Giveaway and Author Interview: In All Things

Welcome to Writing for Christ, Shawna Williams, it is great to have you here! Do you have an interesting fact about yourself the average reader probably doesn’t know?

Oh boy! Well, recently I was reminded of something I completely forgot. I was named Miss Halftime USA in the summer of 1988 at a dance camp put on by the Kilgore Rangerettes. Subsequently I was invited to perform with a dance team on a tv talk show in Hong Kong. I didn't forget about Hong Kong, but for some reason I totally forgot about that title until I was reminded over the holidays this past Christmas.

What surprised you the most about being a published author?

The amount of effort that goes into promotion. It's like a second fulltime job. I have met so many wonderful people through it though, and that has been a real joy, so I'm not complaining at all.  I think what's been equally surprising is that people actually like my books! I know that sounds silly, but it's scary putting your books out there. You may like them, but you don't know that others will.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

To this point I've only written 20^th century historical. I love the era from the 1920s through the 1950s. I do think I will eventually write in other genres, though. I love to read everything. Mostly, what appeals to me are compelling, character driven stories. If that's done well I can get into about any setting.

When you aren’t writing or interacting with fans, what do you enjoy doing?

I like to make jewelry. I also love hiking, and, of course, reading. A perfect getaway for me is a cabin in the woods with a fireplace, where I can read in the morning, hike with my family all afternoon, settle in for a game of Phase Ten after grilling burgers, and then curl back up with a book before bed.

Do you have a nugget of writing advice that has completely changed how you view writing?

What I write isn't exactly edgy, in my opinion, but it is gritty. I don't know anyone without some form of baggage from their past, because that's life, and why we need Grace. This was what I wanted to write about!

When I first started seeking publication I was very aware that some of my subject matter might make it difficult. One book about publishing within the Christian fiction market even recommended that my type of book, by a new author, be put away and that I should focus on writing something that didn't broach any subjects that might be considered controversial. If I were successful, maybe I could get the first book published later.

This put me in a dilemma because these weren't the types of stories God had placed on my heart. So I had to ask myself if I wanted to write what I was passionate about, or write to be published.  These things aren't mutually exclusive, but I guess it is more of a gamble -- or so it seems. So my recommendation is to write what God gives you, and trust that he'll make a path for those stories.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

Just that I'm able to serve God through it. My desire is that it's something God can use to draw others to him. It is wonderfully satisfying , however, to see the stories that He gave me competed and shared. I can't begin to say how wonderful that feels!

What do you like readers to take away from your books?

An understanding of God's Grace. I have a lot of underlying messages as well. There is a message began in No Other and hammered home in In All Things of our need for God in our lives if we are to be complete. So many young people fall into the belief that wholeness is found through another person. I think many young women go into a relationship thinking it is their mate's role to complete them, or save them from their woes. Many young men believe this is their purpose, too. These are unrealistic expectations to put on our mates. It's not that we don't compliment each other, and strengthen and support each other, but we are fallible. Disappointments will happen because we are only human. I try to finish the delivery of this message in In All Things, the sequel to No Other, with Meri's journey. The elation of a new romance has worn away and she sees that Jakob is just a man. A good man, but still a man. She needs God. This is complicated because Jakob recognizes that she has needs and wants to meet them, but his efforts fall short. Even though his intentions were good, he's actually been hindering her spiritual growth because she has become accustomed to turning to him to meet her needs instead of taking them directly to God. When Meri begins to understand that Jakob can't fulfill her emotional longings she seeks for a way to do that. It's a tough path, not pretty, but she does get there.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

http://shawnakwilliams.com/

http://shawnawilliams-oldsmobile.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/shawnakwilliams

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Shawna-K-Williams/236629884245

Thank you for being with us today!

Okay readers, here is your chance to enter to win Shawna's latest ebook! If you would like to read my review, you can go here.

Extra entries:

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And a NEW one:

~Follow Shawna's blog here (scroll down a short ways)

Contest is open everywhere due to this being an ebook. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on January 21st.