Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Morquecho.
Hi Elizabeth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. As a homeschooled kid, I had plenty of opportunities to explore my talent for wordplay and would often entertain my mother and siblings with the stories I’d written. As a child, I had always thought it would be amazing to see my writings published, but that was always a far off dream. So abstract and unattainable. I began writing “Shattered Resolve” when I was around twelve years old. Of course, the story has evolved throughout the years as my experience broadened, but the heart of it remained the same: I wanted my readers to connect with relatable characters who are messy and in need of Christ’s redemption. My writing expanded as the years passed, and I soon found myself dabbling in editing. I have always loved seeing how I could take a dull story and reworking it so that it pops with excitement. I have also always been the kid to correct her siblings for misspeaking, constantly staying in their ears about the proper way to say something. My editing began by helping my pastor dad edit his sermon notes and it evolved into others asking me to look over their stories. Editing is the door God used to walk me into the publishing world. An Indie publisher, Crossroads Publishing, LLC., was seeking editors. A writer friend of mine gave them my name, we connected, and I was given a job as an editor for the company. I soon submitted my debut novel, “Shattered Resolve”, and it was accepted upon first perusal by the publisher. I praise God that I have now contracted to have the entire “Highshore Series”, a four book series, published by Crossroads, as well as my debut children’s novel, which has not come out yet. I owe everything to Christ. Without Him, I am nothing. He is my all in all, and I am forever in His debt. To God be the glory!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My writing and editing journeys have not been a smooth road. I’ve had many ups and downs, most stemming from being overwhelmed by an ever-busy schedule. I am a preacher’s wife and homeschool our three children. On top of that, I work outside the home as the assistant director at a daycare, I teach piano lessons, and am a writer and editor. I usually do my writing and editing late at night when my children are in bed. Finding time to realize my dream is not easy, but God is so gracious. Aside from this, I’ve had many challenges in writing “Shattered Resolve.” In writing redemption novels, I explore topics that are uncomfortable for many. I bring the reader right into the gutter and help them form connections with people they may never have cared to notice before. Part of the challenge in this is to ensure that I’m not crossing any boundaries that Christ has set for me. Ensuring that my work honors Him is of utmost importance to me. He has been faithful through it all and has allowed me to reach people through this novel who needed to feel seen and loved. These people need to understand that Christ’s redemption reaches them no matter how far down they are.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a novelist, I specialize in writing stories of redemption. I’m known for bringing readers directly into the stories and holding them captive as they watch the words come to life around them. I am an immersive writer who doesn’t apologize for evoking emotion. I am most proud of the fact that my debut novel has touched the lives of people who relate to the main character and who find refuge amongst the pages of a story where they can feel seen and heard. Something I feel sets me apart from others is that I see my books as movies in my head. When I write, I play the movie and write what I “see.” If something doesn’t flow right, I “rewind” the movie and play it again.
As an editor, I specialize in developmental edits. I love helping other writers see their stories come alive by showing them how to use captivating language that propels the reader to the next page. What sets me apart from others is that I actively involve the author in every edit I make, and I don’t push my agenda on them. I am a firm believer that an author’s work is their “baby” and that it should not be changed, only enhanced. I stay true to the author’s vision and help their dreams become their reality
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck; I believe in the sovereignty of God. God has blessed me tremendously in my life and business. He has been faithful to me in ways I could never describe (and I’m a writer!). I was writing “Shattered Resolve” during a time I visited a new church. While there, a man was giving his testimony. By the time he was finished speaking, my jaw was on the floor. I had never seen this man a day in my life, and yet I had been writing about him for years. This man’s testimony lined up with my main character almost to a T. During the sermon that morning (to this day, I couldn’t tell you what was preached), I scribbled a note to the man stating how I knew we were strangers, but I had to tell him that I’d been writing about him. I lost my nerve and tore the note up only to rewrite it before the sermon was over. Once church let out, I rushed to him, placed the note in his hand, and ran. That man is now my husband of thirteen years and I can’t imagine my life without him. God is faithful. He is good. He is a loving, merciful God, and I am forever grateful to Him.
Pricing:
- $21.99 Shattered Resolve
- $75 an hour for Writing Coach Services
- $2/page for Editing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://edulany363.wixsite.com/books
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556040599694
