During the pandemic God told me to write. I felt and saw a need for a change in the world and this was my way to contribute. Teaching valuable lessons at an early age is a necessity, it helps our children to become better adults spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially.
No, I am not a teacher. My grandmother owned a daycare facility, and she is my inspiration for the books. She was dedicated to teaching young children the importance of loving God, others, and themselves.
I began writing in March of 2020, which consisted of 10 books and published the first book December 2020. There was only one rewrite and off to editing it went.
I joined various Facebook groups, gathered information, and researched until I found the perfect fit for my needs.
EVERYTHING! This is an assignment that I was given instantaneously. I had no idea what to do or where to start, so it took a lot of time and research to piece everything together.
Did you personally design the full book, or did you have assistance?
I found someone that could take my book from start to finish. I provided the edited manuscript, my ideas for the illustrations and they produced the finished product. I researched all the recommendations given by various Facebook groups and chose the company that I felt could deliver my message through storytelling in an easy, fun-filled way.
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had from readers?
I am really encouraged when I hear readers say that these books are needed during these times, not only for the children but as a gentle reminder for adults as well. It only confirms that I’m doing what I was created and instructed to do back in 2020. Teaching our children to love God, others and themselves starts in our homes. The world has the potential to become a better place if we learn how to love more, respect each other, be kind to one another and have compassion towards others.
I started writing during the isolation period of pandemic, therefore, I have used social media more than ever and I have reached more people than I possible ever could have without it.
What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
It is not for the faint of heart! I can not begin to tell you the number of sleepless nights or tears that I have shed, due to missed deadlines or unkept promises.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Pray and Write! Daily, I pray for God ideas and when He gives me a story it is so easy to write. I am so surprised some times where my inspiration for a story comes from, it could be tv or radio commercial, billboards, sermon, social media posts or current events. I’ve learned to keep my phone or notepad near to take quick notes.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Writing has become a form of therapy for me. I’ve realized that not only am writing for others, but my writing is beneficial to me as well.
I just published Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.in January. In the story, MacKenzie takes great pride in her appearance. When she notices a white spot on her face one morning, she is concerned and
loses her self-confidence. However, through the encouragement of a friend and
then learning Mrs. Christian’s newest verse about how God made us all special,
MacKenzie soon realizes that she was Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.
If you'd like to learn more about Tiffiney's teachable moments stories, here are some links to get you started.
Book website:https://teachingparables.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/teachingparables
Amazon Page: bit.ly/3EIZikP
And here's a bonus for my readers... Tiffiney will be giving away one of her eBooks to one reader who adds a comment below. It can be as simple as, I'd like to win a book. Then on 3/6/23 at 8:00 pm. I'll put all the names of the posters in a box and pull out our winner. So leave a comment below now!
I love your message for kids to love God, others and themselves. So needed today. I wish I had more time with my grandchildren to teach them this. I'm not that great at social media, but I see that you find it a time-worthy activity. I guess I will need to buy them your books and then do my own. My biggest problem in doing children's books is paying for illustrations. I'd love to know where you found your illustrator and if you feel it was a cost you could recoup in sales. Thanks for the interview, Chris.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Judy! I have just sent you an e-book of my newly released book, ‘Fearfully and Wonderfully Made’. I hope that you and the grandkids enjoy it!
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