Meet the Author Kristy Huntsman

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Well, to be honest, it's not something I ever imagined I would do. I saw a need for deep, textual study material for women. I started writing to meet that need. It still feels odd to call myself an author.

How long does it take you to write a book? 
Well, I usually spend 3-6 months studying and researching before even attempting to put anything on paper. Since we run the Finer Grounds lessons through www.comefillyourcup.com as a live study before they go into book form I get to write them one chapter per week. So it usually takes about 3 months for the writing process.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I homeschool my girls, so I have to keep a pretty strict school/study/writing schedule. I usually spend at least an hour a day studying and then if I'm writing something I try to do a few minutes each day...but, a lot of the time, I end up procrastinating on the writing part and doing it the night before it's due.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
I am addicted to office supplies:) My favorite season is back-to-school sale season at Staples. I stock up on fun pens, notebooks and whatever else I can find!

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I LOVE to study scripture! Since my books are Bible study books they come straight from God's word.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love sewing and quilting, though I don't have much time for it in this season of my life. We live on a little homestead so another of my favorite past times is just to be outside working in the garden or pruning our little orchard.

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write?
Use your gift to further the kingdom of God! It continues to astonish me how far reaching the influence of the written word can be, especially in this age of technology. Keep writing, you may never know the full impact you will have on God's kingdom until we get to heaven!

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have 2 books currently published, Sanctified: Set Apart for a Purpose (A Study of 1st and 2nd Peter) and Redeemed: Bought Back No Matter The Cost: A Study of Hosea. Right now I would probably say that Redeemed is my favorite, simply because the message of the book of Hosea has been so incredibly impacting. Studying Hosea was a real eye-opener as far as the true depth of God's love for His imperfect people.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
This is a hard one because I still don't consider myself to be a fantastic writer. I would say that the biggest thing that has helped me is focus, continually asking myself what my purpose is and constantly reminding myself that I am doing this in service to God. This helps me always want to put forth my best effort.

What do you like to read? 
I love a good mystery or any of the classics. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite (other than the Bible obviously), mostly because I am married to Mr. Darcy:) I don't have much time for casual reading anymore though, if I pick up a book it is usually either a homeschool book or a Greek Lexicon.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Well, when I was in second grade I desperately wanted to be an entomologist (scientist who studies bugs). My father informed me that this wasn't a very practical career choice...so I became a musician instead.

Fun fact.
I have two music degrees: a Bachelor's in oboe performance and a Master's in conducting. Before I had children I was a professor at a small college in Pennsylvania. This is the first time since I was 16 that I haven't been teaching music in some capacity, which is really strange. I still try to use my musical talents to serve in the Kingdom when I can.

Meet the Author Dorothy Drulman

By: Susan Elliott

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
It never occurred to me that I had a talent for writing. I taught mostly twelfth grade in the public schools,and it seemed I never had time to write because I was always marking essays. When I retired, I took a camping trip to Colorado with my first husband (deceased). I kept a journal for my elderly mother about our trips. Her remarks about my ability to describe made me think I might be able to write a story.

How long does it take you to write a book?
It took two years to write Wago because it was a new thing for me. It took about three months to write Norman. I knew the subject very well and the background for that story was my childhood playground. The Bankhead National Forest.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I write best when I am in woods, sitting on pine needles or a log, floating in a canoe, or just looking out the RV window. I am retired so my conflict is my social life. It really does get in the way sometimes.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
All I have to do to write is sit down, put the keypad in my lap, and the words roll all over the page. Sometimes I am surprised at what I have written when I read it. Sometimes that is good; other times a bit of editing is required.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I state my objective at the beginning and then the story just rolls. I have found the notebook thing to be very helpful. When I get to a snag, I just pull that little book out and look at the ideas I have jotted down on the way to Walmart or wherever and see what's going to propel the story forward.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to travel, anywhere, but I am mostly interested in people. Third World Countries are a great source for gaining such insight. It makes me realize how very much alike we all are and how similar poor people anywhere are very much like the people I grew up around who were poor but didn't know it.

