About the Book

Book: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 21, 2024

“Be ye kind” is a simple command, so why is it so hard for people to follow?

When the Lord opened the door for Denise’s husband, Topher, to Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church, she agreed to return to their hometown. Opening a bakery, supporting Topher in his ministry, and volunteering at Sylvie’s school aren’t nearly as challenging as trying to dismantle the harmful teachings that have taken over the church. Ideas masquerading as ‘biblical truth’ and ‘traditional Christianity’ resulted in spiritual bullying and a dwindling congregation. Denise is determined to help Topher guide the church toward the love and kindness of Christ.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie is angry at being ripped away from the only home she’s known—and from her church, friends, and boyfriend, Owen. She pretends that moving to Rhodes is an adventure and admits she’s looking forward to attending a “real” school and making new friends. She’ll help her parents with their church and work at her mom’s bakery, but this isn’t the life Sylvie wants. Everything is different now, and it isn’t fair.

Sometimes, it feels like the bullies are winning.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Though born on the east coast, I spent most of my life in the American Southwest, eventually settling in California where my husband and I raised two sons. Later we welcomed two fantastic daughters-in-law and four grandchildren into our family. After teaching history and literature for eighteen years, I resigned to write full-time. That new career move was paired with a physical move to beautiful Nevada, where I continue to write happily.

My preferred genre is Christian contemporary fiction. I keep my characters grounded in the real world and the real problems that Bible believers face today. While they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, my characters must also deal with the detritus of the past. Living well today doesn’t mean that yesterday is erased. I write what I know, either first-hand or through close observation, injecting the joy, happiness, and humor that comes with spiritual freedom and love.

More from Marbeth

No one warns you that some bullies grow up to be—bullies.

But some people go from victim to victorious. They stand up for others, leading them away from preferences used to bully others into submission and toward the freedom of God’s love.

Interview with Marbeth

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I flirted with the idea in 6^th grade but was discouraged from continuing with a dire warning to “never write things you wouldn’t want someone else to read.” I didn’t write an actual novel (biblical fiction) from start to finish until I was in my 30s, but after several rewrites, I set it aside for a couple of decades until this year when I sent a proposal to a publisher, and they accepted it.

I published as an indie writer in 2020 after discovering the contemporary Christian fiction genre. It fit perfectly with the work I wanted to do.

How long does it take you to write a book?

A rough draft takes about 3 months. The entire process takes a little over a year on average.

What is your real-life work schedule like when writing?

I wake up, pull the computer onto my lap, and write/edit until the battery goes dead. Sometimes, I’ll plug in and keep going if I’m on a roll. I also consider watching podcasts and documentaries as part of my writing week.

What are your favorite books to read?

I love contemporary Christian fiction and its surrounding categories of romance, mystery, and suspense.

When did you write your first book, and how old were you?

My first published book was written while I was in my late 40s and published in my early 50s.

How do you create your main characters?

My first main character was an angry teen boy. I had one at home and wanted to explore why he was so (justifiably) enraged. His character was paired with a teen girl who felt unloved and unwanted. Again, I wanted to know why.

I think that’s the primary reason for writing my characters. I want to know why.

In book 5, Wise and Mighty, I had a minor character who demanded that her story be told next. I had no idea what I was in for, but she made The Art of Persisting a great book to write.

In my current book, The Necessity of Kindness, Denise and Sylvie get to tell their story as they leave their home for a new town, church, and school. They’ve been in other novels, but now it’s their turn to speak.

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?

I get frustrated when I realize halfway through a rough draft that I’m not writing the right book. I have to walk away and let the book steep for a bit. Then, I’ll reread the beginning and find the most compelling thread to follow. When that happens, I can end up throwing half the book away. It isn’t very encouraging, but it makes for a better novel.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

If I want to do something creative, I start baking. Cookies are my jam! I also love to play board and card games with my family. I love movies and television—anything with a great story. And, of course, I love to read.

What does your family think of your writing?

Most of my family don’t read my books. My husband isn’t a reader, but he did enjoy my non-fiction book, The Women Who Set the Precedents.

Both of my sons avoid my books due to their personal triggers. We were in a toxic church/denomination for most of their lives, so books about spiritual abuse hit too close to home for them.

My sisters, on the other hand, are my biggest supporters. My oldest sister just sent me a text reading:

I have just completed your novel [The Necessity of Kindness] and have enjoyed (appreciated) the story and the characters. I recognize the bullies that were in our family and many people who were around us as we grew up and who remained even in our adulthood. Wow … it is astounding. Kindness is much more relaxing and peaceful, and that makes me happy. I choose to be happy. Thank you for writing and exposing the need for kindness.

Do you base your characters on real people?

Yes, but no single character is based on a single person. They are all amalgams of multiple personalities (some real, some not). I did have someone assume that every villain in my books was based on them (they were not), and they actively discouraged others from reading my books because of that belief. I’ve often wondered why they didn’t assume the more heroic were based on them.

Have you experienced writer’s block, and how do you handle it?

I engage in someone else’s creative work by listening to music, reading books, or watching movies. It helps me get my own creative juices flowing.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I wasn’t alone in seeing the issues of spiritual abuse in our homes and churches. So many women have approached me after reading my novels and told me the same things happened to them. It’s encouraging and heartbreaking all at the same time.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written nine books (plus one unpublished and three in the works). My favorite is the one that gave me the most trouble: book four of The Rose Collection, Reinvention. I reread it over the holidays and still love it.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

Readers can follow me on Amazon, and I have a website at https://thelitlady733988438.wordpress.com/

I am all over social media, and am easy to find

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLitLady1

Instagram and Threads: @skwarczynskimarbeth

Bluesky: @mskwarczynski.bsky.social

X: @TheLitLady1

TikTok: @marbethskwarczynski

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

I sold my first novel to a publisher so I’m hoping to have more news about that soon. I’m currently working on books 8 and 9 of The Rose Collection. My plan is a “bookquet” of a dozen roses.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 7

Vicky Sluiter, February 8 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Simple Harvest Reads, February 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

For the Love of Literature, February 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 18 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 20 (Author Interview)

 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marbeth is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54153