Showing posts with label Christian books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian books. Show all posts

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Author Interview Series - How Experience Helps Write Your Book


Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Steffannie Roaché, author of Righteous Anger: Mad Enough to Make a Change.

A seasoned Christian Worker and Life Coach involved in lay ministries for more than 15 years, Steffannie is also currently working towards a Master’s degree in Counseling. Righteous Anger: Mad Enough to Make a Change is her first outpouring in a series of Christ-centered books created to address the modern needs of Christians and Seekers alike.

The topic of our interview today is how can we use our past and present experiences to compose a successful non-fiction book? Obviously, Steffannie has used her accumulated knowledge to compose such a book, but how did she decide to pursue this, how did she apply her experience, and what does the future hold for this new and inspiring author?

Carol Denbow: Greetings Steffannie, and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with us today. Can you please start by telling us a little about your new release Righteous Anger: Mad Enough to Make a Change?

Steffannie Roaché: Thank you Carol, I'm glad to share. This book focuses on a need for people to decidedly, purposefully, and with passionate intent, take back their freedom. It's specifically for Christians, but also other individuals that are seeking spiritual strength to overcome their worst obstacles. There are times we will place barriers in our own path, either by ignoring the empowerment of God’s own Spirit in our livers, or by lacking faith in our God given abilities. Righteous Anger: Mad Enough to Make a Change explores Biblical truths to tear down these barriers.

Carol Denbow: The book sounds wonderful. You have such a broad knowledge in your field. Does this come with education or simply mass experience?

Steffannie Roaché: Education and experience have both played a role in my work. I completed a bachelors in human development, and I'm currently working on a masters in counseling. My future plans are to finish my theological studies as well. Although these are important, its really about ministering to others. I believe many of us are drawn to help; whether it be in nursing, ministry and outreach, foster parenting, or volunteerism in some form. Our hearts seem to be compelled to reach out and help make a difference in the lives of others. Ultimately my work, education, and life's goals are a combination of these factors.

Carol Denbow: What made you decide it was time to share your experience in the form of a book?

Steffannie Roaché: The book was a natural consequence for me. After developing several Bible studies and working with people individually or in small groups, I realized a similar theme continually crept into our conversations. Even the most faithful Christians and good people struggled to overcome repeating patterns in their lives. It almost seemed as if they were systematically drawn back to issues that held them hostage. I found myself sharing the same Biblical truths and words of wisdom to encourage those searching for an answer, namely: How do I move from wanting change, to making a last change? This book is a culmination of these experiences and offers a humble answer to this question.

Carol Denbow: How long did it take you to complete your manuscript?

Steffannie Roaché: That's actually a difficult question to answer because I began writing Biblical studies and compiling notes on this topic many years ago. I had some portions in diaries and notebooks. When I finally purposed it in my heart to develop a complete manuscript it all came together in about 10months.

Carol Denbow: In the book, you are very passionate about your topic. Is there any past personal experience that may have driven you?

Steffannie Roaché: One event in particular did contribute to my work. Several years ago I had a personal experience with a time of depression and personal turmoil. I considered my self a faith filled believer and a strong person, so it seemed contradictory for me to have these issues. I couldn’t seem to shake it. Unfortunately I was too ashamed to seek professional counseling, not even help from my church. At that time, In the late 80's and early 90’s, there was a great stigma attached to 'needing help' for issues related to emotional or mental issues. Instead, I quietly hid my pain and began to search the Bible for answers. I also prayed and believed that God would help me to overcome the problems that faced me. Eventually I received victory in my life, and these experiences gave me a greater sensitivity for other Christians who know personal struggles.

Carol Denbow: Have you always been interested in writing, or is this book solely a goal to address the needs of your audience?

Steffannie Roaché: I have always enjoyed writing. It provides a form of expression as creative as a sculpture. Unlike other art forms, the message is delivered in tangible manner that can be clearly expressed to all who care to experience it. Although this particular work is non fiction, I have attempted to share some of my personality and creativity within the pages.

Carol Denbow: Where will you find your audience for this release?

Steffannie Roaché: My prayer is for Believers to use this book as one of their resources for personal and ministry related needs. I also hope individuals exploring spiritual truths will find many of the answers they seek in the pages. For these reasons I’ve written of an audience of Christian Believers and spiritual seekers in need of personal and spiritual growth.

Carol Denbow: Steffannie, you are amazing and inspirational to all of us. Can you please let us all know where we can see your Website and/or buy your new book?

Steffannie Roaché: My website is www.steffannieroache.com, the book can be purchased online through my website, Amazon.com, or at your local book sellers by request.

Carol Denbow: I hope this interview inspires some gifted writer out there to pursue an inspirational book they may have only previously dreamed of writing.

Steffannie, you are available and very open to online interviews should any of our blog visitors be looking for the perfect guest for their Website or Blog postings—correct? So where might they contact you to arrange this?

