Joan M. Hochstetler - A Journey of Overcoming in Publishing

Author Joan M. Hochstetler/ J.M. Hochstetler

By Joan M. Hochstetler

What can you share about your journey to getting published?

It was a looong one! I began writing in the late 1970s. I worked hard to learn the craft for several years before beginning to submit proposals to publishers. It took until 2002 before I found the right agent, Joyce Hart, who negotiated my first contract with a major publisher for Daughter of Liberty and Native Son, the first two books of my American Patriot Series, along with a very nice advance. I thought I was on my way.

Within a month of my accepting the contract, however, my editor left and a new editor came in who wasn’t interested in me or historicals in general. Although my books published in 2004 and 2005, they received little support and consequently sold poorly. The editor informed me that they weren’t interested in contracting any more of my books. What had started out with such joy turned into a deeply painful disappointment.

After that there was no interest in any of my proposals. I became so discouraged and frustrated that one day when I was alone I burst out, “I just ought to start my own publishing house!” I was startled when a very distinct voice responded, “Well…why don’t you?” I knew right away who was challenging me. And I knew that if I hesitated, I’d lose an opportunity that might never come again. So I quickly answered, “If your hand is in it, Lord, I’ll do it. Just show me the way.”

The result was Sheaf House Publishers, an independent small press founded in 2006 whose main focus is fiction. The doors miraculously kept opening—from financial resources to a distributor that took me under their wing to several terrific authors and an amazing production team. We’ve gone through some rocky times but by God’s grace have kept on weathering the storm.

I started out by publishing my contemporary novel, One Holy Night, which was awarded the 2009 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year. I also published books by other wonderful authors, including a delightful memoir by Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys, From My Perspective, that I’m very proud of. And as soon as I got the publishing rights back to my American Patriot Series, I began releasing it in the new Heritage Edition, adding 3 more volumes, with 2 more forthcoming to complete this series—the only comprehensive, accurate historical fiction series on the American Revolution. Valley of the Shadow, Book 5, released September 1. I’m currently working on book 2 of my Northkill Amish Series, The Return, coauthored with well-known author Bob Hostetler, which releases in Fall 2016.

I’m reminded of one particular praise song whenever I think about how the Lord used this painful experience to give me the great privilege, not only to write for Him, but also to publish the works of fellow Christian writers struggling to find an audience, and how He continues to lead me today. “It Is Well” says it all.

Author website: http://www.jmhochstetler.com/

Series website: http://www.theamericanpatriotseries.com/

Series blog: http://americanpatriotseries.blogspot.com/

Valley of the Shadow by J. M. Hochstetler

Buy links (hot links): to Valley of the Shadow

Amazon: 

at Barnes and Noble 

Christianbook.com

iTunes  

Giveaway: Answer the question - Do you ever wonder about authors' journeys to publication? Winner receives an ebook copy of any one of Joan's books (void where prohibited by law.)

Amber Perry Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Amber Perry

I had the privilege of making Amber's acquaintance when she inquired about joining Colonial American Christian Writers group, which I moderate. She joined as a contributor to the Colonial Quills blog but has just left us and we wish her well!  She's a young mom and a busy lady!

Amber, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.  It’s such an honor to be here, thank you so much!

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? Answer: 

One of the greatest trials I’ve experienced in recent years was after the birth of my first daughter. Immediately after she was born I felt a physical change and I couldn’t explain what it was, though I knew something wasn’t right—and it was frightening. I felt empty, lost and was unable to make the kind of bond I thought I should have with my precious daughter. Insomnia kept me up all hours of the night. I had no appetite and debilitating fatigue. The conditions that held me captive made it impossible for me to leave the house—even to take a quiet walk in the sunshine.

After suffering this way for several weeks, and my symptoms becoming continually worse, I finally discovered I was suffering from extreme postpartum anxiety and depression. Even though I had found the reason for my troubles and despite the help I was receiving, the struggles only worsened and I suffered with it for nearly a year and a half! Some mornings, my mind was so clouded I couldn’t remember what I was supposed to do when I got up—all I knew was that a sweet child needed me and I felt completely incapable of doing what had to be done. Without God, I know I wouldn’t have been able to make it through such a difficult time, but He carried me—sometimes from minute to minute—helping me through the day to complete every task that was required of me until I was finally able to make a full recovery.

