Interview from Ava Pennington with a Giveaway

» Posted on Oct 15, 2014 in Blog | Comments Off on Interview from Ava Pennington with a Giveaway

This week I’m hosting  Susan Sleeman with Special Ops Christmas (US only) and Ava Pennington with Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional (US only). If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on your post with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (Oct. 19th) evening.

This week will be the Christian Fiction Fall Scavenger Hunt. I will be Stop #28. It will start at noon (mountain time) Friday, Oct. 17th. I will be having a bonus contest on my blog so check back on Oct. 17th. There are 33 Christian fiction authors participating with a grand prize. ONE entry per person. If we find you’ve registered under separate IDs, you’ll be disqualified. Please, be HONEST. If you’re an international winner, your prize will be the equivalent of what we’re offering in the USA in terms of USD$$, based on that day’s exchange rate, and what we can figure out in terms of online options (ex. Apple in Australia, etc.). If the Kindle Fire HDX is more expensive in your country than it is in the USA ($269 USD), we shall give you an Amazon gift card for the equivalent of the USD value. International runners-up winners will receive most of their books via Book Depository, and therefore, they cannot be autographed—sorry. 

Daily Reflections on the Names of God - lo-resInterview with Ava Pennington:

1. What made you start writing?

For me, writing is an extension of teaching. The more I learn, the more I want to share. Writing provides another way to communicate precious truths—not to brag, but because I’m excited to share what I’m learning!

2. How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?

I’ve been writing for about ten years. I had been a Human Resources executive in NYC for twenty years before we relocated to Florida. Instead of returning to the corporate world, I wanted to spend time writing and teaching. I began attending the annual Florida Christian Writer’s Conference and sold my first book three years later at the same conference.

3. How do you handle rejections?

The first few rejections stung more than I imagined they could. I mean, how could publishers not recognize terrific writing? LOL
While rejections still hurt, I recognize they are part of the publishing business. I also try to learn from each one. Was it because I didn’t do my research into what the house was seeking? Was my proposal as polished as it could have been? I also have to realize that sometimes it’s just a matter of not clicking with that particular editor or agent.
I do encourage myself with stories of famous authors who experienced significant rejection: Agatha Christie was rejected for five years and now her books have sold more than $2 billion. The creators of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series received 140 rejections and have now sold more than 125 million copies!

4. Why do you write?

I write because I cannot not write. Guess that best sums it up!

5. What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m preparing for—and teaching—a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class. We also have two ten-month-old boxers who have more energy than I thought possible. Between writing, teaching, and the pups, there’s not much free time left!

6. What are you working on right now?

I’m working on a children’s companion book to the adult names of God devotional. So excited to share God’s nature and ways with another generation!

7. Do you put yourself into your books/characters?

Absolutely. I try to approach my writing from the perspective of my own questions and studies and what I’m learning.

8. Tell us about the book you have out right now.

Every name and attribute of God reveals something about His character and His ways. Daily Reflections on the Names of God is a one-year devotional that explores 122 names and attributes of God from three perspectives: who God is, who we are, and how each name or attribute changes our relationships. The devotional also includes a Scripture and name index for easy navigation to your favorite names or verses. One year from now, will you be able to say you know God better than you did before?

9. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Learn as much as you can about the craft of writing and the publishing industry, and don’t stop learning. Attend writer’s conferences. Write every day. Persevere, then trust God for the results.

10. How important is faith in your books?

It’s a huge part of my books. Actually for me, faith is not in a separate compartment. It touches every area of my life, including my writing.

11. What themes do you like to write about?

I love writing about how God revealed Himself in His Word and how what He wrote is relevant to us today.

12. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?

Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional. How can 366 entries about the names, attributes, and ways of God not be a favorite?

13. What is your writing schedule like?

It’s not as structured as I would like it to be. But I do write something every day—that’s non-negotiable!