Talented Sharon Elliott is Visiting My Blog Today!

If you'd like a chance to win her wonderful book, A Power Suit, leave a comment and email address.


How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I’ve loved writing all my life, but had no idea I was a “writer” until I attended my first Christian writers’ conference. That’s when I felt the Lord put together for me the fact that my passion was my call.


What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write non-fiction, Bible-based, Christian living books. All of my books revolve around some Biblical theme and bends seriously toward practical application.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel book?

I write after work in the late afternoon, evenings, and on the weekends. I divide my work according to my deadlines. I count the days from when I get the assignment or contract to the due date and then do the math according to how many chapters I need to write.

Wow. That must take discipline! You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame is my latest published book. In it, women will discover that the reason the armor isn’t working as it should is because the snug fit of the pieces is obscured by “junk” we have on underneath.

Readers can secure the book in the following ways:

* At local bookstores (if it’s not on the shelf, it can be ordered)

* Directly from the publisher (http://www.newhopepublishers.org/)

* From the online sites such as CBD.com (Christian Book Distributors), Amazon.com, the Family Christian Stores website, etc.

* From my website if they’d like an autographed copy (http://www.lifethatmatters.net/)

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

Power Suit encourages women to obey the Ephesians’ Biblical directive and get dressed, i.e. “put on the whole armor of God.” Readers can expect to encounter examples with which women can particularly relate. For example, in the chapter about the “shoes of the gospel of peace,” women will be engaged in the thought process of how things like stress and haughtiness keep their shoes of peace from fitting.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous it is becoming a writer! Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

I’m totally a people-person. Sitting alone in front of my computer is hard for me. I’d much rather spend my time speaking and in fellowship. But the study of the Word and the subsequent writing of the books to explain those studies give me something to talk about. I often say that I have none of my own material. Anything I have to say in my books or in my speaking is all about what God has said.

I get most frustrated when I get behind in my schedule, and the most discouraging times are when there are few speaking engagements on my calendar. I find myself wondering if anyone really wants to hear what God’s given me to say.

Who’s inspired you the most?

My parents, my husband, and my children. My parents provided an atmosphere rich with a love for the Lord, books, and education. My husband actually paid for me to self-publish my first book. His support and belief in me and my dreams is incredible. My children love and respect me and are proud of what I do.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I now have an agent and a track record with two companies in particular who are publishing different genres of my writing. New Hope Publishers who published Power Suit will be working with me for my future women’s titles. Judson Press publishes my parenting titles. Before I acquired my great agent – Diana Flegal of Hartline Agency – I chose publishers by who was interested in project. I attended writers’ conferences regularly and pitched my work. I’ve had wonderful experiences with Beacon Hill Press, WinePress Publishing, and Scandinavia Publishing House.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love to travel and I love to shop. I’m so busy with writing right now, that there’s really no room for other outside hobbies. To relax, my husband and I enjoy rooting for the Lakers and the Clippers (both Los Angeles NBA teams), watching college football, and watching law enforcement shows like NCIS, all the CSI’s, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. I like game shows as well, especially Deal or No Deal.

Barring the trouble in the Middle East right now, I’ve always wanted to cruise through the Suez Canal and visit the Holy Land. I’d also like to take an Alaska cruise because I hear it’s so beautiful. I also love the Caribbean islands.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

• I write a daily devotional blog that I’d love your listeners to check out and subscribe to. It’s called “A Heart for the Word” and can be found at www.sanewriter.wordpress.com.
• My website is www.LifeThatMatters.net.
• I invite your listeners to also spend a fun, informative, life-changing women’s day with me and their women’s group or book club by sponsoring a Power Suit Party. I’d love to come to your church or women’s organization with the Power Suit Party which is a seminar, a book signing, and a shopping excursion all in one. For more information and to book a PSP in your area, visit the website.

Wow, Sharon, you're a busy and sucessful lady. Congratulations! and thanks for being here this week.

Readers, check out her book and her website. I think you won't be disappointed. Make sure you leave your comments and email addresses for a chance to win her book!

Blessings