It is out Pleasure to Present...

Sarah Maxwell!

First, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I recently turned thirty, and I am so grateful to the Lord Jesus for all He has done and is doing in my life. At the age of five, I realized I was a sinner and accepted Jesus to be my Savior. Our family started the homeschooling journey in 1985, so I was homeschooled from preschool through high school. About a year before I graduated, our family’s ministry, Titus2.com, began, and I have enjoyed helping in many different facets of the ministry. I have been blessed with wonderful parents, five brothers, two sisters, two sister-in-laws, and two nieces. We love to travel and minister together as a family when the Lord brings along opportunities.

 
What was your most memorable homeschool project?
To be honest, I don’t remember one in particular that stood out. But, I do fondly remember the beginning of the school year: how excited I was for a new school schedule and textbooks. I remember teaching my younger brother and sister math. I remember learning to sew. I remember the excitement I felt over a good grade on a test I had studied hard for. Those are all sweet memories. 

What made you start writing?
My parents were the ones who encouraged me to write. They saw a need for godly, children’s reading material and wondered if I would write a book. I happily agreed. A solid outline was formed, with help from the family, and the Moody Family Series was birthed. After the first book was finished, it seemed only natural to write a sequel. Then, a third book was written, and I continued writing. The Lord led me every step of the way, and I couldn’t write without His help.

What inspired the Moody books?

Again, it was my parents’ encouragement. Since the Moody books are written about a fictional family, I wanted a name that wasn’t ordinary such as Smith or Johnson. Those who know our family can see similarities between the Moodys and the Maxwells. Things that have happened to us or I have observed in others often are woven into the story line. My favorite part is incorporating characters accepting the Lord Jesus. The desire of my heart is that children would be encouraged in the Lord, spurred on to love their families more, and yes, even come to accept Jesus into their heart, as a result of reading the Moody books. We have heard all the above to be true.

 
Which was your favorite to write?
Picking a favorite would be difficult, but if I were to, I suppose it might be the third book, Winter. But again, that’s a hard call. I enjoy the writing part, editing the least, and the outline in the middle. All are crucial elements.

 
Are you going to write any more books?
Lord willing, yes!

What is the best piece of writing advice you have been given?
One thing I either read about writing or received as advice from a well-known author is the importance of being willing to let others edit and critique my writing. So, in my case, my family is my best editors. They know me better than anyone else. They point out flaws in the story line, things that don’t make sense, items that aren’t interesting, situations to add a spark of life into an ordinary section, and more. My brother John, 21, is my reality editor. If you want to write, make sure to allow your family opportunities to critique. Don’t become defensive and unhappy but rather thank them for the help! It will only make you a better writer. 

Do you have any final thoughts to share?

If you desire to write, pray, and ask the Lord for what He would have you write. Start with a solid outline. This will give you a good guideline for your story, while still allowing creativity to be added. Again, be grateful to others who are willing to critique your work and give you feedback. Finally, be willing to work hard. The writing stage is the easiest and most enjoyable. Editing is the hardest. Put your mind to the task and press on!