Hello everyone! I am 19 year old homeschool graduate and sister to a dozen. I live with my family in Wisconsin on a little hobby farm. I love to write, sing, take pictures, play piano, square and line dance, and interact with a variety of people. As a Christian, my books always involve Christ – I never try to remove Him from my writing. I love to teach and hope to inspire people in every little way I can!
Everyone’s homeschooling experience is different. What do you think made yours unique?
With having so many siblings, there has always been a variety of strengths and weaknesses between us. I'm not sure if it's unique, but one of the great things about my homeschooling experience was the team effort that was put into learning. One with strengths in math was a great help to the one who struggled with it, etc. Also, I was also allowed to take on the teaching of reading to my little siblings when I was 13. I've had it since, and I love it. To open up the world of books to a person is really a big honor!
How did being homeschooled prepare you to write?
Really, homeschooling is why I write. With being homeschooled, I was able to take the extra time to hone in on the subjects that interested me most. The freedom of taking a subject and running with it was a huge help when it came to my writing!
What caused you to start writing?
When I was nine years old, my Aunt gave me a beautiful journal. I filled it in a little over a year – and after that it was like I was addicted. I filled journal after journal. At twelve, I made up a poem on a boring day. I never knew I could – it was like a key that opened up a door to a brand new world. I started writing poems daily, and before I knew it, I was writing novels. By the time I was thirteen, I was sure I wanted to be a writer!
What inspired A Handful of Flowers?
Novels have always been my cup of tea. Short stories were always – surprise! – too short! But when I was challenged by a friend to write and publish a book of short stories, I decided to go for it. When I was searching for inspiration, I looked to my own struggles and struggles I've seen other youth go through and how they were overcome. Remembering how God can take our struggles and turn them into great things had a big impact on the writing of this book.
Would you give us a synopsis?
A Handful of Flowers is a book of five short stories, based around the virtue of kindness. Fun, and full of meaning and good morals, this book will not only entertain but encourage youth to take the higher road in life situations.
Who will enjoy A Handful of Flowers?
My target age range when writing the book was ages 10-14, but since then I've found it to be enjoyed from those as young as eight, to those as old as seventy! Any family looking for a good read aloud will surely enjoy this book – and it's great for anyone looking for good, wholesome reads.
Do you plan to write more books?
I do! I am in the process of a youth novel right now, that I hope to have published this summer.
Do you have any final thoughts?
To all the writers out there, don't let the thoughts of discouragement get you down. Don't give into the fear of not being good enough. We're all on a long journey, and with each step we take comes improvement. Just keep taking those steps!
And thank you, Sarah, for interviewing me!
Rebecca is giving away a digital copy of A Handful of Flowers! Enter to win below.
Rebecca is giving away a digital copy of A Handful of Flowers! Enter to win below.
Wow, when I saw this on my dashboard, I was like "Rebecca!?!" Good to see you on here, Rebecca. And great interview. :) I had fun learning a bit more about you. Keep up the great writing work and have fun teaching your siblings. :)
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Aidyl! Your support means a lot! Thank you! ♥
DeleteRebecca
Sounds like fun! I like short stories!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Taylor!
DeleteRebecca
I also started out with a publication of shorter stories. What is your upcoming youth novel about?
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah!
DeleteIt's a nice way to start, isn't it?
Thanks for asking! As I don't have a synopsis yet written, here's a bit for you: It's about a fatherless girl, her romantically inclined neighbor boy, and a man shunned for his faith. The central point of the book is forgiveness and loving others unconditionally. I will have to get a better description soon, although the book is still in rough form. :)
Blessings!
Rebecca