An Inspired Chat with Sara Jewell of Labelle, Florida

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sara Jewell. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Sara, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
People recognize we are in chaotic times, and for many, the struggle is that they are holding onto a secret—fearful to share—that they are dealing with people they don’t agree with, especially family and friends. Sadly, lines are being drawn on so many levels, and for people with strong beliefs, opinions, and actions, it’s a time of decision-making. For those of you who are reading this, I pray that you move forward in this life, making the decision that, whatever your beliefs, you interact with people with compassion, respect, and tolerance. I know it isn’t easy because we live in a society where a large number of people think one way, others think totally differently, some are undecided, and still others are apathetic. If you share your “secret,” you are afraid of retribution, cancellation, or harsh words.

What’s interesting is that while I hold onto certain beliefs, I cannot stop loving my friends and family who are opposite. I won’t lie, it hurts my heart, but wanting evil to befall them or shutting them out is not productive. I can calmly say I disagree with them, or accept their disagreement with me. We influence people through love and humility. It isn’t easy, as I’ve said before, but love and graciousness, even if rejected, will calm your heart.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My journey has been a long one of writing fiction. I started with a self-published preschool book, Count of Worm, then thought of writing about Jesus to young people with A Christmas Dinosaur, then a follow-up to that story with Visit from a Shepherd Boy. Soon, I got a nudge (I’m going to get spiritual here) from the Lord to write adult-level books, and he instilled in my mind the novel Blink, a story about end-times. I followed that up with Of Friends and Followers, and my last one, Solomon’s Concubine, both adult-level books.

Here is where it gets interesting. My agent, Teresa Herbic, and I thought that Solomon’s Concubine would make a great TV series. So we began a plan to pitch the book to production companies, studios, directors, and other organizations. However, we discover it’s not so much about the book as it is about the script and pitch deck.

To get any interest, I had to create a script for eight one-hour episodes. I had never written a script before, and it’s a whole lot different from writing a book, but I got script formatting software and began the journey of scriptwriting. Once I began to understand the style, it went great. I then got software for formatting the pitch deck, and that was fun–if you like playing with graphics.

Once the script and pitch deck were completed, Teresa and I began to reach out to as many people as we could in the film industry. It took over a year, but one production company, LolitaMoon Productions, took it on.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
This is going to get spiritual again, but honestly, the Lord taught me the most about work. Even in high school and college, I always worked, usually in environments that interested me—marketing. I remember walking my dog Chico and wondering what I truly wanted to do—I didn’t know—and talking to God about it. He placed in my mind the idea of writing a story for young kids about Jesus. What could be more fitting than Jesus, Christmas, and a dinosaur? So I wrote ‘A Christmas Dinosaur’ and was guided to continue writing. Financially, writing isn’t my primary source of income—I have always worked for large and small companies—but now, as a retiree, I can spend time on projects that align with my core beliefs. In fact, I’ve completed scripts for A Christmas Dinosaur, Visit from a Shepherd Boy, and Of Friends and Followers.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I have not suffered or been disappointed because I was not what the world would consider as successful in the literary or film world. Not at all. I’ve had great fun and learned a lot about the craft of storytelling by writing novels and scripts. In fact, I am successful because I took on projects I believe were spiritually guided, worked through them, and met some wonderful people along the way, especially my agent Teresa Herbic. I am successful, and I will go further. I’m blessed, and I hope to hear one day, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
It’s important to assess a project before taking it on. Does this make sense? Will the end result be successful? If I need to learn something, am I willing to invest the time to learn? What do I hope to gain from this effort? I’m sure there are many more questions. Some could involve financial considerations, time constraints, and the need for assistance. But more importantly, do you want to do it? How will the process make you feel? Is worldly success critical?

In my case, if the project is worthy, it doesn’t matter how long it takes and worldly success–while nice–isn’t important. Currently, I’m assessing creating a script for my book Blink and going over those very questions.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will speak of my love for God, for others, and for His marvelous creation: all creatures great and small, as well as all living and non-living things. When our lives end, our stories are soon forgotten, even the rich and famous are forgotten. For me, I hope the story will be that I lived my blessings.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: s.a. jewell
• Linkedin: Sara Jewell
• Facebook: Sara Santos Jewell

Image Credits
Sara Jewell
Ambassador International Publishing Company