Interviews Regarding St. Agnes' Place
Jill Starling and St. Agnes' Place
(The following interview was conducted by Katrina Spencer. Information about Katrina, including a link to her website is included at the conclusion of the interview)
Jill Starling is an author to watch! Her debut novel, St. Agnes' Place, is told through the eyes of Shawnsy Stevens, a newly-divorced thirty-something who finds herself accepting a job at St. Agnes’; a place of hope and recovery for young women who are trying to leave the street life. There she meets Leelee, Keisha, Amy, Vicky and Rain. Each of these women has a story to tell, as they struggle to fight their personal struggles. Each of the
women encounters unexpected news and setbacks, but ultimately recognizes the healing power of forgiveness. In a climactic end, they make choices that set the course for the rest of their lives.
St. Agnes’ Place is a place where love greets you at the door.
So what’s your writing process like? Do you outline or are you a pantser?
I am definitely a pantser, I only write when the Spirit moves me to write. He doesn’t move me everyday, but I know when He does I will be on a roll.
St. Agnes Place is your first novel. What are some of the things you’ve learned as a debut author?
Some of the major things I learned are that promotion is work, and takes up a lot of time. Also, the length of time it takes to write a novel is always longer than you think.
Do you like social media? How important do you think they are to an author’s career?
I LOVE social media! Today, as writers we are blessed to have avenues such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram (which I have to sign up for). Through social media, I have been able to share my writing with so many wonderful people, that otherwise I wouldn’t be able to meet. I think it is imperative that an author self promote, and connect with people on a personal level. There are so many things hitting people all at once in the mainstream media, that when an author connects one on one on a social network an intimacy develops that will likely draw that person to read your book.
You’ve gotten a chance to connect with a few of your readers. Which do you prefer, book signings or book clubs?
Oh, that’s a tough one! I truly love them both! I love book signings for the simple fact that I get to share my excitement about my novel with those who haven’t read it. However, at book clubs everyone has already read my novel, which leads to some very interesting discussions. I get to sit in the "hot seat" and answer all their questions, as if we were talking about real people. Both of them, are like icing on the cake for a writer.
What has been your experience with self-publishing?
My experience with self-publishing has been wonderful! The story lines and characters I create are mine, no one is changing them, or making them into something that they deem as marketable for today’s society. I also have a great editor, and an insightful group of first readers that pave the way to making everything come together. I published through Amazon’s CreateSpace, which has been a Godsend in helping me achieve my dreams, and they have been incredible to work with.
You’ve received great reviews for your book! Has this helped build your confidence as you work on your next book? Or do you feel more pressure to please your readers?
I am incredibly grateful that readers embraced St. Agnes’ Place. Good reviews, are always confidence building, but I understand everyone has preferences, and my style my not be someone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. My next novel, At this Moment, is character driven, as well, so hopefully the same readers who enjoyed St. Agnes’ Place will also enjoy my upcoming novel. I believe that when a reader connects with the character it catches them, and makes them want to keep reading. Of course, I’m praying for sophomore success, and I remind myself to concentrate on the joy of the journey.
What made you want to become a writer?
I knew I wanted to be a writer ever since I was a young girl, and started reading Judy Blume’s books. Her stories had a profound affect on me, the main characters weren’t pretty or popular but "real people" overcoming obstacles. I wanted to be able to touch people through writing in the same way she did. The time became right for me as my two sons grew into teenagers, and were less
dependent on me.
Now on to the hair! Your hair looks so healthy and beautiful! What do you do to maintain it?
Thank you, I have naturally curly hair. I usually blow it out, and I always finish it off with hair serum to help eliminate the frizz.
Which celebrity would you switch hair with?
I have to honestly say, Katrina, your hair is looking mighty fine. I wouldn’t mind having it! I also love Beyonce’s many styles. I wouldn’t mind having one of her many coiffures.
What has been your worst hair experience?
