Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Morquecho.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve loved writing for as far back as I can remember. I used to make up stories and tell them to my sisters while we worked on falling asleep at night. I loved the challenge and the thrill of getting as wild and creative as I could get with pen and paper. My love for writing only grew as I grew older. I started writing my debut novel when I was around twelve years old. Throughout the years, it evolved into what it is today—a published work with my name on it. “Shattered Resolve” is the first in a four book series and is deeply embedded into my heart and mind. My passion is Christian fiction drama that centers on redemption. I love weaving stories about outcasts, rebels, and people who have run out of chances, then taking these stories and displaying the powerful redemption that only Jesus can work in a life.
Though I had always dreamed of publishing, it always seemed like an impossible goal. I had started editing for some writers, honing my skills and getting my feel for correcting manuscripts, when I met an author who is now one of my dearest friends. I began to edit for him, and he connected with me an Indie publisher who was seeking editors. I submitted a sample of my work, and by God’s grace was hired right away. It was through this door that God opened up the pathway to publishing. Crossroads Publishing, LLC.. has published “Shattered Resolve,” and has my debut children’s book as well. They have contracted the entire “Highshore Series,” and I am ecstatic to see how far my books will go. I continue to edit for this publisher, as well as do freelance editing, while I work on my upcoming novels.
I am beyond grateful for this path that God has set before me. He gets all 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?
There have been many obstacles and setbacks in my author journey thus far. I have type 1 diabetes and have had to take a step back several times to focus on my health. Aside from that, I am married to a preacher, we have four children (three at home), who I homeschool. I also work outside the home and teach piano, so time has fought against me every step of the way. Aside from these obstacles, I’ve had years where I had zero motivation to write anything. These valleys have always deeply saddened me. I love to keep a steady flow of words to paper, so when the words fail me, I often feel lost. In addition, I have faced many Spiritual obstacles on my journey. Because I write raw stories about people society often wants to forget, there are many topics in these stories that have had to take a step back from and pray over before writing. I am learning to lean more on Christ for direction when writing, because I never want the focus of my stories to veer from His will.
It is my desire that my readers see Jesus on every page.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an author and an editor. In my writing, I specialize in bringing to light the outcasts of society and helping others to see their worth through Christ’s eyes. I am currently known for my debut novel, “Shattered Resolve,” which was published by Crossroads Publishing, LLC in June of this year. I am extremely proud of this book because of all the work and heart that went into it. This book has been with me since my teenage years and will forever have a place in my heart. What sets me apart in my writing is that I meet the darkness head on in my stories by taking the unlovely, exposing it to the love of Christ, and watching it transform into something beautiful. I am unafraid to discuss topics that are shied away from—because everyone’s story should be heard.
As an editor, I specialize in developmental editing. There is nothing more thrilling than to help a writer see their potential. It warms my soul for a writer to bring something they consider hopeless, only for them to soon realize how their writing can explode if they have the right tools. I am most proud of the fact that God has given me a heart to help my fellow writers without charging them an arm and a leg. This sets me apart from other editors, because the writers I work with get quality editing at a price they can afford.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was outgoing, loud, and loved to be around people. (A stark contrast to my introverted adulthood!) I loved to play the piano (I still do—I teach piano and our church pianist today), I loved anything and everything to do with art (today I can hardly draw a stick figure—go figure!), and I loved my family dearly. I was homeschooled all of my life and was raised in church. My father was a pastor, and my family and I (there are seven of us) used to travel around and sing for various churches while we played instruments. We were a house full of music. Everyone had an instrument, or multiple instruments, that the played. We had the piano, organ, keyboard, harmonica, guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, the banjo, violin, flute, clarinet, trombone, dulcimer, autoharp, and more! We used to pack everything into a little box trailer, hook it to our van, and go! We even had our music on the radio back in the day. We lived on farms and raised all types of animals. We had the best childhood, nurtured by two parents who loved us and wanted to succeed. I am so grateful for how they raised us, because I wouldn’t be who I am today without that background.
Pricing:
- Editing-$35/hour
- Writing Coach-$70/hour
- Shattered Resolve-$21.99
- Signature on book-$5.00
- Piano lessons-$40 for 30 minutes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://edulany363.wixsite.com/books
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17QGY8hrEi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
