Today I’d like to welcome a fellow writer. While she doesn’t have a book out yet, I’d love to introduce you to her. 🙂
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised on the South Shore of Long Island in New York, but have spent the last forty-five years in Southeastern Colorado.
Widowed after almost thirty-nine years of marriage, mom to a daughter and a son, ‘grandma Pat’ to one granddaughter.
Spent my career in psychiatric nursing for almost forty years.
Have been a sporadic writer since I was a kid with that ‘someday I’ll be a published novelist’ dream always on the horizon.
Active in my church and currently serving as chaplain to our local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) auxiliary. Secretary to our National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) chapter.
One of the original founders of our Colorado Springs ACFW Chapter. (I even found old attendance records from our first few meetings a while back!).
Have been podcasting for the past six years on the subject of ‘finding your way out of darkness and back to light’ with my Step Into the Light interview format podcast.
Love the Lord, love my family, love people, love America!
What do you know. I’ve learned some new things about you. 🙂 When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
I can recall filling composition notebooks with stories from around the fourth grade on through high school. I couldn’t tell you today what most of them were about, but I did brave a full-length novel in junior high. My desire to work on that story was partly fueled by my schoolgirl crush on my English teacher.
Today, I write short work for our church newsletter, for occasional blogs (sometimes my own), and have been published in local publications. I have three novels in various stages of completion. The spark of my desire to write is always there, waiting to burst into flame.
I can relate to filling composition books in my high school years. What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 (RSV)
This verse is a strong reminder that no matter what is going on in my life, whether it be issues with health, finances, relationships, writing, or whatever, God is always and forever in control. It also prompts me to go to God first with my concerns and to be thankful for all He has given me and done for me. It holds the promise that, no matter how big or small our needs and sometimes our wants, God welcomes our requests and calms our fears.
When the facility where I was employed was preparing to shut down, tension ran high every day among employees and patients alike. I kept this verse handy as a constant reminder that ‘God’s got this’. It danced across my computer screen at work, graced a slip of paper in my pocket, greeted me every morning on my refrigerator door. It helped me get through that difficult time and other challenges I have faced.
As a child (and still today), my favorite all-time television show was Gunsmoke. Long into adulthood, I shared with a dear pastor friend my desire to someday meet the show’s star, James Arness. She advised me to pray about it. Although I thought the idea a bit silly, I did mention that dream in my prayers every now and again. Years later, I did meet the towering six foot six U.S. Marshal of Dodge City star in person—twice!
God hears all of our prayers!
Your words encouraged me today. When do you fit writing into your day?
I have no set schedule, something I hope to remedy in 2022. (Okay, how many January firsts have already gone by with that as my top resolution for the New Year?)
If I begin writing in the morning, it seems there is always some interruption during the day that thwarts my efforts. However, if I start writing in the evening, I find I can work for hours until well past the time when normal people are in bed. It’s a constant battle for me since I have morning exercise routines with a group that I like (and need!) to attend. Someday I’ll figure out how to write for half the night and get enough sleep too!
Finding a schedule that works for you can be difficult at times. How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing?
I strive to show how my characters draw closer to God through their trials. It is in their weaknesses that they come to see God’s strength more clearly.
All three of my current Works in Progress (WIPs) carry a strong message of forgiveness.
In my opinion, forgiveness is one of the most important aspects of living out our lives as followers of Christ. We must learn to forgive others, forgive ourselves, and sometimes, forgive God!
It sounds like you have some clear messages you wish to convey in each story. What advice would you give to new authors?
I have three pieces of advice.
First, join a critique group. Seek out others from whom you can learn, who are willing to provide an honest critique, and who will address both your strengths and your weaknesses.
Second, attend a writers’ conference. This is where a new author can interact with other authors, learn basics of the craft, obtain marketing ideas, meet face to face with editors and agents, and so much more. The pandemic isn’t over yet, so some conferences are still offering online options, and they are often cheaper than in person gatherings.
Third, never give up working toward your writing goals. EVER!!!
Come to think of it, I have four, and this is the most important of all. Pray over your work. To paraphrase Allen Arnold, learn how to create with God!
Those are all great. Thanks for sharing with us today. I pray God blesses and uses your writing in a mighty way.
