Q and A For the kids:

 

Do you have any pets?

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No, but we have 2 dozen squirrels that like to tap dance on our roof and jump over to the oak tree to grab some acorns for breakfast.

 

What was your favorite subject in school?

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I enjoyed history when I had teachers brought it to life with good stories.

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What was your least favorite subject in school?

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Physical education was my least favorite class. However, I like to exercise now!

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What did you want to be when you grew up?

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A teacher, a secretary, and a mom.

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Have you always wanted to write?

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I have always enjoyed journaling, jotting down some poetry, writing newsletters, and small projects but I never thought I would write for publication.

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What is your favorite hobby?

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My favorite hobbies are reading, scrapbooking, water coloring, gardening, and organizing.

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What is your favorite food?

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I enjoy a good steak and salad, but I love a great hot fudge sundae.

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How long does it take to write a book?

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That depends. Some books take a few years. My first big people book as I call them took 4 years. I was a newbie and had much to learn. My book by the name Aunt Ida Clare sat in a file for several years before I knew what to do with her. My writing time has improved with each book I write. 

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Q and A For the adults:

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Why do you have a book for adults and books for children?

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My first book came at the suggestion I should write my journey. I sensed this assignment was a directive from the Lord, so I obeyed His lead. It was only after I had written Shattered, Stirred, and Shaken that I began to hear children's book titles in my mind. I believe my "big people book" was the catalyst for the children's books. I now have another big people book -Dishtowel Devotions: Flipping the Script and am working on a bit of a follow-up to Shattered—Shaken to Shine.    

 

How would you describe your writing in general to someone who hasn't read any of your books?  

 

I hope my books are characterized by wisdom and wit. Laughter is good medicine. I also hope all of my books convey the importance of our spoken words. I love to learn, and I love to laugh. My goal for anyone who reads any of my books is to learn a little and laugh a lot along the way.

 

How much of your own life goes into your books?

 

I would say all of my life goes into my books. I have learned and practiced everything I write about. I laugh about all of the rewrites I do. After over a dozen revisions I learn as much as I am trying to convey to my readers.

 

What are some of your favorite books? 

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I would say the current book I am reading is always my favorite! But I have recently finished and enjoyed Eat Your Way to Life and Health by Joseph Prince and Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin.

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Name a few of your favorite children's books.

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How do I narrow the list? So many books, so little time. Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots by Carmela LaVigna Coyle, Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes, and Twas the Night Before Jesus by Donna Wyland. 

 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing a book?

 

My work schedule when I am writing is all over the place. With our family close by and six grandchildren to spoil, I tend to write when I am inspired. I don’t keep an hourly schedule, but I am adamant about keeping deadlines.

 

What's your next project?

 

I just finished We Can Prophesy a children's book and a big people book, Dishtowel Devotions: Flipping the Script. I am currently working on Shaken to Shine. 

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What's one thing your readers should know about you? 

 

Writing for publication was never on my bucket list. God has a sneaky way of steering us to our calling when we pursue Him. I am just an ordinary wife, mom, and Gigi (of six adorable grandchildren) serving an extraordinary God. Having lived out the lessons I am writing and teaching keeps my message honest and transparent.  

 

And then the call to write children's books...this was never a blip on my radar. Yet before I knew it, God began giving me children’s book title ideas. It took some time for the stories to form, but the books are coming to life. My desire is for my children’s books to weave in a bit of wisdom and wit for both the children and the parents/readers.

 

What’s one unusual fact about you?

 

As a child when I went to play at my friends' houses, I always helped them clean and organize their rooms before I went home. (Yes, I was always invited back. Haha.)

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What advice would you give your younger self?

 

I would tell my younger self not to be afraid to use my voice. I would worry less about pleasing man and only live to please God.  

 

Do you have a favorite verse? If so, what is it?

 

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21)

 

Believing God's words encourages me as I continue down the writing path. Realizing God’s power works within me is astounding, exciting, and humbling. Since the power works in me, I am responsible for moving forward and believing that God can and will shower me abundantly more than I can ask or think. The power in this promise from God is not just for me but for each of you as well.