Jamie Ogle author of Daughter of the Rebellion is our guest today.
Welcome Jamie welcome to Australasian Christian Writers. Thank you for spending time with us today.
When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?
I loved the Little House on the Prairie series, and read and reread them so many times! Other favorites included The Chronicles of Narnia series, especially The Magician’s Nephew and The Silver Chair.
Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and to write?
My favorite genre to write is historical, but I love to read every genre as long as it’s no-spice and a well-told tale.
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I’d always written stories and loved to write, but didn’t think being an author was an option for me. It wasn’t until I was miserably pursuing an elementary education degree, that my husband pushed me to switch my major to English Literature and pursue writing since that’s what I really loved. Best decision ever!
How did you go about being published?
I fell in love with this idea to write the story of St. Valentine, and I worked on that book for about 4 years before I felt like it was ready to pitch to editors and agents. Then for the next 2 years, I attended writing conferences and pitched agents (and received a lot of rejections). It was a roller-coaster of highs and lows, but God showed me that there was such purpose and growth in the waiting seasons. I grew so much, both in my faith and as a writer, as I continually implemented the craft and writing techniques I was learning into my story. Finally, I pitched an agent who was instantly excited about my story. She offered representation and in two months, we had a publishing contract with Tyndale House Publishers.
What inspired you to write Daughter of the Rebellion?
I was at our homeschool co-op one Wednesday and another mom sat down across from me at lunch and said, “You have GOT to hear the story of Telemachus!” She went on to tell me the story of the last gladiator games ever held in Rome, and how a monk named Telemachus ended the violence forever. I knew instantly that this was a story that needed to be told. And then, when I discovered that there were female gladiators—I knew that had to happen. Adel’s story slowly emerged, one of a prodigal daughter who feels she can never overcome what she’s done, and the power of a pursuing love that reaches into the dark mire to pull her free. It turned out to be such a beautiful picture of God’s love for us, and might be one of my favorite stories so far!
How has the writing process been for you?
The process for every book has been a bit different; I’ve plotted some and vaguely planned others. Each method has its pros and cons, but I’ve ended up letting the story dictate how it wants to come out. Historical accuracy is important to me and because my stories center around real people or events from history, I always start with what really happened, and then weave fiction around those solid points.
What do you hope readers will take home out of your books?
My author tagline is “Good rebels, deep faith” which means all of my stories revolve around characters who stand on their faith in a “good rebellion” against the darkness and evil in the world. I hope that these books inspire readers with the courage to do the same.
If you could have a meal with 3 living people, who would you choose and why?
As an introvert, this is a difficult question! Haha! I’d probably end up picking people I know so we could skip the small talk and have deep conversations. I’d choose my sisters, but I have 4 of them, so only choosing 3 wouldn’t go over very well! 😉
Where can we buy your books and where can we find you on the web?
My books are available in all formats (e-book, audio, and print) on most online retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon. You can find links to my social media and sign up for my monthly newsletters on my website, www.jamieogle.com.
Finally, can you tell us about your latest release.
Absolutely! Daughter of the Rebellion is about Adel, a Visigoth war daughter captured by the Roman army and sold to a gladiator school in Rome where she becomes a famous gladiatrix. While she loves the admiration of the crowds, she wrestles with the fact that no matter how much she’s revered, the fame can’t wipe away the guilt and shame of her past.
Adel becomes reluctant friends with Felix, the medic at her school, who despises Rome’s fascination with violence. After he returns from medical training to discover his father missing and his family desperate, he has little choice but to accept a position at the gladiator school managed by his uncle. But when news reaches Rome that the Visigoth rebels intend to invade Rome if their captives are not released, and the emperor is bent on proving his power through a stunning spectacle of deadly games, Felix and Adel join forces with a monk named Telemachus in a desperate rebellion that may define not only their own lives but also the course of history.