Debut Author, Jill Chapman

Howdy! I’m out on my porch with a brand-spanking, new author, Jill Chapman! Her debut book is soon to hit the shelves! She and I have spent some wonderful time on each other’s porches (Yes, literally! On our porches!) chatting about life, challenges, and writing! So wedge your rocker a little closer. You won’t want to miss this interview!

PT: Hello, Jill! Fancy meeting you here, on the porch of the Diamond Mine! I know you are over-the-moon excited to see your first book in print. Oh, the hours we’ve chatted about our writing dreams and publishing goals. So, let’s get to the nuts and bolts for the readers. Tell everyone what genre  you write in and why? Then, give us a little information about yourself.

JC: My first book contract is for a middle-grade chapter book, The Bomb Squad. This work of action/adventure fiction takes readers on a wild ride with a group of small-town boys as they solve a mystery. I’ve also self-published a nonfiction book for newbie homeschoolers. Both books are the first in a series.

PT: Ah, yes! A middle-grade chapter book. So many readers look for quality Christian books in this genre. And for those of you interested in homeschooling, I’ll put that cover and link up right about here:

Click here for purchase link.

PT: All right. Everyone is always interested in how an author came to be, well, an author. So how did you come to this place of publication? Why did you choose middle-grade fiction?

JC: I’ve been a writer since middle school. Recently, I began writing in the hopes of being published. My head and heart overflows with adventure stories for children, and with books of encouragement for adults.

PT: Now, I think you told me there might be more than one book eventually. And is your non-fiction book also part of a series? So what is the names of your books/titles of your series?

JC: The Bomb Squad, a mystery middle-grade chapter book, is Book One of The Bomb Squad Series. The second book is entitled, Off the Grid.

10 Common Mistakes Newbie Homeschoolers Make and how to avoid them-First book in Homeschool Hustle Series for parents new to home education. In the works for this series is: Journaling with Children and Silent Partner.

PT: Let’s get back to The Bomb Squad. How did you come up with the concept of this book/series?

JC: As a youngster, I loved mysteries and action books. The idea for The Bomb Squad came to me one day as I thought about Fourth of July celebrations throughout my life then I threw in a mystery to the story. I decided to write a story about a group of adventurous boys inspired by boys from my life, past and present.

PT: Buckle down that rocker, girl. It’s time for my answer quick session. Ready? Go: country girl/city slicker? Pets/no pets? Coffee, tea/something else? Desk writer/wherever? Favorites: color? Book? Author? Food? Vacation spot?

JC: Country girl all the way. Indy is my yellow lab who flunked out of obedience school. Not once but twice! He’s a lovable goof ball. Hot tea is my go-to drink in the winter. Iced tea in the summer. I write on my laptop where and when the mood strikes me. Sometimes I’m in my art room and some days I’m in the dining room with the ceiling fan going. When I need the sunlight to keep me motivated, I’m in the kitchen at our island. My favorite color has been red all my life. I love to watercolor paint and find my paintings tend toward blue and green though. Tacos, nachos, and a Pepsi make my day. I love the beach but surprised myself when we took a trip to Alaska and fell in love with it. I mean, head over heels in love with the wild landscape and the people.

My favorite book of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ve met some criticism for many reasons on this book but it speaks to me. I reread it almost every year. The courage and strong characters strengthens me deep down.

PT: What Bible verse is near and dear to your heart right now?

JC: This is a tough question to narrow down to one. I have so many that I lean on regularly.

Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. NIV

My writing isn’t new but seeking publication and becoming a professional at it is new. It seems like a wilderness to me at times because I have so many things to learn for this profession. Yet, God has already made a way and I know he’ll continue to lead me where I need to be. He continues to do new things in my life every year.

PT: Do your books reflect a timeless Bible concept/Bible verse?

JC: Wow! That’s another tough one. My desire for The Bomb Squad would be for youngsters to see loyalty in friendships, overcoming fear, to take challenges head on, and to learn to be a part of community. All of these things are some of what God desires from us. So that aspect would be what I hope children take away from my book.

PT: Why do you write?

JC: Writing is part of who I am. I’m a communicator and seek out ways to connect with people of all ages. Throughout my life, my writing takes on the form that I need at the time. Journaling, newsletters for the homeschool group, Sunday School lessons, Missionary Day programs, and now, writing for middle grade readers.

PT: What’s next on your book writing trail?

JC: I have an adult novel completed in rough draft. (very rough!) Another project in the building stage is a book for those struggling in their faith. The title of this project is Tell Yourself. I’m very excited about this project but it is still in the first stages.

PT: Tell 5 things about Jill Chapman that have nothing to do with writing.

JC:

1. My life centers around my family and my faith.

2. I love to eat chocolate, spicy foods, and visit with friends, not necessarily in that order.

3. In the past, my happy place was the beach but after our vacations to Alaska, I long to go back there again. (I still love the beach though! Alaska has beautiful coastlines but not like Florida)

4. I love to buy craft supplies and once in a while I actually use them. Painting with watercolors is also something I love to do. 

Isn't this awesome??!!

5. I would never wear shoes if I could get away with it.

BONUS!!! 6. I’m a huge advocate for those on the Autism Spectrum. Autism remains a challenge that many families face without being fully addressed and supported by communities. I would love to see more communities show support and offer services to those families who struggle. Awareness is wonderful but acceptance is key to their success in life.

PT: Oh, Jill, it’s been fabulous sitting on the porch chatting with you! I know our readers are thrilled to meet yet another new Christian author. We love our readers who continue to support Christian/Inspirational authors who fill the world with the Lord’s fiction to encourage, entertain, and comfort all of us on our life journeys. Thank you, Jill, for being with us this week!

JC: Thank you so much for having me!

If you want to connect with Jill and her exciting path of publication, you can find her at these links:

https://www.facebook.com/authorjillchapman

https://authorjillchapman.com/

https://www.instagram.com/author_jill_chapman/

The release date for The Bomb Squad is set for September 2021.

Jill is giving away her homeschool book, 10 Common Mistakes Newbie Homschoolers Make: and how to avoid them to one lucky person who leaves a comment and email (you can always leave your email on the contact form.) Thanks so much for joining us!

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Jill resides in Southern Indiana with her husband of forty-two years. They enjoy their country lifestyle and visit with their children and grandchildren as often as life allows. Her life centers around her family and her yellow lab, Indy. She enjoys being an avid movie watcher, loves Mexican cuisine and dabbles in watercolor painting.

Jill also hosts The Mighty Pen, an eclectic writer’s group for people in various stages of their writing endeavors.

Her interest in books began in my childhood, where reading provided a wonderful outlet for her wild imagination. She loves to tell stories about her life experiences with humor mixed in to convey the sense of adventure she feels every day. Her life is like a good plate of nachos, a tiny kick of spice, and a whole lotta cheese.

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Speaking of new releases, mine is coming out on June 1st! The Misfit Bride is the first of my newest Inspirational Historical Series, Society of Outcasts. Stay tuned for a cover reveal! Please don't miss any updates and sign up for my newsletter now! peggytrotter.com