Frequently Asked Questions

 

	Why are you so passionate about animals? I think it's something God put in me from birth.  I've always loved animals, and had a gift for understanding them.  Then in 2009 after losing Sneezer (my eighteen-year-old tabby with an attitude), I felt like it was time to study what the Bible had to say about animals.  That's when I wrote "Pawprints On Our Hearts."  I learned so much about what God has to say about animals, that I knew it had to be a book to get this important message out.  Also, writing that book made me realize that caring for my furkids is one of the most important callings in my life, which gave me a new perspective on being their mama.  Shortly after, I also wrote, "Lessons From The Heart: What Animals Have Taught Me About Life And Love" after spending some time with Vincent on a lovely fall day in our backyard. He was so grateful I took a little time to wander outside with him (he once was an outdoor cat, but I made him stay inside when I adopted him), that I realized he was teaching me to be appreciative.  When I thought about it, I realized my other furkids have taught me plenty, too, and decided to write about it.
	What made you decide to be a writer? I've loved to write my entire life.  I always tinkered with it.  I had a small ministry for people with depressive disorders at one point, and I wrote the bi-monthly newsletter.  I realized the short, encouraging articles I included were my favorite part of the entire ministry.  People also commented how much they liked them.  One day while I was gardening, I was praying.  I'd worked hard that day- cleaned the house and done laundry, then the gardening, and was tired.  I was looking forward to the next day when I didn't have to work so hard, and could focus on what I was writing at the time.  I told God that I couldn't wait until the next day when I could "goof off and write."  (I thought of writing as a reward for my hard work.)  It was one of the few times I've heard the audible voice of God- He said clearly to me, "Writing isn't your reward, it's your purpose."  That completely changed my perspective on writing.
	What is the difference between a self-publisher (aka "vanity publisher") like you use, and a traditional publisher? A traditional publisher is what most authors use.  They take care of promoting, editing, designing your book covers and publishing your work.  In return, you have deadlines and contracts.  Whereas a self publisher, you are in charge of promoting, editing, designing your cover and formatting your book for publishing.  Whatever you send them, they publish.  You don't have a contract or deadlines, though.  It's the harder way to go for an author, but in my heart, I believe it is the way God wants me to go about this.
	Why do you prefer a self publisher? As much as I love to write, I'm not like some authors who live to write every day.  I remember reading once that my favorite author, Stephen King, writes 2,000 words every day of his life.  Well that's not me!  I do love to write, but sometimes I can go for days or weeks without writing.  Then when I do write, sometimes I write only 500 words a day, other times several thousand. It depends on my mood and inspiration.  I do  use his writing as a guideline, and when I am working on a book, I try to do a minimum of 2,000 words.  I think my method of writing is too unpredictable to use a traditional publisher.  I also do not do well with writing under stress, such as a deadline.  Due to my mental health issues, I don't do stress well at all.  Plus, more importantly, when I prayed about it, I felt this is how God wants me to work.
	I want to be a writer.  How do I know if I should self-publish or find a traditional publisher? First of all, pray.  Ask God what path He would have you follow, and listen for the answer.  (Granted, He doesn't always speak in an audible voice, but you will know His answer.  For me, it's a sense of knowing in my heart what is right for me.)  Also, think about how you write.  Are you an avid writer, daily or almost daily, or are you more laid back about how you write like me?  Do you work well with deadlines or not?
	How do you know what to write about? I get ideas in different ways.  "Sins of the Father" came from a nightmare I had one night about my seventh grade science teacher and his wife.  (I have no idea why it was him or why I made him into a serial killer in my dream!  He was actually very nice man!).  The experiences of the wife in that book mirrored my own battle with unforgiveness at the time, too.  "Lessons From The Heart: What Animals Have Taught Me About Life And Love" came from spending time with my precious cat, Vincent, in the backyard, and thinking about the things he and my other furkids have taught me about life and love.  "The Christian Woman's Guide To Killing Her Husband" was inspired by my own and my friends' problems with our in-laws.  Inspiration is all around when you have a creative and slightly twisted mind like mine.  :)
	Why did you include information for grown daughters with problem mothers in this site? I grew up with a very difficult, abusive mother.  (She shows traits of narcissism.)  As an adult, I still have issues with her sometimes.. when she isn't giving me the silent treatment, that is, as well as mental health problems that stem from my upbringing.  Some of my story is on this link: My Story  I also wrote "Emerging From The Chrysalis" about my life's experiences.  I've learned many ways to cope and heal.  Since there are so many other women out there with similar situations, I thought I should pass along what I have learned in the hopes of helping them.  This site is a way to reach people everywhere around the world with that help.
	Why did you include information on mental health on your website?  Are you a therapist or doctor?   No, I'm not.  What I am is someone who has battled various forms of mental illness.  I also have experienced gaslighting at the hands of others, which has given me many mental health issues.  I went through anorexia and bulimia as a child, low self-esteem, depression to the point of being suicidal, anxiety and a constant fear I was insane all before junior high school.  As an adult, I have experienced several nervous breakdowns, depression and anxiety (although not nearly as severe as it was when I was a child), Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, low self-esteem, and what I would call "Doormat Syndrome" where I allowed people to use and abuse me.  I know God did not allow these things to happen to me for no reason.  I believe my experiences can help people, and many of my fans have emailed me to tell me that they have been helped by something I have written.
	Why don't you discuss politics or other controversial topics much?   For one thing, I have never been overly interested in politics.  I believe everyone has certain causes they want to support, but politics just isn't one of mine.  I don't look down on anyone who votes or is into politics at all- I think that is great, but it's just not my cup of tea.  Suffice it to say that the few opinions on political topics I have are very conservative, although I realize that is not a popular position to these days.  As for other controversial topics, I try to live at peace with my fellow man as much as possible.  While I'm ok with agreeing to disagree, not everyone is, and I'd rather not be drawn into any debates or arguments.  I find it easier just to avoid discussing more controversial topics with people I'm not close to.