Talkshow Thursday: Meet Jerusha Agen

Meet Jerusha Agen

I'm thrilled to be sitting down with author Jerusha Agen. Join us and hear about her latest novel, her adventures in research, and her road to publication.

Author Jerusha Agen

Linda: Your bio indicates you are a life-long lover of story. When did you know you wanted to pursue publication?

Jerusha: Yes, I’ve always loved stories since before I can remember. I seem to think of everything in terms of story. The moment when I knew I wanted to pursue publication of my own stories came through tears. Not my own, but my mother’s! I wrote a short story that touched my mom enough to make her cry. That was when I realized that writing stories is powerful stuff! I decided then that I wanted to be a professional writer and spend my career telling stories that would impact others.

LM: Congratulations on publishing your latest novel. Where did you get the inspiration for the plot?

Jerusha: Thanks, Linda. As with all of my stories, I have to give credit to God for giving me the idea and the ability to write it. God led me to the plot idea through a couple of avenues. First, I needed a third installment for The Sisters Redeemed Series, but there were only two sisters in the Sanders family, introduced in the first two books. I had to figure out who the third story could be about. Secondly, God has placed on my heart a special burden for women in situations of domestic abuse and trafficking. Through the heroine in This Redeemer, I attempt to give a voice to these women, drawing on what I learned as a volunteer at a domestic abuse shelter.

LM: Do you have an unusual research story to share?

Jerusha: For many writers, especially of romantic suspense, law enforcement research isn’t unusual. But, since this book marked my first time writing about a police officer, it was an unusual experience for me when I got to ride along with a sergeant of the local police force in my area. I loved getting first-hand experience of the life of police officers and was blessed to have a patient, willing sergeant to answer all my questions.

LM: The age old question for writers--are you a “pantster” or a plotter?

Jerusha: I’m a plotter! For my first novels, I didn’t do as much beforehand outlining. I would have a general idea of the characters and things that might happen, but I didn’t have the plot fleshed out. For me, however, that approach was much slower and more frustrating. I know some “pantsters” love being surprised by what happens as they write, but my writing becomes aimless and weak when I don’t know where I’m headed with my story. With the end goal and themes always in mind thanks to outlining first, I’m able to write a more complex story in a much shorter time than before, and, best of all, I don’t have to revise when I’m done.

I honestly dislike the outlining phase and often wish I didn’t have to spend time on it. But I dislike revising much more! I’ve learned through trial and error that plotting first is the method that fits my personality best and gets me the fastest, highest quality results. All writers need to experiment until they find the best method for them and then stick with it!

LM: Are any of your characters based on real people?

This Redeemer

Jerusha: Not specifically in this story. In other books, I’ve occasionally based some characters on This Redeemer was combining many traits of people I’ve met to form the unique characters in this story.

real people, but the closest I got to that in

LM: What is your next project?

Jerusha: I’m currently working on a romantic suspense short story that I’ll be offering free to all of my e-newsletter subscribers! I’m excited about this story as it takes shape. Some of my favorite themes are explored in this tale about ordinary people who have to face their fears in order to find love and hope. Anyone can receive a free copy of this story when it’s finished, click:Subscribe to Jerusha's Newsletter.

LM: What are your passions outside of writing?

Jerusha: I’ve always had a great passion for movies, which led me to a brief stint in filmmaking and screenwriting. I also love animals, especially dogs and cats. During the winter, you might find me cross-country skiing in the winter wonderland, and year-round, I love to bake.

LM: What else do you want folks to know about you?

I am first and foremost a follower of Christ, and I write to glorify Him. To your readers, I’d like to say, I’m praying for you that if you don’t know the love of Christ, you would seek Him today. Like the heroine in This Redeemer, some of you may believe that what you’ve done is too awful for forgiveness. Or maybe you know something is horribly wrong with your life, but you don’t know how to fix it.

There is hope! Christ died for you so that you can have forgiveness and the restoration of your life through the salvation of your soul. You were made for an eternity with Him. Begin that eternity of peace and hope by repenting of your sins and believing in Jesus Christ, today.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Author Bio:

Jerusha Agen is a lifelong lover of story--a passion that has led her to a B.A. in English and a highly varied career. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Jerusha is the author of the Sisters Redeemed Series, which includes the titles This Dance, This Shadow, and This Redeemer. Jerusha co-authored The Heart Seekers Series novella collection and the e-book A Ruby Christmas from Write  Integrity Press. Jerusha relishes snowy Midwest winters spent with her two large, furry dogs and two small, furry cats.

 

Connect with Jerusha: www.SDGwords.com, @SDGwords and https://www.facebook.com/JerushaAgenSdgWords