JARM DEL BOCCIO~ The Road to Publication ~ The Heart Changer

Welcome to another Wahoo Wednesday with author Jarm Del Boccio

My Long and Winding Road to Publication: 

Desire, Dedication and Doubt

By Jarm Del Boccio

What makes a writer want to write?

I love to express myself with the written word, and with those words, inspire others. I’ve kept a journal off and on since my middle school years, writing in it especially during troubled times. 

In my thirties, while I was a short term missionary in an isolated village of Papua New Guinea, I wrote a children’s book I titled, “God’s Rainbow of Promises”. It was during that time I began writing articles about my experiences in the bush, and those of other missionaries I worked with.

None of these were published, but I was honing my skills. When my mother died, just short of her 100th birthday, I panicked, because she was the keeper and recorder of our family’s history, and I was afraid I’d forget all she had told me, so I began to write down my earliest memories of my childhood. That’s where I thought I was headed. But soon afterward, I came across an online challenge for picture book writers, and my interests took a turn.

Since my mom instilled in me a love of history and culture, I began writing historical and biblical fiction picture books. But, I  tended to use many more descriptive words than necessary for that genre, eliminating the need for illustrations! I was disappointed my manuscripts were rejected time and time again until an author friend encouraged me to turn my attention to middle-grade novels, where I had 25,000 to 50,000 words to play with. And there, I found my niche.

Since I am a former elementary and high school teacher, school librarian, and Sunday school teacher, and home educated our son and daughter, my life has revolved around kids.

Children are at the beginning of life’s journey and need guidance and inspiration, especially in this troubled world. Yes, it’s good to laugh and be entertained at times, but when difficulty comes, in whatever form, kids need to hang on to what really matters — that which can carry them through the struggles.

I came across this quote by C.S. Lewis which expresses perfectly why I write:

“Since it is so likely that (children) will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise, you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.”

I have a heart for kids in Scripture and history that have had a huge impact in the lives of those around them, but have no name or backstory — so I give them both! I delight in the ‘what-ifs,’ then bring the story to life so children can relate to historical characters in a fresh way. Breathing new life into the pages of history is a passion of mine.

Kids need real heroes to guide them — not superheroes whose skills and exploits are unrealistic and unattainable. Now, I have to admit, I do enjoy superhero films. And they do have their place. But they can’t help me navigate the world I live in.

My debut middle-grade historical fiction, The Heart Changer, deals with loss, heartache, worry, and angst. The main character, Miriam, is bitter and holds a grudge against the commander of the Syrian army who captured her from her home in Israel to serve his wife.

But, as the Heart Changer woos Miriam through challenging circumstances, her selfish and stubborn heart melts. Through her forgiveness of her master’s deed, she changes many lives around her. It’s so important for kids to realize it’s not all about them. In focusing on others, they become the heroes of their own stories.

Last week, The Heart Changer was released into the world. I had worked hard for months on my book launch. Not for financial gain, but so Miriam’s story would reach young readers all across the world.

I know we are not to rely on feelings since they can lead us astray. But I was worried.

Does anybody really care?

I've poured my heart and soul into my novel, based on a historical event. I want my young readers to fill with hope after reading it. Life is too short and full of hard times. Will my book reach those who need hope?

What about my writerly friends and family. Do they like it enough to pass the word about my debut novel? Will I get 50 reviews within a month of publication or less, which brings my book up in ranking on Amazon? Or more troublesome - will I get any reviews?? What if my readers don't like it?

Am I being too pushy — too 'in your face' with my social media posts? Have I done enough? Too little? In the best way possible to make my book seen? Will people find it on Amazon with such an obscure tag?

Did I express myself with the right words? Did I misused a word, get a fact wrong? Will someone find fault with it?

My word of the year is PERSEVERANCE. Perseverance to push through the gloom of insecurity and hopelessness, and move towards HOPE. Because this one thing I know for sure — I have a great God. He wrote my story, and therefore, I needn't worry. All those readers who need hope will find my story. I will get as many reviews as He sees fit. And I will make just the ‘write’ connections to share my story with classrooms and libraries.

Because, you, see — He is the Heart Changer!

 

From the book back cover::

Can an Israelite captive, wrenched from all she loves, serve the very man who destroyed her village?

Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with worry and bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is wooing and preparing her for a greater mission—far beyond what she could imagine.

This middle-grade historical novel reflects the heartache and angst of a young refugee in a foreign land where all hope seems lost.

About the author:

 

 

Jarm (‘J’ pronounced as a 'Y') Del Boccio finds her inspiration in everyday life, but in particular, when she travels the globe, observing the quirky things that happen along the way. Focusing on lives of characters from the past, Jarm is devoted to breathing new life into the pages of history.

Jarm has a background in elementary and high school education, and served for seven years as a school librarian. Grateful for the opportunity, she taught three missionary kids in an isolated area of Papua New Guinea. She is part of SCBWI and American Christian Fiction Writers and has published articles in "The Old Schoolhouse" magazine.

“The Heart Changer,” her debut MG historical/biblical fiction, releases with Ambassador International April 26th, 2019. Jarm is content with the journey God has placed her on, and lives with her husband, adult daughter and son (when he lands at home) in a tree-lined suburb of Chicago. You can connect on her author’s website/blog at: https://www.jarmdelboccio.com/

"My Passion is to Make Scripture and History Come Alive for my Readers: Illuminating the Past. Making Sense of the Present. Offering Hope for the Future

My author’s website/blog: https://www.jarmdelboccio.com/

Signup for my author’s newsletter: http://bit.ly/jarmsnews

            Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JarmDelBoccio/

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            Twitter: www.twitter.com/JarmVee

            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarmdelboccio/

The book can be purchased:

Ambassador International: http://ambassador-international.com/books/the-heart-changer/ (teacher’s guide available here)

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2SCcPnx

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2DYqQ5L

Christian Book: https://www.christianbook.com/the-heart-changer-jarm-del-boccio/9781620208687/pd/208680

Reviews are MUCH appreciated ... the best gift you can give an author!