Writing For The Inner Soul...
On the Shelf: Titles include Hidden Blessings, Forever Always, Someone Like You, Prodigal Husband, A Change Is Gonna Come & Blessed Assurance.
In Bookstores Now: Soul Journey, the story of Journee Carter, a woman who follows her calling to preach, despite opposition from someone she loves and respects.
For More Information: Visit her website at www.jacquelinthomas.com.
Q: When did you start writing?
A: I’ve been writing since I was a little girl—however, I wrote my first real story when I was sixteen and my first love dumped me for my best friend—I went home and killed him in a story. I guess you could say my career path took off after that.
Q: What led you to begin writing romance novels?
A: I’m an avid romance reader—have been reading them since I was thirteen years old. I read everything from mysteries to science fiction, but I truly love the happy endings that romance always delivers.
Q: Was it a difficult decision to move from romance to inspirational/Christian fiction?
A: Yes, it was. I didn’t want to abandon my readers, but I knew in my heart that I’d been called to write Christian fiction. The good news is that I am free to incorporate romance into my other novels as well.
Q: What inspired you to write Soul Journey?
A: I’ve always been intrigued by the controversy surrounding women in the ministry. I wanted to explore the relationship between a female pastor and her father—a man who doesn’t share her belief that God has called her to preach.
Q: What similarities, if any, are there between you and Journee?
A: Like Journee, there was a call on my heart that I couldn’t ignore, and like her, there were people who weren’t pleased with my decision. But the truth is that I know this is of God and I intend to please Him. Journee and I are a lot alike in the way we view life in general—however I’m not as naïve as Journee.
Q: How would you describe your own spiritual journey?
A: It’s a daily battle to live right. When I began my faith walk, I thought being a Christian meant something—I’ve come to realize that it’s much more than wearing the title of Christian—you have to live it.
Q: Tell us more about the Faith-based Fiction Lovers Weekend.
A: The mini-conference will showcase the talents of a wide-ranging spectrum of gifted authors such as Victoria Christopher Murray, Patricia Haley, Pat G’Orge Walker, Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Faith Bishop, Maurice Gray, among others currently publishing in the Christian/Inspirational Fiction arena. This event will provide an element that wasn't prevalent in the industry before. The quantity of books being published by in the genre have greatly increased, but there are still a lot of people who don’t know these books exist or know the vast number or authors available. This conference will serve to give readers a personal connection to not only the familiar names in the genre but also become acquainted with literary newcomers.
Q: Spirituality has always played a major role in African-American life. Do you think publishers are finally beginning to realize this and are starting to publish more faith-based novels with African-American characters?
A: Yes, I do—we’ve made great strides within this genre. As people become introduced to the many talented authors out there writing faith-based fiction—I think we’re going to see lots of growth.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: It’s actually scripture: Be still and know that I am God … When we go through the storms of life—we often forget to just hand it over to God—we try to fix it ourselves. Well, for me—whenever I do something like that—I mess things up for sure, so this scripture helps to keep me on track.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
A: Write, write and write some more. The only secret to getting published is write and when you’re not writing, read books on the craft of writing. Study authors you enjoy most.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: I have to say thanks to the staff of Romance In Color as well as the many readers out there who show undying support—I am both honored and humbled by the love. Soul Journey is in the stores now, so run out and pick up your copy. As always I love hearing from you.
Thank you very much Ms. Thomas!