Why Did Sara Jane Jacobs Decide to Write?

Why did you decide to become a writer?
 
I met a scriptwriter after I graduated high school who inspired me to write for television. The first script that I wrote was for a Christian television series. This was in the mid-80s. Back then, as you can imagine, there weren’t very many places to submit a script like that. In the early 90s, a friend suggested that I try writing my stories as books instead. I called my writing a hobby for about 25 years before I had the courage to submit to a publisher.   
 
Do you have authors who inspired you to write? If so, whom?
 
I remember when I first started writing, I read books by Catherine Marshall, Robin Jones Gunn and Robin Hardy. I have memories of finishing some of those books and feeling inspired to keep writing!
 
What genre(s) do you write and what made you choose it(them)?
 
I write inspirational romance and I don’t feel like I chose it as much as it happened to be where my writing fit in. For me, it’s just how the story comes out.
 
What kinds of classes, workshops, organizations, groups helped you learn the craft of writing?
 
Most of my learning has been through reading and online resources. Since it’s only been a few years since I started treating writing as more than just a hobby, I’m still discovering all that’s out there!
 
Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how often do you meet?
 
I do not, but I would love to find one!
 
Tell us about your first publication experience.
 
I submitted my story, Season of Hope, to Clean Reads on my birthday in June of 2016. In September, I received an email with a contract attached. It was a moment I’m sure that I will never forget!
 
What’s one tip you’d share with other writers? It can be a practical how to tip or an inspirational/encouragement tip.
 
I think my best tip is to keep writing because you love it and because you know you have stories to tell. It’s so easy to get sidetracked or discouraged. Just make up your mind that you’re going to keep telling your stories.
 
Please share your most recent book title and the opening line.
 
Season of Deception
 
Amanda Jarvis watched the numbers above the elevator counting downward, her vision blurred by tears.
 
Buy Link: http://a.co/0uzL7B7
 
BIO
 
Sara Jane Jacobs lives life Coram Deo* along the Emerald Coast of Florida with her cat, Selah (and Selah’s adorable offspring, Colby, Jack and Tuesday). She enjoys being with family and pretty much anything that involves the great outdoors. One of her favorite ways to relax is spending the day with her grandsons, Noah and Elias. She lives a short drive from the beach and considers frequent trips to put her feet in the sand a necessary part of routine health maintenance.
 
Website: https://sarajanejacobs.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarajanejacobs
 
*Notes from SM Ford:
I had to look up what Coram Deo meant—“in the presence of God.” Nice, huh? Here’s a link to more info about the phrase: http://faithsunansweredquestions.blogspot.com/2010/02/coram-deo.html
 
I love the description in Sara’s bio about “frequent trips to put her feet in the sand a necessary part of routine health maintenance.” I don’t live close enough to the ocean to do that often, but agree.

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