 David Meigs is a novelist with a background in youth outreach, specializing in ministry to at-risk youth and their families. Though his writing is enjoyed by all ages, his novels provide a unique, life-changing quality, critical for the youth of today. David and his family lives in Seabeck, Washington. |
When Sparrows Fall |
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One of the pleasures of writing this “Life-Transforming Fiction” column is that I am always keeping an eye out for new books and authors worthy of bringing to your attention, and this month I have something special. It is my pleasure to introduce author Meg Moseley and her delightful debut novel, When Sparrows Fall (Multnomah Books, May 2011). I first met Meg, five or six years ago at a writers’ forum called Faith-in-Fiction, created by Dave Long, a Christy Award–winning author and acquisitions editor at Bethany House Publishers. Unfortunately, there is not much activity at Faith-in-Fiction these days, but that can’t be said about the forum members. The list of those who went on to successful writing careers is impressive, including Deanne Gist, T. L. Hines, J. Mark Bertrand, Chris Well, Mike Snyder, Kathleen Popa, and too many others to list here. Reading When Sparrows Fall has given me my first taste of Meg’s ability as a writer. I think it was somewhere in the second chapter where I paused for a moment, smiled, and said to myself, Boy, this girl can write. By the third chapter I had already made the decision to abandon my original topic for this month’s article so I could share this wonderful book with you. That was only a few days ago; not much time to finish a book and write my article—and all that with a deadline only a couple days away. What did I love about When Sparrows Fall? It is deliciously different from most of the inspirational novels on my bookshelf. Meg Moseley writes with the skilled, turn-of-phrase of a master; the sensitive heart of a poet; and a rare, story-weaving ability that rivals the bards of old. I absolutely fell in love with the delightful characters who never stopped growing on me even after I’d finished reading. Well done, Meg. About the Author
About the Book Freedom. Safety. Love. Miranda vows to reclaim them—for herself and for her children. A widow and mother of six, Miranda Hanford leads a quiet, private life. When the pastor of her close-knit church announces his plans to move the entire congregation to another state, Miranda jumps at the opportunity to dissolve ties with Mason Chandler and his controlling method of ruling his flock. But then Mason threatens to unearth secrets from her past, and Miranda feels trapped, terrified she’ll be unable to protect her children. |
College professor Jack Hanford
is more than surprised when he gets a
call from his estranged sister-in-law’s oldest son, Timothy, informing
him that Miranda has taken a serious fall and he has been named legal
guardian of her children while she recovers. Quickly charmed by
Miranda’s children, Jack brings some much-needed life into the
sheltered household. But his constant As Jack tries to make sense of the mysterious Miranda and the secrets she holds so tightly, Mason’s pressure on her increases. With her emotions stirring and freedom calling, can Miranda find a way to unshackle her family without losing everything? Interview Congratulations on the publication of your wonderful debut novel, When Sparrows Fall. I absolutely loved it! Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to visit with all of us. Was When Sparrows Fall your first novel, and what was your road to publication like? I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. Thank you! I wrote a number of novels before When Sparrows Fall. They were good learning experiences, but trust me, most of them should never see the light of day. My road to publication started with writing longhand on a legal pad before I owned a computer. After more years than I’d like to admit, my agent matched up i>When Sparrows Fall with an editor who was willing to risk taking on a new author with a novel that was a little bit different. I loved the depth of your characters and story.You obviously wrote from some place close to the heart. I’m curious, how much of “Meg” is in the book? I did pour my heart into writing this story. As a homeschool mom myself, I loved the freedom of homeschooling, but I saw plenty of legalism and strange beliefs in the movement. Maybe the novel is my way of saying, “Hey, people, homeschooling doesn’t have to be weird.” I suppose there are parts of me in the character of Miranda, a quiet rebel against the system, but I actually identify more closely with Jack and his assorted hang-ups. What can Meg Moseley fans look forward to in the future? I’m working on a couple of stories, both women’s fiction with a romantic thread and perhaps a streak of Southern Gothic. 
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Meg
Moseley is a Californian at heart, although she’s lived more than half
of her life in other states. She formerly wrote human-interest columns
for a suburban section of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
and
home schooled for more than twenty years. Meg enjoys reading books,
traveling, gardening, her three grown children, and motorcycle rides
with her husband, Jon. They make their home in northern Georgia. 