About the Book

Book: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 21, 2024

“Be ye kind” is a simple command, so why is it so hard for people to follow?

When the Lord opened the door for Denise’s husband, Topher, to Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church, she agreed to return to their hometown. Opening a bakery, supporting Topher in his ministry, and volunteering at Sylvie’s school aren’t nearly as challenging as trying to dismantle the harmful teachings that have taken over the church. Ideas masquerading as ‘biblical truth’ and ‘traditional Christianity’ resulted in spiritual bullying and a dwindling congregation. Denise is determined to help Topher guide the church toward the love and kindness of Christ.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie is angry at being ripped away from the only home she’s known—and from her church, friends, and boyfriend, Owen. She pretends that moving to Rhodes is an adventure and admits she’s looking forward to attending a “real” school and making new friends. She’ll help her parents with their church and work at her mom’s bakery, but this isn’t the life Sylvie wants. Everything is different now, and it isn’t fair.

Sometimes, it feels like the bullies are winning.

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Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
I’m a proud pantser who absolutely loves it when a character takes over and I’m “stuck”
taking dictation.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
When a character begins to evolve and tell their own story. I learn so much from them.

3. What is your least favorite part about writing?
When I realize halfway through a rough draft that the story isn’t coming together, the
characters aren’t growing, and the plot has stalled. Sometimes, it’s a matter of cutting a
voice out. Other times, it’s about splitting the POV. My most challenging book to write
was Reinvention. I spent years rewriting the book's first half, only to have it hit a wall at
that point. Finally, I pushed through and finished the rough draft. It was awful. I hated it.
Eventually, it came to me that I was missing a voice. I kept Ally’s half of the story and
added Michael’s. It all came together, broke my heart, gave me hope, and became my
favorite novel of The Rose Collection.

4. Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?
I have a file on my computer where I store story ideas. I also keep some in my notes app
on my phone. The best way, however, is to tell my sister.

5. What is your writing space like?
My writing space is a California king adjustable bed with cotton sheets and a fluffy white
comforter. It’s lovely.

6. When did you become a writer?
I didn’t write my first novel until I was in my 30s, but I never published it. It stayed on
my computer until 2024 when I sent a proposal to a publisher, and they accepted it. I’m in
the process of preparing it now.
I started publishing The Rose Collection as an indie author in 2020, with my first book
Plague of Lies.

7. How long does it usually take you to write a book?
The initial rough draft takes about three months. After that, it requires about a year of
rewrites, edits, formatting, and raising the money for publication.

8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
I was, unfortunately, in a very toxic denomination and church for several decades. I write
about healing from spiritual abuse and have plenty of source material to pull from.

9. What is your work schedule/routine when you write?
As soon as I wake up, I pull my fully charged computer onto my lap and begin writing or
editing. I don’t stop until my battery is about to die. After that, my writing day can
include watching podcasts or documentaries about my subject matter.

10. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
I share a brain with my main characters, so there are little bits of me throughout the
books. I understand Lauren’s discouragement at not being wanted, Caroline’s frustration
with how she’s treated despite her hard work, Julia’s fear and her longing to escape,
Ally’s compassion for others who have been abused, Kelly’s determination to protect
those she loves, Ginger’s desire to start over, and Denise’s resolve that kindness must
prevail.

About the Author

Though born on the east coast, I spent most of my life in the American Southwest, eventually settling in California where my husband and I raised two sons. Later we welcomed two fantastic daughters-in-law and four grandchildren into our family. After teaching history and literature for eighteen years, I resigned to write full-time. That new career move was paired with a physical move to beautiful Nevada, where I continue to write happily.

My preferred genre is Christian contemporary fiction. I keep my characters grounded in the real world and the real problems that Bible believers face today. While they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, my characters must also deal with the detritus of the past. Living well today doesn’t mean that yesterday is erased. I write what I know, either first-hand or through close observation, injecting the joy, happiness, and humor that comes with spiritual freedom and love.

More from Marbeth

No one warns you that some bullies grow up to be—bullies.

But some people go from victim to victorious. They stand up for others, leading them away from preferences used to bully others into submission and toward the freedom of God’s love.