Tell us about yourself!
My motto is “history should never be boring.” But it definitely should always aim to be truthful!
Tell us about your books.
All Battles End at Sunset is a middle grade historical fiction novel for ages 8 to 12. It tells the tale of a boy who sets sail with a legendary sea captain on a mission to provide refuge for those in need and the challenges they face along the way.
What kind of child are you trying to reach with your books?
It was intended for preteen boys, but it’s slowly becoming a “girl book.” It’s an action-packed tale about a boy developing into the kind of man God created him to be—a man after God’s own heart.
Boys find the main character, Marcel, relatable and fun, but girls are the ones enjoying his journey the most. Now more than ever, girls need better examples of real, godly men.
Give us a little flavor of some great characters or the setting.
Marcel is an orphan from France who has it all figured out. All he has to do is grow up and become a man. Then he won’t have to worry about being kicked around by adults and always feeling alone. At least, that’s what he tells everyone anyway.
But what Marcel really wants is a family. And when a band of freedom fighters offers the boy a spot among them on a voyage to the New World, Marcel can only wonder—is he about to find what he’s been looking for?
While the main character, Marcel, is entirely fictional, he is surrounded by real people and actual events. Marcel’s story is like seeing a point in history from a kid’s perspective—a kid who was just like you and me!
What inspired you to write this series?
I was captivated by the story of French Christians who fled religious persecution in Europe and found refuge in the New World, only to face off with their pursuers on the gemlike shores of Florida. It was a real event that predates Jamestown and Pocahontas. It even predates the Pilgrims. It’s kind of like the secret origins of the United States, and no one has told this story in fiction until now.
How did you know you wanted to be an author?
I have a background in journalism, so I was trained to say a lot with as few words as possible. The writing has to be quick and pack a punch.
I always wanted to write a book, but it seemed daunting compared to writing news articles. So when I picked up a middle grade book one day, I was immediately hooked. I was refreshed by its simplicity and how it catered to a short attention span. I knew I could not only do something like that, but also enjoy the process.
What’s one middle grade book you always recommend?
God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah by Joanne Williamson
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
For middle grade authors, let the kids read it first and tell you what they really think.
All Battles End at Sunset won many awards for its fancy writing. But those were professional judges—adults. As kids read it, they each like it enough to have something positive to say about it. However, what kids really want is for me to skip all the poetic details, move things along, and give them just enough bare bones for their imaginations to work with.
Kids love Marcel as a character and the action-heavy plot, but they could care less about my award-winning scene descriptions.
What formats are your books available in?
- Paperback
- Hardback
- Ebook
Find it here.
What’s next?
Hilt and Arrow is a ten-part series of historical fiction for youth, each set in a different time in Christian history. Book one, All Battles End at Sunset, is available now.
How can parents find you?
Parents can learn more at hiltandarrow.com.
The book is available on Amazon.
Liked that?
Try these!
If you’re in the market for middle grade books, I’d love to share my series with you!
Power Pup is a Christian superhero adventure series for readers ages 9-13.
Calvin Quinn is a long way from the corn fields of Nebraska.
The rookie canine reporter dreams of bringing criminals to justice with his front page headlines, while working alongside famous investigative journalist team Mittens Meow and Alex Digger.
But Calvin has a secret:
He’s also a rookie superhero!
After months of training, Calvin Quinn is ready to hit the streets and defend the innocent as . . . Power Pup!