Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in
writing?
I started writing newsletters and blogging
after we moved to Bangkok, Thailand. When Marley was born, I stared
journaling about my experiences and that led to my first book.
How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing
freehand?
I like writing in my office on my laptop.
It is a quiet place that permits me to engage my emotions as I write.
What's your favorite part about writing?
Your least favorite part about writing?
My favorite part about writing is sharing my
story. I believe personal stories can be extremely powerful and
beneficial for other people. My least favorite part of writing is
editing. Regardless of how many editors proof read my work, there are
always still grammatical mistakes.
How do you come up with your characters? Why
would readers want to get to know them?
My story is about my personal journey of
accepting my daughter and her disability. The characters are my family and
friends. It was difficult writing about personal matters, but I believe
it made the story more captivating.
What types of marketing do you do to promote
your writing?
Social Media, Give Always, Interviews, Hired
Promoter
How do you schedule your writing time? When
do you write?
I wrote during my free time at work and at
home. It was difficult to start writing, and then have to leave it
because of other commitments. Writing would have been more enjoyable if I
could have taken a significant amount of time from work to only write.
What are you currently working on? Do you
have a new book out?
My current book was just released in
November. Currently I am writing for My Big Jesus http://www.mybigjesus.com/ and promoting
my book.
Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about
it.
I am considering a few different book
possibilities for next year. A book about my experiences working overseas
or society’s view of disabilities.
What would you tell a beginning writer who
wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?
Just write to serve others. Don’t write
to make a profit. Write with the belief that your words can change a
life. That is what I did when writing my book. Numerous families
helped me when I was struggling and I wrote with the same determination to help
other families. I wanted fathers to read my book and be encouraged by my
story of redemption.
***
Thank you, Jack!
Jack and Jana Barr are missionaries in Bangkok, Thailand. Before their first date, they both knew God was calling them to serve overseas. After completing their undergraduate degrees at Johnson University, and their graduate degrees (Jack M.Ed. Regent University, M.Sc. Canisius College/ Jana M.A. Lee University) they flew to Bangkok for the first time. For the past nine years they have served God by teaching at the International Community School in Bangkok, Thailand.
