Happy Writer Wednesday!
I hope you enjoy getting to know new writers – It’s always an encouragement to me learning about the trials and tribulations of author-world because it can be a solitary occupation!
Today I’d like to introduce you to author Jeanette Morris, and her debut novel, Her Shining Eyes. Stick with us to the end to learn how you can win an ebook copy!
And now, here is . . .
An Interview with Jeanette
Do you look upon writing as a “calling?”
Yes, I do feel that for Christians, writing is, or can be, a calling. But no more than any other gifting. Years ago, when I was emerging from a decade of “doing it my own way,” a sermon on the parable of the talents spoke to me. I asked the Lord, “What is my talent? I don’t feel I have anything to offer anyone right now.” And He clearly answered: “Books.” From that word, I volunteered to start a church library with my seed faith copy of He Is There and He Is Not Silent. (the irony is obvious now, it wasn’t then.) That library grew to 700 books and even though that small church had to close, the books are now ministering to women in the local county jail.
After that, I sought the Lord for a job more suited to my education and gifting, and he led me to freelance editing. This definitely became a calling. But God had more. He sent me to Russia (not on my bucket list then, but it sure is now!) And out of those 20 years of part-time mission support trips, my novel was birthed. Did God call me to write? Sometimes I still wonder about that. And if so, how can my writing serve Him best?
I think God calls us to be obedient – and that can look like different things at different times in our lives! I’m fascinated by your ministry in Russia!
What is a story from real life that you’ve included in your book?
As I mentioned above, my novel was birthed after many trips to Russia and countless hours of listening to the testimonies and stories of believers and non-believers there. I came to understand that there is a splotch of their history that most people are unaware of—even Russian youth don’t know about the sufferings and triumphs of their parents and grandparents during the decade of the 1990s following the collapse of the USSR. Much of my novel is based on the authenticity of these stories.
One such story was told to me by a friend who shared her home with me for several years in a row. She described going to the outdoor market one day to see what might be available there. Her two sons were living at home at the time, and she hoped to buy a little meat for soup. As she approached the meat vendor’s booth, a large crowd of elderly women, and a few men, were waiting for the bell that announced the opening of the market. To my friend’s utter shock, when the bell rang, all these old grannies began shoving one another, pushing, yelling, and knocking some to the ground. For what? For bones! Bones for making broth. That’s all the vendor had. She went home empty-handed and heartbroken for the state of her city and her country.
We have no idea, do we? We think that, in the world we live in, these things surely do not happen – but they do. When your greatest fear is how to feed your family, reason goes out the window. What an amazing “conflict” upon which to build a story. The most change-making stories are based on truth, I think.
What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?
Ephesians 2:10 is my favorite verse. I like the version that reads: “We are his masterpiece, his work of art …”
For me this is so encouraging as it wipes away the temptation to compare my accomplishments (or lack thereof) with others. The verse reminds me that I am unique, one of a kind, created with intention to be a masterpiece of the Master artist, the Master author. The same Creator that sculpted the granite mountains of Yosemite sculpted me.
What a great verse. Comparison is such a thief, and God loves us as HE MADE US! Praise HIM!
What is one thing you have to do to yourself before you go out in public?
Well, these days, I guess it’s check to see if I have my mask with me. Normally, I’d have to ask, what do you mean by “in public.” Our town is pretty laid back. I do always wear shoes. 😊
LOL! I live in Kentucky – and yes, we wear shoes. 😉 My go-to prep is mascara. An ice storm a few years ago cured me of going in public without!
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?
Recently I finished the memoir by Victor Villasenor titled Burro Genius. The story chronicled his early life as the son of Mexican immigrants living in Oceanside CA in the late 40s/early 50s. His author voice made his sufferings, his pride, his determination, his faith, his devotion to his family, his pain so real and so compelling. I was impressed, and saddened, and touched deeply.
That sounds really good!
Is there someone, alive or dead, who had a major influence on your writing life, or on your life in general?
I started my journey to be a published author by attending Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conferences. Over the years, so many faculty members mentored and encouraged me. It’s hard to put the spotlight on just one. So I will at least mention two—because these two gave me words of hope. The first was Mary DeMuth, who was filling her plate in the buffet line across from me. In our brief conversation, she said: “You will be published, Jeanette.” And a year or so after that in a major morning track he was leading, Bill Myers told me my fledgling scene was “brilliant.” That scene grew into what is now Her Shining Eyes, my published debut novel.
Isn’t God good? He had at least two people in place to prophesy that on you, and you’ve been obedient. Blessings to you and your writing!
Her Shining Eyes
Fourteen-year-old Irina Kotova’s life as a promising violinist collapses in sync with the demise of the Soviet Union. After her father is killed in a bar fight, her ailing mother is hauled off to jail without explanation. Now considered an orphan, Irina is forced to live in a boarding school where Russia’s throwaway kids are abandoned and forgotten. Irina is constantly tormented by Vadim Solokov, a mean-spirited hooligan who takes great pleasure in reminding her that nobody cares about them. Irina is convinced he is right, and the not-so-mysterious theft of her precious violin seals her resolve to escape the school or die trying. Her despondency over losing her parents and bitterness toward Vadim threaten her very existence. Only the kindness of Anastasia, an interpreter Irina met by chance, sparks a glint of hope that life could possibly be worth fighting for.
About Jeanette
I am a freelance writer/editor, traveler, fisherwoman, missionary to Russia, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, voracious reader, and slow-but-sure knitter. In my second-half adventure, I’m writing novels, exploring the world, trying to stay fit and healthy, and letting go of past labels and failures. It may be my “golden years,” but I believe the best is ahead. My story is still being written!
Connect with Jeanette Morris
Jeanette’s author website is www.jeanette-morris.com.
She’s active on Facebook (Jeanette Atwood Morris), Twitter (@jemorris1), Instagram (jeanette.a.morris.7), in the ACFW Facebook group as well as Avid Readers of Christian Fiction ( also on Facebook), and Goodreads (Jeanette Morris)
You can purchase Her Shining Eyes HERE!
Thank you, Jeanette!
If you’d like to be entered in a drawing for an ebook copy of Her Shining Eyes, simple comment with the answer to this question:
Tell us about one of your “bucket list” places. Is your list different now than it was when you were younger?
Thanks for reading, and see you soon!
P.S. Did you know we’re only FOUR WEEKS away from the release of my new book??? Preorder your ebook copy today, while it’s still 99 cents!!
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