Interview with Author Noel Clavecilla
NOEL G. CLAVECILLA has been a pastor and bible teacher for more than thirty years now. He finished his bachelor of theology degree at Baptist Bible Seminary and Institute and his master in ministry degree at Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also an author of the book on Christian leadership, “The Anatomy of Church Leaders.” He now serves as the head minister of Christ Our Refuge Bible Christian Church.
He is a composer, arranger and choral conductor where he won twice in a National Hymn Writing Competition. He discovered his gift in writing when he was still a student in his undergraduate studies in theology when in one class they were asked to do a fiction ministry newsletter. He then wrote a fictitious ministry report in the Island of Malta. His professor announced in class that it was almost realistic and that he had a gift in writing.
From that day on he knew what he’s going to do when he gets older or when he retires from his pastoral work. So when he resigned from his pastoral work in a church in 2017, he began to embark on his new mission in writing although he did not start right away until more than a year later when he sat down in front of a laptop and began writing books, blogs, sermons and Christian hymns.
Tell me more about your latest book
Here is story of a young woman whose life was changed by a wrong turn she made. Her existence became miserable and lived a despondent wicked life where she felt like sinking deeper in a pit of miry clay. With no light or even a rope to cling to, she thought that everything is coming to an end, when she found faith, hope and love from the most unexpected people and place, that from her enemies. Her life changed dramatically from being an immoral and despised woman to a righteous and respectable lady, from a life of ignobility she turned to be the honourable matriarch of the greatest kings that ever walked this face of the earth.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
It was my research on biblical and secular history, the study of maps, and the study of culture, customs and traditions of the people in biblical times.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
After finishing the manuscript I usually search for a publisher on line who will be willing to publish the book and will cater to my needs as an author.
How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?
The characters of the novel should be portrayed as normal people with distinct personalities that can express their feelings, with their own successes, failures, flaws, pain and sufferings to be able to relate to their readers. The setting and atmosphere should be accurate even in small details like the season of the year of a certain incident or the number of travelling time on foot between two destinations, so that it would appear to be authentic as one of my readers commented that she almost believed that the incidents and conversations to be true had she not known that it was a work of fiction.
How many books have you written so far? List and name them all here
- The Anatomy of Church Leaders published by Resource Publications an Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers
- The Scarlet Cord a Story of Faith, Hope and Love published by Draft2Digital.
What’s the best way to market your books?
By referrals to those who already read them.
What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead
I don’t force myself into writing when I don’t feel like doing it, I guess it’s the artist in me that dictates my rhythm. Once I started typing on my laptop it could mean working through the night that may last for several days then break for a day or couple of days. When I go back and read to where I left off and still find it interesting then it must be good and I continue. I always have mental outline of what I’m going to write and have the foresight of how it’s going to end for every chapter and the whole book. It helps me write more effectively having the knowledge of the desired outcome.
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
It would be easier if you have the time, passion and consistency to write.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
If you’re planning to write informative books capitalize on your field of expertise because it makes you an authority on your subject at hand. If you’re planning to write novels have a plot with as much as possible unpredictable ending. If the ending is foreseeable, be sure to add some twists in your story that may make it look impossible to reach your desired ending. And please do make a research about the facts you wanted to present.
Visit Author Noel Clavecilla book links:-
- The Scarlet Cord A Story of Faith, Hope and Love FB page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075633503592
Paperback
- Amazon
- Barnes and Noble
E-book
Thank you very much Ramona for your help in promoting my book. It was a privilege to be interviewed by you. The Lord bless you.