Gwen Faulkenberry: Author Interview and Book Giveaway

This is a super-busy week because I’m heading to the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference on Thursday. I’ll be teaching a couple of workshops, hanging out with some of my writer/editor friends, and hopefully petting a banana slug.

To get everyone in the writing mood (since you will be hearing all about the conference from me, I’m sure) I’m excited about hosting an author interview AND a giveaway of two books.

 

Gwen Faulkenberry and I have known each other for about ten years. I had the delight of working with her at DaySpring and then staying in touch as a friend and fellow writer. She has recently published two books with Summerside Press, A Beautiful Life: Devotions for a Woman’s Heart and a Christian romance novel Love Finds You in Romeo, Colorado. 

 

I asked Gwen a few questions about her life and writing so you can get to know her a little too…

 

Tell us a little bit about you and your family.   I am 37 years old, and have been married 15 years to Stone, the best guy on the planet.  We have three great kids, Grace, 8, Harper, 6, and Adelaide, 2.  I am mostly a stay-home mom, but I also teach English part-time at Arkansas Tech-Ozark, a college near my home, and write cards for DaySpring. 

 

What is the first thing you ever remember writing?  I wrote stories that my fourth grade teacher "published" and put on her class bookshelves.  The other kids would check them out and read them during reading time.

 

You’ve written both fiction and non-fiction, how are they different?  (This is a hard question for me to answer.  I've typed in several different answers so far and they all sound stupid.)  For me, so far, the non-fiction has been a lot easier.  I'm not saying I think non-fiction is easier to write in general, but just that in my experience with these two books, the devotional was by far the easiest.  One reason for that, I'm sure, is that it was about 1/3 the size of the novel. 

 

But also, it's just pretty natural for me to get excited about beautiful people and share things the Lord is doing in my own life.  The stories and reflections sort of just gushed out, like I couldn't type fast enough.  When I got done I had tons of things left to say; it was like a casual, fun conversation with readers that I didn't want to end.

 

My novel was totally the opposite.  I felt just as annointed for the work, but it was painstaking.  I labored over single words and phrases.  I wanted it to be a literary masterpiece that would entertain and people and also challenge them spiritually, conveying the redemptive power of God's love.  I loved writing it, but I was so glad when I was finished!

 

What inspires you? Good music, good books, teaching, nature, listening to the stories of people around me, anything beautiful.

 

You’re busy raising three kids—how do you find time to write?  I have a wonderful support system.  My parents are retired, and my sister-in-law stays home with her kids.  They help me a lot with childcare.  And my husband is amazing.  I also don't sleep much.

 

If you could tell other women who want to be published one thing, what would it be?  I suppose it should be easy to give a pat answer here, but I don't have one big statement to make.  My own journey to publishing success has been something I never could have predicted. 

 

I believe what's most important is to trust the Lord.  Don't strive.  Move in His peace and don't try to force anything.  Do your best at whatever place in life He has you.  Work hard at the craft of writing.  Listen and learn.  Get help from people who know what they're doing, and follow their advice. 

 

Be willing to not be published if it's God's will.  At the same time, if you know it's a dream He's placed in your heart, don't give up on it. I've come to believe great writing will find its way into the marketplace, even if it takes a long time.

 

     

What is one of your “beautiful anomalies”?   Although this is definitely not something I see as beautiful, I know God doesn't see the way we see.  Your blog post reminds me of that, Holley, and I thank you for it.  I believe I am cursed by a genetic propensity to gain weight. 

 

My husband can eat a mixing bowl full of granola every morning, topped off with a pound of bacon and a three-egg, four-cheese omelette, and not gain an ounce.  On the other hand, if I eat more than a grape for breakfast without walking it off before lunch, I am apt to go up a dress size.  Okay, maybe it's not that bad, but it's close.

 

What has God taught you through the writing process?  He has taught me that He's a lot smarter than I am, and that He is big enough to do anything He wants, whenever He decides. His resources are not limited and He really doesn't need my help making things happen.  My part is to do my work faithfully, in quietness and trust, which of course I'm not always good at.  But, He doesn't seem to hold that against me. In fact, I believe He likes me anyway and keeps leading me onward and upward! 