What would you tell other Christian woman who want to write?
Everybody has a story. Write on it everyday until you are finished. No excuses.

How may books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written three books: Wago, Norman, and Creagh. Norman is my favorite because it is more personal than the other two. I had different goals for each book. In Wago, I spend a little time teaching about nature. In Norman, I wanted to explore the adventure that can be had in a forest. In Creagh,I wanted to have a heroine that could equal the strength of a hero in character and resolve.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Everybody is different. My suggestion is similar to teaching one to learn. I always told my students that they had to search for how they learn best if they wanted to be an outstanding student. For, example, I learn best by repetition, chewing small bits of information over a long period of time. That bores some people to distraction. The same is true for writing, you have to for a self evaluation. If the drive is there, you will find it.

What do you like to read?
I like the older classics and biographies. I still go back to my favorites now and then and reread them. There is always something new to be discovered, similar to reading and rereading the Bible. I don't think there is a better odyssey than Rudyard Kipling's Kim.  I know the original The Odyssey and Mark Twain's trip down the The Odyssey are favored by the masses, but if you find such a love in a book, you have arrived!

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
There were few options when I grew up. The choices were being a nurse, a teacher, or a secretary. I was terrible at transcribing letters. I didn't like sticking needles in people, so I became a teacher.

Fun Fact.
I like to write journals about observations I make of situations. I like to keep photo albums of my nine grandchildren. I have made three for each so that makes 27. I try retire them when they are age 16. I like to take trips to places I haven't been before. 

Meet the Author Kay Talley

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Meet Kay Talley Author of Beyond the Rain, Living Triumphantly in Grief.
 
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
I can’t remember not being passionate about writing and have always dreamed of someday having a book published. I have written many articles for various Christian publications, but this is my first book.

How long does it take you to write a book? 
This is my first book, and since it is a journal, the time to write would be different from writing some other kind of book.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? 
I am employed full time and help take care of my aged mother so my writing work schedule is no schedule at all. Grab it when I can.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? 
Listening to Christian music

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I get most of my ideas from my own experiences and listening to Christian music.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
I love being with my children and their families I really enjoy reading, gardening, and long predawn walks, my favorite time with God.

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write? 
It takes a lot of courage and determination as well as encouragement from friends.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? 
This is my first book. It might always be my favorite since it has given me a great sense of accomplishment, as well as how God blessed me through very dark days.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?  If so, what are they? 
Join writing clubs, read a lot, enter contests and learn all you can from other authors.

What do you like to read? 
Christian novels, (Francine Rivers and Karen Witemeyer) I also like the writings of  Lisa TerKeurst. Another one, though not a female writer, is Thomas Williams.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 
For as long as I remember, I dreamed of being a preacher’s wife, and doing mission work in Russia. I am so blessed to have experienced both.

Fun fact. 
I like a challenge, and often take it on.

Meet The Author Dr. Wyveta Kirk

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Wyveta Kirck to the Church of Christ Women Authors Blog! She has an incredible story that I think you will find a compelling read. Make sure to check out her books!

Susan

Meet the Author Dr. Wyveta Kirk

When did you decide you wanted to be an author? 
Years ago in college, I made an A in creative writing, and I think that instilled a desire to write. After my first submission to Christian Bible Teacher was published, I was hooked. I wrote for them until they stopped publishing. Later I began writing for Christian Woman Magazine, and have done so off and on for about ten years. While teaching university students, I published in professional journals, a requirement for promotions and wrote the text book for a class I taught.

Last year I had heart surgery that did not go well. I awoke on the operating table screaming with pain. Throughout the night, my husband and doctor feared I was dying. Four weeks later, I developed large blood clots in both lungs. The physicians quarantined me for five months and prescribed steroids which do not let you sleep. I went to bed at 9:00 each evening and was up at midnight until nine the following evening.  That’s when I began to take writing seriously. I couldn’t leave the house or let others visit so I decided to write what I had learned in my school work, experience counseling couples, and what God’s Word says about marriage. What else could I do to be quiet and not interrupt my husband’s sleep and still work for the Lord? The result was Women Talk Men Walk (Have the marriage you crave: God tells how, hormones explain why).

