Interview with.....Sharon Hinck

Welcome, Sharon...thanks for taking time to answer a couple of questions.

Hi, Robin!Thanks so much for inviting me to drop by for a visit!

In Renovating Becky Miller, you present home repairs in such an amusing manner. Is this from personal experience?

It seems my husband and I are constantly repairing, remodeling, or renovating some part of our home. We’re optimistic “Do-it-yourselfers” with starry-eyed visions of a “quick afternoon project” that stretches into weeks of work. Whether its a full kitchen or bathroom remodel, or a simple paint job, it always takes twice as long and costs three times as much as we expect. I figured that even Becky’s “can do” spirit would be a bit daunted by the experience.

The parallel between remodeling a home and remodeling our spiritual status is brought out in your book. Can you elaborate on how you hit on this theme?

It’s because I’m a “fixer-upper.” I’m not a brand new model home in a fancy neighborhood. I’m worn around the edges, sagging in places, and needing lots of tender love and care. Yet God is willing to make His home in me. It bewilders and amazes me daily.

Share with us a bit about your writing life.

It’s terrifying and humbling to have books in print. I wrestle every day with the limitations of my skill, and the limits of the written word to express the mysteries and wonders of how God interacts in our lives. But it’s very fulfilling when someone writes to me about how a novel helped them feel less alone — how the character expressed something they (the reader) have often felt but didn’t know how to explain.

A lot of authors state the spiritual themes in their books reflect the spiritual path they're on. Have you found this to be true?

My assumption when I started each new manuscript was that I would weave in themes based on past experiences. Yet with each novel I’ve written, God has kindled NEW lessons in my personal life that reflect some of what my characters are going through. If a character is struggling with loneliness, I find myself in a period of painful solitude. If a plot revolves around fear and inadequacy, I’ve faced deep battles with those issues. Now that I’ve noticed this trend, I think the next novel I write will be about someone profoundly happy that has lots of wonderful things happen to them. ;-)

Thanks for dropping by. Any parting words?Thanks again for chatting.

I mentioned that I’m a “fixer-upper.” How about those of you reading this blog? What kind of house would you describe yourself as? How many stories? What kind of architecture? Brick? Siding? In the country? In the city? I’ll stop by later to answer any questions from folks who want to post comments.Hugs, Sharon