Meet Author Andrea Merrell -- Plus Monthly Book Give-Away

Andrea Merrell

It's my pleasure to introduce to you this week Andrea Merrell, an author and editor living in the upstate of South Carolina. She is Associate Editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Andrea has led workshops at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (KCWC), Writers Advance Boot Camp, and The CLASS Christian Writers Conference in New Mexico. Her work has been published online and in numerous anthologies.

Please be sure to comment at the end of the interview.  Andrea is giving away a copy of her new book on editing, which will make the perfect gift for the graduate en route to higher education.  If you're a writer, you'll want to just keep it for yourself.

How long have you been writing, Andrea?

From the time I learned my ABCs and how to write my name. I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself on paper.

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

Absolutely. About fifteen years ago my husband and I attended a marriage retreat. One morning the speaker asked me about my hobbies and passions. When I mentioned writing, he said, “Yes, and I’ll bet that’s on the bottom of your priority list.” When I admitted it was, he said, “Well, it’s time to get it off the bottom and put it on the top.” Then he leaned in a little closer and said, “After all, you’re not getting any younger, you know!”

I went home, started writing seriously, and have never turned back.

I've known you as an editor, first.  Tell us about how you become a professional editor?

I’ve always had an eye for detail, and most of my jobs have included proofreading and editing. About seven years ago I met Cindy Sproles and Eddie Jones with Christian Devotions Ministries and started editing the daily devotions for their website. I became an associate editor for their ministry and, later, an associate editor with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. I also do freelance editing.

Where did you get the idea for your new book, Murder of a Manuscript?

From teaching workshops on self-editing at writers’ conferences and mentoring new writers. It’s exciting to help others learn the craft and advance in their writing skills. I know the heartbreak and discouragement of rejection letters (especially those that don’t give the reasons for the rejection), and I wanted to hit the high points of what agents, editors, and publishers are really looking for. 

Because reference material and how-to books can be overwhelming, my book is meant to be a concise, easy-to-read-and-understand guide to help writers submit manuscripts that are as clean and professional as possible.










Murder of a Manuscript

Andrea’s new book, Murder of a Manuscript, (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas 2014) is available from Amazon.  http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103057/. To learn more about her, visit her website, www.andreamerrell.com, or e-mail andreamerrell7@gmail.com

What thoughts would you like to leave with our readers, Andrea?

God has gifted each of us in special and unique ways. Whatever your calling might be, God has a purpose for your life. In Jeremiah 29:11-12 (one of my favorite Scriptures), the Lord says, “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (emphasis mine).”

Don’t waste your life running from that purpose, or spend your time comparing yourself to others. Recognize the talents and abilities that are yours alone and embrace them. There is no greater gift than doing exactly what God has called you to do.

Thank you Andrea for those encouraging words.  And thank you for giving away a copy to one of our readers.

It's so easy to be included in the drawing!  Please leave a comment below and state how you will share this post to be included in the random drawing. Please include your email address as well in your comment so I can contact you in the event your name is chosen.  A winner will be announced Monday, April 14th. 

NOW, to announce the winner of a copy of my devotional.

Congratulations to Robin Densmore Fuson. I hope you will love this toprated devotional and be greatly blessed by your journey through, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea.  I appreciate your encouragement and kind support.

Thank you all for visiting Write Moments with God.