Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!
• The hunt BEGINS on 3/18 at noon MST with Stop #1 at
LisaTawnBergren.com.
• Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not
Explorer).
• There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until
Sunday, 3/21 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique
posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new
books and learn new things about them.
• Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each
author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the
Rafflecopter form at the final stop, back on Lisa’s site. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!]
Hi! My name is Jill Eileen Smith and I write biblical fiction and Bible-based non-fiction. I’ve dabbled in other genres, but they will remain tucked away on my computer until another day. At least they no longer reside in a box under my bed! The Bible has been my go-to for all of life’s trials and triumphs, so to write stories about the people in Scripture fits well with my heart and my personality. Of course, a lot of the women in the Bible are pretty obscure, which was true for my newest release, Miriam’s Song. You can read about all of my books here on this site or find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Here’s a little bit about Miriam’s story:
In her eventful lifetime, Miriam was many things to many people: protective older sister, song leader, prophetess, leper. But between the highs and the lows, she was a girl who dreamed of freedom, a woman who longed for love, a leader who made mistakes, and a friend who valued connection.
Imagine with me how Miriam might have navigated the challenges of holding on to hope, building a family in the midst of incredible hardship, and serving as a leader of a difficult people, all while living in her brother’s shadow. Follow Miriam’s journey from childhood to motherhood, obscurity to notoriety, and yearning to fulfillment as she learns that what God promises he provides–in his own perfect timing.
First, I read everything I can find in Scripture about the person. Then I read about all of the people they knew. In Miriam’s case, that meant studying Moses and Aaron, and their wives Zipporah and Elisheba.
Then I study life and times books, geography, cultural atlases, etc. I also read whatever commentaries I can find. Immersing in the culture helps me see what I want my readers to see. I’ve been known to google how to climb a palm tree, how to churn goat’s milk, and I’m always double-checking the difference between the warp and weft in ancient weaving. For fun and research I had a brief camel ride in Israel!
After the research, I play the role of “director” and “cast” my characters from the photos of Israeli, Egyptian, and other actors. I can’t write without knowing what each person looked like. After I see each character, I can better imagine their personality. Now I can begin drafting a summary based on what I’ve discovered about each person.
Here’s the Stop #6 Basics:
If you’re interested, you can purchase Miriam’s Song at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Book Distributors, and any online or local bookstores.
Clue to write down: NEW
The next stop #7 on the list is Michelle Griep.
But wait! Before you go, I’m offering three books to three entrants—your pick of Star of Persia or Miriam’s Song. All you have to do is sign up to get my enewsletter (top right of any of the pages on my website) AND NOTE THAT YOU HAVE SUBSCRIBED BY GIVING YOUR NAME IN THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW – or note that you’re already a subscriber by answering the question in the Rafflecopter form below. (USA only)
a Rafflecopter giveawayI hope you enjoy the scavenger hunt! Thanks for stopping by!
~Jill
The Conversation
Jill, I just today finished Miriam’s Song – what a wonderful book! Your impeccable research shows through. Thank you!
Thank you, Karen! I’m so glad you enjoyed Miriam’s story! Thank you for telling me!
~Jill
Scavenger Hunt #6
Shauna – did you have a question about the hunt? I’m not sure I understand your comment. Thanks!
~Jill
If im not already a subscriber id be pretty darn supprised! Love your work!
Im in new zealand and oh boy – missing all the freebies sure is a bummer but i reckon ill sign up and if i win send em all to friends living in the US HAHA!
Please dont ever stop writing! what a cool legacy!!
thank you!
Thanks you so much, Jess!
Thanks for this opportunity. You seem to be so thorough in your research! I appreciate that.
You’re very welcome! Thank you for entering!
Hi, your books sound like very good reads, and the book cover is Beautiful, I love it. Have a Great weekend and stay safe.
Thank you, Alicia. I appreciate your interest in my work. Be blessed!
~Jill
I was surprised to discover I wasn’t on your newsletter list since I was following you on BookBub. I enjoyed learning about your research process for your books.
Thank you, Kathy. To be on my newsletter, you have to sign up from my website. BookBub, unfortunately, doesn’t add you. Thanks for joining it!
~Jill
New Subscriber to your Newsletter! Thanks for participating in the Scavenger Hu
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it and thanks for signing up!
Can’t wait to read this book!
Thank you!
I look forward to checking out your books!
Thank you!
Thanks so much!
I always enjoy reading your books. I really love how you really bring the characters to life as if I am living it with them. Thank you for your continued excellent work of the women of Scripture. Blessings.
Thank you, Heidi!
I enjoyed reading about how you develop your characters. I always enjoying getting a sneak peak into an author’s process.
Thank you, Bonnie!
Hi Jill,
It’s a pleasure to meet you and learn about your books and read your post. You are new to me. Thank you for the chance to win your wonderful book!
Thank you, Sherry!