1--What is the title of your latest release?
DAWN OF GRACE - Mary Magdalene’s Story
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear - and Jesus makes all things new.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
The Bible gave me the place after I picked the person whose story I wanted to tell.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Absolutely! I loved telling Mary’s story, though storytelling is never easy. I look forward to meeting her in heaven one day.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Lonely, Fearful, Loving
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I had no idea what it might be like to cast demons out of someone or how it might feel to be possessed by demons, but with Mary’s story, I had to learn. I turned to author Bill Myers, someone with real-life experience in that area and read his book, Supernatural Wars, that he’d written describing his meetings with a man possessed and what it took to help set him free.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I edit as I draft. But I also write many drafts before I’m satisfied.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Hmm…chocolate, for sure. I love a really good cinnamon roll, but lately, I’m pretty picky about eating healthier, so those are rare treats.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I used to say I could write anywhere in the house or on the road, for that matter, but I’m most comfortable at my office desk, so I try to write in my office with the ergonomic chair. That said, my desk faces a window and it’s cold because I have to keep the door shut and the cats out. So, I think I’m going to be investing in a space heater. Or just stay in the room with the fireplace this winter!
10--Who is an author you admire?
That’s a hard question. I really can’t name anyone that I admire. I have friends who write, and I appreciate them. I have books I’ve read by authors I don’t know and I value their work. But I guess admiration isn’t a word I’d use very often for anyone other than Jesus.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Two From Galilee by Marjorie Holmes. It was the first biblical novel I ever read, and it made me love the Bible. I hope my books do the same for my readers.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
The “call” for my first book series to be accepted happened in 2007. I’d been trying to break into traditional publishing for 20 years and was nearly ready to quit. After much prayer and some amazing answers to prayer, I got the call on a Saturday morning! It was pretty surreal by then, and I realized that God truly had led me down this path. His timing was just a lot longer than I ever anticipated. Oh, and I may have done a few happy dances and made some excited phone calls afterward!
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
That varies. I read a lot of non-fiction, but for fiction – right now I’m indulging myself in a friend’s fairy tale retellings. They are light-hearted and fun and they “take me away.” I also love good historical, particularly anything between the 1700s and 1900s.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I also love Pride and Prejudice – the Keira Knightley version.
15--What is your favorite season?
Spring and Fall. I think I love them equally. I actually enjoy all four seasons, but I grow weary of it being too hot or too cold. Goldilocks tendencies here.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
If I could have what I really wanted on my birthday, it would be to see all of my kids and their families, but they live 3000 miles away, so if I get even one of them, that’s a blessing. But my hubby is pretty great. Last year he took the day and devoted it to taking me to Frankenmuth, a fun German town with great food about an hour or so from where we live. We make good memories together.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
The Chosen, hands down. I’ve watched the first three seasons too many times to count and the fourth several times. I think Dawn of Grace will release close to the time that season five releases and Mary is such an integral part of both stories, that it’s fun to see the differences in how we see her.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
If I’m cooking it, American healthy. Is that a thing? If I’m eating out, I like seafood, steak, chicken, Italian, and sometimes Mexican if it’s not too spicy.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
I take a daily walk or two if weather permits. I read at least three books (a chapter or part of) every night to relax before bed. I enjoy puzzles, talking to friends, playing games on my phone. Of course, free time would change drastically if grandchildren lived closer. I would happily go to their events or play with them or take them places. They are a delight!
20--What can readers expect from you next?
I’m working on the woman at the well. No title yet. But I’m on my third draft and researching (a little bit) for the book that will follow.
Historical Biblical Fiction New Testament Story of Mary Magdalene for Fans of The Chosen
She's been pulled up from the depths of despair--but what happens when the hope she has found slips from her grasp?
From her earliest days, Mary Magdalene has known fear and loss at a level so deep she has no hope of surfacing. Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary walks in shadow--until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same.
Now Mary's one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she'll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. Let her be buried in his tomb, for she cannot live without him.
On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear--and Jesus makes all things new.
Historical | Christian Biblical Fiction [Revell, On Sale: February 18, 2025, Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9780800744793 / eISBN: 9781493448739]
JILL EILEEN SMITH IS THE BESTSELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF MANY BIBLICAL NOVELS, INCLUDING HER FIRST SERIES THE WIVES OF KING DAVID.
Her upcoming release Dawn of Grace, Mary Magdalene’s Story, will hit the shelves in February 2025.
After twenty years of closed doors, she has published 24 books, fiction and nonfiction, and had one of those books optioned for film. She loves Jesus and His Word and all things related to learning more about the culture and times of the people of the Bible, particularly the women, whom God has immortalized there.
While she loves writing and researching, she is willingly interrupted by her west-coast children and adorable grandchildren. Traveling to Israel was a highlight of her life, but traveling west is her new favorite vacation location. When she’s not packing her bags, she can be found reading stories that take her away, playing too many games and puzzles on her phone (call it down time), or snuggling her lovable, mischievous cats Kody and Kaelee.
Her favorite verse is Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” She has been married to the love of her life for 47 years and counting and lives in a quiet neighborhood in southeast Michigan.
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