 

Gwen graciously gave me two signed copies of A Beautiful Life to share with you! To be entered to win one, leave a comment telling us a book you've enjoyed reading lately. The random number generator will pick the comments and I'll announce them first thing Thursday morning before I head to California.

 

If you'd like to get copies of Gwen's books, they're available online and in stores,including LifeWay.

Comments

[Jeanette Levellie]

Hi, Holley.
I just finished Camy Tang's "Sushi for One?" It was a blast! Can't wait to read the others in that series.
Please sign me up for the contest, and thank you for offering these.
Have fun at Mt. Hermon, but petting a banana slug? yeccchh!!!!
Jeanette

[Ann]

I recently read the 4 seasons series of books about marriage by Catherine Palmer. I love how there is a book for every "season" of marriage. They are lovely stories with applicable lessons for everyone!

[Dori]

I do alot of devotional type reading and one book that is really speaking to me is the old classic, Come Away My Beloved by Frances Roberts. I have the updated version and everyday the devotional has something that I take with me into the day and sometimes into the week.

Also, I love Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It is written in much the same way as Come Away.

I highly recommend both of these books and would LOVE to win a copy of Gwen's book!

Blessings,
Dori

[Mandy Baker]

Well, of course, your book, Holley. My girlfriends and I were just talking today at lunch about how inspired we are reading your words. Thank you for such a blessing. But I'm also reading As Sure As The Dawn by Francene Rivers, book three in the Mark of the Lion series. This is not the type of series I normally read, but it has totally rocked my world. I can't stop thinking about the characters...the first Christians and what they endured to spread their faith in Christ Jesus. An AMAZING read!

[Connie]

Hi Holley I am reading FRANCISCAN LIFE DAY ONE 800 YEARS 1209-2009 It is a reflection on the Missal of San Nicolo in Assisi,Italy and it is about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and how he opened the BOOK OF THE GOSPELS AND ASK THE LORD WHAT HE NEEDED HIM TO DO AND THE LIFE OF THE FRANCISCAN ORDER BEGAN.It is truly a wonderful and very spiritual book.Thank You Holley and GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE ON YOUR TRIP TO CALIFORNIA. Connie

[Christy Klein]

Hi Holley. I am currently reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. I am also reading Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell.

I'd love a chance to win this devotional.. thanks!

[LM]

I am currently reading the Love Dare. It's an excellent resource whether or not one is married. God has been teaching me a lot through it. Even a single can gain a lot of truths. This is a book I'd pick up if I'd ever have to teach a class on 1 Corinthians 13. It is practical and life impacting when applied.

Side note-- the best stress reliever I had today was sitting down and watching Really Woolly's new Tree of Life DVD. Sometimes we just need to kick back and enjoy simple pleasures in life. Posting for the fun of it more than trying to win. :)

[Janet F. Broyles]

Hi Holley!

I know that I am supposed to read your new devotional book, RAIN ON ME, one chapter at a time. I received it a week ago and started out reading it one chapter a day, but over the weekend I read all of it. YUM! My Mom started reading it too. A friend's son died yesterday of leukemia at age 35. I am going to give her my copy, along w/ your "umbrella card." I'll order another copy for Mom and me.

Thanks for doing the interview w/ Gwen and sharing it with us. As a result of reading it I was encouraged not to give up on my dream of writing and to be more diligent about it. Now that I'm recovering from my cancer surgery and radiation treatments I plan to start writing more often. My favorite part of the interview was: "...Be willing to not be published if it's God's will. At the same time, if you know it's a dream He's placed in your heart, don't give up on it. I've come to believe great writing will find its way into the marketplace, even if it takes a long time."

[Jill Hall]

Hi Holley!
I am currently reading "Let Go" by Sheila Walsh. It talks about learning how to let go of burdens that we as women hold on to, some from our childhood and others we pick up as we get older. It is so good for me and the stage of life that I am in.

