Why do you write the kind of books you do?
Life is a journey full of twists and turns … and sometimes roadblocks and detours. Yet, there is still hope because God is in control and He has plans for our future. In both my non-fiction and fiction writing, I want to offer readers encouragement for their journey.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? Oh, so hard to choose. My wedding day would be at the top of the list. (I’d add the birth of each of my three children but that was more relief than joy since we had complications every time!) Close contenders would be the days my daughter first walked … and talked … and started reading. Everything else seems to pale in comparison.
How has being published changed your life?I’m busier than ever with promotion and marketing added to my already crazy schedule. Once published, there is no coasting! However, I’ve also found the confidence to officially say I am a writer, I am a professional, and I can somehow do this again and again.
What are you reading right now?In addition to my Bible, I’m currently reading the Brides of Bonneterre Trilogy by Kaye Dacus. Followed by the next book in my toppling to-be-read stack.
What is your current work in progress?
I’m currently brainstorming a contemporary romance featuring a burned-out Certified Nursing Assistant and a brawny handyman at a mountain lodge. Then again, I’m also toying with the story of an heiress and the manager of an estate auction company. Whichever one takes over my creative energy is the next one onto paper.
What would be your dream vacation?
Hmm. Tropical, isolated, beachfront cabana, stack of books to read, no wake-up calls. In my dreams! Real life includes a family who wants to go do stuff like amusement parks and swimming and being dragged on a tube behind a boat.
How do you choose your settings for each book?
This book is nonfiction, so doesn't apply, but for my fiction I choose settings close to where I live since the research trips are convenient. However, I try to boost tourism by showing off their highlights!
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?Sarah Palin. I’d love to learn more about her life raising a special needs child while balancing work and family.
What three things about you would surprise readers?
I used to teach high school chemistry with an Elementary Education degree/license. I live with chronic fatigue syndrome. At age 15, I won my age category in a half-marathon race.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Not that I have a lot of free time, but I enjoy catching up on the family photo album scrapbook and crocheting afghans.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome itWith three kids and a day job, finding time is my biggest obstacle. Specifically, finding time where I still have at least some creative energy left to give. In order to overcome this obstacle, I make a list of small goals for each week, squeeze tasks into the blocks of available time, and give up television. I also try to get my thoughts in order earlier in the day or while doing other things so that when I can sit down to write, the words will come quickly.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Read a lot. Write regularly (even if it’s only a page). Learn continually. Never give up.
Tell us about the book.
Making Lemonade: Parents Transforming Special Needs is a project born out of my own experiences as the parent of a child with a rare genetic syndrome (CdLS) and the desire to share what I’ve learned with other parents.
Because, when life gives you lemons, how you approach, process, and transform them makes all the difference. Especially for parents facing the sour experiences of raising children with developmental, behavioral, and/or health needs. Mirroring the steps of a recipe for making lemonade, this book covers the pucker reaction, gut-wrenching juicing process, adding the sugar of hope, watering down with life, adding other fruit (siblings), stirring, the pitcher of support, chilling, sipping, and sharing. It includes practical strategies and the stories of eight families (including mine) facing a wide variety of issues.
What do you want readers to take away from the book?
I want readers to realize that they are not alone in the journey. Their feelings are normal and there is hope for the future. In fact, one reviewer called the book “a virtual support group” and I think that says it best.
Is there anything interesting about this book that you want us to know?
Over the past four years of trying to find a publisher, I was told that my audience was too small. It was suggested that I take out (or really tone down) the God and faith element so that the information would appeal to more people. I chose not to because this book without God in it is like lemonade without sugar. Not very appealing or satisfying at all!
What one question would you like us to ask your readers?
What lemons in your life are you transforming?
Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering.
Coupon for a free ebook OR coupon for 50% off the print version (their choice)
4 comments:
There have been so many lemons in my life and with only God's help some of them have been transformed. My most recent is a hip replacement after spending 12 years immobilized from taking part in regular life. I experienced a deadly disease, but I lived. Painful hip,knee and back...I've had many surgeries, but nothing as dramatic that the hip replacement has made in my life. I'm walking again...and taking on new responsibilities in serving our Lord and Savior Jesus. I'm back in the land of action. Thanks for asking.
Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
I am surprised you were told your audience would be small. I talk to parents all the time who are searching for inspiration in books written by parent's who have and are, going through the same things they are. Congrats on your book!
Salena
srstormo at yahoo dot com
I saw this on fiction addiction fix, and couldn't believe the Lord's timing. My husband and I are raising a son with Asperger's Syndrome, who is the delight of my life, and my husband also works with the developmentally disabled in his vocation. We are immersed in both the writing world and the world of special needs, so this book looks like a God opportunity for me to partake of your experience, strength and wisdom. Thank you for having the courage to share. Lord bless you and your family!
forgot to leave my email addy
mahereenie (at) yahoo (dot) com
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