Another Chat with Terry Overton

Very recently, I had the pleasure of hosting an interview with author, Terry Overton, about her book Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel. Well, today she is back but this time it is for her book The Covenant.

Now you all are in for a little bit of a treat because she has agreed to answer ALL my questions.

So, without further ado, please welcome back to the Back Porch, Terry Overton.

Thank you for joining us again, Terry. Tell the Readers about The Covenant.

What was the initial spark or idea that inspired this book? A combination of factors inspired me for this book.

I believe stories can teach children history and Scripture and this series includes both. Middle school kids take on a gang of bullies and, as they do, they learn about the history of WW II and how even countries (like Nazi Germany) bullied other countries. Three new friends use a box of old photos, notes, and Scripture, to figure out how they can turn bullies into friends.

What research did you conduct, if any, while writing this book? How did it influence the story or characters?

The era of WW II has fascinated me for a while. It was fun to research the aspects of the book.

Are there any secondary characters in your book that hold particular significance to you? If so, why?

One of the characters, Sam (Samantha), was inspired by my basketball playing granddaughter. At the time I wrote the book, she was in middle school. Now, in high school, she is receiving offers for college basketball scholarships. In the book, Sam plays basketball to resolve a dispute with the bullies. She makes more shots and proves her point.

What setting(s) did you choose for your book, and why were they important to the story?

Middle school and the house of the main character. Middle school had to be the setting where the actions with the bullies and the three main characters took place.

Were there any unexpected plot twists or character developments that surprised you while writing?

Not too much. I selected and wrote the characters for the confrontations, so it worked well.

Can you describe your writing process for this book? Did you encounter any unique challenges along the way?

No challenges really except that the shutdowns of Covid pushed the publication date by nearly three years.

Did any real-life experiences or events influence the narrative of your book?

I suppose hearing about the high frequency of bullying in middle and high school influenced the narrative.

Are there any specific scenes or passages in your book that you found particularly challenging or rewarding to write?

I loved writing the characters of the geek, the all-around popular athletic preacher’s kid, and the superstar girl basketball player.

What message, if any, do you hope your book conveys to readers?

I hope the readers will be able to relate to the big picture of our world: history, Scripture, and their own reality and how they might play a role in improving their own world.

What do you hope readers will remember most about your book after finishing it?

I hope they realize it is only book one of three and they will want to see the resolution which takes place at the end of book three. When they finish this book, I hope they understand how people can work together to tackle problems that seem impossible.

Terry, thank you so much for answering all those questions about your book. Now, if you will, share with us your writing journey.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I have been writing all my life. What inspires me now is wanting to tell good stories that teach young readers.

Can you tell us a little about your journey to becoming a published author?

I was first published in professional works of research when I was a professor. Once I retired, I began writing Christian books. It was not too difficult to find a small Christian publisher and now I publish my books myself which is an interesting process.

How do you typically approach the writing process? Do you have a specific routine or ritual?

No real routine or ritual. I just need uninterrupted time. I spend time researching before writing the story.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting out?

Don’t give up. Write often. If you approach big publishers on your own (unsolicited) you will likely be rejected-but don’t give up.

Are there any particular themes or messages that you find yourself returning to in your writing?

History and how the Christian faith is intertwined with history.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Hemingway, Judy Blume, John Grisham.

How do you develop your characters? Are they based on real people or entirely fictional?

Most of my characters have bits of real people in them. I might take some dialogue from hearing people in public places (like a restaurant).

How do you handle writer’s block or moments of creative doubt?

Step away for a while. Go outside, shift gears, go back later.

What kind of impact do you hope your writing will have on readers?

I hope they will think about the world in a different way and strengthen their faith.

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or works-in-progress?

I am working on teaching materials to accompany the entire series of The Underground Book Readers. Free materials for students with a bargain priced teacher’s guide to go along with the series. Beyond this series, I am toying with the idea of some cozy mystery writing or middle grade mysteries.

That all sounds fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing with the Back Porch Readers. I hope this tour is a blessing to you and the book.

Readers, please continue to read more about The Covenant and Terry Overton’s thoughts. Oh, and maybe enter the giveaway.

Happy Reading,

Melissa

About the Book

Book: The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle Grade Reader

Release date: November 12, 2024

Middle schooler Zeke just wants to survive school unnoticed, but his intelligence and small stature make him the target of a gang of bullies. One afternoon, he stumbles upon a mysterious old box hidden in a pile of trash. Inside are trinkets, notes, and a Bible he’s never read, all hinting at life-changing truths if he can solve the clues. With the help of new friends in the “Messiah Brigade,” Zeke embarks on a journey of faith, courage, and discovery. Together, they hope to use what they uncover to bring positive change to their school and stop the bullies.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

My love of history, especially the WW II era, inspired me to write this book. It was an effort to combine the history of the world, specifically the cruelty of the Nazis to the Jewish people, and how bullying can result in kids taking over the culture of a school if not stopped. The three main characters decide to try to change the culture and make it a safe place from bullies. The discovery of a mysterious box of memorabilia of the WW II era sets the curious kids on their way. They find out there were three good friends who went off to fight in WW II to stop the Nazi movement in Europe. They see the parallels between their school, taken over by bullies, and Europe when Nazi forces were running over it. They soon figure out the meaning of trinkets, scribbled notes, and Scripture and use these to steer their middle school in a better direction.