Meet the Voices presents Jessica Bertrand.
Jessica lives in Colorado and teaches at a private Christian school. Teaching is her primary mission field at the moment, her passion is to take her students to new creative heights. She has had two experiences of serving in people outside of the United States. Jessica’s first mission trip was to Canada to help out painting the outside of a 3 – 4 story church in 2006. Her next trip took her farther from home. She helped a fellow missionary friend in Niamey, Niger, Africa. Both experiences were life changing for her. Jessica is glad that God has given her the many gifts that she has and hopes to further His kingdom with them.
What is the biggest writing challenge you’ve encountered this past year – craft, career, writing life, etc?
The biggest problem I have faced this year is figuring out why my story is worth telling rather than just reading someone else’s. I think it has been more of a mental challenge rather than trying to figure out what to write. Coming up with ideas isn’t the hard part. But me thinking about why someone would want to read what I’ve written is the interesting part. Also finding some time to write during the school year.
How did you solve it?
Actually my Mom was a big part in getting that figured out. She and I had a long talk about making a difference in someone’s life and it might be what they needed to hear at that moment in time. I’ve also been able to get in a little bit more writing time during the summer which is really nice.
What is the one thing you learned that you can share with other writers?
God has given each of us a Voice. We all have a purpose to glorify Him to the best of our abilities. If we write to further His kingdom then we will always have the right voice. Someone needs to hear what we have to say so let’s go out and write it!
Tell us about your current WIP.
Izumi never thought she would find herself a young widow but she did. Now she not only has to pick up the pieces of her heart, she also has to stave off her vengeful brother-in-law. But what happened to her husband and would the killer come after her next?
Keko left home after high school never to look back. Or so he thought. Logging across America meant no ties to anyone or any place. That is until he met Christ. Now he has a chance to mend some broken fences with his best friend. Only the day that he’s supposed to meet his friend, Keko ends up in the hospital. His friend is dead and only himself to blame. How could he ever go back now?
Jessica, thank you for being our featured Voice this week and sharing about your writing life. Visit the My Book Therapy forum and chat with Jessica!
Be sure to join us on Monday, December 14 at 8 pm EST/7 pm CST for a My Book Therapy chat with Jessica and our book therapists, Susan and/or Rachel. To access the chat forum:
*Log into My Book Therapy.
*Click on the forum button.
*Sign in with your username and password, if necessary.
*Click on the Chat tab.
*Your name will show up in the box on the right hand side. To comment, type in the box in the bottom under the yellow smiley face.
*In the chat room, we will abide by chat etiquette–type ? for question, type ! for comment, and type GA for go ahead after you’re completed your question or comment.
*If you have any questions, e-mail lisa@mybooktherapy.com