Fanciful Worlds

Sarah Shere, contributing author to 21 Days of Christmas, loves to watch classic films. She wrote the short story “Guiding Star” in the second book in the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. Get to know Sarah in my chat with her today.

If you could play any fictional character in any movie, which would it be and why?

Any of these three choices:

1. A character in one of my stories, because I would love to see one of my stories made into a movie!
2. A princess in a Disney movie (animated or live action). I love fairy tales and their fanciful worlds!
3. Any part in Star Wars, one of my favorite film franchises. I’d be happy with a walk-on!

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Pediatrician, ballerina, actress, Disney princess voice, homemaker, illustrator, or writer. One out of seven isn’t bad!

How has God used fiction to touch your heart or change your life?

Christian allegories are my favorite. They take you to fanciful worlds, but strike your heart with deeper meaning and biblical truths. I read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress as a child in school and fell in love with it. I think, subconsciously, that book has always been my point of reference and inspiration.

Besides Jesus, which person from the Bible would you most like to talk to, and what would you ask or say?

Probably Joseph (OT) or John (the apostle). I’d ask them to give more personal details than what are in the Scriptures—all that stuff that doesn’t really matter but we want to know anyway. I’d also like to ask Mary about Jesus’s childhood and her personal thoughts and feelings around the time of His conception.

Have you read 21 Days of Grace? If so, which story was your favorite and why?

I actually haven’t finished it; I’m up to chapter 15. While nearly all have blessed me to tears, so far, my favorite is probably chapter 2, “The Smallest Gift,” by Robin Bayne. I could identify with Ceci, the main character. Being a bit of a romantic, I liked the implication of a friendship that could go deeper; after all, marriage should start with two kindred spirits who know each other better than anyone else.

Tell about a favorite family ritual.

Since my childhood, I’ve loved watching classic movies with my family. We especially love the ’40s era.

What book(s) are you currently reading?

Most people believe that writers love to read, and I guess that’s probably true for most. But to be honest, I’m not really a “reader.” I hope that will be an encouragement to others like me (if they exist)! When I do read, I reach for the Scriptures, stories by Hans Christian Andersen, and most recently, 21 Days of Grace!

What ministries are you passionate about and involved in?

Masquer Ministries is a Christian theatre group in Orange County, California, that is very near and dear to my heart. They entertain, convict, and inspire audiences (including me) with beautiful and professional live productions, without charging admittance.

Are any parts of your story in 21 Days of Christmas taken from something that happened in your own life or the lives of people you know?

There’s a young man in our church who has Down syndrome. Every Sunday he sits in the same place, praising God with all his heart, mind, body, and soul. He’s a joy and an inspiration to everyone around him.

Share one of your most rewarding moments connected to your writing.

This is it! “Guiding Star” is my first published story. I am overwhelmed with the thought that it may move others deeply, possibly even change lives. What an awesome responsibility for a writer, and what an awesome privilege as well.

What are some of your most cherished Christmas memories?

When I was a little girl, my mother would wrap the white poles of our front porch with red ribbon. She also decorated our giant pane window with spray snow and Christmas figurines.

Thanks again for sharing with me and my followers, Sarah!

Thank you, Kathy, for welcoming submissions for this project from writers from all backgrounds and writing levels. It’s an honor to be included with great veterans of the industry and fellow newbies. God bless you and these little books!

Bio:

Born and raised in Southern California, Sarah Earlene Shere fell in love with storytelling at the age of eleven. As she’s grown closer to God and fallen in love with Jesus, her stories have become biblical and allegorical, reflecting her favorite authors, John Bunyan and Hans Christian Andersen. Sarah’s stories and writings are under Hosanna Heralds on Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress. Or join her mailings at BuddyTheBear79@gmail.com.