Author Sharon Hinck - Free Book

I'm pleased to welcome author Sharon Hinck back to the blog. I just loved her book The Restorer. Now we'll be introducing The Restorer's Son.

Welcome, Sharon. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

My biggest goal for the coming year is to learn skills at balance. With lots of books releasing in a tight timeframe, I’ve felt swamped with rewrites, edits, galley proofs, marketing, promoting, doing events. Also, because I’m so grateful that I’ve had this opportunity, I’ve wanted to be a help and encouragement to other writers who ask me for assistance – but have had a hard time setting limits for myself. It’s strange how peripheral elements of the writing life can take on a life of their own and squeeze out time for actual writing. I’m excited to get back into a rhythm of writing a new story, even though it’s very tough for me to cut back on all the other things. It’s not about choosing between good and bad ways to spend my time. It’s about choosing between the good and the best.

So far, I THINK God has stirred me to write more novels. However, I want to be careful not to settle too comfortably into that assumption. I hope my heart is surrendered enough that if He calls me to a new path, I wouldn’t kick and scream too much. I count it as an extraordinary privilege that I was able to write the novels I already have, and don’t take it for granted that anyone will want to read future ones. That remains to be seen. :-)

I, for one, will want to read future books by you. I'm sure most of the readers of this blog will want to as well. Tell us a little about your family.

I have an amazing husband. We were high school sweethearts, and have been married 28 years. He is so calm and strong, it’s a wonderful stabilizing influence on the crazy artist side of me. We have four brilliant, talented kids (no I’m not biased at all) ages 24, 22, 17, and 15. They are all artists, writers, actor, musicians, poets…so my poor husband is surrounded with creative types. There have been times that a walk through our house would include someone belting out Gershwin at the piano, someone else practicing a Shakespearean death scene, someone composing a moody piece on electric guitar, and another in the back yard with friends shooting a movie.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes. But I hope to change back soon. I’ve always been a voracious reader in a variety of genres. Once I started writing under contract, I had much less time to read. On top of that, I had to be careful to not read things in voices that would intrude in my own work – I’m so easily influenced. Basically, I find it easier to not read at all while I’m in the intense phase of writing. But I have a huge “to be read” pile and plan to dive back in as I get my schedule back into a healthier balance.

What are you working on right now?

Just exploring a new story idea. It’s too tender and green to talk about yet. I’m a discovery writer, so I love the process of following a character and seeing what secrets she reveals.

What outside interests do you have?

I love music, and often spend time at my piano to calm my spirit when it’s feeling a little achy. I garden (though Minnesota’s growing season is way too short). I scrapbook and create cards and crafts using rubber stamps. It’s my mind-soothing hobby (as an alternative to basket-weaving or beating my head against a padded cell). I love hiking – especially with my hubby and in remote areas when we get away for a day or two. And I love attending the concerts, plays, and recitals of my children.

I know what you mean. I went to my youngest grandchild's first band concert last night. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

This morning I was reading Ezekiel 47:12, and it gave a beautiful word-picture for something God’s been showing me. It described water pouring out and over the threshold of the temple.

“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

I long for my stories to bear fruit, and their pages and leaves to bring healing. But I need to be watered from His sanctuary for that to happen.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Restorer’s Son (NavPress, 2007) is the second in the Sword of Lyric series. In the first book, a modern American woman is pulled through a portal to a world waiting for a promised Restorer and struggles to rise to a heroic role for the sake of the people who need her.

Plunged again into the gray world of Lyric and Hazor, Susan and Mark search frantically for their teenage son, Jake. All signs hint that a trusted ally has betrayed them and threatens their son. A target of assassins and more political intrigue, false leads and near misses beset their path, which leads them into the dark prisons of Hazor before the One’s purpose is revealed.

Cast out by those he trusts, the new reluctant Restorer prefers to cross swords with the One rather than submit to His will. Pursued by his calling, he journeys to Sidian, where he finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness. As he embraces the tasks the One has set before him, this new Restorer learns that the One requires his all—perhaps even his life.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website has pages with resources of encouragement for faith, for writing, and for parenting, as well as info and updates about my books, and some “just for fun” features. www.sharonhinck.com
There’s also a spot for folks to email me on the “contact Sharon” page.

My blog provides a place for me to post devotional musings, tidbits from inside the author journey, and visits from friends.
http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com/
and it’s also a great place for interaction, as people can leave comments and join the discussion.

Thank you, Sharon, for another interesting interview.

Readers, leave comments for a chance to win a copy of The Restorer's Son.

There's still time to leave comments on these interviews:
Lonnie D. Story - The Meeting of Anni Adams
Tom McCann - The Tree Nobody Wanted
Tosca Lee - Demon

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