Once this book was completed, I sent query letters to 15 agents and received a rejection slip from eight, five never responded, and two answered with a request to read the manuscript. I quickly eliminated one agent, and the remaining one taught me a lot. He said the major thing a publisher wanted was a solid marketing plan. He explained that publishers used to do extensive marketing for you, but now there are too many authors. He said that publishers help a little for four to six months and then some new author replaces you. Meanwhile, I worked to meet the agent’s requirement of describing the book in one sentence, in three sentences, in a long paragraph, and a focused marketing plan. He asked for 15% of sales and 12 months to find a publisher and another year and half for the publisher to turn my words into print and 45% of sales.  After the heart trauma I had experienced, I wasn’t sure I had three years to live. I just could not sign his contract. Besides, if I was required to do all the marketing, why would I pay an agent and publisher more than I would make?

I then contacted a publisher who prints books written by members of the church of Christ but they also required 18 months. After all my time writing, I wanted to ensure that I saw it in print. I thanked them for their interest and spend the next few weeks researching how to self-publish so my book was not only listed by Amazon but was available through Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million. Since then all my books are self-published, and I have not regretted this decision.

I advertise Women Talk Men Walk at my book promotions by posting:  “When you say, Honey, we need to talk,” does your husband say, “Oh, good. I’ve been dying to talk too?”  If not, you need to read Women Talk Men Walk.

How long does it take you to write a book?  
My writing of Women Talk Men Walk took about ten months. I contacted a book club to learn whom they recommended to edit their books. The woman they suggested was available, and I emailed her a copy while I hunted someone to do my cover. I Googled book cover design awards and the winning covers that I found especially attractive were by a woman in Sydney, Australia. I spent the next two weeks trying to locate her and was thrilled when she agreed to do my cover.

While waiting on the editor to finish, I wrote a short Christian novella called Little Rock Secret about a politician whose wife dies and the struggles his second wife faces as she tries to compete as a less noted wife of a politician.  I found I enjoyed writing fiction. After the stress of writing nonfiction, it was fun to be able to let the main characters be good one time and bad the next.

I immediately wrote another fiction, called Ashamed, about young, single twin daughters of a minister. When one became pregnant, the struggles she encountered caused her sister serious distress and her hurt turned to anger to rage to revenge. It’s how she finally resolved her sinfulness. This book took me approximately five weeks to write.


About six months ago, I met a woman on Facebook who posted that she had two to four months to live, was a member of church of Christ, and was terrified of dying and meeting the Lord. When I told her I would pray for her, she asked if I thought she needed to be baptized again. Answering that, she asked another and another question. This continued until she died. Upon her death, I realized how dramatically my faith had grown and especially how my prayer life had changed. I decided to put her questions and my changes in a book, thinking another might be facing the same fear of death. This book has been out three weeks, and is called, God Wants to Say YES.

What do you do when you are not writing?  
Travel with my husband. My prayers during our recent trip to the Holy Land is covered in chapter one of God Wants to Say YES.  In it, I admit praying about things I would not have considered had I not met the dying woman on Facebook.

What do you like to do other than writing? 
I LOVE doing retreats and programs for churches. It is my passion. I am doing one for Las Vegas church of Christ October 23 and 24.  My topics are:   anger management, marriage, and parenting in that order. I will tie these topics together in each session because who do we become the most upset with?  Our husbands and kids.  So I cover how to manage anger, how to avoid doing the things that cause our husbands the most hurt, and what helps ensure our children feel loved and remain faithful to the Lord.  My parenting seminar is based on extensive research I did with multiple grandmothers, mothers, and children of the same families in three states to learn how often mothers model their mothers parenting styles or how they change the way they parent and why.  My husband travels with me and does the set up and advance preparations for my programs.

