From April 23, 2009
Interview with Sibella Giorello, Part Two
To continue getting to know gifted author Sibella Giorello . . .
13.Marketing novels can be the bane of some authors and quite enjoyable for others. Is it a necessary evil or a fun opportunity for you?
A little of both. You have an obligation to your readers, your publisher and the one who gave you the opportunity to write (God), to do more than sit in your office and type. But I’m mostly an introvert, and don’t enjoy “selling” anything, particularly something of my own. So I’m still working on the happy medium.
14.Besides writing, you homeschool your sons. What are their ages, and why did you elect to educate them from home?
14.Besides writing, you homeschool your sons. What are their ages, and why did you elect to educate them from home?
My boys are 11 and 8. They asked to homeschool. I was a reluctant convert to the ideology but five years later, I have complete praise for homeschooling. It’s been a tremendous blessing to our sons and to our family. You can’t cut corners spiritually, with yourself or your children. Homeschooling will make an honest parent out of you!
15.This is a question you might prefer not to answer, but is there anything you think could use some modification(s) in the Christian publishing industry?
I think we have to stop drawing a line around ourselves and start engaging with the culture. We’re on our way to preaching solely to the choir which was the path the Pharisees perished on as well.
Look, our savior is not some mush-mouthed falsity. He’s God! He can deal with the utter depravity of man. In fact, he wants to. So why do we want to avoid reality?
I do think, however, that more believers are writing with this in mind. There are more stories about the lost, the people living on the fringe. I see this as a good thing.
16.What genres do you prefer to read?
In fiction? Mysteries. Period. In non-fiction I prefer poetry.
16.What genres do you prefer to read?
In fiction? Mysteries. Period. In non-fiction I prefer poetry.
17.How would you describe your walk with Jesus Christ?
Oh, boy, Nicole. You’re a tough interrogator.
My walk goes from some tentative toddler-esque waddle to the full sprint and marathon. And I don’t want to lose either — ever. I learn so much when I don’t know where I’m going or what I’m doing or how to do it. But I think we offer light to others when we’re running the race with endurance.
18. Is there a specific or overall writing goal to which you’re pointing your efforts?
18. Is there a specific or overall writing goal to which you’re pointing your efforts?
Nope. I just pray and put one word in front of the other. Seriously, I don’t have time for anything else.
19. Are you content with your career to date?
I am. To paraphrase Paul, I have learned to be content in all circumstances. In fact, I don’t think you can write well if you’re looking over your shoulder or salivating over someone else’s success.
20. Newer writers always look for tidbits from the professionals. Anything to offer aspiring writers?
Two things: If your heart tells you to write, write. Don’t listen to anybody else’s opinion. This is between you and your maker. Keep it that way.
Second, don’t give up. Which means that I’ll have to say it again: This is between you and your maker. Keep it that way.
21. Any thoughts on writers’ conferences?
21. Any thoughts on writers’ conferences?
Never been to one. Not because I don’t want to, I’ve just never had the opportunity. But they sure sound like fun, especially Mount Hermon.
22. Do you think you could ever collaborate on a novel? If so, what kind of person would you need to work with?
22. Do you think you could ever collaborate on a novel? If so, what kind of person would you need to work with?
I’ve got my own trials right now, I can’t even imagine this!
23. Do you have any writing quirks—have to be in a certain place, must have a cup of coffee, tea, coke, water, music playing, silence?
Huge pot of black tea, sweetened. Silence. Early morning.
24. What is your favorite thing about writing novels?
24. What is your favorite thing about writing novels?
Dreaming with my eyes open, listening to my heart connect with my mind.
25. What is the most important thing to you about writing novels? Why did you do it? And what makes you want to continue?
Honesty. Emotional, spiritual honesty. That’s the most important thing. As for why I write, life makes no sense otherwise. It’s as if I’m looking at the Scrabble board with all the letters spilled. I feel an overwhelming urge to put the tiles in order, to spell something, to make a story.
In other words, it’s a compulsion of some kind. And the reason I continue is because I believe God put this urge inside me, and wants me to persevere with it, through Him.
In other words, it’s a compulsion of some kind. And the reason I continue is because I believe God put this urge inside me, and wants me to persevere with it, through Him.
If you enjoy mysteries with tough heroines, physical, emotional, and spiritual conflicts, interesting characters, unique situations and locations, and genuinely good writing, you need to read The Stones Cry Out and The Rivers Run Dry [and every other Raleigh Harmon novel].
My thanks to Sibella for her cooperation and honesty.
Father, continue to encourage and uplift Sibella as she tackles life in all its beauty and trials. Bless her mind, heart, and spirit. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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