Y’all I’ve been on a hiatus. My office, manuscripts, article ideas are collecting dust since June because things around here got a little crazy. In essence I hit the reset button essentially in every area of my life.
Work – axed it
Speaking – limiting dates
God- seeking him relentlessly
Full time mom – embracing it
Writing – surrendered it
Reading – devouring books and getting sun burnt in the process. đŸ™‚
My friend Lori Wildenberg knows exactly what I’m talking about. Writing and motherhood go hand in hand for the both of us but sometimes during certain seasons, one becomes a priority over the other. I got a sneak peek at her books right when we need things around here needed to change in order for ME to be more present with the kids.
Lori has 4 newly published projects,two were just released the end of July and the two more are being released the beginning of September! Her four books are based on the 15 qualities of love in 1st Corinthians 13 which I love. How often do you find a parenting book that not only deals with the behavior but also gives you grace and practical insight to go after your child’s heart?
While working on this series, Lori and her ministry partner also co-founded 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting. Their team is made up of moms and dads who are experts in their field (faith, family, parenting, education, adoption, single parenting, special needs, marriage, and more) Check it out. They also have a parenting blog you can subscribe to and a Facebook ministry page for parents.
Lori tagged me in this blog tour and asked me a few questions about my writing / mom life. So here we go.
What are you working on now?
I just finished a book for teen moms and a companion guide for mentors, I’ve been praying my agent will find the right home for it and have been working on my Teen Mom site: Detour2Motherhood.com (Under Construction). And I just got the first round of edits back on a manuscript that is near and dear to my heart–it will equip and empower moms to fight their child’s faith, I can’t wait to dish.
How does your work differ from others in it’s genre?
I think my first book Mama Needs a Time Out says it all. Besides being a devotion for moms, it teaches 42 attributes and names of God that apply to a mom’s wild and chaotic day. I also draw on other life experiences such as being a mom to kids with special needs, being a teen mom, and seeing my home, neighborhood and blog as my mission field to point each woman back to God. Sometimes my posts are raw, but full of authenticity where other woman say, “Me too.” And it truly enriches my life when I know my words are reaching a woman’s heart.
Why do you write what you do?
I write because it’s like breathing. It’s the very gift God has given me where I pour myself out for him. I still remember what it’s like to be searching for my purpose, to wonder if I’m lovable or good enough. It’s those very questions I draw on to point each woman to God.
How does your writing process work?
Ha. LOL. I’m sorry I have to laugh. My writing process consists of an idea that consumes my heart and then it’s all I think about, I doodle about it, write out thoughts and scribble out bits and pieces during my domestic daily duties and kids. Once my kids are occupied or in bed, I go over what I’ve written and fine tune it.
When More Is Not Enough
Now I want to introduce you to a good friend whose writing, faith, parenting, and words are inspiring. Amy L. Sullivan is getting ready to release a new book in a couple of weeks that I SO want you to read. Her book When More Is Not Enough will release in just two weeks.
If you’re looking for a tangible way to help your kids less self-centered and more servant minded–this book is for you. I love Amy’s ideas and wisdom–I know you will too.
