I’ve never done one of these before, so I’ll probably break some protocol somewhere. Indie Christian Authors is a closed FaceBook group of 450+ members.

It’s one of the better groups I’m in. Almost everything I do on FaceBook is in closed or secret groups. It’s the only way I’ve found to get to know people with similar interests, to network, and get answers to questions or problems in the new self-publishing opportunity for Christian authors.

With all the panicky people, authors who don’t know the Lord often bombard us with incessant promos, marketing gambits, and all the rest you are certainly familiar with. Even Christian Authors come in all flavors from nominal to radical. These groups give me a chance for friendly conversation about topics in which I am involved without the excessive noise. They all have strict rules about how much you can scream, “HELP ME! I’M SCARED TO DEATH AND I’M NOT SELLING ANY BOOKS!” Actually, that’s a bad example, because if you do scream that, you will get wise counsel and comfort from people who are genuinely concerned about you. It’s the best part about social media. If you haven’t tried a closed or secret group yet, you should start looking for one in your area of interest.

Here’s the  ICA blurb:

Indie Christian Authors is a place for self-published authors or those interested in self-publishing to connect and network. We have a wealth of information that each of us has gathered about how to write, market, and sell our books. Here we can help, learn, and encourage each other as we travel down the road of self-publishing.

What the blurb advertises, they do provide. Today, I’m interviewing Jansina of Rivershore Books, a fellow Minnesotan from one of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis who’s a member of ICA.

1. What or who inspires you to write? Is there a “real person” you pattern either your protagonist or antagonist after?

My inspiration comes from a lot of different places; songs, situations, and discussions are a few. As an example, the idea for my two-book series, Shrouded Jewels, was originally sparked by the musical King David. (I haven’t seen it, but we own the soundtrack.) I appreciated the way Michal was given a voice and a personality, and wanted to expand on that in a modern setting.

I actually make a point not to create characters based on people I know. Even so, after a story is written and I start editing it, I sometimes realize the protagonist or secondary characters match the personalities of friends or family members. So far, no one has turned into an antagonist – so those who know me can rest easy.

2. What keeps you writing? What is God calling you to do? Is Rivershore the center of your call, or is it the writing?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love words. Now I write every day, but there have been times I’ve gone weeks without picking up a pen. I always felt something was missing. That “something” would fall back into place once I returned to my notebook. I’ve taken that as God’s gentle (sometimes not so gentle) nudging. Writing, and seeing my books in print, is the passion God gave me.

It’s interesting that you bring up my calling, because God has been surprisingly clear about it with me. This is my goal, based on what He’s shown me: “My words, and others’, will magnify His.” It’s a two-part calling, and although they seem separate, they’re part of a bigger whole.

With Rivershore, it was created to help fellow authors see their books in print. Sometimes that means answering a few questions, and sometimes it means doing everything from editing to publishing. I believe many people have worthwhile stories to share and I’m grateful to be a stepping stone in some of their journeys.

With my own stories, I’m seeking to fill what I believe is a void: (hopefully) realistic romance for Christian young adults. I sometimes bring in tougher subjects like abuse because they’re important to talk about

3. What social media do you use? Which is your favorite and/or most productive? Why?

I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr, I host two blogs, and I have a monthly newsletter. (Phew!) I’m the most active on Facebook and my blogs. Facebook because it’s been the most interactive (I like that people have a variety of ways to respond to posts), and my blogs because they’re my “home bases.”

4. What one piece of advice do you have for other authors?

Spend time writing the difficult parts. For me, that’s the endings. Although I spent much of my free time writing, I was 19 before I completed a full-length novel. The more you write [insert your personal challenge here], the easier it becomes.

5. What book project/s are you working on right now?

Tomatoes Don’t Judge is my current work in progress. It’s a novel about a girl who meets a boy and falls in love…with his family. She comes from a family that neglects her, so being involved in daily things (i.e., planting tomatoes) is huge.

The prequel-of-sorts to Tomatoes is called Potatoes Still Bruise. It’s the main character’s journal from her early years. Just like a small bruise can affect the entire potato, Kara’s scars have an effect on the way she views the world.

While this book is first chronologically, I think it makes more sense to read Tomatoes before it, so it’s on the back burner for now.

Here are some links for Jansina

   

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/gp/entity/Jansina/B006QKN7BM

As Fairydust Settles: The Shrouded Jewels sequel follows Mical and Davey as they struggle with deception, temptation, and a sometimes-bitter reality. Will they find happily ever after?

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jansina
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/jansina18
• Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rivershorebooks
• Tumblr: rivershorebooks.tumblr.com
• Author Blog: thilly-little-nothings.blogspot.com
• Rivershore Website: www.rivershorebooks.com

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The first post on the train: Elizabeth K. Writes
The second post on the train: Me