Oh my gosh, this can be a book! My whole childhood, and adolescent was one really bad hair day. I’m talking short, frizzy Italian hair, a giant Brillo pad to say the least! The good news is, now I am happy with my curls! I learned how to tame them, and how to straighten them. Those bad hair days, are now a thing of the past, lol!
I want to thank Jill for stopping by and discussing her debut novel, St. Agnes Place! (And also for the shout-out about my hair! Thanks my friend!!) If you haven’t picked up her novel, then what are you waiting for? Click here to order your copy today! Want more of Jill? Follow her on Twitter, like her on Facebook, and keep checking her website for updates about her next novel.
Jill Starling is an author to watch! Her debut novel, St. Agnes' Place, is told through the eyes of Shawnsy Stevens, a newly-divorced thirty-something who finds herself accepting a job at St. Agnes’; a place of hope and recovery for young women who are trying to leave the street life. There she meets Leelee, Keisha, Amy, Vicky and Rain. Each of these women has a story to tell, as they struggle to fight their personal struggles. Each of the
women encounters unexpected news and setbacks, but ultimately recognizes the healing power of forgiveness. In a climactic end, they make choices that set the course for the rest of their lives.
St. Agnes’ Place is a place where love greets you at the door.
So what’s your writing process like? Do you outline or are you a pantser?
I am definitely a pantser, I only write when the Spirit moves me to write. He doesn’t move me everyday, but I know when He does I will be on a roll.
St. Agnes Place is your first novel. What are some of the things you’ve learned as a debut author?
Some of the major things I learned are that promotion is work, and takes up a lot of time. Also, the length of time it takes to write a novel is always longer than you think.
Do you like social media? How important do you think they are to an author’s career?
I LOVE social media! Today, as writers we are blessed to have avenues such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram (which I have to sign up for). Through social media, I have been able to share my writing with so many wonderful people, that otherwise I wouldn’t be able to meet. I think it is imperative that an author self promote, and connect with people on a personal level. There are so many things hitting people all at once in the mainstream media, that when an author connects one on one on a social network an intimacy develops that will likely draw that person to read your book.
You’ve gotten a chance to connect with a few of your readers. Which do you prefer, book signings or book clubs?
Oh, that’s a tough one! I truly love them both! I love book signings for the simple fact that I get to share my excitement about my novel with those who haven’t read it. However, at book clubs everyone has already read my novel, which leads to some very interesting discussions. I get to sit in the "hot seat" and answer all their questions, as if we were talking about real people. Both of them, are like icing on the cake for a writer.
What has been your experience with self-publishing?
My experience with self-publishing has been wonderful! The story lines and characters I create are mine, no one is changing them, or making them into something that they deem as marketable for today’s society. I also have a great editor, and an insightful group of first readers that pave the way to making everything come together. I published through Amazon’s CreateSpace, which has been a Godsend in helping me achieve my dreams, and they have been incredible to work with.
You’ve received great reviews for your book! Has this helped build your confidence as you work on your next book? Or do you feel more pressure to please your readers?
I am incredibly grateful that readers embraced St. Agnes’ Place. Good reviews, are always confidence building, but I understand everyone has preferences, and my style my not be someone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. My next novel, At this Moment, is character driven, as well, so hopefully the same readers who enjoyed St. Agnes’ Place will also enjoy my upcoming novel. I believe that when a reader connects with the character it catches them, and makes them want to keep reading. Of course, I’m praying for sophomore success, and I remind myself to concentrate on the joy of the journey.
What made you want to become a writer?
I knew I wanted to be a writer ever since I was a young girl, and started reading Judy Blume’s books. Her stories had a profound affect on me, the main characters weren’t pretty or popular but "real people" overcoming obstacles. I wanted to be able to touch people through writing in the same way she did. The time became right for me as my two sons grew into teenagers, and were less
dependent on me.
Now on to the hair! Your hair looks so healthy and beautiful! What do you do to maintain it?