Which if your favorite book?
God Wants to Say YES has changed me so very much, I would have to say it is my favorite, but Women Talk Men Walk seems to get me more programs to conduct, which I like.  However, writing fiction is fun. Nonfiction references and research need to be perfect, and that requires hours of study while fiction is just a flow of words on the screen with no way to be wrong.

What would you tell others who want to write?
(1) Write what you know and have experienced. Put some of yourself into your stories.  If doing nonfiction, do quality research and be accurate.

(2) Find an editor – always!  Editors are expensive but worth every dollar. If readers find that your grammar reeks of errors, you need not bother writing another. I am blessed with a husband who reads my rough drafts before I send then to an editor. Then he reads the proof copy before I give the okay to print, and we still find errors in the proof copy after all the editing.

(3) Definitely buy your own ISBN numbers to ensure your book is listed in the government’s Books in Print and to ensure there is never a question of who owns your work. I have read of lawsuits over publishers owning the book while authors own only the words on their paper. I have a friend who cannot use the same words any other paper bound pages. That’s a huge blunder after all her hours of writing. For a couple of hundred dollars she could own it all.  It is cheaper to buy 10 numbers if you plan to write more than two books or if you plan on having a print copy and an e-copy of the same title. You must have a different number for each. Self-publishers will supply you a free ISBN, but why take that risk? Someday you may want to take it from them and go with another and you want to ensure you can.

(4) Consider self-publishing and make Google your best friend. You can find any information you need through them. I learned a lot from the agent but used Goggle to learn how to self-publish and to find help I needed.

(5) Before you are ready to download your manuscript for print, read, read, read the requirements so you aren’t frustrated and eventually give up. They demand very specific margins and type, etc. and must be followed, but it is all detailed on their websites.

(6) Above all, decide to whom you plan to sell, and how. When you write, you are the salesperson of your finished product. How will others know you have a book? After your mother, who will pay for a copy?

As a child, what did you plan to be when you grew up?
I was definitely going to be a cowgirl. I guess I saw too many Roy Roger movies. My heroine was Dale Evans, but I quickly learned there is no longer a demand for cowgirls. Besides I don’t know how to ride a horse. So I became a professional student and eventually taught college, a licensed psychologist and did counseling, had a seminar company, and I retired to care for my mother as she was dying.  Now I spend some time writing Monday through Friday when we aren’t traveling. Saturday is hubby and wife fun day, and without fail, Sunday is time for worshiping the Lord with others.

I expect to have a children’s book by Christmas about Santa, an elf, and a puppy. The theme is keeping promises. My illustrator is a young girl from Italy who does beautiful drawings, another discovered helper on Goggle. Once it is published, my next book is for older children that I call Turn the Other Cheek. The rough draft of my managing anger book should be polished for publication in February or March.  I want it dated 2016 so it can wait. I welcome creative ideas for titles for the anger book. Usually I know the title when I begin writing, but not for this one.

Meet the Author Tammy S. Knox

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Welcome Author Tammy S. Knox! 

I always love getting to know authors better. Now, here's your chance. Spend a few minutes getting to know Tammy, and don't forget to read  more about her book Trapped on The Titanic. It's available on Amazon in print and Ebook. If you have a Kindle unlimited account, it's also free! So, check it out today.

Susan



Meet the Author Tammy S. Knox

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I first decided that I wanted to be an author when I was 13. In fact, that is when I first began writing part of my book, Trapped on the Titanic.  I worked on it off and on and as kids do, lost interest, then renewed my interested in my story in 1995 after seeing the traveling Titanic exhibit.  I worked on my story again off and on mainly as a hobby, never really believing that I could get it published. It wasn't till 2011, when my father told me about an article on self publishing, that I really finished my story that I had started so long ago.  It was perfect timing, as my story deals with the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic which occurred in 2012.  With the help of my husband (he inserted photos and helped design my cover) and our two oldest daughters (they were the models for the main characters of the book), we were able to self publish before April 2012.

