Sharon Hinck is an award-winning author residing in Minnesota. In addition to writing, Sharon has explored many professional endeavors including being a choreographer and ballet teacher, a church organist, a youth worker, a bookstore clerk, an adjunct professor, and a freelance editor. Her favorite pastimes include FaceTiming her grandchildren, completing jigsaw puzzles, gardening, playing piano and guitar. Let’s welcome Sharon today!
Welcome to the blog, Sharon!
Thank you so much for being here today. Last week, I shared a review of your book Dream of Kings, and both myself and readers are excited to learn more about you. To start, please describe yourself in three words.
A) Faithful, compassionate, creative.
Q) Describe your writing in 5 words.
A) Fantastical, character-centered, adventurous, inspiring, faith-filled.
Delving into Faith in Dream of Kings
Q) As a reader of your novel Dream of Kings, I wholeheartedly agree with those adjectives. And I personally cannot wait to explore your other books. I sincerely loved Dream of Kings and the messages woven into Jolan’s story. Frist, will you please tell readers about your book Dream of Kings and what inspired you to write it? And, secondly, What type of reader will most enjoy this faith-filled narrative?
A) There are times where we find ourselves in places where we feel we don’t belong. I wanted to explore the question of how we can respond, and also how we sometimes see amazing things that God is doing behind the scenes when life doesn’t go the way we expect. My character is inspired by all of us who have found ourselves in unfair and difficult situations, yet have found huge blessings in God’s presence there.
Q) You include a note in the end of your book about dreams, Christianity, and parallels to the book of Genesis. Will you tell us about how the biblical story of Joseph has influenced you as a writer and as a believer?
A) I’m often inspired by a variety of scriptural characters or images as a springboard to new stories. I’ve always liked the story of Joseph because his life seemed to go “all wrong” over and over, yet deeper purposes were being fulfilled. I find a lot of hope in that truth. I write because it helps me sort out my own questions of faith. My stories express my wonder at God’s goodness and the remarkable way He wants a relationship with each of us. I seek to bring readers along on my characters’ experiences of encountering their Creator and Savior in unexpected ways.
Other Works from Sharon Hinck
Q) Because we have talked about Dream of Kings, let’s expand our focus a bit. Will you tell us briefly about your other books available to readers?
A) The Dancing Realms Series (Hidden Current, Forsaken Island, Windward Shore) explores a world where dancers direct their floating world with their movements. But they’ve been trapped in rigid legalism. One dancer discovers dark secrets and escapes and is met by grace. I’m so honored that all three books in the series have been awarded The Christy Award.
For those who enjoyed Dream of Kings, Hidden Current would be a next good choice. Similar epic fantasy with relatable characters.
For lovers of “portal fantasy” my Sword of Lyric Series (The Restorer, Restorer’s Son, Restorer’s Journey, The Deliverer) follow a modern-day mom who is pulled into an alternate world waiting for a promised Restorer.
My most recent novel is a departure from my normal genre. Amber Bay is an historical novel based on my grandmother’s life in Europe during WW2.
Q) Do you have a favorite story or one of your characters that especially resonates with you within your author catalog?
A) The Restorer was the first novel I wrote, and still has a special place in my heart. A mom with four kids who longs to serve God in a “big way” was very close to me. She asked raw and honest questions. She suffered. She loved. She grew along the way. I aspire to be like her.
More from Sharon Hinck
Q) Since you have shared about your catalog, will you tell us about your current WIP and future writing projects? What are your goals as an author?
A) I just finished a one-year sabbatical and am praying about what comes next. I’ve been playing with a story idea.
Q) How do you select what books to read? Any recent 5-star read?
A) Because of health issues, reading has become difficult for me. I do enjoy audio books, but often am more able to follow non-fiction. I just listened to the Beth Moore memoir and am currently listening to a Star Wars short story collection (yes, my tastes are eclectic – LOL!)
Q) If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be and why?
A) “Just Because You Are” by Phillip Sandifer from 1999. I choreographed a piece to this work, and it totally encapsulated my passion for my Savior—even in the midst of pain:
“Father of the world, You are the light within me. God of all creation, living in my heart. I will praise You, Lord, regardless of Your blessing. For You are worthy of my praise, Lord, just because You are.”
Q) Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
A) “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25 (ESV)
Interview Wrap-Up
Q) As our time together concludes, I just want to thank you for joining us today! For the final interview question, let’s talk advice. If you could give your younger self any advice, in terms of writing or something else, what would it be?
A) I’d point my young self to another favorite verse: “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Psalm 131:1-2 (ESV)
My younger self, (and my early writing life) was full of pushing and striving. I’m slowly learning that part of trusting God is learning to rest in His COMPLETE love and acceptance. There are many issues too big for me to solve, but He can guide me to what Mother Theresa called, “small acts with great love.”
Connect with author Sharon Hinck
Be sure to connect with Sharon on Instagram (@sharonhinck) and her website. Also, subscribe to her newsletter. Learn more about her books online, and be sure to request copies at your local library!
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