Angela runs the blog, The Diligent Woman. Her blog is full of interesting articles, information about essential oils--one of my favorite things, and much more.
She is releasing her newest book, in April 2017!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I had a flair for writing in high school, but I also knew I didn't have the patience to write novels. I want to get what is in my head on paper and into the hands of an audience quickly! Writing Bible class material is a natural fit for me. Even as a teenager, I would teach bible classes based on my own outline of the Bible story to be covered rather than using printed material. So it was a natural thing when I found there was a lack of serious study material for young women.
How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends upon the book. "To Be a Handmaid of the Lord" took three months to write once I set down to put it in book form. I've been working on a study on prayer for almost a year, but I've only been thinking about it and jotting things down. Once the thoughts are together it should not take long for it to come together. I am results driven, so once I put down the plow in the field I want to finish the job quickly.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I am a stay at home, home schooling mom to five daughters - so time to write (or think) can be hard to find. When I am fleshing out an idea or an outline, I'm not very organized in my time. When the thoughts come more organically they come together better for me. Once I have a plan in place, then I can create a schedule and focus on one aspect of the material at time until it is completed. For trying to work writing into my day, I get up early and have "office" hours for four hours until after the girls have all had breakfast. Then I move back into the house and organize chores and school. If possible, I come back to my office after lunch when the youngest ones are napping and get more done then.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
I really do not know! When it is time for me to get something written, I just start putting it together until I run out of things to add for the moment. I go back and re-read what I wrote and keep going in the next session.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
As my material is all Bible study material - I use the Bible as its own commentary. The ideas to start come from conversations with others, especially with our girls. I also take note of topics that seem to not have books written for them, or specific demographics that seem to be missing a focus of study that applies directly to them. I believe firmly that the Bible holds the answers for all people in all situations, we just have to read it to see them.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love to read. My mother only ever once grounded me - from books - because I wasn't getting my chores done for all the reading I was doing. Books are friends. I am picky about which ones I read and tend to read the same ones over and over again. I have a large library. A book in my hand represents so much - the time and effort of the author, the publisher, the distributor, etc. Even if you only spent $5 on that book - that book holds TREASURE. Thought, wisdom, humor, instruction. The Bible is the ultimate, but books are a true doorway to growth that you get from no other medium. I also love to watch movies - old movies with Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, or Myrna Loy are my favorite types. Our family loves to vacation together, even if it is a stay at home vacation. Being with them, exploring the world around us is one of my favorite past times.
What would you tell other Christian women who want to write?
Write! The world does not have enough of truth in the books they read or study today. Fiction or non-fiction, they are written to tickle itching ears instead of build foundations for truth. If you have the gift of the pen and words, use it bring glory to the Lord.
How many books have you written?
I have published two books. Two others are planned for later this year.
Which is your favorite? "To Be a Handmaid of the Lord" is my favorite. It speaks so much to the things I needed to hear and understand when I was younger and need to be reminded of now. Those who have used it are touched to learn how much God loves them and has provided for them. I love that it brings women to have more confidence to go out there and serve as God would have them to do.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
The best things I've ever been told is "write, and keep writing". You will only improve by doing it again and again. And if you NEVER write it down, then those things are not going to do anyone any good. Get them out of your head, on to paper, and pray to the Lord that you do so in a way that brings glory to Him always.
What do you like to read?
Historical fiction mainly. "The Lord of the Rings" is one of my favorites, and even though it is considered fantasy, to me it reads as historical fiction. These people, in these times, and what they did about the evil among them. Another favorite is "Gone with the Wind". Being a woman more like Scarlett and less like Melanie, it is an excellent worldly proof of how the truly strong woman is the one who has that "meek and quiet spirit", as God showed as truth in Bible. The Anne of Green Gables series is another favorite. Classical literature has so much more depth to it than modern story-telling often does, so I tend more towards older writers.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher and a mother. As a home schooling mom I got to be both!
Fun fact.
I am not a big sports fan. I AM a big fan of my man - so for his sake I am a New York Mets fan-wife. We even have a daughter named after Shea Stadium.
Available Books:
A Diligent Woman's Prayer Journal
To Be a Handmaid of the Lord
To Be a Handmaid of the Lord (Reproducible)
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