How long does it take you to write a book?
Well, the first book took a long time. I am currently working on other fiction books and a Bible workbook as well.  It is hard to say how long it will take me to finish, because I homeschool our two oldest daughters and in 2012 we were surprised and blessed with a third daughter.  She keeps me wonderfully busy.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
When I finally get a chance to sit down and write, it is normally after everyone is in bed.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
I have an old sweatshirt that I wear a lot when I write in the cooler months.  It is frayed around the neck, wrist bands, and waist from where I have pulled at strings and twisted them into knots.  If I am not wearing that sweatshirt I will twiddle my hair while I think.  Sounds silly but it helps me think.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Many of my ideas come from some of my own experiences or experiences of my girls.  I base a lot of my characters and their traits on myself and my family.  Since I write historical fiction, I use many sources to check facts.  I love old history books and the internet is a very valuable tool as well.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
When I am not writing, I am busy being a stay at home mommy.  I also enjoy traveling with my family, sewing, making crafts, decorating cakes and gardening.

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write? 
When I have met other Christian women who want to write or are in the process of writing, I always encourage them to research self publishing.  Self publishing has made it easy and affordable for anyone who wants to write.  You have to do your own marketing of yourself, which can be a challenge, but can also have many rewards.  I contacted the Titanic Museum Attractions in both Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN and they are regular carriers of my book plus I have had many book signings at both places.

What do you like to read?
I love reading mystery stories, ghost stories, historical fiction, history books, and children's books. Some of my favorite authors and books are Sir Arthur Connan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes), Agatha Christie, Mary Stewart, Anne Perry, Betty Ren Wright, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, Lewis Carroll, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Robert McCloskey (the Homer Price books), and so many others.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
As a child I wanted to be an author, a detective, an astronaut, an Air Force pilot, and a mommy.  I am a mommy, a preacher's wife, and now an author.  I don't think there is any hope anymore of me becoming an Air Force pilot or astronaut. ;) 

Meet the Author Leah Hopkins

Welcome Author Leah Hopkins to Church of Christ Women Authors. I hope you will spend a few minutes reading about her and getting to know her. Leah is the author of The Glam Girl's Guide to Sex and Dash the Racecar.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have enjoyed writing for years but a pivotal moment for me was New Years Eve 2011, after I had been studying for a couple of months to further certify myself in the medical field and realized that I was so much more passionate about writing and in particular writing for young ladies.  My husband and I talked about it and he set me loose to start.  I finished "The G.L.A.M. Girl's Guide to Sex" 6 months later.

How long does it take you to write a book?
Well, first book took me 6 months, 2nd book was a children's book called "Dash the Racecar" and the writing was done within a few hours but the artwork took a couple of months.  That being said, I have been planning a sequel to GLAM since I released it & life has gotten in the way.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Work schedule...haha.  Really, I am starting to figure out how to carve out some personal writing time because I stay so busy with all the other projects we have that I fall to the back. Justin told me to write for at least 30 minutes a day.  I am trying to do that...but I don't everyday. =/

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
I need to have complete silence when I am writing.  ANY noise & I completely get thrown off.  Maybe that is why I am so late with writing sequels...  I have small children and a husband that must work with noise. =p

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My ideas just come from subjects I am passionate about. They are not just for young ladies, in fact, I have a long list of different books I would love to write.  I guess we will see....

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I enjoy spending time with my family.  Playing with the boys, going on a date with my hubby.  I also enjoy cooking, reading, and looking at real estate and blue prints.

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write?
My advice is to spend time in prayer and studying God's Word, and not only if you are writing a religious book.  I also think that if there is some way in which you can use your passion and skills to spread the Gospel in some way, you should.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written two books unless you count all the writing I have done for the Compass Bible class curriculum...then a whole lot more.  My favorite is G.L.A.M.  In fact, I am working on a G.L.A.M. devotional journal right now to go along with the series.

