Jocelyn Green is the award-winning author of ten books, including fiction and nonfiction. A former military wife herself, she offers encouragement and hope to military wives worldwide through her Faith Deployed books and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she co-authored with best-selling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War novels, inspired by real heroines on America’s home front, are marked by their historical integrity and gritty inspiration. As a speaker, Jocelyn inspires faith and courage in her audiences. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She is an active member of the Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Military Writers Society of America. She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, Toblerone chocolate bars, the color red, and reading on her patio. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
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Welcome back to the blog, Jocelyn. I’m so excited to have you here to talk about your NEW release, The Mark of the King. Congratulations by the way! 😉
When did you first start writing this book? How long have you had the story idea?
Thanks for having me back, Savanna! I started writing this book in preparation for the September 2015 ACFW Conference, so that probably was around July of that year. But I’d been researching and thinking about the storyline for several months before that.
Which character was the easiest to write and who proved to be a challenge? Why?
Once I got to know my main character, Julianne, she was the easiest to write because I spent so much time really inhabiting her world and focusing on her character. The character that was most challenging to write at first was Lily, because she’s a native American little girl. Because I was less familiar with her culture, I had to work harder to figure her out. But once I identified all the child-like qualities that are universal, she became a delight to write, and she ended up with her own POV scenes.
Oh, I can’t wait to meet them both! 😉 What did you do to celebrate when you first heard about your Bethany House contract?
Well! First of all, I hyperventilated on the couch when I got the email with the news. That was fun. 🙂 And then I’m sure we went out to eat somewhere. Eating out is a fairly standard way for us to celebrate big events around here.
How fun! What a special day you’ll always remember, huh? 😉
What was one of the most memorable books you read in 2016?
Great question! It’s so tough to only give you one title, but OK. I’ll go with Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert. It’s Viking Christian fiction—a very brave story, so meaningful, and powerfully told.
I have got to read that soon. I’ve had so many reading friends recommend that book.
Can you tell us a little about what you’re working on next?
Oh Savanna, I am in the throes of the first draft right now for the next novel for Bethany House. The throes, I tell you! This means everything is probably going to change, but I can at least tell you with some confidence that the book is about a lacemaker who flees from the French Revolution in order to save her life, and lands in Philadelphia in 1794. That much I know. LOL
That sounds awesome. Of course, not the first draft woes. 😉 Praying for you as you continue writing! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
If anyone would like to read the prologue and first chapter of The Mark of the King, it’s available online right here. I’m also doing a giveaway right now through February 16. Click the image below to visit the page and enter. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing with us today, Jocelyn! Can’t wait to read your book.
Readers, be sure to hop over to her website and enter the giveaway! Good luck!
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The cover is lovely and intrigues me to what awaits inside.
Hi Karen! Doesn’t it look soooo good?! 🙂
I like to read about Native American history! THANKS for a nice Giveaway!
Me too, Barb. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book too. 🙂
I can’t wait to read this one. Jocelyn’s Civil War series was rich and emotional, and I have high expectations for this one! Great interview!
Oh I totally agree, Diana. LOVED her Civil War series. 😉 So glad you could join us for the interview.