Thank you, I have naturally curly hair. I usually blow it out, and I always finish it off with hair serum to help eliminate the frizz.
Which celebrity would you switch hair with?
I have to honestly say, Katrina, your hair is looking mighty fine. I wouldn’t mind having it! I also love Beyonce’s many styles. I wouldn’t mind having one of her many coiffures.
What has been your worst hair experience?
Oh my gosh, this can be a book! My whole childhood, and adolescent was one really bad hair day. I’m talking short, frizzy Italian hair, a giant Brillo pad to say the least! The good news is, now I am happy with my curls! I learned how to tame them, and how to straighten them. Those bad hair days, are now a thing of the past, lol!
I want to thank Jill for stopping by and discussing her debut novel, St. Agnes Place! (And also for the shout-out about my hair! Thanks my friend!!) If you haven’t picked up her novel, then what are you waiting for? Click here to order your copy today! Want more of Jill? Follow her on Twitter, like her on Facebook, and keep checking her website for updates about her next novel.
Katrina Spencer is a Women’s Fiction writer with two novels under her belt, Six O’clock and Unbeweaveable. The above interview was posted on her blog Curl Up and Write, where she fuses her two loves: hair and writing. To see the original interview as posted or to check out Katrina's blog go to: http://www.katrinaspencer.com/blog/
What inspired you to write about human trafficking and sexual exploitation?
Many years ago, Rob Morris, co-founder of Love146, a non-profit international organization that fights child sex trafficking, spoke at my church. What he said struck a chord in me; I couldn’t believe how in this day and age, children were put on display to purchase for
one’s sick perversion. When I decided to write my novel, I wanted to bring attention to this awful epidemic that is occurring in other parts of the world. Once I started researching, I learned that it was happening just as much here in the United States, in our own backyard!
What research did you have to undertake before writing the book? How did you go about that and what was entailed?
I spent months reading books, magazine articles, and anything else I could get my hands on which spoke about child sex trafficking. As I began my research, one factor stood out: child sex trafficking happens in all types of neighborhoods – from the inner city to the suburbs, and it can happen to the “girl next door” just as easily as it can to the delinquent runaway.
Can you describe the storyline of your current novel?
My novel, St. Agnes’ Place, deals with the lives of those affected by child sex trafficking in the United States. It also addresses the pain of betrayal and learning how to love again. It is told through the eyes of Shawnsy Stevens, a newly-divorced thirty-something who finds herself accepting a job at St. Agnes’; a place of hope and recovery for young women who are trying to leave the street life. There she meets Leelee, Keisha, Amy, Vicky and Rain. Each of these women has a story to tell, as they struggle to fight their own personal demons. As the story unfolds, Shawnsy develops a strong camaraderie with the girls while falling in love with the handsome and
charismatic Detective McDermott. His sole mission is to rescue trafficked girls from the streets. Each of these women encounters unexpected news and setbacks, but ultimately recognizes the healing power of forgiveness. In a climactic end, they make choices that set the course for the rest of their lives.
Although the novel may sound very heavy, it is really quite uplifting as the girls come into their own, shedding their guilt and shame. Many book clubs are reading it, as well as a lot of moms and their tween/teen daughters.
What’s your writing background? When did you begin writing and what inspired you?
Writing has always been a passion of mine since I was a little girl and started reading books by Judy Blume. I have a degree in literature, but never took it seriously because I was busy raising my two sons who are now teenagers. Now that they are older, and less dependent on me, I can finally pursue my passion.
How often do you write? And how do you manage to fit it in writing among other commitments?
I don’t write every day. I write when the spirit moves me. Most of my ideas and thoughts come to me at the oddest times, usually
late at night when I’m in bed. When an idea comes to me, I’m off and running. I find it best to write in seclusion, when I know everything that needs to be done is completed and there are no commitments on my plate.
In which genre do you most enjoy writing?
