Interview: Author and Prayer-Warrior, Cherie Hill

I remember running across Cherie's blog a couple years ago. She was a kindred spirit. Her insightful articles about the truths of God's Word had me returning to her blog every time she posted. Her commitment to praying for me convinced me that she took her ministry seriously. Today I have the privilege of hosting author and prayer-warrior, Cherie Hill! Join me in welcoming her!
  

Maria: Welcome to Life Lessons, Cherie! Tell us a bit about yourself:

Cherie: Thank you for this opportunity Maria! I love how Life Lessons connects us with others in the world working to fulfill God’s purposes in their lives! It encourages me greatly!

There’s an old me, that lived by the flesh, longing for what only the world gives, and there’s the “new” me that lives on Living Water alone, after meeting Jesus at the well. But some things don’t change even through that encounter:  I’m a homeschooling mom of two boys, wife, and most importantly, devoted servant to the Lord. 

My favorite times are those when I get one on one with God in the great outdoors, so I’m thrilled beyond belief that our family is currently in the process of moving to Colorado! My joy is helping others to hear God’ voice, through His Word, via my ministry ScriptureNow.com

Maria: Congratulations on your upcoming move! How did you get started as a writer?

Cherie: I can honestly say that I’ve never aspired to be a writer. I’m having a hard time convincing myself that I am one! LOL 

Truly, literally it started in the wee morning hours as I sought the Lord in the depths of emptiness. I met Jesus at the well when my life had been emptied and there was nothing left. It was there that He offered me Living Water and I began to be filled with His Truth. I’d been believing lies for far too long―He refreshed and renewed my soul and then asked me to step out in faith and begin a ministry called “ScriptureNow.”

The purpose is simple: connect people around the world with God’s Word. As prayer requests poured in, God’s Spirit began to speak to me, and I began to write. I have truly known what it is like to experience His heart flow in and out of my own. The joy is overwhelming.

Maria: Wow -- now that's encouraging! How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?

Cherie: My relationship with Jesus IS my writing. My writing comes from sitting daily at His feet. My books are mostly revelations of my own inner walk of faith displayed in my books. What I've found is that my own struggles with faith are no different than those of others around the world. I've discovered that what God has spoken to my heart has a dramatic impact on the hearts of others. As God has encouraged and strengthened my heart, it is through my writings that I have been able to encourage and strengthen others.

Maria: Awesome! Give us a sneak peek into your upcoming release:

Cherie: My latest release will be published by Dec. 10^th 2012. I am incredibly excited about this book as its message is one that is powerful and can have a life transforming effect on the reader. The title, “empty.” says it all. I’m continually hearing, through my ministry, the cries of emptiness within people around the world. They thirst, they’re dehydrated, life has drained them dry, and they are desperate. The purpose of the book’s message is to lead people to Living Water, the only thing that satisfies the soul.

Maria: Sounds fantastic! And SO timely - what a wonderful gift to give this Christmas season: an introduction to the Savior.

With the many demands on your time, I understand you've started your own publishing services. What do you offer?

Cherie: This has been an amazing turn in my journey of life. I never anticipated offering publishing services until I began to have other Christian authors reaching out to me for help. I have experienced great success through the Amazon.com CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing programs. I have learned “tricks of the trade,” and have enabled other authors to catapult their books into BestSeller and Hot New Releases lists on Amazon. I offer full paperback and ebook editing and formatting as well as professional cover design and synopsis writing. It is a great joy to help others to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives through their writings! My publishing services website is:

http://www.WriteSourcePublishingServices.com

Maria: You're a wealth of information Cherie! What advice would you give a first-time author?

Cherie: Before publishing, talk to me. : ) The publishing industry has been turned upside down, and that is a true benefit for authors. I have seen authors who were turned down hundreds of times by traditional publishers, now able to make sizeable mortgage payments through Amazon.  Amazon provides EVERYTHING you’ll need to give your writings maximum visibility. Of course, that does not always mean there is a guarantee of sales. But it’s like walking into a book store and seeing your book on a front table display―it’s front and center. And Amazon’s promotional tools allow you to take your book and make it HIGHLY visible to the WORLD!

As the industry has changed, I am also saddened by so many authors publishing through subsidy publishers who are charging an unbelievable amount of money to publish; providing a less than average product, and leaving the author with little to no royalties. I have clients that have published with TOP subsidy publishers and have been grossly disappointed. So, I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of publishing to contact me . . . I consult on publishing for FREE!

