Write to the Point with Mary Hamilton

Today we get write to the point with Mary Hamilton. She has a giveaway for you that you can pass on to the tween in your life who loves reading (or read for yourself, I often enjoy books intended for younger readers). Read to the end and learn more about the book and Mary.

Tell us about yourself, family, where are you from, how long have you been writing?

I grew up at a Christian camp much like the setting for my tween novel, Hear No Evil. That was in Wisconsin, but I’ve lived most of my adult life in Texas where I met and married my husband. We raised three of the most awesome kids ever (yes, I’m prejudiced!). And I started writing articles about 27 years ago shortly after my oldest son was born.

How did you come to know Jesus as your Savior?

With my dad a pastor and living at a Bible camp, I don’t remember a time when I didn’t believe that Jesus died to forgive my sins and bring me eternal life. But in ninth grade, I read The Cross and The Switchblade by Dave Wilkerson. It opened my eyes to the fact that God is real, not just some grandfather-type character in the Bible. I understood then that He wanted to play an active role in my life on a daily basis, He wanted a relationship with me.

Tell us about your latest book(s). What do want your readers to take away after the last page?

My tween book, Hear No Evil, is a story about a young teen’s struggle to understand his mother’s apparent rejection. When Brady’s mom drops him off at summer camp, she tells him he can’t come home—she doesn’t want him living with her anymore. While Brady tries to figure out what he did wrong, he gains a couple of good friends—Steven, a blind but very capable cabin mate and Steven’s spunky friend, Claire. But the camp bully’s taunts and teasing only deepen the wounds left by Brady’s dad who left six years earlier and now his mom’s rejection. Brady seriously doubts whether even God cares about him. But I hope that readers will take away the conviction that even when they can’t see or hear from God, He is still there and He still cares what happens to us. I also want teens to understand that some of the ugly stuff that happens in their life is not because of anything they do, but because of choices the people around them make.

How often do you blog and what do you cover in your blog?

I blog once or twice a week. I’m currently doing a series on Mondays where guests share how they came to faith in Jesus Christ. On Thursdays, my posts are pretty eclectic. They may showcase a friend’s new book release or they may be a devotional or a personal memory. Or sometimes, I just share an interesting photo.

Can you share with us a favorite book you have read?

One of my favorite books is When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin. I love his characters. Each one is so unique, and it’s a love story without the typical romance. I’ve read it several times.

Can you share with us a Genesis 5020 in your life?

Several years ago, my husband accepted a job transfer that meant moving away from a wonderful neighborhood, our dream house, and a thousand miles from extended family. I cried for three days straight. We’d always joked about leaving claw marks all the way down the highway, but this time it wasn’t a joke. I resented my husband, had no interest in making new friends, and was angry with God for making us leave “Paradise.”  But over the next year or two, I came to realize God knew what He was doing. My marriage had suffered because of pressures in that environment. Some of the friendships I’d made were not uplifting or healthy. I shudder to think what would have happened if we’d stayed there like I wanted to. God had to kick out all my supports to get my attention, to draw me back to where I needed to be. Since then, my marriage is stronger, my kids have been blessed with wonderful friends and a strong youth group. The very thing that I thought was horrible turned out to be a great blessing.

I am so glad you can see that. Thanks for sharing that with us 🙂

Do you have a life and/or a ministry verse?

There are so many verses that have meant something to me at different times. But the one I always come back to is Psalm 37:4. “Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I’m always tempted to focus on the second half of that verse, but when I put the emphasis on taking delight in the Lord, He takes care of the second half.

Where can we find you on the web?

I’d love to connect with readers. Look for me at any of these locations.

Website: www.maryhamiltonbooks.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maryhamiltonbooks

Twitter: @mhamilton122

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mhamiltonbooks

Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like to add?

Thank you for having me today! It’s been a pleasure, and I look forward to placing a book in the hands of one of your readers.

Thanks so much Mary. I pray God will continue to bless your writing journey.

Readers, Mary is giving away a copy of her book to one commentator. Leave a comment by February 25th at 5:00 pm to be entered.