Meet Guest Author, Vanessa Fortenberry ~ Plus, monthly Book Give-Away

Vanessa Fortenberry 

Today’s guest is Vanessa Fortenberry. She is a true Georgia Peach having lived in Georgia all her life. I had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa in 2011 at the Catch the Wave Christian Writers Conference. I was impressed by her kind soft-spoken nature. We’ve become friends and encourage each other on our Christian journey.

Vanessa is giving away a copy of her beautiful newly released children’s book, Mama,I Want to See God. So, be sure to leave a comment below.

As a child Vanessa wrote plays, poetry, short stories, and she was an avid reader. However, as much as she loved reading and writing, when she went to college, she majored in music.

Unable to escape the appeal of the written word, Vanessa later became a teacher-librarian. And, after reading countless picture books during story time, Vanessa picked up her own pen to create inspirational stories for children and adults. 

Vanessa has two children, Thomas and Teresa; and two grandchildren, Andrea and Anthony.

Was there a defining moment for you on your writing journey?

In 2010, while exercising at the gym, I mistakenly turned the TV channel to the 700 Club. A conversation about how "God knows us and knows us by name" quickly gained my attention. God spoke to me that day, and I went home to write the first of many inspirational stories for children.  

Tell us a little about yourself and your writing.

I find inspiration from real life stories. We all struggle at home, school, work, and play. My message to my readers is that we can overcome our personal conflicts with the help of a loving God.

 Vanessa, what inspired your book, Mama, I Want to See God?

My grandson, Anthony inspired me to write Mama, I Want to See God. About three years ago, when he was six-years old, he actually said to his mother those exact words. The next day, I sat down at my computer and wrote the story. In my book a child ask his mother lots of questions about God. The child’s curiosity about God indicates his desire to connect with God, while his mother answers his questions with patience and affection.

 What do you think the Lord is teaching you through your writing? 

God is teaching me to study His Word, to believe in His Word, and to act on His Word.

Would you share your favorite Scripture with us?

Psalm 78:4 is my favorite scripture. It states, “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders” (NIV).

As a Christian writer, God gave me an important assignment to teach children about God through life lesson stories. So, it becomes even more imperative to introduce children to the Word and prayer so they may gain knowledge about God, which will ultimately draw them closer to Him.

Where can we find you on the web?

www.vanessafortenberry.com

facebook.com/MamaIWantToSeeGod

linkedin.com/pub/vanessa-fortenberry/16/7a3/603

twitter.com/vanfortenberry

I also write a monthly e-newsletter, “Connecting Readers to the Word,” which you can subscribe to free on my website.

Thank you Vanessa for being our guest today.  And thank you Readers for spending some of your day with us. I hope you will participate in the drawing for a chance to win your own copy of Vanessa's new children's book.

Now, to qualify for the random drawing:

1.  Leave a comment in the comment box below for one chance to win. Include (1) your email address, and (2) how are you going to share this blog post.  We so enjoy reading your comments.

 It's easy to share this on Facebook.  Just click the button at the bottom of the page.  (Plus, Twitter fans could tweet.  We appreciate lots of shares in order to help us get the word out about Jane’s writing and this blog.

2.  Become a follower of Write Moments with God for an additional chance to win.

Do this by Saturday, March 8th by noon. I will announce the winner on Monday, March 10th. 

Thanks again for visiting Write Moments with God.  Please come again.