Happy Friday, friends! I am so excited to share with you all a special interview with Tessa Hall, a young author and Associate Agent at Hartline Literary Agency. Tessa is an inspirational writer and she's also the founder of Pursue Magazine. It was an honor to chat with her about writing, and I can't wait for you all to read her encouraging words here today. Don't forget to leave a comment and show Tessa some love! Bella: Thank you so much for joining me here today, Tessa! It’s an honor to be featuring you in my blog. Would you please start off by just sharing a little bit about yourself? Tessa: Sure! My name is Tessa, and I began my writing career when I was 16-years-old. Since then, I’ve had two books release, titled PURPLE MOON and UNWRITTEN MELODY. My next book is a non-fiction devotional for teen girls, titled COFFEE SHOP DEVOS. This will release September 2018 with Bethany House. I work on the publishing side of the industry as well. I’m an associate agent at Hartline Literary Agency and a YA acquisitions editor for IlluminateYA, teen imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. I also love encouraging teens to pursue their God-given calling through my magazine, PURSUEMagazine.net. Bella: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Why is writing important to you? Tessa: I first discovered my love of writing when I was 3-years-old. I loved the freedom writing gave me to use my imagination to become someone else and go on adventures. Once I first fell in love with it, I knew there wasn’t anything else I’d prefer to do with my life than to write books for a living. Writing is important to me because it’s what I feel called to do. I believe God has given each of us gifts, and He wants us to use them to expand His Kingdom. Even though I would write for the pure joy of it, even if it meant never finding publication, I still find motivation to write when I think about the people who could someday be reached by my words and stories. Our time on earth is short. There’s no better way to spend our lives than to love God, love others, and use the tools He’s given us to reach the lost and build the Body of Christ. So to me, writing isn’t simply a hobby or a self-focused pursuit. If I don’t pursue it—especially when I believe God is calling me into this field—then I risk impacting lives for eternity. That might sound “overly spiritual”, but hey, aren’t we spiritual beings who are called to live with an eternal mindset? (See 2 Corinthians. 4:18.) Bella: I love that answer. Great advice, Tessa. So do you keep a strict writing schedule or do you just write whenever you have a chance? What advice do you have for young writers on consistency? Tessa: My life is too sporadic to keep a regular schedule. However, when I’m on a deadline, then I have to make sure that my writing time is protected. In these seasons, it does help to have a specific time that I plug away at the project every day. This helps my brain to stay focused during that time and it forces me to devote my entire attention on the project. Sometimes this time is in the morning, since this is my favorite time to write—but sometimes this time might come at night before bed. I’d advise young writers to discover what time of the day they work best. When I was a senior in high school, it helped for me to wake up early before school and get writing done then. Personally, when I was a teen who was serious about my writing, I had to make sacrifices and cut out some social activities in my life in order to finish my book. I’d advise that you understand what it is that you want to accomplish as a teen. Are you hoping to write for a hobby or pursue writing seriously? Do you have any concrete goals? (For instance, my goal was to have my first book published by the time that I graduated high school.) Then, analyze your time. Where can you fit writing into your daily schedule, and are there any sacrifices you might have to make in order to see this through? Your sacrifice might not be cutting out social activities, but it might come in the form of cutting out excess free time—such as time spent on social media or binge watching shows on Netflix. Whatever it is, be intentional with your time. You’ll never get back the free time you have as a teen, so use it wisely to plant seeds that could cultivate into a future career and/or ministry. Bella: Where do you get inspiration to write when you’re dealing with things like writer’s block or lack of story ideas? Tessa: It depends on what the cause is for the writer’s block. Most of the time, I’ve discovered that this is due to feeling overwhelmed or working too much. When that happens, I give myself permission to take a break. I might go on a walk, hang out with friends, work out, go to the park, go to a coffee shop, etc. I just need my brain to focus on something that does not involve being on the computer or working with words. Then, when I return to my project, my brain usually feels fresher, and I can see the WIP through new lens. However, there are times when I am lacking inspiration/ideas. When this happens, I turn to the sources of my inspiration. Most of my ideas come from listening to music, looking at photography/artwork, watching films, or reading books. So again, when this happens, I’ll take a break from my WIP and expose myself to other forms of art. This is usually enough to get the creative juices flowing again. Bella: What was one of the most surprising things you’ve learned through your journey with writing, getting published, and then launching your career as an Associate Agent at Hartline Literary Agency? Tessa: This might sound like a general statement, but I think the most surprising thing I’ve learned through this journey has been how difficult it is to succeed in this industry. It’s rare that I was able to gain the attention of a publisher at the first writing conference I attended when I was 16. Since that happened so quickly and easily, I almost expected the rest of the writing journey to be that way as well. But I soon had my own taste of the struggle that most aspiring authors experience when they attempt to pursue publication. Writing a book in itself is hard work and a long process that requires determination, passion, belief in oneself, and self-discipline. The editing process is often even more time-consuming and discouraging. Then, when the book is finally shopped to agents or publishers, it can take months—if not years—to receive interest. Finally, when the book is contracted with the publisher, then the book usually releases 1 – 2 years after the contract is signed. That’s only the beginning. Once the book is contracted with a publisher, you have to go through an editing process with your editor. Then you have to market your book so you can actually find readers to read this book you’ve poured so much time and energy into. All of that to say—those who don’t have a true passion for the field of writing/publishing don’t usually make it far in this industry. ;) However, the highlights of the writing journey—such as the anticipation of a book release, receiving literary awards, hearing from readers, garnering good book reviews, seeing your book in print, etc.