Do you have a simple childhood memory that you could never forget?
When I think back of my childhood, I think of the love of my parents and I think of what a close family we are. I see my life in pictures and in the pictures, I usually have a dress on and pigtails. Which is kind of weird cause you typically will not find me in a dress now. :)
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I can't recall my first book, I do know that once I read my first romance novel I was hooked, and I was 16 when that happened. I thought that every guy wanted to save the women in distress, BOY that is a fantasy lol. I quickly learned in adulthood that relationships are not romance novels. It was not till I met my husband in my 40's that I got a taste of a real relationship, and that takes effort and work to stay happy on both sides and yes there is romance too but I find ladies if you don't save yourself no one else will.
Who introduced you to the world of books?
My Aunt Colleen was the first person to get me hooked on books. She would read romance novels and got me hooked!
What encourage you to start writing your own story?
God encouraged me to write my story, I had been through a lot and one day i was talking to a friend and I said you know I have been through a lot of the years and I think this would help other people, she said yes absolutely you should... and that is how The Overcomer was born.
Was writing your first book a struggle? What kept you motivated?
It was not a struggle, and I had never written a book before, the pandemic hit and I heard God say you have the extra time now write it, and I would sit down and just keep writing. I stayed motivated in my excitement that I was actually writing it after waiting 6 years from the first time I said I was going to write it.
At what age did you write your first book? Did it get published?
I was in my 20's when I put together a cookbook but that has not been published, just family got a copy for Christmas.
How difficult is it to write a memoir?
I didn't find it difficult, I actually found it therapeutic to write it, I let go of more things I thought I had let go, but healing is like an onion layer by layer you get rid of the bad parts.
What keeps you going during the tough times?
I am very strong willed and I have a huge support system, so when I am in a slump I reach out to my friends and get the support and help and encourage from them. And I have a tendency to just keep going through life.
What challenges did you face while writing your memoir, The Overcomer: Facing Challenges with Faith and Courage?
My biggest challenge with the book is getting it out there and getting known. Writing for me was the easy part, letting people know who I am has been the harder part. I want to help millions of people overcome their obstacles as well, my mission is huge and I had zero experience with social media and getting the word out about the book.
What is your writing kryptonite? Inversely, what is something that never fails to inspire you?
My writing kryptonite would be praying before I sit down, and serious just put your butt in the chair in front of your computer and I promise you it will come. I get my inspiration in knowing I am doing God's work.
What's the best life lesson you've ever learned from a fictional character?
NEVER give up!
What's the one thing readers can take away from your memoir, The Overcomer: Facing Challenges with Faith and Courage?
That you are never alone, that you may feel like you're the only one going through hard times but I promise you, you are not. Reach out! It can feel very lonely when you're going through a storm but don't give up. Reach out!
In what ways do you wish to inspire and help millions of people overcome their obstacles and believe in themselves?
If I can do it anyone can do it! I grow up in a small town, I have always been the underdog, I had very little friends growing up and I kept to myself and never told my parents the struggles i was having, the bullying the low self-esteem and I want to let people know that your weight does not define you! That to never settle for anything less than the best! if someone is miss treating you, never stay in the relationship it will NOT get better. And no, it is not your fault when people lash out at you, there is something wrong with them! Not you, hurt people hurt people! You are worthy! if someone does not believe in your dream keep going, do not let them discourage you.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
I have a devotional in the works, I meditate in the morning and have gotten a lot of downloads from God so I am putting together a journal.
How long have you been associated with AllAuthor? How has your experience been?
I have been with AllAuthor's for less than a year now and I love it. They have mock-ups every week and it has been helpful to get the book out there more.