Maria: You can't beat a free publishing consultation!  What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Cherie: Truthfully, if I could speak anything into anyone’s life it would be this: Trust God’s Word and keep walking in faith even through your doubt. Keep your eyes on Jesus and you’ll find yourself walking on water.

Maria: So beautifully put! Reminds me of some words of wisdom penned by King Solomon: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths," (Proverbs 3:5-6; KJV). Thanks so much for joining us today, Cherie! I look forward to reading your new book and seeing how God continues to use the many ministries He's entrusted to you!

Connect with Cherie:

http://www.amazon.com/Cherie-Hill/e/B002BM00SC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1354046601&sr=8-2-ent

www.cheriehillblog.blogspot.com

www.scripturenow.com

www.writesourcepublishingservices.com


*Cherie Hill is the founder of ScriptureNow.com. She has a BA in Psychology and is trained in Biblical Counseling through the AACC.

Cherie is an Amazon.com Bestselling Christian Living author. She has been ranked #6 in Bestselling authors for Amazon in the Religion and Spirituality category and is consistently in the top 20. Her published works are: "Waiting on God," "Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms," "Beginning at the End: Finding God When Your World Falls Apart," "The Ways of God: Finding Purpose Through Your Pain," and "Hope Being Gone."

Cherie writes the Christian Women's column, "FAITHLIFT" for CWAHM.com and is a contributor for FAITHVILLAGE.com, as well as several other on-line Christian magazines.

Out of the Zone

I took a step outside my comfort zone. Thursday through Sunday, I attended a writer's retreat in North Carolina. The plan? To get away and spend some quality time writing. The intimidating part? I didn't know anyone who was attending - but from start to finish, God's hand was on the entire adventure.

A new member of our local writer's critique group shared the four hour trip to Buladean with me. Our conversation touched on everything from writing to family. As we chatted about the upcoming weekend, we discussed the room arrangements. We were fairly certain two ladies would be assigned to a room.  I struggled to remember the last time I had shared a room with someone other than my husband.

The drive was scenic and wound through beautiful countryside. Stately mountains, a rushing stream, and beautiful wildflowers greeted us as we reached our destination. Within minutes, our hostess was there to greet us and we were escorted to the lodge.

Scripture verses were tastefully stenciled on the walls of many of the rooms and I noticed bookshelves lined with volumes of inspirational literature. A smile spread across my face - I liked this place!

Armed with our luggage, we were shown to our rooms. A gift basket, filled with everything a writer might need, had thoughtfully been placed on one of the beds in each room. What I heard next was music to my ears - we each had our own room! We wouldn't be sharing rooms after all.

From the first gathering at dinnertime, I could tell this would be a memorable weekend. A common bond greater than writing knit this group together - we were sisters in Christ. Our writing styles and genres were as different as our backgrounds, but each of us shared a common desire: to magnify the Lord with our talent.

Generous blocks of writing time were punctuated with fellowship around meals and times of prayer and Bible study. I was challenged and encouraged by this diverse group of women who wanted to point others to Christ with their writing. I was reminded of the wisdom Solomon shared in the book of Proverbs, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend," (Proverbs 27:17; KJV).

I made good headway on my writing project. But what had originally intimidated me - reaching out to women I didn't know - became the most valuable reward of the weekend. Each woman had life experiences that led her into a deeper walk with her Savior. I reflected on God's goodness in my own life, refocused on His presence, and drew closer to the One who had orchestrated this getaway in the first place.

I thank God for the new friendships formed and can say with the psalmist David, "Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord," (Psalm 150:1-2,6).

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone?

    

Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father, Thank You for challenging me to step out of my comfort zone. Help me to use the talents and abilities You've given me to magnify You. Thank You for friendships that develop because of the common bond we share in You. I praise You today for Your incredible goodness. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Special Guest: Karen Lange

There are plenty of challenges in a friendship, but co-authoring a book with a friend takes this relationship to an entirely different level. Today I have the privilege of interviewing Karen Lange, who is co-authoring a historical fiction novel with her friend, Susan J. Reinhardt.

Maria: Thanks for joining me, Karen! Before we talk about your novel, tell us a bit about yourself.

