Bekah, welcome to Homeschool Authors! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a young lady striving to live for my precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is only by His grace that I'm saved from my sins. I love to write, read, play piano, sing, and play with my awesome siblings. I'm a senior this year in high school, so I'll be graduating in the spring of 2015. I'm very excited about that. I hope to do a ton more editing and writing. :-)
Everyone’s homeshooling experience is different. What do you think made yours unique?
I really like the curriculum we use. It's a solid, Christian education and it has helped to inspire my writing. Also, my writing has taught me so much about the subject of English. There's nothing like going through the editing of a book to solidfy grammar and punctuation!
How did being homeschooled prepare you to write?
I think it was the experience of being able to write after I was finished with my school. I was able to learn so much about grammar and punctuation that way. Also, my parents were able to train us up in the ways of the Lord, and I think the Godly principles and wisdom that they have taught me has gone into my writing.
What caused you to start writing?
I'm actually not sure what actually caused me to start writing, but I do know that the Lord has given me this ability and talent to write and I need to use it for His glory. I remember when I was eight or nine, I got a workbook and started a few stories that I intended to finish but never did. :-) I also had created a lot of characters and the one last name that I saw the most in this workbook was the name "Knight", so that's how the Knight Family was born. I remember sitting down at the computer to begin Martha's story, having absolutely no clue that I would actually finish it, but lo and behold, a very short time later, the book was finished at a little over 23,000 words.
What inspired Martha's Fun Summer?
I truly do think that it was God who gave me the idea for "Martha's Fun Summer." I've also been inspired by Sarah Maxwell and her chapter books for children. I remember that my Mom and I began reading Summer with the Moody's when I was nine or so and all the books that she's published after that I've been quick to devour. I really admire her writing style and how she incorporates Biblical principles.
Would you give us a synopsis?
"Martha's Fun Summer is the first book in a series of eight books. It follows the life of 12 year old Martha Knight. The Knight Family lives in Montana in the 1930's. Join Martha as she grows in her walk with the Lord, as a daughter and a sister to her siblings. Her life isn't easy but it's joyful. She has exciting adventures and times of loss. Through it all Martha desires to honor and glorify Christ."
Who will enjoy Martha's Fun Summer?
This book is best for ages 6-12. I think that a lot of the readers of HA are too old for this book to really hold their attention, but maybe they have some younger siblings who would enjoy it?
Do you plan to write more books?
YES! I'm planning on starting a new series that's set in the Revolutionary War period in November. I'm super excited about it!
Where can people connect with you online?
I have a Goodreads account and Pinterest. Feel free to stop by!
Do you have any final thoughts?
Your writing is part of your ministry. Use your talent and gift wisely. Never be afraid to have high moral standards and always stand on God's Word and include it in your work. You don't know how your book(s) will inspire and encourage others. I would like to share an encouraging verse with y'all and one that means a lot to me: "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place." (2 Corinthians 2:14) Also, I would like to encourage those who are going through the editing process. I know that it can be long and hard, but the end result is going to be SO worth it. Press on! And remember, if it is God's will that your work be published, then it'll happen in HIS timing, not ours. I definitely had to learn that lesson. :-)
Thank you, Sarah, for having me. I appreciate all the work you put into Homeschool Authors. I'm really encouraged by this blog.
Enter to win a copy of Martha's Fun Summer below.