Contemporary literature is the most fulfilling for me to write. When I do research for a novel, I love learning something that I never knew before, as was the case in my research for my debut novel, St. Agnes’ Place. My novel originally was supposed to be about child sex trafficking abroad, and then to my surprise, through my research I found that it’s just as prevalent here in the United States.
What draws you to write in that genre?
I’m drawn to that genre because I’m driven to write about things that aren’t out in the open, with characters that are people just like you and me.
Tell me about your current project(s)?
I am very excited about my current novel entitled, At This Moment. It’s about how six lives intertwine and come together from a gang member, a dancer, an ambitious builder, a home-wrecker, a suburban housewife and a blind child. It’s due to be released this year.
What are your writing plans for the future?
I am planning on writing a sequel to St. Agnes’ Place. I have always thought about writing a children’s series, so that is something I would also love to venture into.
Where can people find out more about you?
You can find out more about me by going to my website www.jillstarlingnovels.com. My books are available to purchase through this site, and you can also leave me a message in the guest book as well. I also have a Jill Starling Facebook page, and I would love for everyone to check it out.
Recommended websites/books/films etc:
The documentary film, Very Young Girls, is an excellent film, which exposes the commercial sexual exploitation of girls in New York City, as they are snared by pimps into the horrifying world of prostitution. This film presents the incredible outreach that Rachel Lloyd,
founder of GEMS: Girls Educational & Mentoring Services does to save these young women.
This film also shines light on the sad fact that many young girls are treated as criminals, as opposed to victims. Thankfully, since this film was released, the Safe Harbor Law has been passed in many states, which protects the young victims from being charged with
prostitution.
GEMS: Girls Educational & Mentoring Services
LOVE146
Many years ago, Rob Morris, co-founder of Love146, a non-profit international organization that fights child sex trafficking, spoke at my church. What he said struck a chord in me; I couldn’t believe how in this day and age, children were put on display to purchase for
one’s sick perversion. When I decided to write my novel, I wanted to bring attention to this awful epidemic that is occurring in other parts of the world. Once I started researching, I learned that it was happening just as much here in the United States, in our own backyard!
What research did you have to undertake before writing the book? How did you go about that and what was entailed?
I spent months reading books, magazine articles, and anything else I could get my hands on which spoke about child sex trafficking. As I began my research, one factor stood out: child sex trafficking happens in all types of neighborhoods – from the inner city to the suburbs, and it can happen to the “girl next door” just as easily as it can to the delinquent runaway.
Can you describe the storyline of your current novel?
My novel, St. Agnes’ Place, deals with the lives of those affected by child sex trafficking in the United States. It also addresses the pain of betrayal and learning how to love again. It is told through the eyes of Shawnsy Stevens, a newly-divorced thirty-something who finds herself accepting a job at St. Agnes’; a place of hope and recovery for young women who are trying to leave the street life. There she meets Leelee, Keisha, Amy, Vicky and Rain. Each of these women has a story to tell, as they struggle to fight their own personal demons. As the story unfolds, Shawnsy develops a strong camaraderie with the girls while falling in love with the handsome and
charismatic Detective McDermott. His sole mission is to rescue trafficked girls from the streets. Each of these women encounters unexpected news and setbacks, but ultimately recognizes the healing power of forgiveness. In a climactic end, they make choices that set the course for the rest of their lives.
Although the novel may sound very heavy, it is really quite uplifting as the girls come into their own, shedding their guilt and shame. Many book clubs are reading it, as well as a lot of moms and their tween/teen daughters.
What’s your writing background? When did you begin writing and what inspired you?
Writing has always been a passion of mine since I was a little girl and started reading books by Judy Blume. I have a degree in literature, but never took it seriously because I was busy raising my two sons who are now teenagers. Now that they are older, and less dependent on me, I can finally pursue my passion.
How often do you write? And how do you manage to fit it in writing among other commitments?
