Interview with Jehanne J. Hedrick, Author

Two newsletters ago, I announced a freshly-released novel from Jehanne J. Hedrick, a fellow author and friend, titled Stolen. Today, I'm super excited to bring to you an interview I did with Jehanne, where she talks about writing, faith, and life.

As for a bit about Jehanne ...

Jehanne J. Hedrick is a young writer with a passion for wolves and nature. She developed a love for storytelling at age seven, and that love has continued to grow ever since. She strives to use her words for the service of others, and her goal is to use her writing to shed light into a broken, darkened world. Aside from writing, she also enjoys music, art, and learning more about one of her favorite story subjects—wolves. You can also find her on her website!

Without further ado, let's jump into the heart of this post; the interview!

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What first got you interested in writing?

Well, the very first story I wrote was inspired by a toy horse and my wish to copy down its adventures. XD I wrote that when I was around 6, and discovered how delightful storytelling was. Excited by this new world of creativity and made-up characters, I penned a sloppy draft of another story, this one starring a dragon and the girl who owned it. It got me even more excited about writing, and I believe that’s when I knew it would always be a part of me.

Do you think your relationship with Christ

helps you as a writer? If so, how?

Absolutely! I pray every time before I write, and ask the Holy Spirit to inspire my words and write through me. I want to bring light into the world through my books and stories. Like one of my favorite authors says (Jenny L. Cote), I am just His scribe.

There’s also no way I could have published Stolen if it weren’t for Him. He gave me clear signals and directions and parted the waters for me in ways I never could have thought of—I just watched in amazement.

Do you believe in writers’ block?

Well, yes and no, I think. It seems to be a universal thing that all writers understand. I know what it’s like to be stuck and to feel like you literally cannot write a single word. But I also think that if you’re passionate enough, you can persevere and push through any obstacle.

Here’s a quote about writers’ block that I enjoyed: “Writer’s block is just a symptom of feeling like you have nothing to say, combined with the rather weird idea that you should feel the need to say something. Why? If you have something to say, then say it. If not, enjoy the silence while it lasts. The noise will return soon enough.” —Hugh MacLeod

What are some of your favorite books and why?

I have so many… Here's a list!

Wolves of the Beyond by Kathryn Lasky. This series was actually one of the things that inspired me to write Element Wolf. Kathryn Lasky’s books were so magical and captivating. I remember being very enchanted by them.

The How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell. Those books are just amazing, and they’ll always be among my favorite series. They’re absolutely hilarious and very entertaining, but they tell excellent stories as well.

A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron. I love that book… It’s one of the ones that tugs at your heartstrings, but leaves you so satisfied. Fair warning, though—it’s sad.

The Epic Order of the Seven by Jenny L. Cote, Dragons in our Midst by Bryan Davis, and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien are all series that I’m currently reading at the same time… All three series have some of the best writing I’ve ever seen.

Why do you write?

Why do I write? A very good question.

Ultimately, I write to serve. This world is so broken and misled, and I want to contribute something real and true—something that will touch people’s hearts and help lead them down the correct path. I want to be able to show the hurting that they’re not alone, that their life matters, and that there’s Someone who really does care about them. Bryan Davis has had readers tell him that they’ve turned away from suicide because of his writing. He has literally saved lives, and if my writing could accomplish the same thing, it would be…amazing.

The lead singer from U2 (one of my favorite bands) says, “Music can change the world because it can change people.”

It’s the same with writing. The world is made of people, so if it can change them, it’s changed the face of the earth.

I once heard someone say, “Young writers don’t just write for fun anymore. They write to shake the world.”

Me, too. I want to fill this world with truth—to make darkness tremble and the light shine brighter. I write to shake the world.

What is your favorite childhood book?

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant. I loved that book so much, and still do.

What is your favorite writer snack?

Something sweet, like carob chips. I’m allergic to chocolate, which is very tragic, so carob chips are kind of a substitute. They're actually really good!

Where is your favorite place to write?

Definitely the beach. I wouldn’t say it’s my most productive place to write, haha, but it’s definitely my favorite. It’s so beautiful and awe-inspiring, and I feel so stirred… I feel so connected to my characters there—specifically one—that it’s like I can capture their heart and soul just from being there.

What is your most unpopular book opinion?

One is probably the fact that I think the Lord of the Rings books are way better than the movies, and that the movies messed up the characters horribly. And that Tolkien is the absolute master of epic fantasy, and his writing in and of itself will never be surpassed.

Also the fact that I think the Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling just aren’t that good. It’s not because of the controversy that surrounds them (though I do think they’re pretty dark books), but I really just don’t care for them at all. I know Rowling was a talented writer, but I just don’t think those books are too great.

What inspired your book, Stolen’s cover?

The idea for the cover art comes from one of my favorite scenes in the book’s climax. It was one of my favorite parts to write, and I thought a wolf walking through fire might be interesting to a potential reader.

On that subject, what are some of your favorite

book covers of all time?

I love the original covers for the Lord of the Rings books. I think it’s super cool that Tolkien made them himself, especially since a large part of the publishing world will tell you your book is bound to fail if you don’t hire a professional designer.

I love the cover for A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry. I haven’t actually read the book, but I saw the cover and thought it was beautiful. Looking at it gives me an almost nostalgic feeling, for some reason.

Okay, I promise this is truly unbiased, but the cover for Shards of Sky never fails to make me happy. I think the color scheme is lovely, and being crazy for violins and basically all stringed instruments, the violin sound holes in the sky make me so happy. That is totally honest and unbiased. ;)

Has your view of writing changed the more you write?

If so, how?

Yes, it has! I used to view writing as just a fun hobby, but now I view it as a part of who I am. I see it as a way to express myself and communicate what’s trapped inside my mind, but also as a way to serve—to bring goodness into the world with my words.

Did you write any hidden references into your book?

If so, what are they?

Absolutely. Some are funny things like something a friend did, and even silly things like football. But I hide deeper references as well that reflect my beliefs as a Christian. I’ve also hidden references to a couple of movies, and a few words from a song have ended up in there as well. I’ve also had a couple of dreams that gave me something to put in my book, complete with the wording for the sentences and everything…

If you could tell your younger writer self anything,

what would it be?

Stop procrastinating! XD

Okay, I really would tell myself that. I spent way too much time in the past doing useless things when I knew I could’ve been working toward my goals… I really do wish I had been more considerate.

I’d also tell myself to stop thinking my work was trash and telling myself I wasn’t good enough. I think part of my terrible self-confidence comes from that.

I’d also tell myself to stop doubting, and to trust that God had everything already worked out, and His plans far exceeded anything I could’ve thought of.

Yess. I love that!

And finally, do you have any encouragement

for aspiring young writers?

Definitely…

God placed the desire to write inside of you for a reason and a purpose. If you have a story to tell, and God wants you to write it and release it to the world, He will open the doors to make it happen. I have full confidence in that. Like He did for me, and still does, God has your whole writing journey planned out in perfect detail. His plans for you will blow your mind and leave you staring in utter astonishment. Just keep trusting Him; you’ll be astounded by what He has in store for you.

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Wow, that was such an insightful interview. Thank you so much, Jehanne, for your answers!

As for those who aren't on my mailing list—Jehanne recently published Stolen, an action-packed (as I'm sure you can tell from the cover) fantasy novel. You can check it out and grab your own copy here!

That's it for this week—stay tuned for more fun posts in the future! And ... would you like to see more interviews with other young writers (who knows ... you could be next)? Let me know in the comments!