So I would pick up my pen again and carry on. I would advise new authors to keep reading, keep studying your craft, and be true to yourself. Write for love, primarily, not for money. If you write for love, you will find your true voice and do your best work.

How do you structure your works and what is your current work in process?

I  have a loose structure in my head that is open to change as I go along. I think it would be a lot easier if I plotted everything out to the last detail before starting, but that’s not me. I have to immerse myself in the writing to discover how the story wants to be told. Currently, I’m working on a sequel to The Serenity Stone Murder. It’s called Death on the Water, and it shows my protagonists from Serenity Stone, Margaret and Louise, trying to solve their next case, a murder within Louise’s own family.

How do you relax? Travel, anything you like to do in your downtime?

My husband Reg and I enjoy Netflix, going to live plays and jazz, traveling (when we can afford it), and mentoring people at church.

Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla.

Have you thought of writing a screenplay?

Many times. But I have so many irons in the fire that I don’t think I need to add one more!

Name one actor you think would make the perfect protagonist in your book and why?

I’d love to see Meryl Streep as my character Margaret, because she’s so incredibly versatile and has such a wonderful sense of humour in her acting. She could perform crusty, but good-hearted Margaret to perfection!

If you could move in time, such as going back in time or to the future, which would you choose and why?

Maybe back to the fifties, the decade when I was born. It was such an innocent time, and an ideal era for bringing up children.

What other things have you written?

In addition to articles and poems in a variety of magazines and anthologies, plays for church and Christian organizations, I’ve written three children’s books, an as-told-to memoir, a chapbook and book of poetry and a literary novel that I’m currently shopping out.

What are some recurring elements in your writing?

Humour and geography. Humour sneaks into most of my writing. I grew up in a family that loved to laugh, and loved to read humorists. My Dad was especially funny. I tend to see the funny side of things, and it shows in my writing. The other element is northwestern Ontario, where I have lived all my life. It’s a spectacularly beautiful part of the world, rugged and majestic, with thousands of freshwater lakes and thousands of acres of forest. Thunder Bay, where we live, is situated on Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, often called the inland sea. My love of this region permeates my consciousness, and is reflected in my writing.

Proudest moments as a writer?

The most amazing moment was when I won a national writing contest for teenagers. I was fourteen, and entered as a test, to see if I really had what it took to be a writer. Decades later, being named International Christian Poet Laureate 2010 by Utmost Christian Writers was a great honour. Having three of my poems engraved in stone benches at Prince Arthur’s Landing in Thunder Bay was a special thrill. I love knowing that my grandchildren will be able to point out my work there after I’m gone!

Links below!!! Check Marianne out soon!

Book Link

Facebook Author Page    

Twitter                               

LinkedIn                             

Google+                             

Goodreads                      

Amazon Author Page       

This week, we are pleased to feature Pastor Jacqueline Goodwin. Welcome Jacqueline and shall we get started? 

When did you start writing and how did that come about?

I have been writing poems since the fifth grade. I began writing poetry because of my experiences that I was going through from friendship to having my heart broken.

Tell us about you, what you want readers to know.

Jacqueline Goodwin is an ordained pastor and prophetess who’s ministry focuses on deliverance and healing. She has a passion and heart for the youth which has led her to various positions within the ministry and career field.  Since 2002 Goodwin has served as Youth Director, a mentor, and Sunday School teacher within her local church.  A former paralegal, educator, and substance abuse counselor who use her gift of empowerment to transform lives within her career field.  She has earned a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Regent University, Master of Counseling from Webster University, Columbia SC, a Master of Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University, Lynchburg VA, an Associate Degree of Paralegal graduating “Magna Cum Laude” from South University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Francis Marion University, Florence SC.

She currently resides in South Carolina with her son, two daughters and granddaughter.  Her hobbies include running, walking, meditating, and writing, counseling youth and working in the community.

Do you have suggestions for new authors? Tell us how you started and what struggles you overcame.

Do not let rejections become a stumbling block for you, but let rejections become the stepping stones that propels you to write. I started writing when I was in the 5^th grade my mother had bought me a diary and from that point I began writing poetry.

How do you structure your works and what is your current work in process?

I structure my work process by finding me a place of solitude, so I can go into prayer and hear what the Holy Spirit would have me to write. My current work in process is my new book entitled, Bitter to Better.

How do you relax? Travel, anything you like to do in your downtime?

I relax by praying, mediating, exercising, and traveling.

Chocolate or vanilla?

Vanilla

Have you thought of writing a screenplay?

Yes, that would be something I would want to venture out and do.

Name one actor you think would make the perfect protagonist in your book and why?

I would want Angela Bassett to be my protagonist in my book because it takes a strong woman to go through what I went through and not lose her mind. She is a strong woman.

If you could move in time, such as going back in time or to the future, which would you choose and why?

I would love to go back in time to spend time with Jesus just to witness His ministry first hand. ((Perfect answer!!!))

How much of yourself do you put into your books?

I put all of myself in my books. God has placed in my heart to be authentic and transparent when I am writing to always share a part of my life that He has brought healing, restoration, and deliverance in.

What is your motivation for writing more?

The Holy Spirit has motivated me to write more. I have been given several titles, but God has not downloaded in me yet what to write.

How did you come up with your book title, Healing in the Vessel A Mother’s Love A Daughter’s Journey of Faith?

Healing in the Vessel was given to me out a testimony. I was diagnosed with HIV, but God healed me completely from it. He told me, “There was Healing in the Vessel” and I was the vessel. My mother covered me in prayer while I fasted and prayed for my healing, and it was her love and faith that empowered me to stand on my faith for my healing. My life is a journey of faith in all areas of my life.

Do you have a specific place to write?

I write mostly at my desk or in my bedroom. Sometimes, I will go to the park and write.

How do you see writing?

I see writing as a gift that God has given me to bring healing and revelation to the world.

Website        Amazon Author Page     Book Link

Instagram          Facebook          Email 

Thank you for stopping by  Pastor Jacqueline Goodwin!