Interview with Award-Winning Author Jarm Del Boccio

Can you share a little about your recent book?

Sure! The Heart Changer is a middle-grade historical fiction that puts a fresh spin on an Old Testament story as seen through the eyes of a young captive who made an impact on the lives around her. It debuted April 26, 2019 with Ambassador International. My back copy says it best:

“Can an Israelite captive, wrenched from all she loves, serve the very man who destroyed her village?

Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with worry and bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is wooing and preparing her for a greater mission—far beyond what she could imagine.

This middle-grade historical novel reflects the heartache and angst of a young refugee in a foreign land where all hope seems lost.”

The Heart Changer, written for ages 8-12, has short chapters so reluctant readers will not be intimidated, although the language is descriptive and vibrant.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

Yes. Not only do I want to inspire my young readers by bringing a historic hero to life in a relatable way, but I also want to bring hope in this sometimes confusing and dark world. My debut novel in particular shows that even though their lives can be full of angst and uncertainty, God is writing their story behind the scenes, working everything together for good.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been keeping a diary since I was a teenager, but didn’t begin writing in earnest as a career until my almost 100-year-old mother passed away. Thinking I might forget events of my childhood, I began writing my memoirs. Soon after I was drawn to writing picture books, and eventually landed comfortably in the middle-grade historical fiction genre where I could share my love of history and description using many more words!

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

It took me almost seven years before Ambassador International found my story at a Twitter event called #FaithPitch. After signing a contract, it took another year to bring my story to young readers.

Which of your books is your favorite?

Since I’ve published only one, it’s The Heart Changer. But if you ask me about my WIPs, I’d say the middle-grade historical fiction, Fair Investigations! set at the 1893 World’s Columbian Expostion. Therefore, I continue to diligently seek for it’s perfect publishing home.

Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?

Yes. In The Heart Changer, Adara, (wife of Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army) is at her loom weaving, while Miriam, the servant girl (MC) is brushing her long dark hair while recounting her nation Israel’s history. Adara is so taken with the stories, especially of Joseph (who was sold into slavery) that she is sure Miriam has come to their household at the perfect time to help them — and she is right. Adara uses her weaving as an example of how God works in a life, which creates a memorable scene.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

My first award was the most meaningful — an Illuminations Silver Medal in the Children’s/YA category. It gave me joy and confidence knowing my story had value, and it urged me to keep on writing! Since then, I’ve won two others: a Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Award in the spiritual/religious category, and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award — a Bronze Medal for a Young Adult Fiction E-book.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends. I wrote Fair Investigations! a 50,000 word MG novel in 30 days for National Novel Writing Month. Others, like Soli’s Saving Grace, a MG historical fiction about a Huguenot girl who escapes persecution and flees to England, are still in the rewriting phase, and I’ve been at this one for about five years. My debut novel, The Heart Changer, I wrote in two years as a chapter book, then expanded it to a middle-grade novel. After signing with Ambassador International, my editor and I spent another 6 months revising it before publication.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

I work in my Victorian sitting room most days during the week, using my writing skills in many ways — blogposts, newsletters, social media posts, and my latest manuscript which I am revising with my faithful critique group. I’m also taking three classes online, and continue to tweak my website and fine-tune my brand. Since I have many writerly friends online, I connect with them weekly, whether at a conference, a Zoom meeting or on social media. I am very organized and driven, so I have no problem staying on task. But I must admit I drag my feet when it comes to revision, but my insightful critique group motivates me to press on.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

I’m not sure if it’s a quirk, but I love finding unsung heroes in history, especially children, who have made a huge difference in the world. I am inspired to bring their stories to life. Although I have not written a new story lately, I have a computer file with many ideas. I also write exclusively on my iPad. It’s so much easier to tap away on a flat keyboard rather that a laptop. And I always have a candle lit and a cup of White Peony Tea or coffee with coconut sugar and homemade almond milk by my side.

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

When a child tells me my story and characters have inspired and encouraged them to be courageous and hopeful, especially in their faith, that brings me joy. I want them to know that children who lived long ago were just like them, even though their way of life may have been different. All kids have the opportunity to be heroes in their own stories.

Last year at family camp, two young friends, each with a copy of The Heart Changer, decided they’d create their own book club. After reading a chapter on their own at night in their cabins, they would meet at breakfast to discuss what they had read. That made my heart sing.

Another young friend (8) in the UK where I was visiting, read my book through twice in two days — she couldn’t put it down. That was quite an encouragement to me!

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

When my favorite historical fiction novel which I wrote during NaNoWriMo over four years ago is continually rejected, I get extremely discouraged. Many editors and agents praise me on my descriptions, setting and plot, but somehow, the characters need attention. So I am working diligently with my critique group to fix that problem once and for all!

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

I am constantly bombarded with good news from fellow authors who have just signed another book contract. Although I am very happy for them, it makes me question my gifts as a writer. I feel rejected and despairing of ever publishing again. But, deep down inside, I know God has a purpose for the gift He has given me, and will bring a contract to pass at the perfect time.

Where do you get your ideas?

Travel is my go-to for inspiration. When I am on a historic tour and discover a fascinating tidbit in history, I am inspired to delve into the story and bring it to light. Especially if it involves a child, since I want to bring historic young heroes to life.

Sometimes, it’s insight I receive during a sermon, or in a nonfiction book I’m reading. During our homeschool years, while reading one of our engaging historical textbooks, we found a few fascinating gems. This is how I discovered material for the story I’ve entitled, The Orphans Who Saved the World. It recounts a Spanish vaccine expedition organized to eradicate smallpox from the New World back in 1802. There is very little information on the event, so I am free to use my imagination, within limits of course. I’m always on the alert for curious pieces of unexplored history or faith insights.

Who is your favorite author to read?

Ahhhh, that depends! If we are talking about present day Biblical/historical fiction authors, Tessa Afshar, Lynn Austin, Anthony Doerr, and Heather Morris come to mind. Since I am attracted to the classics, Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austin are two of my favorites. There are so many authors I love, but they all have a historic bent to their writing.

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

Breaking into the publishing field is not easy. It involves much research, writing, reading and most of all, waiting. I didn’t realise just how much effort it would take, with very little results to show for it. I would tell aspiring writers to read in the genre they wish to write, write every day, (keep a journal, or write a story, daily writing prompt, blogpost or article), and study the current market. Connecting with other writers is a must, especially in professional groups such as SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?

They expect immediate success and accolades. It takes years of writing and revising to get your manuscript to submission-ready status. And even then, there is no guarantee. You must write because you love it, and have a story to tell, not because you want to be rich or famous. Keep on writing, but don’t quit your day job. You will eventually be rewarded for your perseverance.

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

Read and write in the genre you love, be a member of a writer’s organization and critique group, take classes and examine The Writer’s Market Guide https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Market-2020-Trusted-Published/dp/1440301220 which gives details on submitting to publishers and agents.

Jarm (’J’ pronounced as a ‘Y’) Del Boccio finds her inspiration in everyday life, but in particular, when she travels the globe, observing the quirky things that happen along the way. Focusing on the lives of characters from the past, her passion is to breathe new life into the pages of history, offering her young readers hope, heart and a hero. Her award-winning MG Historical fiction, The Heart Changer puts a fresh spin on an Old Testament account of a young captive who made an impact on the lives around her. You can find The Heart Changer teaching resources at: Jarm Del Boccio, Author or connect with Jarm on her social media platforms: Goodreads, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram.