Thursday, August 13, 2009

FORGIVING SEAN - Jessica Adriel - Free Book

This is the first time Jessica has been on my blog. Welcome, Jessica. What has drawn you to writing for the YA market?

I had a turbulent high school experience. When I gave my heart back to God, (my second salvation I call it) the local pastor told me he wasn’t sure I should be allowed in his church. I was completely caught off guard and devastated. I mean, if that doesn’t confuse you, what will? I write for an audience who needs to hear the message I was so desperately looking for. Primarily I write hoping my stories will capture readers and speak to their hurts. I want them to experience life through my characters and make better decisions than I did. (I guess I am parenting through my writing.)

Sounds like a good reason to me. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

While trying to impress my husband I dressed up as a clown and paraded around the Stop & Shop in southern CT. He was dressed up as Ernie from Sesame street.

For many years, I was a professional clown, so I love that. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I was writing throughout high school but really had no idea I was a writer. My senior year of college I bought my first PC and started a dark thriller. Two years later I was still writing it.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I’m a night-time reader so a book has to grab my interest and keep me awake. I still prefer nonfiction. I’m constantly learning. I read a great deal about Jewish History and the Hebrew language as it applies to the Bible but still comb through self-marketing, parenting and homeschool books. I also enjoy other YA novels, and read spiritual thrillers back in the day. (Now I hate to be scared and avoid books that deal with crime or murder.)

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

My first manuscript was a self portrait that mirrored my dark side. On the other hand I have also created a manual for Writing and Following the Spirit of God. I’ve been convicted to only write when the hand of the Lord is on my ideas, otherwise I pretty much mull around the house. Other than that, I like writing for a younger audience.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I stay home when I can. I remind myself of what God has already done for me and the promises He has made. I try very hard not to let the media or news get to me on an emotional level. And I am shy when it comes to publicity. I think a humble heart is more deserving.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?

In general I am extremely proud of myself for the way I have handled the setbacks that could have broken me. I dealt with an extreme amount of pressure when I was a teen and somehow God steered me through what could have been life-threatening circumstances.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I like eagles. They fly above the crowd and see the world in a perspective unlike all others. That’s the way I try to look at life.

What is your favorite food?

I’m going with the cheese. Whether it’s fried, on pizza or sprinkled in a salad I like all types. But I really love those mozzarella sticks you buy at the grocery store and peel yourself. It’s so fun.

Right now, I'm really into goat cheese, but not feta. Is it hard to break into the YA market?

That depends on your angle. If a publisher can see that have you a ministry in mind, it is easier. This niche is very reader oriented. I find that teen readers don’t care about “big names.” If they like you, they spread the word. No one seemed to care I was newbie when they bought my book. The industry however had to be persuaded.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?

Go for it. Pray and make sure your heart is ready. A lot of people will come at you with praise and criticism. You have to be faithful to your vision. I wouldn’t sell out to an editor or a publisher who toned down your message but I would allow a professional to help you tone your style and format into a marketable product.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Relationships are complicated. Weathering through seasons of emotions and fear is what makes us human. In this sequel to Drawing Marissa, watching Marissa heal from the death of father and miscarriage has given me the courage to let God heal my own heart. I think readers need story that conveys the heart of God in real world issues.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.jessicaadriel.com/. I am also on Facebook and Shoutlife.com Or they can email me at MoreFromJess@Gmail.com

Thank you, Jessica, for spending this time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order Forgiving Sean:

If you missed Drawing Marissa and want to read it first, here's a link where you can order it:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

30 comments:

Debs Desk said...

Great interview questions. I think it is great that Jessica was a clown. It would be a great job.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

This book sounds great, count
me in on this great giveaway.

cenya2 at hotmail dot com

Kim said...

Jessica is an amazing woman! I lived near her, knew her when she was a teen and still know her now. She's a great author and is beautiful both inside and out! Go read her books!! I am a homeschooling Mom and I highly recommend them.

sipnmail-elinor at yahoo dot com

Carmen said...

Relationships are tenuous. This sounds like a great book. Please enter me. Thanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Judy said...

I really enjoyed the interview. The book sounds fantastic!! Great remarks for you from Ms. Dashwood. That was nice of her.

Judy (magnolias_1@msn.com)

Laney4 said...

Sounds like a book I'd like to read, yet I'm not a YA! It's probably been almost 40 years since I've read a YA book -- IF they had such a thing "back in the day". Now that I think about it, I think I went from Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, etc. straight into adult fiction! Perhaps those books counted as YA....
Thanks for a great interview (as always), thanks for offering a great "bonus in life" (yes, I'd like to be included in the draw), and I hope everyone has even more "bonuses" just waiting for you around the corner!

Unknown said...

Lena,

Don't enter me in the giveaway. I just want to include a little note of praise for both of Jessica's books. I have read both of them recently, and they are very powerful....definitely 2 books that need to be made more available to teenagers.

Just wanted to give my 2 cents!
Christy

Author Jessica Adriel said...

Hi Everyone, Lena asked me to stop by. I am touched by your comments. I hope you enjoy this series, please stop by my website and find out how I can best reach teens in your area or at least get them a book. I'd be honored to chat with you. Have a great day! And keep my name in mind, its hard getting yourself out there!

God is Great!
Jess

apple blossom said...

Please include me in this drawing. Thanks.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thank you very much!
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

G.R.I.T.S. said...

sounds like a great book...love the cover!!!! please enter me into the drawing.

Rae Byuel
raebyuel(@)gmail(.)com

Lady Araujo said...

Wow, I loved the interview. I enjoy this kind of reading... I still consider myself a teenager.
Thanks

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the interview and would like to be entered in the drawing.

Robin Jansen said...

Jessica is a fabulous writer and her books are filled with heart and soul.
Robin Shope

Megan said...

I love cheese too! haha you need to visit Greece and get their friend cheese, it puts our mozzarella sticks to shame!

I hope I win your book, thanks for the opportunity, Lena!

Megan

Tami @ This Mom's Delight said...

Sounds great! I'd love to win.

Author Jessica Adriel said...

Greece is definitely on the list. So what do you all think, should I share more information me or leave it to the books? And, do you like edgy christian fiction?

Sheila Deeth said...

The best thing about my son becoming vegetarian is I now have a perfect excuse to eat all those yummy cheeses!

The book sounds neat. Thanks for the interview.

sdeeth at msn dot com

Sherry Kuhn said...

Wonderful interview. The book sounds really good. Please enter me in the give away.

Thank you,
Sherry K

love2stitch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Wendy said...

Great Interview. I am going to go check out her first book.
Wendy

Katherine said...

This book looks really good. I hope I win!
Please enter me for this drawing.

kefarley89(at)gmail(dot)com

Kristen said...

Sounds awesome!!
Please enter me!
Kristen

Martha A. said...

Sounds interesting! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Ivÿ said...

very interesting interview...this sounds like a good book. :)

ivan[dot]girl25[at]gmail[dot]com

Marla said...

Great interview. Sounds like a great book. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

It's extremely hard, yet necessary to forgive. I'd love to own and read this book.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Cynthia Lott Vogel said...

Thanks for the advice to new authors...It was a great interview!

sharon54220 said...

The book sounds great. Another great interview. Please enter me.
Thanks

sharon54220@gmail.com

cozymysterygirl said...

i would love a chance to win this book please enter me thanks Kellie

Carolynn said...

I would love the read this book, thanks for the chance to win!
carolynnwald[at]hotmail[dot]com