We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sara Jewell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sara below.
Hi Sara, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Not many people want to hear this, in fact, they get turned off by it, but I ask you to bear with me. My optimism really comes from God. Because, you see, I view my projects as assignments from God. And it’s quite easy to view your success from the eyes of people, but I keep in mind God’s view. Professor Google states: optimism is “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.” And what is a successful outcome? Is it money, fame, recognition? Or is it starting a project and finishing it to the best of your ability all the while learning more about your capabilities and character? I view the latter. God’s perspective is far different than human perspective. God works with us in building our character, wisdom, and talents as we move through our project or particular circumstance. My view is that these are missions from and for God. We might view the outcome as disappointment or even failure, but my view is, wow– I’ve learned so much through this experience!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a fiction writer and recently a script writer. I’ve written two young people’s novels, A Christmas Dinosaur and Visit from a Shepherd Boy, and three adult novels, Blink, Of Friends and Followers, and Solomon’s Concubine. I would love to say I’m monetarily successful, but I haven’t earned a living from royalties– however, I’ve had terrific fun, have met some wonderful people and have had, overall, good reviews. The last one, Solomon’s Concubine is historical fiction. At the urging of my agent, Teresa Herbic, I wrote an 8 episode script for TV streaming. Teresa and her very talented son, Braxten, edited it. Now truthfully, I sort of resisted it because writing a script is a whole different ball game than writing a novel and I really didn’t think I could do it, but here comes the optimism. God gave me a nudge. “Give it a shot.” So I did…after I paid close attention to the dialogue and shots of the old TV series Bosch and the most recent streaming series, The Chosen I began the project.
Now let me explain why I do believe the script is important and why God has his hand on my shoulder. As a woman and a Christian, I’ve always had a difficult time reconciling myself to King Solomon’s character. Here was a man who not only talked with God, but was also given wealth, power, and wisdom from the Almighty. What was Solomon thinking in possessing
1000 women? Even now, I get a bit worked up until I realized God helped me resolve my attitude.
Will it get picked up by a production company? Weeee! I’m very optimistic. But even if my optimism is misplaced in getting the script to a production company, my optimism has been fulfilled by all the good things I’ve gained from this project. God has been so good.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I have a diverse imagination. I’ve always enjoyed writing and I have a theological background. And because I know there is confusion and hesitation about Christianity (Gee, I’ve had my own questions: witness King Solomon!) I thought I’d explore these questions and ideas through stories. I started with kids, then teenagers, and worked my way up to adult stories. I’ve got to say, I thought with my skill set, I’m all that and a bag of chips, but I learned a lot and am still learning! And who teaches me? GOD!
I know, some of you don’t want to hear about God. I get it. So from a human perspective I encourage you to put on the cloak of optimism. A good attitude even in failure elevates your spirit. No matter the outcome, you are building upon your knowledge, your character, and fortitude.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I’m a firm believer in partnership when embarking on ideas or projects. Sharing knowledge, experiences, skills, and encouragement is critical. This script writing project was indeed a challenge. It’s a totally different way of writing and formatting, but my agent Teresa made a world of difference in helping me through it. I’m also going to add that her son, Braxten who is in entertainment, was very important! He’s young! He helped give us the perspective we need to appeal across all age groups.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: s.a. jewell
- Facebook: Sara Santos Jewell, S.A. Jewell
- Linkedin: Sara Jewell author
