"The Torch Keepers" ~ Release Celebration! ~ Author Interview

Hello! Today I have a special treat for you all! Hosanna Emily, author of The Torch Keepers, is joining us today with an author interview! The Torch Keepers releases TOMORROW!!!

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Hi Hosanna! Welcome to my blog!

Hey Molly! Thank you so much for interviewing me; you picked great questions, and it’s a huge blessing getting to share here. ♥

1. What is the most important thing God taught you while writing The Torch Keepers?

He can.

When this story was a tiny idea, God did everything. He took the little flame of a dream and inspired a whole book. When I ran out of ideas and went to His Word, He spoke. When editing got long and publishing got stressful, He provided as soon as I stopped and went to Him for help.

God wants to be the entirety of our lives! And through writing The Torch Keepers, He showed me how He provides; He can do everything. We just have to let go and let Him take us away.

2. What is the main thing you want people to take away from your book?

I want readers to know that no matter what, they are loved and sought after. That the King has a purpose for every single life. Which ties into the next question…

3. What inspired you to write The Torch Keepers?

This story started way before I even thought of writing it down. Years ago, I read an article about two beautiful, teenage girls who left their homes to become terrorists in a foreign country.

I was shocked, wondering how someone so full of life, talents, a future, could leave everything to live such a dark life. To do something so horrible. It hurt as I gazed into the girls’ faces. I wanted to grab them, stop them from those decisions.

But I couldn’t. So I kept living in my own world, so far away from theirs.

Until God had me write their story. In a school assignment, I penned a short story that mirrored the girls’ lives. I wrote about someone who chose to leave their pure life to do terrible things. I never meant to write a story off that article I read so long ago—God simply gave me a story.

That’s why the story has so much purpose: God used me to write the book I wish those girls could have read. That they are loved. They have a purpose. They are valued and treasured, no matter what mistakes they made. The King is there searching for them.

4. What is your favorite book of the Bible?

Ohh, hard question! I would choose either Psalm (because what beautiful, heartfelt poetry!) or 1st John (that heart for Love the author had! It inspires me so much.)

5. How has your relationship with God grown over your years of writing?

Wow. Where would I start?

Every story has revealed a little more of Jesus to me. The Torch Keepers taught me to trust Jesus more fully, and it also helped me discover the powerful, overwhelming love that He has for His children. Thus, specifically in this newest novel, the way I’ve grown is by getting to know Him more closely.

Maybe that’s what all Christians discover after seeking Jesus over the years: there’s still more of Him to learn, find, be enamored and overwhelmed with. ♥

6. Which character is your favorite, and which one best fits your personality?

ALL OF THEM.

*cough* Okay, so this question is way too hard. Every single character is so special to me, and they all have little pieces of my heart in their stories.

But if I HAD to pick one…

Rekém is a favorite. He struggles a lot, and many readers are going to see him as some dark, horrible villain. But I really like this guy. He is searching, like so many of us are. And behind the hard, hurt shell he hides behind, there’s a heart for peace. So yeah. =)

And a character that’s like me? I suppose it would be my other main character, Kadira. Honestly she makes mistakes, forgets how loved she is. Kadira lives radically for what she believes in, and usually makes the wrong decision. But, in the end, she remembers where she came from. And that she is so treasured.

We’re similar in that we both want to live hard-core for what we believe in. We also sometimes lose sight of what’s important. Yet the King always draws us back to His heart. ♥

7. What is the theme song for The Torch Keepers?

Oh no… Every character in The Torch Keepers has a theme song, but somehow I forgot to choose one for the book itself? So I guess I’ll have to go with one of Kadira’s soundtracks,“Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi or another character’s, called “Time (Inception)” by Hans Zimmer. (epic soundtracks are so much fun!)

8. What is your favorite Bible verse?

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

“The LORD your God is in your midst; the Mighty One will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

Because He does love. He does treasure you. And if you search for Him, He will be found and be your Best Friend.

Amazing answers, Hosanna! Thank you for allowing me to interview you! :)

The celebration is still going! Don't forget to check out Hosanna's blog, and hear about the amazing characters! :)

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