Friday, September 13, 2024

"Bloom in Your Winter Season" by Deborah Malone (with 23 contributing authors) -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Bloom in Your Winter Season

Author: Deborah Malone with 23 Contributing Authors

Genre: Bible Study

Release Date: April, 2024

Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in Your Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions. Previous books in the series are Blooming in Broken Places, and Bloom Where You Are Bible study.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview 

 



 1. Why did you choose to write non-fiction? Let’s just say it chose me. I had been
writing fiction for years. I had six Christian Cozy Mysteries and was working on
my seventh when I was led to write my story, “Blooming in Broken Places.” I’d
been asked over the years to write it, but I wasn’t ready at the time. During the
writing of my seventh mystery, I received a “gentle nudge” to write Blooming. I
had never written non-fiction and was literally afraid to try. I put the word our for
someone to co-write it with me. The lady I chose told me I needed to write it
because it was my story but that she would help mentor me. Julie Morris was true
to her word and helped me every step of the way. I went from being afraid to write
non-fiction to winning Georgia Author of the Year 2018 in Inspiration Category.
God was with me!

2. Why did you choose to write about this particular topic? I wrote “Bloom in Your Winter
Season,” because I’m in my winter season�� I felt there was a need “seasoned”
women to see examples from the Bible where God used “seasoned” women in
mighty ways. Anna, Elizabeth and Lois are just a few examples we have. As my
friend and mentor, Babbie Mason says, “God did not stamp an expiration date on
our forehead.” He can and will use us until our last breath. I wanted to encourage
other women to be mighty Winter Warriors for God!

3. What is your writing area like? Messy. No, really, it is pretty well organized. I have turned
an extra bedroom into a small office and writing area. I also conduct Bible Studies online,
so I have it decorated in the background for when I am on live. However, it can get messy
at times – the papers tend to pile up.

4. How do you balance writing time with other things? I’ve never been one to write on a
schedule. I didn’t have to do that with my publisher, so I was able to write when I wanted
or needed to. However, now that I am spending more time on marketing than writing it is
a little harder to balance. Marketing is a must, and it can take up a lot of time. I’m still
working on the balancing part.

5. What types of research do you do?  My cozy mysteries were all researched on site. I
went to the towns they are set in and visited many of the places I write about. I
would take hundreds of pictures, and interview people who lived in the area. I
would also use maps, tourist material, etc. Anything that would give me more
information about the area. Even though my mysteries were fiction, all the
settings were real. As far as my Bible Studies, I used the Bible to study the
women and also used information on the computer. I have several books on
women in the Bible that are my go-to books for learning about them individually. 

6. How long does the researching stage usually take? For my mysteries it might take a few
months. As far as the research for my non-fiction I conduct research throughout the
process of writing the book.

7. Was there anything you found particularly interesting while researching?  Studying the
women of the Bible who I presented in my book “Bloom in Your Winter Season”
was eye-opening. I’d heard of all the names of these faithful ladies but did not
know them up close and personal. After studying them more intimately I grew to
know them on a deeper level. This helped me to grow in my winter season as
well. 

8. Do you think reading helps you with writing? I tell people I came out of the womb reading.
And I believe that! I can’t remember a time I didn’t love to read. I really do believe that for
me, my love of reading morphed into my love of writing. And from talking with other
writers I think this is a very common thing to happen.

9. What is different about writing non-fiction vs fiction? To put it simply they are two
completely different animals. You really must learn how to write both genres.

More from Deborah

Deborah received Georgia Author of the Year Award 2018 in Inspiration Category for her book Blooming in Broken Places. Her companion workbook, Bloom Where You Are, was runner-up in the prestigious Selah Awards 2023 in Bible Study Category. Deborah is a certified Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Power Speaker. She is a member of the Georgia Writers Association, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and American Christian Fiction Writers. Deborah lives in the North Georgia mountains with her husband, Travis.

 

More from Deborah

Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in You Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions.
Welcome to the Winter Warriors club. A club made up of “seasoned” women who have a desire to give their heart to Abba even during the phases of their winter season. Maybe you’ve been going through changes that have you discouraged and ready to throw in the towel.
Change is inevitable: hearing aids, eyeglasses, and a knee replacement are just a few I’ve already experienced. Not to mention the changes to my body shape and style – yikes! Maybe you’ve been through some of these changes, too. If we dwell too long on the inevitable, it can be easy to get discouraged and want to just sit down and give up.
In this study you will be treated to twenty-four devotions by “seasoned” authors who continue to be active for the Lord in many ways – large or small – it is all for God’s glory.
You will hear me saying often: “God did not stamp an expiration date on our forehead.” While studying these women from the Bible, you will discover that God can and will use you even in your winter season.
As my friend Beth says, “There’s only one alternative to growing old.” And we all know what that is – something we will all have to face eventually, but until then, let’s make a pact to grow old as “seasoned” women being Winter Warriors for our Abba!
Blog Stops

Godly Book Reviews, September 7

Divine Perspective, September 8

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 10

Girls in White Dresses, September 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 12

Blossoms and Blessings, September 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 15

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 16 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, September 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 18

A Reader’s Brain, September 19 (Author Interview)

She Lives to Read, September 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Deborah is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card and the winner’s choice of one of Deborah’s books!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5434


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