Steffannie Roaché: Yes, I welcome requests for online interviews. I also am available for appearances with large or small organizations. More information is available on my website as well. I can be contacted at www.steffsings.webs.com or by email at info@steffannieroache.com.

Carol Denbow: Thank you so much for doing this informative interview and we all wish you great success with your new book.
Again, the title is Righteous Mind: Mad Enough to Make a Change, 162 pages of inspirational and helpful information. ISBN 13: 978-1463560270. Thanks Steffannie, any final words? Future books planned?

Steffannie Roaché: One final thought I would like to share is that in the near future I will share an upcoming dating and relationship book specifically geared towards the single Christian person. I’m also excited to share that I am finishing a manuscript on multiculturalism in the modern church. Readers can stay informed about on the progress by becoming a website member at www.steffannieroache.com Thank you Carol for this experience. I really appreciated the opportunity to share with you and your readers.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Speaking Tours with Author Doug Benton


Speaking tours are a great way to promote our books; garnering the interest of our potential audience without screaming, “buy my book!” This type of exposure can be a good platform for our future releases as well.

Author Doug Benton, as well as being a special friend, is the author of several works of poetry and what I would call, “directive storytelling” works of fiction. He is by far one of the most talented writers I have ever met.

I recently had the opportunity to briefly interview him regarding his upcoming speaking tour. I've posted the interview below.

Carol Denbow: Doug, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk a little with us about your upcoming speaking tour. You are the author of a couple books, one I am very familiar with, and the other is a new release. Can you start by telling us a little about each one?

Doug Benton: Well, let me start by thanking you for the opportunity to discuss my work. As you know, The Road To Veritas was published back in 2005. In fact, you were most helpful with that one. It is a collection of narrative poetry dealing with life, liberty and spiritual truth.

In November of 2009, my most recent book, The Hummingbird Goose was released. It is a book for children of all ages that addresses the age old myth of the hitchhiking hummingbird through a fable of faith in friends and family.

Carol Denbow: I understand you are attempting to organize a speaking tour. Are you focusing on one particular book or will you try to touch on each one?

Doug Benton: I will be primarily selling The Hummingbird Goose while developing interest in my next book.

Carol Denbow: How did you decide who exactly your audience would be for your books?

Doug Benton: Well, as it turns out, the market potential is still evolving. The preliminary feedback is far ranging. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised at how many parents and grandparents have seen fit to buy The Hummingbird Goose to be read aloud to kids.

Carol Denbow: How did you go about finding suitable locations to speak?

Doug Benton: As you know, I have a background in Christian broadcasting and ministry. Many of my friends and colleagues are pastors and workers in the recovery field. Referrals for guest speaking are a natural outcome of such association.

In addition to promoting The Goose, this tour is a preview of my upcoming non-fiction work A Most Excellent Way which chronicles the eight years of “hands-on-experience” my wife and I had sheltering those recovering from drug and/or alcohol abuse.

Carol Denbow: How many tour stops would you consider “enough” to see results?

Doug Benton: “Enough” is an elusive term. I expect that referrals will result in developing many venues for the tour.

Carol Denbow: How do you find is the best way to “break the ice” with an unfamiliar audience?

Doug Benton: Humor is a great “ice breaker,” Carol and you know how funny-looking I am.

Carol Denbow: LOL! How will you go about selling your books to your listeners?

Doug Benton: The topics of the tour will deal largely with the methods we discovered for restoring “self-respect” and its companion “self-discipline” to those abused by life. The preliminary speaking engagements in the Portland area have resulted in both book sales and in gathering contact information for my e-mail feature Living Bread Crumbs. I am building a data base for continuing contact with my readers.

Carol Denbow: Do you have any additional words of wisdom for our readers?

Doug Benton: Science has determined that the “Human Spark”, the quality that sets homo sapiens apart from other creatures, seems to arise from the development of language. Insight and imagination are shared through the documentation of language….writing. Authorship provides the “footprints” that mark the human path. What a privilege it is to leave tracks!

Carol Denbow: If our Blog visitors would like to learn more about your work, do you have a Website we can send them to?

Doug Benton: www.hummningbirdgoose.com or www.booksaboutabba.com

Carol Denbow: Now let’s ask the important questions. Have you any “concrete” scheduled tour stops you can share with our readers in the event they would like to come and listen? If not, where will they be able to see your tour schedule once it’s all organized?

Doug Benton: I have a radio interview with Light House Radio Group (K-Light) later this month and I will begin to develop the tour schedule after that. I will be publishing the incremental schedule by e-mail. If any of your readers would like to be included in future mailings you may contact me at dgbntn@hotmail.com.

Carol Denbow: Well I thank you Doug for sharing this information with us. F.Y.I., K-Light Radio is in Oregon). Hopefully by reading this, our Blog visitors will be able to get some ideas for their own speaking tours.

Read some of my favorite poems by Doug at http://www.booksaboutabba.com/poems.php, then come back here and leave your comments. If you are interested in knowing more about Doug Benton, please e-mail him or click on his Website.