What do you like to read? 
I like to read a variety of different genres.  I find myself drawn to some of the period historical fictions like what Jill Eileen Smith has put together (not a 1st century Christian).  It helps me put the humanity on the people I read about in the Bible.  To really see them in their possible daily struggles.  I don't know of any of these books that are written by Christians though.. I am not sure if I would be able to tackle something like this or not...

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I bounced around from nurse to actress.  When I started college I went from Pre-Med to Architecture before going to SWSBS.  =)

Fun Fact...hmmm.  I used to barrel race when I was a teenager & I love boxer dogs.

Meet the Author Emily Hopkins

Meet the Author Emily Hopkins!

Emily is the author and illustrator of The Best Place To Lay An Egg,  and has also worked as an illustrator for Dash the Racecar: In The Race of a Lifetime and Alphabear.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?  
I don't suppose that I dreamed of becoming a published author, but through out school a creative writing assignment always seemed like a treat to me and in jr high I discovered how much I enjoyed putting my imagination down on paper.

How long does it take you to write a book? 
That depends largely on the book. Children's stories are often told as much by the illustrations as the the words and so those don't take as long to write. Some of my longer stories took months just for the rough draft.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? 
I have to fit it into my regular schedule since children and animals won't wait.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? 
I like to let my mind roll over ideas, subjects and phrases while I'm doing manual labor (weeding the garden, or cleaning stalls are great for deep thinking).

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? 
I love the word of the Lord and often His lessons are keenly illustrated to me by the things that happen on our farm. The uniqueness of each one of His creatures is amazing and sometimes amusing.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
My husband and I thoroughly enjoy living in the country and raising our children on a farm.

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write? 
It's a blessing to see a profit for your efforts, but first write because you enjoy it.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? 
I've scribbled out many stories, but I've only published one (a very serious tale about chickens and their various trials).

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they? 
Write like you talk. If you're not one to use big words or figures of speech then don't write like that. Short sentences are OK if that's you.

What do you like to read? 
Just about anything.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 
I'm still trying to decide.

Fun fact. 
My family participates in reenactments where were dress and live like the 1800's settlers to teach school kids what it was like. 

Meet the Author Cynthia Evans

Meet the Author Cynthia Evans

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I decided to be a writer when y daughter left home and went to college. That was in 2006. This gave me time to concentrate on my writing.

How long does it take you to write a book?
It takes me about a year to write a book. I have to set aside time to write.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I must write in the mornings. I have my freshest ideas in the morning. I spend about 30  minutes to an hour writing. Most of the time I can get on a roll.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
I'm not sure if this is a quirk, but I read the book out load to myself while I'm writing. It's strange to someone else [who] happens to overhear me.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I get my ideas from listening to people and their concerns. I believe that everything that we face in our Christian lives is covered in the Bible. I use only scripture for my books.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
A few years ago my daughter and I started a ladies ministry called, "Titus 2 Project." We bring older and younger ladies together in seminars to discuss today's issues using the word of God. The ages for our seminars range from 13 years to 80 years old.

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write?
Please do so and step out on faith. We need more Church of Christ sisters sharing the word of God to others.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written two books. I can's say which one is my favorite. I find pleasure in both. You and God: The Parenting Partnership is my first book.  The first one is always special. My hope and prayer is that it will help parents [with] biblical help.

The Ultimate Family Reunion is very personal to me because it accounts of my earthly Powers family reunion to our spiritual reunion. It's personal because I want my earthly family members to be a part of the heavenly family reunion.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Listen...listen to the spirit within you guiding you in what you need to write. Listen to what others around you are talking about. Do NOT listen to negative feedback from people that don't think you can do it. I am very selective in people that I tell about the books I'm writing.

What do you like to read?
I read the Bible and blog information on the subjects I'm covering. I'm selective on the sermons, blogs and other writings I use.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I love to travel. I wish I could have a job where I was paid to travel.


What are your tips for ignoring negativity when writing?