Karen: I am a follower of Christ, wife, and mother. My husband and I are blessed with two sons, a daughter, a daughter in law, and a very cute 4-year-old grandson. In addition to writing with Susan, I blog, do freelance work, and teach online writing classes.

Maria: You stay busy! How did you and Susan decide to co-author a book?

Karen: We were discussing a particular genre one day. I jokingly suggested that we should write a book about it together. Shortly after, Susan asked me if I wanted to give it a try. And the rest, as they say, is history! This is not something I would consider doing with just anyone. Susan and I have a good relationship and work well together. We 'get' each other's sense of humor, encourage one another, and compromise well.

Maria: Sounds like the perfect combination. Tell us about the writing process. How did you decide who would write each scene?

Karen: Susan has more experience than I do, having several novels under her belt already. She started things by writing the first chapter, and handed it off to me. I wrote chapter two, then sent it to her, and so on. We discuss and agree on basic plot and character information, and then let the ideas flow. For instance, a scene in one of Susan's chapters had me laughing out loud; it was a clever twist and a way to handle a prickly character. It's an exciting process, you never know what one of us will toss the other's way. I enjoy giving Susan mini cliffhangers. I think she likes doing the same thing to me.

Maria: As you continue writing your book and plan for publication, what would you say is the most important thing you've learned from this experience?

Karen: It is important to trust the Lord and persevere, always moving forward. It also helps if you play well with others.

Maria: Well put! Any future writing goals?

Karen: I'd like to see this book through to publication. I also have several nonfiction books I'd like to write.

Maria: Share some lessons you've learned on your journey as a writer.

Karen: The writer's life is not all sunshine and roses, but it is very rewarding. Rejection is part of the process. It stings, but ultimately it takes us where we are destined to go. I believe that God has called me to write, and I continue to trust Him to order my steps.

Maria: Important things to remember. What final words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Karen: Keep writing! If you feel called to write, commit yourself to writing consistently, whether it is every day, once a week, or whatever. Polish your skills and continue to learn. Always. Be open to feedback; input from others is an important part of the writing process. Thank you for hosting us here at Life Lessons, Maria. It's been a pleasure!

Maria: You're absolutely welcome, Karen! And the pleasure has been all mine! I wish you and Susan the best as you complete your novel, and I look forward to reading it when it's published!

*Karen Lange is a writer, blogger, and online writing instructor at the Coffeehouse for Writers. Her work has appeared in print and online in business, parenting, educational, and writing publications. Visit her blog @ karenelange.blogspot.com or contact her at karenelange@gmail.com. 

Special Guest: Susan J. Reinhardt

I'll be honest, co-authoring a book seems a bit daunting. Two authors with different ideas, coming together to produce a single work. It's easier for me to imagine co-authoring a work of non-fiction. Fiction? Much harder to imagine. But it can be done!

Today, I have the privilege of interviewing Susan J.Reinhardt, the first half of a team co-authoring a gripping, historical fiction novel. Next Thursday, we'll chat with her partner in crime, Karen Lange!

Maria: A very warm welcome, Susan! Tell us about yourself.

Susan: I've been a believer in Jesus Christ since I was 9 years old. I'm a widow, a daughter, a stepmom, and a friend. My passions are studying God's Word, writing, reading, and teaching. In between, I'm an avid couponer, a wannabe gardener, and a happy wanderer through antique malls.

Maria: Wow! Sounds like you stay busy. How did you and Karen meet?

Susan: We met through a mutual friend. I had some research questions, and MaryAnn Diorio suggested I contact Karen. The rest, as they say, is history.

Maria: You obviously have a strong friendship. What made you decide to co-author a book?

Susan: Karen and I often joked about the possibility. We kicked around ideas, and soon the joke turned into serious discussions.

Maria: Tell us about the writing process. How did you decide who would write each scene?

Susan: Since I'd written two manuscripts and had a third underway, I agreed to write the opening chapter. After researching the time period, brainstorming the characters, and deciding where we wanted to start the story, we got to work. We alternate chapters. Other than that, the plot unfolds naturally. As you may recall, I'm a seat-of-the-pants writer.

Maria: You make it sound so simple! Give us a peek into your novel.

Susan: We were fascinated by a historical incident in Colonial times, and used that turbulent period as a jumping off point. Since our book is far from finished, we really haven't started shopping it around.

