Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” novels praised for their strong spiritual themes, emotional resonance, and imaginative blend of genres. She earned an MA in Communication from Regent University. She’s been a church youth worker, a dancer/choreographer, a church organist, a homeschool mom, and an adjunct professor of Creative Writing for MFA students. One day she’ll figure out what to be when she grows up. When she’s not wrestling with words, she enjoys speaking at churches and conferences and has taught at Minnesota Christian Writer’s Guild, the national conference of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and Realm Makers.
In this interview, Sharon talks with us about her new novel, Dream of Kings.
FF: What inspired the story in your book?
There are times where we find ourselves in places where we feel we don’t belong. I wanted to explore the question of how we can respond, and also how we sometimes see amazing things that God is doing behind the scenes when life doesn’t go the way we expect. My character is inspired by all of us who have found ourselves in unfair and difficult situations, yet have found huge blessings in God’s presence there.
FF: What can you tell us about the main characters in your book?
Jolan is a dream teller—a person gifted by the Provider with the ability to serve in her guild, helping anyone who seeks to remember their dreams and find guidance. But she is betrayed by her guild and sold to an enemy nation and thrown into international intrigue and danger.
FF: Which character surprised you the most?
Kamor, the bondsman of the king of the enemy nation where Jolan ends up. He slowly revealed his past to me as I was writing, and also revealed thoughtful, spiritual, and romantic aspects of his nature that were unexpected.
FF: Why do you think storytelling is such a powerful way to share truth?
Powerful imagery stays with us long after we close the book. Spending hours with a character helps us feel like we’ve made a new friend for life. I still remember moments from books I read as a child. In a novel, we don’t just hear ABOUT themes, we live them with the characters and that changes us.
FF: What do you want readers to take away after reading your book?
It’s absolutely alright to acknowledge that life is sometimes unfair and deeply painful. But when we are in the deepest places of loss and grief, we are never alone. God won’t always explain the big picture—a plan too complex and wondrous for my little human mind to comprehend—but we can still glimpse His hand at work, and also rest in His compassion. My prayer is that readers will have an escape from the struggles of life as they immerse in the adventures of the story, but also leave the novel with new hope and courage to face those same challenges.
FF: What are the biggest challenges for you as an author writing in your specific genre?
Readers may have misconceptions about epic fantasy novels and be less eager to grab one, but once they dip into a story, they often find that the imaginative worlds do a fabulous job of capturing the transcendent truths of God’s grace and love in a new setting. Those new perspectives give us a fresh way of understanding and experiencing familiar themes.
FF: What authors or books have inspired you as an author?
C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, Calvin Miller, Stephen Lawhead, and a zillion authors in almost every genre. I’m eternally grateful for the way authors gave me windows into seeing the world in new ways.
FF: How has your faith or world view impacted the way you tell stories?
It’s central to everything I write. I’m inspired by scriptural characters or images as a springboard to new stories. I write because it helps me sort out my own questions of faith. My stories express my wonder at God’s goodness and the remarkable way He wants a relationship with each of us. I seek to bring readers along on my characters’ experiences of encountering their Creator and Savior in unexpected ways.
Dream of Kings
Sharon Hinck
Enclave Publishing
Genres: Sci-Fi/Epic Fantasy
Release Date: October 11, 2022
ASIN: B09WY4WTV9
ISBN-13: 979-8886050080
Book Summary:
The Future Never Sleeps
In the glacial nation of Norgard, Jolan the Dream Teller serves every seeker, whether peasant or high lord. Though she loves using her gift, she struggles to navigate the corrupt and dangerous court and the jealousies of the Guildagard.
When an old man’s nightmare imparts a dire warning, Jolan realizes her entire nation is in danger. But before she can sound the alarm, she is betrayed by the guilds and sold into slavery in a rival kingdom far to the south. As a slave in a foreign land, at first Jolan can’t see beyond her singular focus: return home to warn Norgard of the coming calamity. After facing new dangers, making new friends, and forgiving old wrongs, she must fulfill the purposes the Provider has set before her.
Only then can she face a decision that could cost her the man she loves, her calling, and her freedom—all to save a people who abandoned her.
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