Sally Meadows, Tell us about the season of life you are in.
After careers of scientific editor, children’s entertainer, teacher, science outreach educator, and technical editor, I left the corporate world three years ago to work full time on my writing and music ministry. I recently celebrated 20 years in music ministry. My husband and I have been empty nesters for about a year; we have two adult children, and a lovely daughter-in-law who is a singer too.
In what genre(s) do you write?
Although I believe there is great wisdom in finding and focusing on your “niche”, I like the challenge and variety of writing in a few different genres. I write:
* mainstream and faith-based children’s picture books
* mainstream and faith-based non-fiction short stories for adults
* faith-based songs
* faith-based articles
[Tweet “I like the challenge and variety of writing in a few different genres. – @SallyMeadows”]
Tell us briefly about your most recent publications.
In 2015, I released two children’s picture books for ages 5 to 9. The first one, The Two Trees, was written to help raise awareness about the challenges—and foster acceptance—of families that include a child on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. It is intended for a mainstream audience. The book is told from the perspective of the non-autistic sibling, giving a much-needed voice to those kids who need support too. I am proud to receive funding from the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild to travel all around my province doing interactive presentations for grades K-4 school children, as well as various autism events. Over 1000 children have heard me talk about the importance of being a good friend to those who are “different.” This book is available as a fundraiser for autism services and other interested organizations.
My second children’s book, Beneath That Star, was released in advance of the 2015 holiday season, but it has a faith-based message that resonates no matter what time of the year it is. It is dedicated to family members, especially the younger generation, who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. This book is available as a fundraiser for churches, Christian schools, and other faith-based schools.
What do you believe is your strength as an author?
I believe my strength is my ability to write stories that are both simple and profound. My stories tend to be heart-tugging with a depth that might be missed on surface glance. While children’s and general audience stories may seem easy to write, my pieces have in fact been carefully thought out, and have undergone many, many edits (by me). I am pleased with my ability to write in different genres; diversification has really paid off for me!
What moves you?
Heartfelt stories. Thoughtful movies. Powerful songs. Watching dancing. The touch of the Holy Spirit. Children who are hurting.
What is your favourite Scripture?
Every year or so the Lord gives me a new Scripture. For 2016, my Scripture is Isaiah 61:1-3:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.” (NIV)
The last sentence in this Scripture ties in very strongly with my “word of the year”—GLORY— and the theme of my blog, “Butterfly’d: Unfurling Glory In An (Extra)Ordinary Life.”
This Scripture was also on my heart for 2016, Philippians 4:8-9:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (NIV)
What’s coming up for you in 2016?
In 2016 I plan to:
* continue to do school presentations to support my book The Two Trees (I have a number already booked)
* return to songwriting (I have a few songs I need to complete)
* finish up several children’s picture book manuscripts that are at various stages
* continue to write and submit short stories to publications
* continue to blog with the intention to publish a book, called Butterfly: Unfurling Glory In An (Extra)Ordinary Life
* develop and present one or more workshops
* Christmas concerts!
In addition, I plan to explore:
* writing articles for a mainstream market
* new income streams for my photography and paper crafts
What advice do you have for beginning authors?
Start small. Plan big. Pray continually. God will do immeasurably more than you could ever ask or imagine when you keep your eyes focussed on Jesus.
[Tweet “Start small. Plan big. Pray continually. – @SallyMeadows”]
If want to learn more about Sally Meadows’ books or purchase them, you can find them below:
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