JARM DEL BOCCIO ~ THE HEART CHANGER ~ INTERVIEW

Interview with Jarm Del Boccio, author of . . .

 Hi, Jarm, it’s good to have you visiting Whispers in Purple again. We met you here in May of last year and learned about your historical Middle-Grade debut novel, The Heart Changer, about a young Israelite girl who is captured and forced to serve the wife of the commander of the Syrian army.  

Now we’re welcoming you back to answer a few interview questions. Thank you.

Of course we’d like to know how things are going with The Heart Changer in the intervening months. I did a quick check on Amazon and see that it has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 in a total of 35 readers reviews That’s great!

Hi, Peg!

 Thanks for hosting me again. 

 So, what has your experience been since the book released?

Well, I’ve had many positive reviews, from kids and adults. In fact, I’m surprised adults enjoy the story as well, since The Heart Changer is a middle-grade historical fiction. Because I’m a former teacher and school librarian, I love to interact with my readers, but unfortunately, even though I worked hard last year to make connections, not many school visits or author events have opened up for me. It’s quite disappointing. I would love the opportunity to speak at any venue that is curious about an author’s life and the craft of writing. My frequent flyer miles are waiting in the wings!

Let’s talk about Jarm (the ‘J’ sounds like a ‘Y’) Del Boccio the person. What do you do just for you when you’re not writing?

I absolutely love to travel, and it’s my go-to for inspiration. Ideally, overseas travel is preferred. If it’s a new location — better yet! Recently, our financial situation has changed, so exploring the world is not possible at this point. But God was gracious to land me a travel blogging opportunity which forces me to visit various venues in my state of Illinois and share my finding with the readers. It’s not a paid position, but, I now have a reason to get out of the house!

Where would be your ideal writing space? Why?

My perfect writing space would be located in a small country village in Europe within walking distance of the town. I would write a bit, with the sound of birds and a flowing stream in the background, then take a walk in nature, write a bit more — well, you get the picture. The calm environment with no distractions would be ideal for my soul. I also have a fascination with tiny houses, so one located in a temperate climate in an out of the way place would suit me just fine. As long as I could get out into nature and walk, I’d be happy. But alas, it’s only a dream.

Ah, sounds lovely!  Describe your present ‘office.’ What--if anything--would you change?

 I must say, my present writing environment is inviting and peaceful as well. It’s on the second floor of our home, in an open area outside our bedroom. I refer to it as “my Victorian sitting room” suggested by the wallpaper and furniture. I sit in a winged-back chair with a cup of white peony tea and a salt crystal candle on the table beside me, surrounded by books, papers and various projects. Attached to a stand is my iPad, which is what I use exclusively to write — including a 50,000 word middle-grade novel! I can’t read my writing anyway, so it would be double the work to compose with a pen.

What sparks your creativity when you’re feeling drained?

 If I can’t travel, watching a mystery at the end of a productive day is a relaxing treat for me, and a way to connect with my hubby. My favorites are Poirot, Father Brown, and Endeavor. I love to ferret out the culprit along with the detectives!

Just for fun . . . if you were an animal, what would you be, and why?

Hmmmm. . . good question. For sure, I’d want to be a fast-moving creature, since I love to be on the go. Maybe a wild horse, peregrine falcon or maybe a songbird, since I love to sing.

What a fascinating answer! Good choice about the wild horse -- Love it!

Coffee or tea?

Definitely tea — white peony. Recently, I’ve discovered matcha lattes with homemade coconut milk and maple syrup.

I'm a coffee hound, myself. Never heard of white peony tea. Sounds interesting.

Finally, what’s next for Jarm Del Boccio?

My word for this year is CONTENTMENT. I want to be content as an author with what God brings or doesn’t bring my way. So, while I patiently wait for opportunities to connect with my readers, I will fine tune my craft, submit to agents and editors, connect with fellow writers on social media and at conferences, and look for ways to encourage my readers with blogposts and newsletters.

Thanks so much for sharing your time with us, Jarm. It’s been fun getting to know you a little more. God bless you as you write for Him.

You are welcome, Peg!

Jarm finds her inspiration in everyday life, but in particular, when she travels the globe, observing the quirky things that happen along the way. You can learn about those experiences in her blog, Making the Write Connections, or connect with her on Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram.

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/

            Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jarmdelboccio/

            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!