About the Book

Book: Figs in Bloom

Author: Bobi Gentry Goodwin

Genre: Bible Study Curriculum for Girls Small Group Leaders/Parents

Release Date: June, 2023

The Bible is rich with families, communities, songs, poems, principles, and power. It allows the reader to learn of God and His ultimate plan for His people through the coming of Jesus Christ. Stories of heroism, courage, perseverance, and pain fill its pages and are often displayed through the lives of Biblical characters.

The FIGS in Bloom Bible Study and Group Curriculum seeks to foster independence, growth, and spirituality in God’s precious girls by highlighting Bible personalities. FIGS is comprised of twelve lessons complete with Bible study, teacher tactics, scripture memorization, group games, journal writing prompts, and more. Biblical stories of hope, uniqueness, sacrifice, and love seek to encourage each student to blossom and take God with them as they learn to navigate the twists and turns of life.

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Interview Answers

Author: Bobi Gentry Goodwin

Title: FIGS in Bloom

1. Who would you say inspired you the most in your life?

I once read a memoir by the Delaney Sisters and the younger sister told the other that she was going to ride into heaven on her coattail. This line has always stuck with me as my older sister has always been a “better version”. She has been the greatest inspiration in my life.

She has inspired me in many ways, but mostly she champions benevolence and forgiveness.

Her ability to see others, love others, and care for others has moved me to become a better human. Her name means she who comes to aid in Greek and most days of my life, I feel like God sent her to aid me right back in alignment with Him.

2. If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be? Why?

My mother died at the age of 60. She had just gone shopping for a new wardrobe and had a wonderful time attending a birthday party for her sister-friend. It was simply a normal day and she was gone. Not a whisper or hint of her pending transition was felt before that fateful day.

I don’t live with regret, but I am burdened with a longing. I long to talk with her again. There are so many things I want to tell her. My daughter now carries her name. My other daughter has a tender heart just like her. I can finally make scrumptious banana bread. We should have stayed a little while longer at dinner the last time I saw her. If I could spend one day with anyone it would be her and I would soak up every perfectly unperfect moment.

3. How do you balance writing time with the demands of life/family?

Whew, my head is spinning as I even try to answer this question. I have tried everything, well almost everything and still struggle with finding time for writing time and the demands of my life. This area in my life is where I try to allot myself the most grace and forgiveness.

Mommy moments are important, but so are mom moments. Juggling multiple things in my personal experience can often lead to all things falling to the floor, so my goal is to be patient with myself. I have tried to master focusing on one or two things at a time and do that with intention.

If I am going to devote time to writing, I approach it intending to write but give myself grace on how long I write. I also apply this to other areas of my life, including spending the entire time at soccer practice, preparing a nightly home-cooked meal, and walking in my neighborhood every day. I show up but try to remain flexible about my own and others' rigid expectations.

4. How long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

This is a great question. I have never researched before beginning a book. Ideas come into my mind then I spin them around and around. Sitting with my thoughts and ideas helps me see if it starts to come to life. Usually, the things that stay with me or start to take shape I move upon. I am a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants and as the storyline, character, or concept starts to take shape then start the research process and have a better idea of what I need.

Once the research process begins, the length of time devoted depends upon the subject matter. Some things like statistical information are pretty straightforward, but people, history, and culture tend to be more in-depth and can take significantly more time.

5. Do you have any writing quirks?

Night writing happens for me more than I’d like to admit. Writing in the middle of the night is one

of my biggest writing quirks. Sometimes, I am struck and overwhelmed by inspiration. When God downloads something into my mind, I have to get out of bed and immediately write it down. Experiencing a download is one of the most exciting things that happens to me as a writer and I try to honor those moments with my attention and intention. When I get a God-idea, I am often floored and amazed by the result.

I also hate to kill my darlings. After all, do

n’t they have a right to live too?