Maria: What is the most important thing you've learned from this experience so far?

Susan: Up until we started this journey, writing was a God and me adventure. Now, it's a God, Karen, and me project. When we've had different ideas about the direction of the story, I've learned to consider, communicate, and compromise. My relationship with Karen has grown. She's an amazing, godly woman, and has shown me much grace when life got crazy around here.

Maria: Valuable lessons! Speaking of the Lord, how has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?

Susan: I'm totally dependent on Him for inspiration, whether I'm writing a devotional or a novel. I want the words I write to be containers of life, not mere entertainment.

Maria: Great perspective. As a writer, what are your future goals?

Susan: I'd like to see this book through to completion and publication. Other projects include a near-future trilogy and more devotional writing. At some point, I'd also like to pick up my speaking/teaching ministry.

Maria: Wonderful! As we wind down, share some lessons you've learned on your journey as a writer.

Susan: A gift for writing is only one component of the equation. Learning the craft/mechanics, as well as the business side, play an integral part in the process. Helping others on their journey is one of my greatest joys. The Christian writing community is awesome!

Maria: What final words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Susan: Sitting at the Lord's feet and nurturing that relationship will give you the inspiration and strength for the task before you. You'll still have challenges, but the vision He births in you will keep you focused.

Maria: Well said! Thank you so much for stopping by, Susan, and I wish you and Karen well on your co-authored novel!

Be sure to join me next Thursday, February 2nd, when I'll have the privilege of interviewing KarenLange. God bless!

*Susan J. Reinhardt's publishing credits include both online and print publications such as The Secret Place, Vista, Live!, The RevWriter Resource, two anthologies, and Devotions Magazine. Family, church, reading, gardening, and antiquing keep her from ever getting bored.  She blogs at http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com.

Willing to Share

Hot tea and a frosted cranberry muffin. A tasty treat, but it wasn't the food that had my attention. Historical romance novelist, Jody Hedlund was sitting across the table from me. She had graciously agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to meet with me to discuss the ins and outs of writing for publication. What a wealth of information!

As a newbie to the world of writing, light bulbs continued flashing in my head as Jody shared nuggets of wisdom gleaned along her journey to publication. Although our genres are different, the basics remain the same. By the end of our meeting, not only was my stomach full, but my mind was chock full of ideas I knew I'd need to explore further.

Shop talk aside, I was captivated by Jody's warmth and obvious passion for giving fellow writers a jump start in this daunting industry. She candidly expressed how naive she was when she first started writing. I listened intently as she stressed the importance of knowing your audience and how your writing meets a specific need that's not already being met. Wow! And I had been convinced that if my writing was good enough, I'd have big name agents and publishing houses knocking on my door, contract in hand. Yes, I suppose I need to shed the naïveté, too! A special thanks to Jody for her transparency and candor!

Since our meeting, I've had plenty of time to mull over our conversation. I was reminded of some people in the New Testament who were also willing to share the wisdom they had gained. Aquila and Priscilla. They were willing to rearrange their schedules to reach out and teach others the whole truth of God's Word.

A Jewish man by the name of Apollos had come to Ephesus, and was teaching in their synagogue. He was a good speaker and was well-versed in the Old Testament writings of the prophets. The book of Acts provides a good description, "This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John," (Acts 18:25; KJV). Enter Aquila and Priscilla.

After hearing Apollos speak, these two realized that he didn't have the complete story about Jesus. John the Baptist focused on repenting from sin. But the whole message included repenting from sin and then believing in Christ. Aquila and Priscilla were willing to hang around after the meeting, and teach him "the way of God more perfectly," (Acts 18:26). Apollos was eager to learn. He was then able to incorporate Jesus' life, crucifixion, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit into his future messages. Because of Aquila and Priscilla's willingness to teach Apollos, the Lord was able to use him in an even greater way.

Mentors are much needed in our world today. Mentors who are willing to share their experiences and train up a generation passionate to fulfill God's purposes in their lives. Are you willing to be mentored? Or has your experience in life put you in the position of being a mentor? Determine how God wants to use you today!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word, and for the mentors You've placed in my life. I pray for a special blessing for them today. As I grow and gain life experiences, help me to be sensitive to Your direction to mentor others. Thank You for Your perfect plan. To God be the glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.