I don’t write every day. I write when the spirit moves me. Most of my ideas and thoughts come to me at the oddest times, usually
late at night when I’m in bed. When an idea comes to me, I’m off and running. I find it best to write in seclusion, when I know everything that needs to be done is completed and there are no commitments on my plate.
In which genre do you most enjoy writing?
Contemporary literature is the most fulfilling for me to write. When I do research for a novel, I love learning something that I never knew before, as was the case in my research for my debut novel, St. Agnes’ Place. My novel originally was supposed to be about child sex trafficking abroad, and then to my surprise, through my research I found that it’s just as prevalent here in the United States.
What draws you to write in that genre?
I’m drawn to that genre because I’m driven to write about things that aren’t out in the open, with characters that are people just like you and me.
Tell me about your current project(s)?
I am very excited about my current novel entitled, At This Moment. It’s about how six lives intertwine and come together from a gang member, a dancer, an ambitious builder, a home-wrecker, a suburban housewife and a blind child. It’s due to be released this year.
What are your writing plans for the future?
I am planning on writing a sequel to St. Agnes’ Place. I have always thought about writing a children’s series, so that is something I would also love to venture into.
Where can people find out more about you?
You can find out more about me by going to my website www.jillstarlingnovels.com. My books are available to purchase through this site, and you can also leave me a message in the guest book as well. I also have a Jill Starling Facebook page, and I would love for everyone to check it out.
Recommended websites/books/films etc:
The documentary film, Very Young Girls, is an excellent film, which exposes the commercial sexual exploitation of girls in New York City, as they are snared by pimps into the horrifying world of prostitution. This film presents the incredible outreach that Rachel Lloyd,
founder of GEMS: Girls Educational & Mentoring Services does to save these young women.
This film also shines light on the sad fact that many young girls are treated as criminals, as opposed to victims. Thankfully, since this film was released, the Safe Harbor Law has been passed in many states, which protects the young victims from being charged with
prostitution.
GEMS: Girls Educational & Mentoring Services
LOVE146
|
The Troy Record (TroyRecord.com), Serving Troy and its surrounding communities
News Five Questions for May 20, 2012: Jill Starling Sunday, May 20, 2012 By Katie Nowak Roberts Colonie resident Jill Starling just released her first novel, "St. Agnes' Place", about a group of women affected by child sex trafficking in the United States. For more information on Starling and her book, visit www.jillstarlingnovels.com. Q Why did you choose this subject? A I was in church years ago and Rob Morris from Love 146 was speaking about child trafficking in other countries, and it was awful. It always stuck in the back of my head, and I always had this desire to write. I wanted to somehow make it a story to bring more public recognition (to) what's happening in other countries. Once I did my research I realized this is happening in our own backyard. Q What do you hope readers take from the book? A Although it does deal with child trafficking, and that is a dark subject, that's not the theme of the book. It's also a love story, and it's about the camaraderie between all the girls in the story, they're all pulling for one another and rooting for one another. The major underlying theme is redemption and forgiveness and learning how to love again and getting rid of shame and guilt. It's very uplifting, and the feedback I'm getting so far (is that) women my age are reading it with their teenage and tween daughters. Put down "Fifty Shades of Grey" and read this. Q What do you like best about writing? A The research that goes into it. I love going into the library and getting out old books and reading the statistics and finding out different things, things that make me go, "Ooh, I didn't know that." It's almost like I'm back in school again and I'm doing homework. Q Do you plan to write another book? A I am working on one as we speak. It deals with how all these different lives come together, from a Julliard dancer to a gang member to an ambitious builder to a blind child. Q What are some of your other interests? A I love reading biographies. I love documentary films; I could sit in a chair all day and watch documentaries on Netflix. I have a core group of girlfriends that are like family to me, and my mother - I like spending time with them. But most of all, I have a wonderful husband who supports me 100 percent and two young boys, and what I love most is just spending time with them. We're each others' best friends, and they're the people I love the most. For other questions regarding St. Agnes' Place, e-mail the author at: [email protected] |