Meet the Author: Barbara Barnes

Meet the Author Barbara Barnes:

"Barbara lives in Florida. She is a member of the Pleasant Grove church of Christ in Inverness, Florida. Barbara has been on five missionary trips; she has traveled to Ghana, West Africa four times and hopes to return again. She helps with teaching grades three through fifth on Sunday mornings and Ladies Class on Wednesday night. She has been a speaker for Ladies Day and enjoys being a part of church activities. Barbara has been active in the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program. This is Barbara’s first book but another one is in the works. Barbara is a veteran of the Air Force. She loves teaching and writing. Barbara is the mother of 2 children and lives close to her daughter Jennifer and grandchildren. You can contact her at barnesbj@yahoo.com."  (Westbow Press)


From Church of Christ Women Authors

I spent several days with Ms. Barbara at Polishing the Pulpit in 2015. She was a pleasure to be around, and I have loved getting to know her.

Check out her first book: A Lady's Pocketbook Ministry.


Have you read her first book?

A Lady's Pocketbook Ministry by Barbara Barnes

About A Lady's Pocketbook Ministry :

The inspiration for this book came from the love my grandmother had for God and for me. She showed her love in many ways that helped my growth in God's Word. My grandmother, Annie Lewis, always carried her purse and Bible everywhere. This study takes the items you carry in your pocketbook every day and gives them a spiritual application. Hopefully, this study will help you grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. All is to the glory of God.

Barbara J. Barnes book can also be purchased at Amazon , Barnes & Noble, and Westbowpress.com.



What lessons can you learn from your purse?

Local Meet the Author Event and Book Signing at Polishing the Pulpit, 2015

What a beautiful morning! I don't normally wake as the sun comes up, because I am a night owl. But, this morning the sun was calling my name.

I have to admit that the view from our balcony was also begging me to come work outside. It's so nice and secluded. This morning I hear frogs, birds, and crickets singing. LOVE IT!

Today is another day at Polishing the Pulpit in Sevierville, TN. I am happy to report that I made a few more author contacts yesterday, so aside from book posts from some of your already favorite authors, there will be many new authors and books in the coming weeks.

Polishing the Pulpit is such a blessing to me. I've already gotten to speak to several people I haven't seen in years, and I'm getting to know new people!

If you want to swing by and meet me, I will be in and out of the vendor room. I have a table in the back. There is a large hand-painted story tree sign at my table. (Next one will be hand-painted on canvas!)

Please make sure you stop by. I have all of my books and would love for you to take a look at them. I would also be happy to sign them for you. So, if you purchase one, make sure to track me down.

I am planning a book signing for August 24, 2015 at 2:30 at PTP in front of the fireplace.

Also, Brother Mosher's book, The Book God "Breathed" is available, but the copies are limited. So, I'd get there fast if you want one.

There are also several other book vendors who have many of the Church of Christ Women Authors' Books in stock.

If you're at Polishing the Pulpit and want to know more about Church of Christ Women Authors there is a pamphlet on the table. I will also be glad to answer any questions you may have.

I hope to see you there! And if you're not in the area, maybe I'll catch you down the road!

Have a beautiful day!


"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." --Psalm 118:24


What are some of your favorite things to do in the morning?

Meet the Author Heather Pryor

About Heather Pryor:

Heather and her husband are business owners and together they run company Pryor Convictions Media. Pryor Convictions Media can also be found on Facebook under the name Pryor Convictions Media.

She has written several books: Available on Amazon, H&C Religious Supplies, Chula Vista Book Store and through the Pryor Convictions Media Website. 

