Author Sharon Hinck Interview Who Is Sharon Hinck?
Ruth: Tell me a little bit about your latest release, The Restorer.
Sharon: An ordinary modern American woman is pulled through a portal into another world waiting for a promised Restorer to save their people, and she has the signs that she may be the new Restorer. She’s torn between wanting to find a way home and fulfilling her destiny.
Sharon: I’ve always been fascinated by the story of Deborah in the book of Judges, and wondered what a modern woman would look like in that role. Ruth: To what extent is Susan’s story your story? Sharon: Susan’s spiritual journey – her desire to follow God and her confusion when the road is much harder than she expected—is very parallel to my own. I’ve never carried a sword into battle, but I’ve faced the challenge of surrendering more deeply to God’ s purposes when they didn’t make sense to me. Ruth: Your first two novels featured supermom Becky Miller, and The Restorer is the story of a soccer mom thrust into an alternate universe. Speak for a moment to those readers (guys, singles, teens) who might be tempted to write off The Restorer as more “mom lit.” Why should they read your book and what do you hope readers take away from Susan’s story? Sharon: I wrote this story for my friends – ordinary women who are sometimes called on to fill extraordinary roles that they don’t feel prepared for. We may not be literally yanked into an alternate universe, but the idea of being pulled into an unexpected challenge is very real to most of the people I know. I wrote this book for my friends who receive a diagnosis of cancer, or the news that their child has a learning disability, or their parent is battling Alzheimers, or their spouse has lost their job. They suddenly find themselves in a foreign world, facing new rules, and being asked to fill a role they don’t feel ready for. My prayer is that as well as being entertaining, this novel can inspire courage and determination for those facing daily battles.
Ruth: Why write fantasy? Sharon: The fantasy genre provides a powerful way to look at a familiar story in a new way. I loved the challenge of creating a completely relatable character, and then inviting the reader to follow her into an imaginative journey. Ruth: Who are some of your favorite fantasy authors and novels?
Sharon: The greats, of course. C.S. Lewis (especially Perelandra), Tolkien, Stephen Lawhead, Calvin Miller, Karen Hancock. Also Anne McCaffrey, Diana Gabaldon (time travel, not fantasy, but I love her books), Jasper Fforde… But I read widely in other genres, too, and I think that affects how I approach writing fantasy.
Sharon: Wayne and Christopher met at last year’s ICRS and said, “You know how bands tour together to promote each other? Authors should do that.” They spearheaded it, and our four publishers gave us the okay. Our hope was to build relationships, raise awareness of Christian fantasy fiction, and just share Christ as we traveled. We’ve already talked about ways to do this again and expand on it. Ruth: I’m a huge fan of fantasy fiction and would love to see this genre really explode in the CBA market. What’s your opinion on the “state of fantasy” and hopes for the genre in the CBA market?
Sharon: We found huge enthusiasm while on our tour. But publishers need to measure by tangible things like sales. ☺
Sharon: The Restorer’s Son features a new and very unlikely Restorer, as well as more adventure for Susan and her family. The Restorer’s Journey releases in January, 2008. Then I have two contemporary fiction novels coming out with Bethany House (Symphony of Secrets, 2/08 and Penny’s Project 9/08). Yes, I’d LOVE to write more fantasy. I have a fourth Sword of Lyric novel on a back burner – so we’ll see how the first books do. ☺ Ruth: Any closing comments? Sharon: I love to hear from readers, so be sure to visit my website http://www.sharonhinck.com. You can also sign up for my Book Buddy ezine to keep in touch. Thanks for letting me visit! By the way, I got to meet Ruth live and in person at a bookstore in Nashville while on the east coast book tour. What a treat!!!!
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What’s been interesting for me, is that many of my readers are young (6th, 7th, 8th grade and up) and I’ve gotten mail from many male readers as well. Even if the protagonist is a woman, there are plenty of strong male characters in the story to relate to…. AND the folks who write to me (including the men!) have said they greatly identify with the challenges Susan face.
Ruth: Please share a little bit about the sequel to The Restorer, The Restorer’s Son (releasing September 2007). What other projects are coming down the pipeline? Once The Sword of Lyric series is completed, do you see yourself writing more fantasy novels?
