SARAI - Jill Eileen Smith - Free Book

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

I am grateful for all that God has allowed me to do, and the books He is allowing me to write. I am working on my sixth book with Revell, with four more contracted. I hope to continue this relationship with them for a long time to come.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been married to Randy for almost 35 years (this May). Together we have three adult sons – one in Michigan, two in California. We homeschooled our boys for 12 years, then saw them all go off to earn bachelor’s degrees in different colleges or universities. They are all pursuing various forms of storytelling in either film or novel form. Randy is a recently retired engineer, with plans to pursue various ventures in the coming years. We have two cats, who bring a lot of laughter to our lives.

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

I’ve picked up more ABA (secular) novels in the past few years, particularly some of the New York Times bestsellers. One of my sons (who is an English major) has suggested a few, some more literary than I’m used to, that have broadened my horizons. I am busier now, so I’m a pickier reader. Used to be that if I started a book I would finish it. Now, I have too many books on my Kindle or bookshelf and too little time.

What are you working on right now?

Rachel’s story, which is really the tale of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah, but the focus is more on Rachel. This is book three in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. Book two, Rebekah, is “in house.”

What outside interests do you have?

I love spending time with my family and friends. On nice days, I like to ride my bike to the park while I listen to my favorite music. It’s a worshipful time for me. I love to travel, especially to see my kids in California, but I also hope to see some places I’ve yet to see in the U.S. and abroad.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

The settings are chosen for me by the Scripture. I am more interested in the people of the Bible than the setting, so when I think about a new project, it is with specific people in mind. Once the people are chosen, then I get to see where they lived. The Wives of King David took me to ancient Israel and other Canaanite territories. Sarai, book one in the Wives of the Patriarchs, took me to ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and ancient Canaan.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

King David. I have a gazillion things I’d like to ask him. And I’d just like to spend time talking with the man who wrote such beautiful psalms.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

That someday the books would see print. That God really did plan to give me the desire of my heart. Twenty years of waiting and not knowing was hard. But if I’d known for sure, perhaps I would not have learned what I needed to along the way.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Serenity to accept what I cannot change. (Most things are out of my control.) Trust in the midst of trials. (There have been many this past year.) Belief that God’s grace is sufficient. (Thorns hurt – and life deals us many of them. God’s grace truly is enough, it’s just hard to believe that sometimes.)

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Learn the craft well and write books that keep readers wanting more. (But also remember that you will not please all readers at all times. Just write the best novel you can.)

Write what you love, not what you think will sell.

Seek God’s will above any marketing success. It’s not about sales. It’s about pleasing Him.

Tell us about the featured book.

Sarai, the last child of her aged father, is beautiful, spoiled, and used to getting her own way. Even as a young girl, she is aware of the way men look at her, including her half brother Abram. When Abram finally requests Sarai’s hand, she asks one thing–that he promise never to take another wife as long as she lives. Even her father thinks the demand is restrictive and agrees to the union only if Sarai makes a promise in return–to give Abram a son and heir. Certain she can easily do that, Sarai agrees.

But as the years stretch on and Sarai’s womb remains empty, she becomes desperate to fulfill her end of the bargain–lest Abram decide that he will not fulfill his. To what lengths will Sarai go in her quest to bear a son? And how long will Abram’s patience last?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

Ur, 2051 BC

Sarai glanced across the courtyard, catching Abram’s gaze. His half smile and the twinkle in his eye warmed her more than the wine she had tasted at the start of the ceremony. Music drifted

around them as the bridal couple—their nephew Lot and his new wife, Melah—took their seats on the bench beneath the canopy and accepted rich foods from the hands of the servants.

“This whole wedding is a disgrace, you know.” Sarai’s sister-in-law Milcah stood at her elbow and leaned close to her ear. “Why her father agreed to the marriage after Lot had already humbled the girl . . . Though I suppose he didn’t have much choice. Who else would want her after she’d already given in to Lot’s charms?” Milcah batted at a fly, sending it away. “I can’t imagine why Lot couldn’t wait with such a one. It’s not as though she’s a beauty or a temptress. It seems like he could have done better.” The last words came out in a whisper as Milcah moved in close again.

Sarai turned from watching the bridal couple to meet Milcah’s pinched gaze. “If it is true that a babe is already on the way, it is…

Wow. Way to leave us hanging. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://www.jilleileensmith.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JillEileenSmith

Thank you, Jill, for another interesting interview.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Sarai: A Novel (Wives of the Patriarchs) - paperback
Sarai (Wives of the Patriarchs) - Kindle


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