—makes the journey worthwhile. Bella: When did you first decide to launch your own magazine, and would you please share with us a little bit about that journey? Tessa: Sure! When I was 11-years-old, I launched an online Christian newsletter for tweens with one of my friends. We ran this newsletter for about two years. During that time, I fell in love with the process of managing Christian content that encouraged girls to pursue Christ. That’s when I first made it my goal to someday start my own Christian magazine for teen girls. Then, when I was either 14 or 15, I came across the scripture Ecclesiastes 11:9 (MSG), which states: “You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. Follow the impulses of your heart. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.” After I found that, I wrote in my notebook, in big, bold letters: PURSUE Magazine. I knew what I wanted my magazine to be about from that day forward: I wanted to encourage teen girls to make the most of their teen years by pursuing their God-given calling while first pursuing a relationship with Christ. In January 2016, that vision became a reality when I launched the PURSUE Magazine blog (www.PURSUEMagazine.net). Our first digital issue released on Amazon in April 2017, and our second issue will release spring 2018. Bella: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given as a writer? Tessa: The best advice I hear over and over from authors is this: Keep your priorities in balance. I do believe that aspiring authors should treat their writing time with respect, especially if they hope to see success; however, our love for our art should never take the place of our love for God, and the time we spend writing should never be as sacred as the time we spend with our family. I believe that writing is part of the work God has called me to do while I’m on earth, and I will continue to do this out of obedience. But if my passion for writing, or if my drive to succeed, ever comes before my loved ones—and especially God—then my life will be out of balance. Bella: If you could only give one last piece of writing advice to any young writer, what would you share? Tessa: My advice would be summed up in one word: Persevere. The process of seeing your publication dreams come to fruition isn’t necessarily quick or easy. The writing journey in itself is a long, winding, bumpy road. It’s often filled with stumbling blocks, dead ends, and forks in the road. And once you reach a milestone, there’s always going to be another milestone to strive toward. Writing a book in itself is not an easy feat by any means—much less the process toward seeing that book published. But if your passion is big enough—and if you can be patient and wait on God’s perfect timing—then you’ll have what it takes to persevere. Keep the big picture in mind, and enjoy every step along the journey. Strive forward. Learn the craft, write multiple books, attend writing conferences, find critique partners, understand how the publishing industry works, etc. The only way you’re guaranteed failure is if you quit. Bella: For a more fun question to end, what’s one genre you think would be fun to write, but you’ve never ventured out in it? Tessa: I would love to try writing speculative fiction in the future. I absolutely love James L. Rubart’s works, and I think it’d be so fun to incorporate supernatural and fantastical elements into a contemporary genre. I’ve always been interested in writing a dystopian book as well. I love that both of these genres offer plenty of room for the imagination. Writers aren’t limited by historical events or the boundaries of reality; instead, they can invent a story world that readers have yet to experience before. I definitely think I’ll experiment with these genres someday! Bella: Thank you so much for joining us today, Tessa! It's been a joy to have you here. Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show teens they’re not alone. Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent at Hartline Literary Agency, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa's first teen devotional will release with Bethany House in 2018. She's guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.
Susan Bricker
11/17/2017 01:41:24 pm
What a wonderful interview! Tessa you have great advice for author's of all ages! I love that you honor the Lord's gift and write for Him. Thank you both for all you shared! This was so informative and powerful! I wish you huge success!
Bella Morganthal
11/17/2017 11:04:57 pm
Thank you for commenting, Susan! 11/18/2017 02:38:16 pm
What a fun interview! I wish I had started writing when I was your age, Tessa! I love your heart for teens and I would have benefited from reading a magazine like Pursue at that age. Excited to check out your blog and books. Thanks for doing this interview! It was insightful and delightful!
Bella Morganthal
11/19/2017 06:46:40 pm
Thanks for your comment Amy!
Bella Morganthal
11/30/2017 12:54:28 am
Aww sweet girl <3
Olivia Bell (aka Livy)
11/22/2017 03:06:58 pm
I loved this interview, Tessa sounds like an extraordinary young lady! Congrats on having your book published too, that's amazing! =)
Bella Morganthal
11/30/2017 12:54:46 am
Love ya! 8/23/2018 11:25:48 am
Thanks for giving knowledge of interview tips and about this.Nice Post! Comments are closed.
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This page of my blog is dedicated specifically to writers. I've been writing for over half of my life. I live and breathe writing. Because of that, I'm passionate about helping other writers grow, develop, and succeed. This section of my blog will include blog posts dedicated to writing, encouragement, and resources. Feel free to read through some posts and my contact form is always open if you ever have any questions or need encouragement! ♥ Archives
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