Author Interview: Michelle Miner
Author Interview: Michelle Miner
Q1.)When did you first consider yourself a writer?
A1.) I’ve always liked writing and find it easier to express myself in writing whether through poems or in my journal or letters to friends. Even though I’ve written a book, I’m not completely sure I consider myself a writer. (I know that doesn’t make much sense)…I simply allowed the Holy Spirit to write using my pen, I consider Him the writer and I’m the pen.
Q2.)What inspired you to write your first book?
A2.)The road to this book was simply to sit and ask Holy Spirit what He had to say. I initially thought that maybe this book could be only for me or a few close friends. As things evolved and I found this may be something more, I listened to what God said and wrote and wrote and wrote. I wanted the book to be interactive in nature, one that the reader could learn from and draw closer to God through. I haven’t seen any book like this and wanted to give back to those that wanted to hear His voice. My inspiration is absolutely the teacher in me and God.
Q3.)What were your challenges in getting your first book published?
A3.)The biggest challenge was simply to complete it. I had originally started writing it a couple of years ago and one thing led to another and I put it down thinking I’d finish it later. It wasn’t until the Lord instructed me to complete it and finish my Doctorate before I could begin doing the weekend encounters that we are facilitating. Since completing, the biggest challenge was to have patience in the publishing process. I see now that another review or two would have been well worth the wait; now I’ve had one revision and will soon do another. I guess that’s all part of the creative process and I’ll learn much from it.
Q4.)What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book(s)?
A4.)Hands down the most surprising thing learned was that despite the typos or a couple of errors that I had/have to change, the most surprising thing was the book is actually worth the read/experience. People that have bought it are saying amazing things about it most of which points back to hearing God and drawing closer to Him which was my ultimate goal. I’m humbled
Q5.)How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?
A5.)A few years ago, I wrote a children’s workbook called “Someone I loved died.” I unwisely didn’t get it copyrighted prior to sending to a publisher. A few months after I received a thank you but no thank you letter, I saw MY BOOK in print!!! Of course, there was no way to prove that it was my book; lesson learned. I was happy though that it was good enough to be put in print. I’ve bought copies for my children’s workers and forgave the publishing company for stealing what rightfully wasn’t theirs. Other than this, When I Journal He Speaks is my first book in what I hope to be a series of journaling exercises or perhaps a devotional. We’ll see what the Lord has in store.
Q6.)Where do you get your ideas or how do you find inspiration?
A6.)My doctorate was filled with coursework that used journaling as part of the work. The coursework always led me back to God and because of this and my relationship with the Lord, it was easy to allow the Lord to move through my pen.
Q7.)How do you incorporate God into your writing?
A7.)There was never a question as to whom was going to write through me in this journey. Because I consider this a Christian book and for a Christian audience, it was easy to incorporate God and Christian ideas, values and creative thought into it. When I am still, picture Him, tune to flow and journal, Jesus always comes through!
Q8.)What books/authors have influenced your writing?
A8.) I absolutely love to read Bill Johnson. His books are deep and he tells it like it is. He challenges the reader to change, to be transformed into the image of Christ. While he can be “deep” he is wise, compassionate and intelligent in his writing style. I’ve always liked interactive books and Mark Virkler fills that bill with the many, many books I read throughout my Doctorate program. Heidi Baker and her husband are also in the mix with their writings about intimacy with Jesus.
Q9.)Do you have an upcoming book? If so, please describe it.
A9.)I don’t have an upcoming book at this time.
Q10.)Do you have any advice for other writers?
A10.)I had my book edited and there were still mistakes. Make absolutely sure that you proof it time and time again before you go to press!! Be patient with yourself and with the publisher, they are there to help you to be the best writer that you can be. There will always be more that you could write or wish you had written; stop when you feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit that you have completed your work as He instructed. You can always write another!!
Q11.)Any final thoughts about sharing your writing with my blog readers?
A11.)My prayer is for every reader to draw closer to the Lord, to think His thoughts, to be healed of wounds that have affected daily living. While I’m not perfect and there are mistakes in my book, my hope is they look over them and get the meat of what I was attempting to convey; that they can hear His voice on a daily basis, that our Father in heaven loves the reader immeasurably and walks before them!!
AUTHOR BIO: Michelle Miner
Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and possess a Doctor of Christian Counseling degree. Michelle’s passion is to see people healed and set free from past and present emotional, mental and spiritual wounds. Dr. Miner owns a psychiatric rehab facility endeavoring to teach clients how to live as independently as possible outside of a hospital setting. Michelle has taken what she has learned through hearing the voice of God and is now in ministry teaching women how to receive inner healing and deliverance from past trauma. Michelle is single and lives in Denham Springs, Louisiana. She can be reached at whenijournalhespeaks@gmail.Com.
To purchase your own copy of this book go here:When I Journal He Speaks: A Journaling Journey to Greater Intimacy with God
To see my review of Michelle’s book go HERE.
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