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Interview
with author Sharon Ewell Foster
SP:
Sharon, a warm welcome to you. It was a pleasure meeting you during
your stop here in Philadelphia as you promoted your latest release,
AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN.
Sharon: It was my pleasure. CLC in
Philadelphia was one of the first places to welcome me for a
booksigning. It was my privilege to be invited again.
SP: I applaud
you for presenting issues that touch readers where they are. As a
writer, what steps do you take that allows you to so strongly tap into
a character who is struggling through a stormy period in their life?
Sharon: When
I began writing, I promised God that I would write honestly . . . and
that I would show my scars. That is, I share with my readers my own
struggles, my own wounds that the Lord has touched. So many times when
we've been healed or made whole, we don't want anyone to ever know that
we were once broken. I am always reminded that those who are hurting
only know they can be healed when we show them our scars as proof that
they can be healed. I promised to be transparent, so I write from my
heart, and I write from where it hurts.
SP: In AIN'T
NO MOUNTAIN we are introduced to Mary, a modern woman facing challenges
that a large portion of single women may identify with. What inspired
you to create Mary's character and what do you wish readers to come
away with after experiencing her story?
Sharon: I've
walked, and I'm walking where Mary walks. I've asked the question, or
cried out to God like a lot of single people, "God I love you. I want
to do right, to live a life that honors you, but I don't know how. I
don't know what it looks like. Can you show me how?" Most of the people
talking about being single in the church weren't single and saved, or
if they were it wasn't during a time when there was so much emphasis on
living a chaste life as a single. The issue with singles and the church
is about sexuality, but we tend to shy away from having frank
conversations about it. God helped me. I can testify that it can be
done and I share what I've learned . . . and I'm very open about the
rewards AND the struggles! I even recount a couple of my own real life
dates.
SP: Throughout your books your characters have been so real and
dynamic that many readers feel an immediate connection to them. As you
look back on your work, is there one character you've connected with
more than others?
Sharon: Not
really. I love them all . . . good and bad. They are who they are and
they are a part of me. I'm very protective of them and their voices . .
. ask my editors (smile)!
SP: Like
many writers, I'm always interested in learning how authors got their
start. For those who may not be familiar with your journey, would you
share how your writing career began?
Sharon: I
first began writing in 1997. I actually felt called to writing, but I
ran from that calling for years . . . I didn't think I was good enough.
It didn't make sense to me; how could writing novels serve the Lord?
After some Damascus road experiences, I finally began writing longhand
sitting on my couch in the mornings. Though I had no computer, no word
processor, no agent, no business cards, I started where I was. I prayed
to God and told Him I was afraid. I told Him if it was bad it was His
fault, but if it was good He would get the glory. In about six months
time, I had 61 pages. I went to a writer's conference--not thinking I
would be published, but just looking for feedback . . . I didn't have a
book or any direction. I went to the last day of the conference, the
last four hours. I left with an agent, a publisher, and an award for
being the most promising writing. Those 61 pages became my first book,
Passing by Samaria.
SP: Since I've started writing seriously, I have had people come
up and ask what exactly is
Christian fiction. I'm sure others who write for this genre have been
asked the same. How would you answer this question?
Sharon: People write all kinds of
things . . . mysteries, love stories, etc. I think writing that
reflects Christ's love, like gospel music, preaching, counseling, etc.
should pass this simple test. We are told to test the spirit by
the spirit. At the end of the day, when you finish reading, listening,
or whatever, you should walk away with your spirit refreshed and
renewed. You should be less afraid, less confused, less depressed, less
angry. Instead, you should feel more love, more peace, more joy, more
self-control, etc. as they are the fruit of the spirit. Lots of people
produce things for money and fame, but you can test that work and the
fruitfulness of that work by the spirit.
SP: What would you tell writers who
may sense the call to write for God, but are struggling with the
decision and may not know where to begin?
Sharon: Trust God. Do what He is
telling you. Don't lean on your own understanding. Don't worry about
fame or being published, just write. I never thought I would be
published. I gave Him a gift in private that He chose to make public.
Give Him the gift and trust Him.
SP: Sharon, thank you for joining
us. May God continue to bless you as you inspire our hearts with words.
Sharon: It is my pleasure to serve
the Kingdom through writing. May God bless you and keep you and give
you exceeding great joy!
To
visit website: Sharon Ewell Foster
For Previous Interviews: Reflections
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