More snippets from the Sharon Hinck interview at Christian Fandom …
How did you get started writing?
My mom recited poems to me when she pushed me on the swings (I have a vivid memory at about three-years of age) and read to me all the time. I became a voracious bookworm, and decided to “join the fun” and write my own stories, too. In second grade I composed a horribly derivative tale about some pigs and their houses. In fourth grade I moved on to writing stories about horses. Sixth grade I matured into spy novels and episodes of Man from U.N.C.L.E. Um… Probably more than you wanted to know.
Of your works, which one is your favorite? (including works in progress)
My favorite novel is The Restorer’s Son (NavPress, 9/2007) which is in galley-proofing right now. One of the point-of-view characters is a bit like Gideon. When the angel approached Gideon and told him he was favored by God, he growled, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this bad stuff happened to us.” (my paraphrase). I enjoyed delving into the “God doesn’t make sense” questions that I wrestle with, through a character who was bold and cranky enough to express them.
Who are your influences as a writer, and why?
A prof in grad school who coaxed me into submitting some of my articles that I’d written as class assignments. “Published Authors” always seemed like an ethereal tribe I could never aspire towards. When I got my first check for an article published in a national magazine, I ran to Prof. Lawing’s office to show him. It was a breakthrough for me.
And the Word Servants writing group. When I joined, they were all working on novels, and having so much fun, I worked up the nerve to try it for myself. That’s where I began writing The Restorer.
As far as writing genre, voice, and style, all of my reading as been an influence, and I’ll share some of that in the question below.
What was the first exposure you can remember having to SF/F as a genre?
Edith Nesbit and C.S. Lewis–I discovered one because of the other, but don’t remember the order, since it was many many years ago. Tolkien soon after.
What is your personal all-time favorite SF/F work, and why?
Perelandra by C.S.Lewis. I keep giving this answer, but I haven’t read it in many years, and maybe it wouldn’t have the same impact on me if I went back and read it now. But I remember when I read it, it was as if God peeled back a curtain and I understand a bit more of the mystery of temptation and redemption than I had before.
And again, tune in next time …
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