Thank you
Deborah & The GRITS.com for sharing information with readers!
-The SCBC, Inc.
How did you decide to write Christian titles (fiction, non-fiction,
etc.)?
I did not ‘decide’ to write a Christian title. The first attempt at
writing this book was truly self serving. In the midst of the catharsis
of recording my life I found Christ. I realized that glorifying God was
the only way I could move forward in my life.
Do you feel that Christian books, overall, are experiencing a “rebirth”?
Yes, I do believe that God is pouring out His spirit on the faithful so
the Christian genre is becoming more encompassing and desirable.
Do you study a special Bible passage
prior to writing a book?
I read Bible passages everyday. They spur me on. There was one in
particular though that I know was the inspiration to writing my
revelation for others. It was:
Habakuk 2:2 Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain
on tablets so that a herald may run with it.
Are there Christian themes or Christian issues you want to address
through writing?
Yes. I believe that we fail to see the spiritual messages in the
Bible. We get so caught up with the physical realm we miss the point
sometimes. I want people to understand that in every interaction we
choose to be a disciple of Christ or discipline for the world. That’s
it. Make the choice in every conversational, nonverbal and intimate
situation in your life, then live and learn from the consequences.
When did you first consider yourself a writer? A Christian writer?
When I knew that my passion was Christ (after my revelation) and that I
was even better at expression my thoughts when I wrote to help others
and spread Christ’s message.
What inspired you to pen your first
project?
My supernatural experience with God.
How did you come up with the title for
your book(s)?
The title of my book came to me pretty easily. I wanted something that
would foster curiosity in those truly searching for peace.
Who or what has influenced your
writing, and in what way?
I would say everyone I have ever known. My negative experiences moved
me to write and pick through them to see what I could gain from the
examination. My positive interactions were so powerful, and I was just
so amazed at the spiritual energy in those moments I wanted to keep
them for posterity’s sake. It’s funny, you have this passion and
throughout your life people tell you it’s a gift. It comes pretty easy
so we put it aside and take it for granted for a while. We don’t
realize that all of these people are vessels of hope in times we
wonder what we actually here for. I grew up ‘underprivileged’ and
mostly the people who saw past the surface and really connected with
me are my true heroes.
A
couple of writers and books that have moved me were James Mcbride (The
Color of Water), Thich Naht Hahn (Living Buddha, Living Christ), of
course Maya Angelou and many others. Opinions about writers are so
subjective. It’s hard to pin down one in particular I gravitate to. My
reading tastes are eclectic because I am always open to experience a
good powerful book, no matter the subject.
How much of your project is
realistic? Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in
your life?
All of the experiences are real. Some are more raw than others. I used
many anecdotes about my children, marriage and youth that make the
points that we are never alone and no matter the circumstances,
completely loved.
Is there a message in your novel that
you want readers to grasp?
Ephesians 4:1-5
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of
the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be
patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep
the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body
and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were
called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
How do you feel overall about self-publishing?
I am excited about beginning the process on a personal level. You know I
really steered away from having it professionally chopped up and edited
because I wanted the testimony to be raw, uncomfortable and honest. I
also wanted my supernatural experience to come through as real and
untouched (in chapter six). There were a few days of prayer concerning
the openness but I just gave it to God. Some of those things I had never
shared with anyone. I had Jessica read the prologue after I published it
before I gave it to anyone else just so I could answer any questions she
had. I don't know where God is taking me with this book but it is an
exciting ride!! He has been so good to me I can't explain my gratitude.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of promotion for self-published
authors?
Once you’ve written a book you feel a little lost about what to do next.
I know that through prayer I have been led in the right direction by
fellow authors, friends and even strangers. It is just a day to day
effort. Thank God for people like Marlive of thegrits.com who truly love
what they do by helping people like self published authors.
What do you feel is one major benefit
to self-publishing your book?
I am able to meet people and give them a small part of my testimony
first. This way they can put a name and spirit with a face before they
read. I think it makes the reading much more interesting.
Would you encourage or mentor someone
to become self-publish?
Absolutely!
