About Marissa Shrock…
Marissa Shrock is language arts teacher who enjoys working with her fun seventh grade students. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, and has completed the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman courses. Marissa is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the Christian Writers Guild. Her articles for adults and teens have appeared in Evangel and Encounter. Marissa lives in Indiana and loves shopping for cute clothes, baking for family and friends, traveling to new places, and playing golf. Connect with Marissa on her website at www.marissashrock.com.
About The First Principle, releasing January 2015…
In the future, the United Regions of North America has formed. Governors hold territories instead of states, and while Washington, DC, is gone, the government has more control than ever before. For sixteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins, the daughter of a governor, this is life as usual. High school seems pretty much the same–until one day, that controlling power steps right through the door during study hall.
When Vivica defends her pregnant friend against the harsh treatment of Population Management Officer Martina Ward, she has no idea she’s sowing the seeds of a revolution in her own life. But it isn’t long before she discovers her own illegal pregnancy. Now she has to decide whether to get the mandatory termination–or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother’s chances at becoming president.
A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors offers Vivica asylum, but accepting their help may come with consequences she isn’t ready to face.
Q & A with Marissa Shrock…
Grace asks, “Do you dream about your characters?”
I definitely daydream about my characters, but I’ve never dreamed about them at night. Although if I did, it might help me think of something cool to add to my stories.
Denise asks, “How do you find the time and quiet to write?”
I’m middle school teacher, so I write in the summer, on breaks from school, and on Saturdays. If I have a deadline, I write on weekday evenings, though that is tough when I’m tired. In order to make time I’ve had to spend less time on other things I enjoy such as baking and golfing. I’m single and don’t have children, so finding quiet isn’t difficult.
Cheryl asks, “Who or what inspired you to write?”
I believe God led me to become a writer because when I chose a career, it never occurred to me to pick writing. I wanted to be a teacher and didn’t go into that field as something to fall back on if writing didn’t work out. During summers I dabbled in writing for fun, but it never went anywhere until I decided to get serious and learn the craft. The more I learned, the more my desire to be a writer grew. Writing is hard work, so I have to rely on God to give me the strength and discipline to continue.
Sue asks, “From where do you get your inspiration and plots?”
News articles are great sources of inspiration, especially articles from sources outside of the mainstream media. The most effective brainstorming tool for me has always been to ask what if. From there I come up with a list of possibilities, some of them outlandish, and then start writing.
Mary asks, “Chocolate or vanilla?”
This one is tough since I love chocolate, but I like vanilla lattes and Cokes. But if I have to pick one, I’ll go with chocolate. Unless it’s in a chocolate fountain. Then I’ll pass.
Marie asks, “Do you “set up” your writing space when you’re working (ie…music, candles, etc…?”
My favorite place to write is on a screened in porch that is surrounded by nature, so I do have to set up my writing space with writing books, my laptop, and my iPad. When I listen to music, I prefer movie scores from films that are similar to the genre I’m writing. Songs with words distract me because I sing along in my head, so the modern instrumental music is a good alternative. Most recently I’ve been listening to the score from Skyfall.
Thanks so much for taking time to share on the blog today, Marissa! It was a pleasure to have you.
Want to connect with Marissa online? Visit her website at http://www.marissashrock.com/. You can also like her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/marissa.
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