I am definitely going to have to get your "Rain on Me" devotional.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your heart!
Jill

[Jennifer]

Oh my, I am sorry to say that I haven't read any books lately even though love to read. Life has just been too crazy, but a devotional is exactly what I need, so I thought that i would give it a shot.

[Darla K. Wilson]

Holley, I read more than one book at a time...I always have one going in each room and I write in every one! Notes to myself, underlining, thoughts God shares and on and on. One I'm enjoying now is "One of a Kind by God's Design" written and illustrated by Karla Dornacher. I love it! It actually has pages for me to write my reflections down and it confirms the beauty of a woman who is God's child. Encouragement in this faltering world is such a blessing! I accept it, God designed me and He loves me just the way I am...weight, wrinkles, warts and all! I am loved!!

[Samantha Green]

I enjoy reading Christian fiction. I am just finished Karen Kingsbury's "This Side of Heaven". It was awesome!

[Gabrielle]

I am currently reading Lisa Whittle's "Behind Those Eyes". And hoping to purchase your Rain on Me very soon!

[Renee' Bradshaw]

I am currently reading and journaling through Stormie Omartian's book "Praying through the Bible". I'd love to Read Gwen Faulkenberry's devotional book next it sounds wonderful.

[Terrie]

A book that I just finished reading yesterday was from one of my favorite Christian authors, Karen Kingsbury. I think I have read most of her books. This one was called: Just Beyond The Clouds. I loved the book from the moment I opened it up. When I saw that it was dedicated and written about Downs Syndrome disabilities, I knew it was a keeper. I wasn't sure where the story was going to go, but as I delighted as I read on with the story. It was a sequel to another book that I had just read called: A Thousand Tomorows by the same author. As I have read Karen's books, they have been my companion on many lonely nights. I am living 1,000 miles away from my immediate family who all live in Wisconsin. I have seven siblings as well as my parents who are in their eighties. I miss them all terribly, so when a good book comes along, I read on and on. These types of books written by Karen Kingsbury have been like my family. I can relate to topics discussed as well as struggles as a Christian that always have a redemptive ending. God has used these books to touch my life in tremendous ways.
I am always looking for a new book to read. I love Christian romance, so this book by Gwen Fulkenberry sounds like one I would enjoy reading. I hope I win! Thanks ahead of time.

Terrie

(I am enjoying readings by our own Holley Gerth too. I just viewed the new Really Woolly movie that Dayspring sponsored last week. I was delighted to see Holley's name on the writers' credits. Awesome job Holley. Both my daughter and I loved the movie! We cried when the Tree of Life was cut down! I had a helicopter tree (four trees that grew into one) as a child that got cut down as well. It reminded me of that day when our helicopter tree was removed from my grandparents yard. We have pictures of that day to treasure too.)

[Cindy Gilbert]

Currently reading: "It's not about me" by Max Lucado:
"Simple Prayer" by Joyce Meyer:"Take One" Karen Kingsbury -- Throughly enjoy Christian fiction, recently read through several while recovering from broken & dislocated shoulder, torn rotator cuff. There is such a tremendous difference between the uplifting Christian fiction vs. secular novels. Greatly appreciate you authors who use their God given abiity and "sweat equity" to share with us readers! Thanks for writing!!!

[Lucille Zimmerman]

Hi Holley,

Grace Bower told me about your blog. I added it to my reader. Have a great time at Mount Herman!

[Betty]

Holley, I just wanted you to know that I read you blog almost daily. You inspire me, and I need that.
Love you,
Betty

[Barbara Collins]

I've just read, "A School of Her Own" bt Arlete Richardson. I enjoy ready Christian faith novels and also Christian devotionals.

[Sharron Allison]

I would love to have the Woman's Devotional during my time of perservering. I've recently read "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" by J.K. Rowling.
Thanks for this opportunity

[valsTaura]

Great site this blog.dayspring.com and I am really pleased to see you have what I am actually looking for here and this this post is exactly what I am interested in. I shall be pleased to become a regular visitor :)

[Andrea]

Small world! I'm reading Gwen's book right now! Her dad was Greg's High School Superintendent and her mother and my MIL are coworkers! It's a good book!