Through this experience I developed an unyielding testimony of the enabling power of Christ’s atonement and the grace that truly lifts each one of us in our times of need. I know that God knows each of us, and He is aware of what we are suffering—and I know from this experience that He provides a way for us to find peace, even if we are called to travel a difficult road.

So Fair a Lady

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?  Right now, my book is only available in print and Kindle. However, soon I’m hoping to be able to get an audio version. Since I’m indie publishing and have to do all this myself, it takes a bit longer than it might otherwise, but I will be sure to let you know when it finally become available in other formats!

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation? This is an excellent question. My book deals with the values of searching for and accepting the truths God has for us. And also coping with deception from others, even when concealing the truth is for someone's benefit.

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of Amber's debut release this week and she'll also be giving away a signed copy of her book.

Interview with Shannon McNear

Shannon McNear is the author of the historical romance novella Defending Truth, part of A Pioneer Christmas Collection, and her first published story longer than a thousand words.

Shannon, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? 

I used to think it was the depression, with which I struggled hugely through my teens and periodically after. Being in my middleish years now, though, I believe it’s anger. I was handed this legacy of rage by my family history, and for a long time bought into the lie that my own outbursts were justified. Eventually, the same thing which helped me overcome childhood abuse and depression—that anything we’re afflicted with, or tempted to, Jesus has experienced in some form or another—helped me release the anger. It isn’t that the wrongs done us are “nothing.” We sin, and we are sinned against, and it’s a big deal—it’s what sent Jesus to the cross. But He took it in His perfection and innocence, and paid for it all. If we truly believe that, and that He is our shield and defender, then we must trust that He’ll make all wrongs right, in His time.

And in the meantime, I’m responsible for my own actions, and reactions.

A Pioneer Christmas Collection

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?  

Being such a newbie author, I have no idea what Barbour Publishing intends to do in that department. I hope they’d consider audio format!

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

A big one is combat-induced PTSD, as my hero grapples with that. I also touch on depression, forgiveness, and grief and loss issues.

Thank you, Shannon, for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Thank you for having me!

You can read more about Shannon at her website, www.shannonmcnear.com, or find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Pioneer Christmas is available at:

Available at:

Christianbook.com (paperback and ebook formats)

Amazon (paperback and Kindle formats)

DeeperShopping.com (paperback)

GIVEAWAY: Copy of Shannon's book.  Leave a comment.

Two Year Anniversary of Colonial Quills is going on today!

Come on over to Colonial Quills today as we celebrate our Two Year Anniversary!!! LOTS of giveaways by our members!!!


Click here to PARTY!!!

Colonial Quills Serial Anthology and Tea Party!

We are offering a holiday gift to our readers over at Colonial Quills. Through mid-January we have NINE authors contributing to a serial anthology of Christian historical fiction!  FREE!  Three of the chapters have already gone live--Carrie Fancett Pagels's, Susan F. Craft's and Carla Olson Gade's contributions.

Here is the schedule: Click here  Follow the links in the schedule to read each part of the three serials posted.

There is a giveaway associated with EACH serial post.  Leave a comment on each one to be entered for a book by Laura Frantz, Susan Craft, and/or Carla Olson Gade.  








Today, on Black Friday, we are having a 
Tea Party on Colonial Quills to celebrate publications by Kelly Long, Dina Sleiman, and Gina Welborn. We will be announcing the giveaways from the first three serials and also giving away THREE books: copies of a book by Kelly Long, Dina's ebook, and a novella by Gina.  We will also have a colonial gift basket for one winner who comes "in character" which always makes things so fun!!! Come on by!  And make sure to come by Overcoming With God (our new name!) tomorrow, too, for our giveaway over here.  

Put OWG at the CQ party to have your comment count THREE times in the giveaways! Who needs Black Friday when you can have a great time with our colonial friends and enjoy tea and refreshments!  See you there!

Colonial Quills Tea Party - Independence Day!!!

Come on over to the Colonial Quills Tea Party where there are several nice giveaways on Independence Day!  Click here.

Colonial Quills Website Anniversary on Monday

Colonial Quills Website Anniversary on Monday - Come by for the festivities and giveaways, some going on all week long.  


I can't believe it was only one year ago that we got to see our beautiful website up and running! I have been so blessed by the staff of CQ, all members of Colonial American Christian Writers. I am glad God led me to start the group, with the help of some wonderful authors, and that He has brought other great writers to us. And our web designer, author Carla Gade, who made the site look so pretty!


