Author Interview – Marbeth Skwarczynski – adult fiction

Guide to Categories – Author Interview – an interview with an author, if there is no review from me, I have not read the book and cannot speak to its appropriateness for a school library

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About the Book

Book: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 21, 2024

“Be ye kind” is a simple command, so why is it so hard for people to follow?

When the Lord opened the door for Denise’s husband, Topher, to Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church, she agreed to return to their hometown. Opening a bakery, supporting Topher in his ministry, and volunteering at Sylvie’s school aren’t nearly as challenging as trying to dismantle the harmful teachings that have taken over the church. Ideas masquerading as ‘biblical truth’ and ‘traditional Christianity’ resulted in spiritual bullying and a dwindling congregation. Denise is determined to help Topher guide the church toward the love and kindness of Christ.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie is angry at being ripped away from the only home she’s known—and from her church, friends, and boyfriend, Owen. She pretends that moving to Rhodes is an adventure and admits she’s looking forward to attending a “real” school and making new friends. She’ll help her parents with their church and work at her mom’s bakery, but this isn’t the life Sylvie wants. Everything is different now, and it isn’t fair.

Sometimes, it feels like the bullies are winning.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author – Marbeth Skwarczynski

Though born on the east coast, I spent most of my life in the American Southwest, eventually settling in California where my husband and I raised two sons. Later we welcomed two fantastic daughters-in-law and four grandchildren into our family. After teaching history and literature for eighteen years, I resigned to write full-time. That new career move was paired with a physical move to beautiful Nevada, where I continue to write happily.

My preferred genre is Christian contemporary fiction. I keep my characters grounded in the real world and the real problems that Bible believers face today. While they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, my characters must also deal with the detritus of the past. Living well today doesn’t mean that yesterday is erased. I write what I know, either first-hand or through close observation, injecting the joy, happiness, and humor that comes with spiritual freedom and love.

My Author Interview with Marbeth Skwarczynski

When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

I was a late bloomer. While I spent my life reading great books, I didn’t start writing an actual novel until I was in my 30s. It took me 13 months to finish the rough draft. I had no idea what I was doing, but it was a great learning experience. 

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

Part of my writing includes watching podcasts and documentaries, but for funsies, I love watching movies. I’m also a fierce competitor when it comes to board and card games. My husband and I live with my sister and the three of us play games almost every night. 

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

My favorite genre has changed multiple times throughout the years. Currently, it’s the same genre I write: contemporary fiction. I do enjoy some screwball rom-coms as well, but I like a lil’ grit in my stories. 

What is your favorite thing about this time of year?

There is a coziness that settles on a house after the holidays are over, and we’re waiting for the arrival of spring. It’s the perfect time to snuggle under a blanket and read a book while sipping a hot cup of tea. 

What historical figure do you admire and why?

I grew up admiring the many strong women in history. My heroines growing up were Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madame Curie, and Helen Keller. None of them were perfect, but each let their voices be heard and changed the lives and opinions of those around them. My all-time favorite heroine, though, was Harriet Tubman. Talk about grit, determination, and focus!

How does your faith play out in your writing?

I love God and the Bible and get frustrated when people misrepresent Christ and His word. Too often, people “proof text” their own teachings and opinions to make them sound biblical. In my writing, this issue comes up repeatedly to remind my readers of the importance of context and how God never intended us to be burdened with the heavy yokes of man-made standards. 

As a former K-12 school librarian(and since this blog is geared toward school librarians) I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

I’m a former lit teacher! I would take my 8^th graders on a year-long tour of great literature, beginning with Where the Wild Things Are and The Sneetches and getting them “caught up” with wonderful books like Harriet the Spy and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We’d end the year with The Hobbit and them reading at slightly above grade level. Of all the books I taught (and read myself as a kid), my all-time favorite was Old Yeller. It’s gritty, funny, and heartbreaking, all in less than 200 pages. Amazing!

Young Author’s Days were an important part of my work as a school librarian. What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

Buy yourself a journal and write at least 100 entries over 50 days. Each entry can be a single descriptive sentence or an idea for a short story or a poem. Get into the habit of observing and recording. 

Thanks for joining us today Marbeth. My readers and I enjoy learning more about the authors behind the books. And I love learning their favorite kid lit or YA lit books.

More from Marbeth Skwarczynski

No one warns you that some bullies grow up to be—bullies.

But some people go from victim to victorious. They stand up for others, leading them away from preferences used to bully others into submission and toward the freedom of God’s love.

Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 7

Vicky Sluiter, February 8 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Simple Harvest Reads, February 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

For the Love of Literature, February 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 18 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 20 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marbeth is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54153

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