Author Interview "Jaclyn Howell"
Jaclyn Howell has always been a voracious reader and writer even when she was a young girl. Journaling, writing fictional stories, and expository essays have always been a passion for her. Now she has the chance to spread God’s Word to children to reassure them that he is a constant presence in their life. She was born in upstate New York and moved to South Florida at the age of two. She moved back up north in middle school and came back to South Florida to graduate from high school and then from college in 2003. She has been teaching for over fourteen years and enjoys reading literature and writing stories with her students. She is blessed immensely with loving support from her husband, parents, sisters, friends, and her two-year-old boy. She would love to continue her Writing craft with different genres of books that engage children of all ages.
Exclusive Interview
-What inspired From Riches To Rags?
I attended a Joyce Myers conference in the early fall of 2016. The main theme was seeking God’s presence about what He wants his children to initiate as a far as sharing His word and message. I felt that He gave me the gift of expressing wisdom and personal experience through Writing. He knew that I have seen an increase of entitlement, bullying, and the need to learn the powerful message of forgiveness. He wanted me to portray the popular topics that exhibited in schools and at home worldwide. -What was the most fascinating part of working on your book?
Watching the characters come alive with the descriptions I provided for my publishing company. It was truly astonishing to see animated characters being portrayed as their character developed throughout the book. -How does your faith influence your writing? I learned early on in my life that if God wanted me to do something in my heart, I made an appoint to put my heart and soul into the path that was created for me. I knew I had a story to tell even though the characters are fictitious. The events are realistic and I felt that kids ages eight and up could completely relate to the topics discussed. -What’s the most surprising thing you learned about yourself as a person while writing From Riches To Rags?
I learned early on in my life that if God wanted me to do something in my heart, I made an appoint to put my heart and soul into the path that was created for me. I knew I had a story to tell even though the characters are fictitious. The events are realistic and I felt that kids ages eight and up could completely relate to the topics discussed. -What spiritual message(s) do you hope young readers will take away from your book?
There is a reason that God puts certain people in your life: teach you a lesson, allow you to be a positive influence in someone's life help build a character of strength and faith while going though adversity.
-Besides the obvious religious nature, in your opinion how does Christian children's books differ from secular children's material?
Having faith that God will help you in prosperity and adversity is something that needs to be taught at an early age. We can't fight these battles alone whether it's a bully situation, career path, relationship, or simply a peace of mind. Jesus teaches us to forgive others even though they don't deserve it. We don't have to accept what they did but we can witness to them and show them that there is a better way to follow and that's God's way. -Are there any other genres that you’d like to tackle? Why? Why not?
Non-fiction animal books- Intermediate grades love these books -What advice do you have for young people who want to be writers?
Be a journalist, participate in writing contest, write letters to people who need to be inspired. -On a more personal note: Tell us a little about your “real” (non-writing) life — family, job, church life, etc. I have been a teacher for 14 years and I also love to teach math. I have a two-year-old that I enjoying teaching puzzles, games, numbers, colors, and dancing. -Okay, just for fun. Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I enjoy working out at the gym especially cycling class 2. I love superhero movies. 3. I love participating in scavenger hunts. -What’s next for you? What are you working on now?
Non-fiction book about animals -How can readers stay connected with you and where can they purchase your book?
My blog on jaclynhowell.net
From Riches To Rags
Most people anticipate a success story that describes a character's (real life or fictional) triumph from rags to riches. What if we turn the tables and read about an already "lucky" character who was practically born with a silver spoon in her mouth, looks down upon others who have less than her or who don't meet her standards, feels entitled to get what she desires from others, and gets away with countless bullying antics at school since her father knows what strings to pull to get her out of trouble? Meet Serendipity (a.k.a. Serene), who needs to be humbled in her world of entitlement to fill the endless void she is trying to fill. How will she turn from her vacant and selfish ways if she doesn't have God in her life? Does she need to lose everything and go from riches to rags to find her purpose in the life that God intended for her?