What are some of the
spiritual themes you like to write about?
Forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace.
What other books of
yours are coming out soon?
Rebekah just released in January/February 2013. It is book two
in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. Book three about Rachel and Leah will
not release until 2014, and I don’t have a release date for the Loves of King
Solomon e-book series.
If you could spend an
evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would
it be and why?
Beth Moore. We both love to study the Bible, and I’ve
learned a lot from her Bible studies. I think it would be fun to compare notes
about David and the Patriarchs and anything else we might have poured ourselves
into learning.
Or … a Messianic Jewish rabbi who is an avid student of the
Scriptures. I would enjoy listening to his perspective on things I see with
Gentile Christian eyes.
Our church is large
with a diverse congregation, so one of our pastors is a Messianic Jew. He holds
the messianic services. I do enjoy talking to him. What historical person would
you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?
Only one? King David, for sure, as I’ve spent years studying
his life. But I can’t wait to meet all of the men and women I’ve already “met”
and written about from Scripture. I look forward to hearing them tell their stories
as they really happened.
Oh, and I think I would add Mary, Jesus’ mother near the
top, because I have always loved Two From
Galilee by Marjorie Holmes, and I wonder how Mary really felt in those days
when she carried and raised Jesus on earth.
That was the first
biblical novel I ever read, too. I loved it. How can you encourage authors who
have been receiving only rejections from publishers?
Keep writing. Keep studying the craft. Rejections don’t
always come because the work isn’t good. Sometimes an editor just can’t accept
any more books that year – they may have met their quota. But sometimes a
rejection means we need to keep learning and growing in the craft. So keep
writing. Listen to good critique partners, attend conferences, take classes,
read how-to books, but most of all, write what you love. When you learn to
evoke emotion in your reader, you will have reached a place where people will
want to read your work. Strive to reach that place deep within yourself and
pour those emotions into the story. But don’t overdo them. Less is often better
than more, and subtlety is often a writer’s most powerful tool.
Don’t quit unless God leads you to do so.
I love your cover. Tell us about the
featured book.
Can love heal the rift
between two souls?
When her beloved father dies
and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her
life has changed forever. Though she should be married by now, it’s clear that
Laban is dragging his feet, waiting for a higher bride-price to line his
pockets. When she is given a chance to leave her home to marry Isaac, a cousin she
has never even seen, Rebekah’s hope for the future is restored. Little does she
know what a wondrous and heart-wrenching journey she is beginning.
As Rebekah experiences the joy
of young love and the bitterness of misunderstanding and betrayal, her resolve
will be tested. When the rift between her and Isaac grows so wide it is surely
too great to be mended, can she trust the God of Isaac’s father Abraham to
bridge the gap?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Light flickered from clay oil
lamps in every corner of Bethuel’s bedchamber, the effort valiant but feeble,
useless to dispel the gloom. Attendants hurried in and out, the hum of their
whispers mixing with the sounds of their movements as they refilled a water jar
here, wrung out a cool cloth there, and adjusted blankets, fussing, fearing . .
.
Rebekah stood to the side,
unable to take her eyes from the form of her father lying prone on the raised
wooden bed, his head engulfed in soft cushions and layered with cloths meant to
bring his fever down. But his clear moments had been few, his words strained as
though he were speaking through stretched and cracking parchment.
Tears filled her eyes, and she
pulled the cloak tighter about her, desperate to subdue the shaking. Not now,
Abba. Please, do not leave me.
She heard voices in the hall
outside the room and swiped at the unwanted tears. Though the time for mourning
was almost upon them, she did not want her grief put on public display. Not
yet. Not while there was still a chance her father might recover.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Website/Blog: http://www.jilleileensmith.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillEileenSmithThank you, Jill, for spending this time with us today.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Rebekah: A Novel (Wives of the Patriarchs) - paperback
Rebekah (Wives of the Patriarchs Book #2): A Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
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. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
34 comments:
I absolutely LOVE Jill's books! "Bathsheba" was the first one I read and I had hesitated reading it because I was concerned it might sensationalize the story. Boy, was I wrong! I love the way she "humanizes" these women we've read about... her portrayal of Michal was particularly enlightening. I'm really looking forward to reading this new one!
I read Jill's Wives of King David series, and they were fantastic! I couldn't put them down. She has a gift for making you feel like you're right there in the story. I'd love to win Rebekah!
Lisa E. in Washington State
I love these biblical fiction books. I have read the David's Wives series and would love to read this series as well.
Beckie S. from Kansas
I love fiction books where the author takes bible characters and fills them out, making them "real". I can't wait to read this book!!!
- Leauphaun from BC
I read Sarai and loved it. WOuld love to read Rebekah as well. Please enter this gal from Ontario, Canada. Thank you and God Bless.
Oops! I forgot to put that I'm in Alabama. :)
I want to win this book so much!!
Rebekah TN
I would love to win this book.
Katie J. from FL
Thank you for a chance to win your book. It sounds like it will be a fantastic book i can't wait to read it.I like your spiritual themes are forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace. Your cover for Rebekah is beautiful, it bright and the lady is gorgeous, very eye appealing.
Jill and Lena you had a great interview. God bless you both. Keep up the great work.
Norma Stanforth from Ohio
I love your books. I've read "Bathsheba" and "Sarai" which were both great! I would love this one too.
Alicia from NYC
Jill, you are a wonderful person and the author in you shines with these books on women of the Bible, I want to read these, I loved the interview and hearing you comment on your choices. I have wondered too how Mary must have felt carrying the baby Jesus and then raising him. I wrote a poem about her, letting my feelings out. thanks for sharing your work and God Bless.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a fan in Ga
I don't think I've read any of Jill's books, thanks for the chance to win one!
Patty in SC
Thanks to all of you for your kind comments about my books! For those who haven't read them yet, I hope you like them if you do!
Thanks for stopping by and reading the interview. I wish everyone could win! But thanks for entering for a chance to do so.
This is going to be such a fabulous read thank you.
Mary p
QLD AUSTRALIA
Would love to read this book.
From South Ms
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Would love to read this book.
From South Ms
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
looks interesting!
Kandra in Tennessee
I have read many novels about women of the bible and love them,they help you to see them as real people. I would love to read Rebekah by Jill Smith.
Terri
Mazatlan, Mexico
I have not read any of her books but I look forward to reading them. Rebekah looks so good!
Beth from IA
I have not read any of her books but I look forward to reading them. Rebekah looks so good!
Beth from IA
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Tx
Sounds so good! Please enter me. I'm from NC.
I've been doing an ongoing study of the women of the Bible, and making quilt blocks that represent each of those women. I'd love to read more about Rebekah. Thanks for featuring Jill today, and offering a giveaway of "Rebekah!"
Nancee in Michigan
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
I Love Biblical Fiction!!! This book looks Awesome!!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of it!
God Bless!
Blanch, N.C.
love to win Jill's book thanks
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
We have Jill's books in the church library. I would love to win her book, "Rebekah" to add to our collection.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
thanks for the chance to read rebekah's story
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
...from PA...
I would love to win,Enter me!!!
Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!!
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.
Would love to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win.
Amanda from Michigan
I would love to win Jill's book . Thanks for the opportunity to win it. Maxie (mac262(at)me(dot)com
This book looks great :) I really want to read it!
Hannah P
CA
Would like to read a Biblical novel. I've read Lynn Austin's Gods & Kings series and really enjoyed them. sharon, san diego
I have oft wondered more about biblical history and the women who led lives so long ago! I think this would be a great place to start, and so I welcome the opportunity to win a copy!
inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
Florida
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