1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

The writing side of my life did not begin until much later. In school, I struggled in English class and with retaining the things I read. I remember in grade school taking hours to read a single chapter, and then not remembering anything that I had just read. Thankfully, as I have grown older, God has helped me overcome the extremes of this scenario.

Since leaving the States on September 25, 2004, I have maintained a journal. This ongoing discipline has been invaluable for the stories I later included in the book.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

God has given me a talent for identifying needs and taking action. In both my teaching courses and writing about my missionary work, I observed many co-workers struggling to adapt to local culture. Some resisted, trying to recreate American environments rather than connect with the community. I knew this approach was ineffective in reaching local people.

Meanwhile, the local people and some missionaries (like me) thrived in the overseas setting. Through my writing, I hope to help overseas workers by showing them what to expect and how to trust God along the way.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Missions is challenging, but trusting God leads to miraculous results.

Approaching missions with a sense of adventure makes it enjoyable.

Missionaries need a strong support network that prays for their physical and spiritual needs.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Writing about life experiences was much easier than writing fiction.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Unsure. Social media is not my strong point.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Start with a clear outline and stick to it.

Write your first draft without editing. Revise later.

Hire an editor skilled at organizing and improving flow.

Don Imus said, “Books are rewritten, not written.” Expect many editing rounds.

Perfection isn’t possible—at some point, publish.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I had thought I would write the next one on re-entry. After living overseas for twenty years, America and I have changed a lot. However, I have several other significant projects to complete before I start another book.

https://www.rejuvenateyourmission.com