Heather Pryor Books:

Hearts-at-Home Cookbook

Heart to Heart: Devotional Thoughts for Women

Heart to Heart: Devotional Thoughts for Women, Volume II

Purer in Heart

Stories from Genesis (illustrated by Heather)

Bible Curriculum:
Genesis: Bible Curriculum (Growing Up In God's Word) (Volume 1)
Exodus (Growing Up in God's Word) ,
Numbers (Growing Up in God's Word)
Proverbs
Life of Christ: Children's Bible Curriculum (Growing in God's Word)
Life of Christ, Pt. 2 (Growing Up in God's Word)
Acts, Part 1 (Growing Up in God's Word)
Acts, Part 2 (Growing Up in God's Word)

Heather is also a blogger and writes posts in the Women's Corner on their website.

In depth with Heather Pryor:

• I honestly don't think there was ever a moment when I decided to be a writer, but rather, I kind of eased into it and was also coaxed into it by my husband and others. About 15 years ago, I began by writing and publishing a ladies bulletin once a month for the ladies in my local congregation. They loved the articles and I received great feedback. After 12 years, my husband encouraged me to compile the articles into a book and self-publish - so I did! That led to a second volume being published and articles being published in Christian Woman magazine. I have home-schooled my three children for the last 20 years and as I was nearing the end of that journey, my husband encouraged me to start writing Bible curriculum to help families (home-schooling or otherwise) teach their children the Bible at home. I didn't feel confident about this at all, but my husband wanted me to do it and absolutely felt that I could so I gave it a try - I loved it! I learn so much as I study the Bible in preparation to write those books and I picture children learning and growing in God's Word as they use the books and it really excites me and spurs me on as I write. 

• The time it takes me to write a book varies. Sometimes I have major writer's block and just get stuck. Other times, I can't type the words fast enough! So far, the longest it has taken me to write a book was close to two years and that was for the purity study. It just took me awhile for it to "feel right" and be satisfied with putting it out there for everyone. The shortest time it has taken me was one month to write the Exodus Bible curriculum.(And that record may never be broken!) The content just flowed, and it was quick to produce. 

• Ironically, my work schedule is basically a non-schedule, and I am a very schedule-oriented person! The problem is that I work at home and life gets in the way of writing very often. To discipline myself, I try to set a deadline and that helps me stick to scheduled writing. I like to write in the afternoons after all of my "domestic goddess jobs" are out of the way and I can fully concentrate on writing. If my thoughts are flowing well, I usually get a good amount of work done, but if it's a day where I'm stumbling around with writer's block, I find it beneficial to just walk away from it and do something else. Then I try to pick up with it the next day and that usually gets me moving again. 

• I can't think of any writing quirks. I'm a boring, sit-at-my-desk-and-type author. :)

• Most of the inspiration for what I write comes from life experiences and observations. Living life gives one plenty of material to write about! 

• When I'm not writing, I love to putter around my house and bake, make homemade soaps, decorate cakes, bake some more, and curl up with a good classic literature novel while sipping a hot cup of Earl Grey tea out of my Old Country Roses china teacup (while listening to classical music in the background). 

• I would tell other Christian women who wish to write to not be afraid. Try! You'll never know what potential you have if you don't make an effort. Whatever genre you choose, keep it God-glorifying, truthful and kind and you can't go wrong. 

• I have currently written 13 books. My favorite is probably the purity study titled Purer in Heart. I struggled the most with it and prayed about it the most, but I have seen the blessing of it being utilized by so many and I am so encouraged and uplifted by that. 

• Read, read, read! Good writers read a lot and it is very beneficial in terms of style, vocabulary, and more. Enlist others to read your writing and offer honest feedback. Be open to criticism and willing to learn and grow from it. 

• I absolutely love to read classic literature! I like to be challenged by those types of books, and I always feel after finishing a classic book that I have just feasted on a 9 course meal instead of a fast food meal. It is very satisfying. And of course, I love to read the word of God and grow in it. 

• When I was a little girl, my dream was to grow up and be a wife and mommy. That is honestly what I wanted more than anything, and God has blessed me so richly in making me a preacher's wife to a wonderful husband of 27 years, and mother to three beautiful children that I was privileged to home-school. 

• For a fun fact...my husband and I can have a 15 minute conversation using only quotations from Charles Dickens and/or Jane Austen novels! :)