My first Author Spotlight was so much fun, I’ve decided to make it a regular feature on this blog! Our guest for this spotlight is Melissa Jagears, whose latest historical novel, A Chance at Forever, just released (and it’s fantastic)!
Here’s the blurb:
In early 1900s Kansas, Mercy McClain, determined to protect Teaville’s children from the bullying she experienced as a child, finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the classmate who bothered her more than any other, petitions the board for a teaching position, she’s dead set against him getting the job.
Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy’s mistrust, but he’s returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking to earn forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn’t expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the best interests of the children at heart.
Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron put the past behind them in time to face the unexpected threats to everything they’re working for?
It’s extra fun having Melissa here because I have actually met her in person, thanks to us living in the same city! Without further ado, let’s welcome Melissa Jagears! Thanks for being with us today, Melissa.
As I’ve already stated, I loved A Chance at Forever! Which of the characters was the easiest for you to write? Why? Which character was the most difficult to get to know? Why?
I didn’t really have any problems writing Aaron. I think I understood how haunted he was by his past mistakes and how he let them plague him. I have a hard time moving past berating myself for failures. As for who was most difficult, Mercy. Trying to keep a balance between her knowing about her brother’s secrets and her responsibility to her boss was hard to get right.
I always love it when Christian fiction delves into tough issues, and doubly so when historical fiction can mirror contemporary issues. What inspired you to address bullying in A Chance at Forever?
I’m afraid this answer isn’t that inspiring because I don’t remember! This was a premise I had filed away in my story ideas folder where I write random ideas down so I don’t forget. When it’s time to start writing a new book or come up with a series idea, I scrounge around in there. I thought a bully redeeming himself fit pretty well with my series and so while writing A Love So True I made sure to add in a heroine who could be easily bullied, and so Mercy came into existence.
What message do you hope readers take away from A Chance at Forever?
That those who have failed worse than you need forgiveness just as much as you.
What question are you dying for someone to ask you about A Chance at Forever, but no one has asked yet? Go ahead and ask yourself the question, then give us the answer.
“I’ve heard this series’ spines are gorgeous; don’t you want to show them off now that A Chance at Forever is out?”
Yes, yes I do!
Those spines are indeed gorgeous! I plan to replicate that exact image on my bookshelves soon
You are a homeschooling mother as well as an author. What does a typical writing day look like for you?
Absolute chaos? I sneak in all the marketing and editing sort of stuff that goes with publishing that I can between spelling lessons and “snuggle school” (my son insists we do all his read-aloud stuff cuddled under a blanket) and during lunch. After we’re finished with school, I might be able to do some more of that kind of work in between other household activities. Then once I tuck everyone into bed, I do the actual writing books thing for a few hours in the quiet.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Marketing, Editing, Plotting….oh, not writing related stuff? Goodness, I don’t know what I do anymore. It’s homeschool, household stuff, and writing. I really am not that interesting anymore, so I make my characters do the fun things for me. 🙂
Thanks again for being with us, Melissa. One last question: how can we pray for you?
My husband has been unemployed for a year now and we’ve given up on getting him a job before the money runs out, so he’s going to start a window cleaning business. I’d love for him to be successful enough that I don’t have to go back to work and can continue homeschooling.
We will definitely pray for that, Melissa. I have been through the “unemployed husband” thing myself, and it is so stressful. Praying God’s best for you and your family, and that the Lord will continue to provide for you!
About Melissa:
MELISSA JAGEARS is the Carol Award-winning author of the UNEXPECTED BRIDES series and the TEAVILLE MORAL SOCIETY series, a homeschooling mother to three, and an extreme night owl. Find her online at www.melissajagears.com, and follow her on Facebook,Pinterest, Bookbub, Amazon, and Goodreads.