Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tessa Emily Hall. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tessa Emily, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I began to pursue both of my dreams to act and write when I was a teenager. I wanted to be an author since I was a child, and frankly, writing (and acting) were my only two passions. I couldn’t envision myself pursuing any other career. Since I knew that the publishing process took a while, I didn’t see any reason to delay. With the amazing support of my parents, I enrolled in a virtual school in high school so that I could fit creative writing into my schedule and go to acting auditions. There’s no way I would be where I am today–especially in my writing and publishing career–if I hadn’t set that foundation as a teen! During that time, I enrolled in a creative writing course, took classes through Christian Writers Guild, and set out to write my first full-length novel.

When I was sixteen, I heard about writing conferences and how they’re a wonderful place to meet other writers, learn about the craft, and pitch your book to agents and editors. That was all I needed to hear! With the first few chapters of my book in hand, I attended my very first writers’ conference–Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. And that was the very conference that set my career into motion. I didn’t go to the conference when any expectations, especially considering that my manuscript wasn’t even complete. But I ended up meeting with a publisher who seemed interested in the story concept, and he requested for me to send him the full once it was complete. Needless to say, I was in shock!

A few months later I sent the full manuscript to that publisher. Three years and several draft revisions later, my debut novel, Purple Moon, was published.

So back to the question–I am very grateful that I felt led to pursue writing and publishing when I was a teen. Seven books later, I look back and can see how the timing was absolutely perfect in helping to set my career into motion. And that is exactly why I am passionate about encouraging and motivating teen writers to do the same!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I write authentic and inspirational books for teens that offer escapism and remind them that they are not alone in life. This is my mission with every book I write–both fiction and non-fiction.

Along the way, I have worked in the publishing industry to further support my mission of shedding God’s light through the written word. In an effort to provide more clean and Christian youth books, I launched Illuminate YA–the teen fiction imprint with LPC Books–in 2017. My role as a literary agent has provided a way for me to aid other authors in their publishing journey as well.

My latest devotional journal for teen girls is titled LOVE YOUR SELFIE. I wrote this book in hopes that I can encourage teens and young women to fall more in love with Christ and pursue their God-given calling. The reason I’m passionate about helping teens overcome insecurity is because of my own experiences. When I was a tween and a teen, I spent years struggling with self-shame and insecurity. These struggles prompted me to hide in shame–and it was there, in the midst of this loneliness, that I fell into the arms of my Father. In His embrace, I finally understood the truth of my identity.

I learned how to define myself through the lens of the Word rather than the world.

As I fell more in love with my Savior, my purpose for living became clearer. It was freeing to discover that every aspect of who I am was chosen and designed with a purpose.

So, LOVE YOUR SELFIE leads teens through the process of discovering their true identity in Christ and coming to find joy in their uniqueness.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Hearing from readers about how my books encouraged and brought hope to them in a time when they were desperate! I also find joy in helping other writers achieve their writing dreams as well.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was fourteen, I emailed a bestselling author, requesting advice for an aspiring author. The response she gave was not one I had expected! Rather than encouraging me to pursue my dreams, she instead said that, if there was any other passion I had, I should pursue that instead. She said that being an author was not as glamourous as it seemed, and the path to publication can be treacherous.

But then she concluded the email with a final word. She said, if there is absolutely nothing else you are interested in–and you can’t imagine yourself *not* being an author–then pursue it with everything you have. Because it’s that pure joy of writing that will make it worthwhile in the end.

That is the exact advice I needed to hear! At first, of course, I was a little discouraged. Her words popped the illusion I’d once held about authors and their “glamourous lifestyles.” But then that final advice encouraged me. It confirmed that I was, in fact, headed in the right direction. Because writing was the only career that I could imagine myself doing for the rest of my life. I didn’t have any other hobby that gave me more joy than writing.

And it’s that joy that keeps me going today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TessaEmilyHall.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/TessaEmilyHall
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TessaEmilyHall
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-emily-hall/
• Twitter: www.Twitter.com/TessaEmilyHall
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thall1313

Image Credits
Nathan Chanski