Meet Author Rebecca Waters ~ Plus win a copy of her book, Breathing on Her Own

Rebecca Waters

Today it's my pleasure to introduce to you Rebecca Waters.  Her debut novel, Breathing on Her Own, was recently released by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.  It's a story of faith, forgiveness, restoration and family crisis. I'm looking forward to reading it. Becky will be giving away a signed paperback copy to one of you, so be sure to participate. Enjoy the interview.

Tell us a little about yourself, Becky.

I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I taught in the primary grades for nearly twenty years, but after earning my doctorate from the University of Cincinnati, I felt called to teach at Cincinnati Christian University. I was head of the teacher education program at the university for fourteen and a half years. In 2011 my husband suffered a series of heart issues resulting in four-way bypass surgery. The surgeon started talking about “the next time.” We looked at each other and started planning our retirement. We retired in 2012.

Tell us about your new book.

Breathing on Her Own is my first novel. It’s about a woman (Molly) nearing retirement when her adult daughter is injured in a terrible accident. Another woman is dead.  When Molly learns her daughter was driving under the influence, she is gripped with shame and doubt. How can she face her friends? Where was God? How could He have let this happen? As the story unfolds, Molly comes to realize her faith in God is faltering. It’s a story of faith, forgiveness, restoration and family crisis.

What started you on your writing journey?

My second grade teacher told me I was a writer. As a senior in high school, my English teacher told me I was a writer. So of course I wanted to be a writer, right? No. I wanted to be a teacher. However, I have always enjoyed writing. As an educator, I wrote research-based articles for journals. As a teacher I wrote stories for my students. As a mom, I wrote teen novellas for my daughters. I’ve written for Christian as well as education publications. When my husband and I decided to retire, I turned my attention to writing a novel.

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

I think He is teaching me to trust Him with the details, and to use the gifts He has given me to serve Him in a new and exciting way. He’s also teaching me to be patient and humble.

What is your personal, most effective way to get past writer’s block?

What I have found most helpful is to move away from one project and write something totally different. My mind seems to engage in the writing process and the problem I had with one piece seems to work itself out as I write another. That said, I recently read someone suggest that to get your creative juices going you need to engage in something else that is creative such as making a craft or trying a new recipe. I may try that the next time I feel stuck.

What advice do you have for the aspiring writers who might be reading this today?

Write, write, and then write some more. Also, I encourage new writers to draft a business plan for themselves. When you start to think of your writing as a business, you always have a “next step.” Another benefit to that is you stop becoming so emotionally attached to your words. This is handy when an editor wants to cut them or asks you for a total rewrite.

What is your favorite Scripture?

I have always leaned on Colossians 3:23 when it comes to my work at hand. But lately I have been drawn to 1 Thessalonians 4:11 “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and work with your own hands….”

How can readers connect with you?

The easiest way is to visit my website at http://www.BreathingOnHerOwn.com/

Also, I write a weekly blog for writers called A Novel Creation. It can be found at http://rebeccaawaters.blogspot.com/2014/

And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men. Colossians 3:23

Thank you so much Becky for being my guest this week on Write Moments with God. Thank you for offering to give-away a copy of your novel.

All readers who comment below will be included in the drawing. Please include your email address (if I don't have it) so I can contact you in the event that you are the winner.  Please share this post with your social media friends so they can participate too.  The winner will be announced here next Monday, June 9th.

As always, I am honored that you have joined me here today.  You make my day.