So come by http://colonialquills.blogspot.com on Monday to celebrate!  Blessings!

Interview Lisa Norato

LISA NORATO is the author of Prize of My Heart, an inspirational historical novel set in Massachusetts 1815, and two earlier romances published by Five Star Publishing. I was introduced to LISA through reviewer Marian Baay when Lisa was invited to join the Colonial American Christian Writers (CACW) online group.

LISA, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?

The hardest period in my life I’ve ever had to endure, with God’s help, was the death of my beloved “Nanny,” my grandmother, Victoria Vannelli.  She lived with my family for many years and was a second mother to me.  She was beautiful, caring, giving woman, filled with God’s love.  Growing up with her in my life, watching her example, definitely made my faith stronger.  She was visited a couple of times throughout her illness by Jesus.  I know with certainty she is enjoying eternal life in heaven, reunited with my grandfather and her family, but it was the cause of her death that was difficult to overcome—liver cancer.

After many years, it is still painful to think about.  Why do good, faith-filled people suffer?  That is a hard question to struggle with.  I don’t think anyone has the answer.  We can only hold onto our faith and trust God.  During one experience of being visited by Jesus, my Nanny explained that Jesus came to her and stood by her bed, but she could only see Him up to just past his knees.  The remainder of His body seemed to vanish.  She questioned why and then told us that she believed it meant she had a little more time, and that when she saw all of Him, then she would go home.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

This is a difficult question to answer.  The thing I love about the Bible is that there are scriptures we as believers can lean on for comfort no matter what our concern, whether large or small.  My Bible is filled with tagged pages and highlighted passages, but if I must choose one, I would say that the scriptures in 2 Chronicles 20:10 are ones I find myself turning to and praying over the most.

In verse 12, when all the armies surrounded Jehoshaphat, he said to the Lord, We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.  When life seems overwhelming or I’m facing a challenge, I pray, “I don’t know what to do, Lord, but my eyes are fixed on you.”

Later, in verse 15, the Lord tells Jehoshaphat, Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but the God’s.  I love this verse!  It reminds me to rest in Him and not be burdened by worries.

And further, in verse 17, God says, You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. . . Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.  I love how the Bible is constantly reminding us to not be afraid or discouraged.  This verse brings me peace and gives me strength, and I turn to it often.

Disability friendliness:

Prize of My Heart is available in trade paperback and in e-book format for all types of e-readers, which allow for the typeset to be the enlarged to the individual reader’s needs.  Kindle also provides audio capability, and I believe most other brands of e-readers do as well.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your book and why?

For all of us, it requires courage to release the hurts and injustices we’ve suffered.  I hope Prize is a reminder to readers of the importance of forgiveness.  Both main characters are faced with situations where they are called upon to forgive, not for the sake of the person(s) they are forgiving, but so they can set themselves free of bitterness and move on with a happy, blessed life.

Overall though, it is my hope readers are left with the positive, inspiring message that, even though we might not see a way for our troubles to work out, God has a way and a plan for our futures.  The Bible says in Romans 8:28 that He can take what others might have meant for our harm and turn it around for good.  I like how The Message explains God’s way of working things out in our lives, “…God’s spirit is right alongside helping us along.  If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter.  He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.  He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition and keeps us present before God.  That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

As you researched your book, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

In my research, I try to read as many first-person accounts and diaries of the period as possible, and what touches my heart the most is that people are alike in their emotions and struggles and faith, no matter what time in history they may have lived.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

Throughout the story, my hero, Captain Brogan Talvis, must deal with several issues--the loss of his son, betrayal by his wife and forgiveness for the terrible injustices done to him.  He suffers from the trauma of abuse and humiliation he experienced being raised in a cruel orphan asylum.  He wears his hair longer than is fashionable, because he cannot bear to have a pair of shears anywhere near his head for the way his hair was painfully chopped as punishment.  Memories haunt him, but perhaps even greater than the physical abuse he suffered are the feelings of unworthiness impressed upon him for his ill birth.  He struggles to find the courage to call out to God and to believe that he will be heard, that even he is acceptable to God.

Thank you, LISA, for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Thank you so much for having me, Carrie!  Blessings to you!


GIVEAWAY:  Leave your comment and email addy to win a copy of PoMH either in pb or ebook.  Drawing is on Saturday, announced Sunday.