Interview With Author Jean Hoefling
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing biblical fantasy since 2013, crafting the religious magical realism stories I’d always wanted to read. As Toni Morrison says, “If there’s a book you want to read and it hasn’t been written yet, you must write it.” Good advice! My first novel is Gold in Havilah, speculating about that age-old question, “Who was Cain’s wife?” After Gold, I started a series called Chronicles of Genesis. Ashes Like Bread
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stones of Fire was published in June 2025 and focuses on the biblical prophet Enoch, from Genesis 5. Genesis 5:24 states, “And Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him.” Like many people, I’ve wondered over the years what kind of person could be so close to God that he walked toward him and ended up in heaven. I’ve portrayed Enoch as an action-oriented, independent guy who initially didn’t really care about God because of his many talents and great bravery. Who needs God when you’re already Mr. Perfect? Like many of us, Enoch had to lose a lot to gain a lot more.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m pretty cut and dried when it comes to getting it done. It’s butt-in-chair in the morning or I’ll get too tired and distracted by everything else. Looking at my mom’s newly dead body on a winter day in 2006, I saw what I would be in thirty years and determined to be as disciplined and productive in writing as I could from then on. We think we have so much time, but we don’t. We only have today.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like Charles Williams (a member of the writing group The Inklings, made famous by members J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis) because of the total weirdness of the worlds he creates, very much magical realism or spiritual thriller. Descent Into Hell is a classic. Williams portrays well the parallel realities of the invisible spiritual world with the everyday, material world we inhabit. For beautiful, literary stories of descriptive genius and subtle faith messages, I’ve always liked British author Elizabeth Goudge. So many great books, so little time.
What are you working on now?
I’m outlining the fourth book in my Chronicles of Genesis series, about the biblical patriarch Noah. Like my other characters, Noah doesn’t start out as a man of profound faith. He must grow into faith in and love for God, just like the rest of us. I plan to portray the year aboard the famous ark as a pretty wild and interesting ride. “Sleeping With Giraffes” might make an interesting chapter title.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is https//www.jeanhoefling.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Count the cost. It’s often lonely, and you have to really want it to be able to sustain the periods of self-doubt and fatigue. You have to sacrifice to make it work. There really aren’t any shortcuts to learning to write well, but if you love what you’re doing, the hours fly by and you’re able to celebrate your progress.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A formidable English teacher in high school told me during a moment of adolescent irresponsibility: “Do what you must before you do what you will.” She talked with an archaic bent, being an English teacher. What I believe she meant was, Do the hard thing first, the thing that will set you apart as a reliable, mature person. After that, the fun stuff is all yours.
What are you reading now?
The Language of Creation: Cosmic Symbolism in Genesis, by a really smart Canadian guy named Mattieu Pageau. It’s a commentary on the book of Genesis explained through the ancient biblical model of the universe. Here’s an intriguing chapter title I can’t wait to dig into, as long as I have some guacamole and chips to help me through: “Adam as Microcosm: Naked or Dressed.”
I think I’ll also re-read Descent Into Hell.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the Noah story, I’d like to write some contemporary fiction. I’ve always liked stories about small towns and the complexities of living in these communities as opposed to urban settings. Developing a cast of characters readers will fall in love with forever sounds like fun.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, by God
The Scent of Water, by Elizabeth Goudge
Wounded by Love, by St. Porphyrios
Confessions, by St. Augustine
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