Can you believe it’s almost JUNE? Next week, it WILL be!!
(Oh, and for those of you who have endured months with no hairdressers available? My appointment is THIS FRIDAY! I can’t wait. The gray is about to catch up with me! LOL)
But on to more writer-ly things: Today I welcome author Jennifer Hallmark, and her debut book, Selah award finalist Jessie’s Hope!
Welcome, Jennifer!
What inspired you to write, initially, and what encouraged you to continue?
My dad was always putting his thoughts on paper, mainly in letters to family or Bible study thoughts. Since I was young, I had an inner drive to write and fiction gave me the opportunity to “color outside the lines.”
What a great legacy, Jennifer! I grew up watching my mom read every chance she got, and reading to ME, as well – that reading turned into writing!
What is one story from real life that you’ve included in one of your books?
In Jessie’s Hope, Angeline and her cousin Elaine meet in a coffee shop. I described the shop after one we used to have in town and I would meet friends there and eat the same thing: a chicken salad sandwich and either a latte or cappuccino.
It’s fun to use real places, isn’t it? Love it!
What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I have this verse on several bracelets. It reminds me that no matter what, God will always have a good plan for me. It’s my message to others also.
SUCH a great verse. I used that verse in a novella for a character who had to come to the place of knowing God had a FUTURE for him. It spoke to me in a very deep place.
What is one thing you have to do to yourself before you go out in public?
Fix my hair. I can’t stand to have messy or (gasp) dirty hair. I also like make-up but my hairdo is the most important.
YES. If I can just get the SHAPE of my hair right, I feel better.
What is your favorite movie and why?
Chariots of Fire came out my senior year of high school and touched my life. Eric Liddell’s love for running and the stand he took by refusing to run on Sunday inspired me to stand strong. Harold Abraham’s story also struck a note as he stood against the prejudice he felt as a Jew.
Loved, loved, loved that movie. I may have to look for it and re-watch. It’s been a while!
A lot of interviewers ask for your favorite book. That’s just not fair! What has been the most recent book you’ve read that excited you or moved you in some way? Why?
Murder in the Family by Ramona Richards. I love a good mystery. This story takes place in Alabama and was so true to the area. I also learned a lot from one of the subplots: an elderly person who was a hoarder.
Putting it on my list now! Thanks for the recommendation!
About Jessie’s Hope
Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, her parents’ absence intensifies her worry that she cannot hold on to those she loves.
With a wedding fast approaching, Jessie’s grandfather Homer Smith, has a goal to find the perfect dress for “his Jessie,” one that would allow her to forget, even if for a moment, the boundaries of her wheelchair. But financial setbacks and unexpected sabotage hinder his plans.
Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when additional obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–highjack Jessie’s dream wedding?
Purchase links:
About Jennifer
Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction and Speculative. Her website, Alabama-Inspired Fiction, focuses on her books, love of the South, favorite fiction, and small acts of kindness.
Jessie’s Hope, her first novel published by Firefly Southern Fiction, is a Selah Award nominee for First Novel. Jennifer sends out a monthly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here. You can visit her on Facebook, Facebook author page, Twitter, and Pinterest.
When she isn’t babysitting, gardening, or exploring the beautiful state of Alabama, you can find her at her desk writing fiction or working on her blog. She also loves reading detective fiction from the Golden Age and viewing movies like LOTR or Star Wars. Sometimes you can even catch her watching American Ninja Warrior.
The Giveaway!
Jennifer has been gracious in offering a Kindle version of her book, Jessie’s Hope. To be entered in the drawing, answer the following question:
Jennifer is from Alabama, and likes to write about the South (Alabama, in particular, I would imagine!). If you were writing a book, what state would you write about?
Have a great last week of May – Let’s hope June has us returning to some kind of normal!
Stay safe and well,
Check out the books in the Mosaic Collection!
Thanks for letting me visit today! 🙂
Thank you for the interview Jennifer and Regina!
If I was writing a book, I would set it in California 🙂 I love my State lol – so many beautiful places <3
California would have so many places to set a story. Thanks for dropping by!