Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Sibella Giorello is Grace Winn! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)
This week Rachel Wojnarowski is in the spotlight! To win a copy of her ebook The Sensational Scent of Prayer, leave a comment on this post!
Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?
Mom to 7 and wife to 1, I’m proud to claim sanity. Being married with 7 children, including a special needs child, I write whenever I can. Writing isn’t work to me- it’s fun!
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
My goal through writing is to inspire extraordinary faith for everyday living; this simply means practical methods to living out the Christian life. My passion in writing is for both inspiration and spiritual growth. The technology age is ushering in an era that requires serious self-discipline to develop an intimate relationship with God and I see myself exploring that issue closely.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
Five years ago, I began writing Bible studies for ladies in my community. About three years ago, God gave me the dream of publishing a book. In December 2011, I self-published my first ebook devotional, 10 Days of Christmas for the Hurting and in May 2012, I self-published my second ebook, The Sensational Scent of Prayer. This summer I was picked up by an agent and I am very excited to be working on my first professionally published book. *insertWOOHOOhere*
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?
For me, I’ve found that solitude is my friend. I think and write best with no noise and no interruptions. However, when you have a houseful of blessed bodies, you learn to write in “whatever state you are.” Some days I write for three hours without a break; some I don’t write at all. While I know many writers have structured writing schedules, right now, I’m choosing to make my family a priority. As my family grows, my writing will grow also. At least that’s the plan. *wink*
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?
I have been blessed to attend two writing conferences and both of them were pivotal in developing my writing career. The amount of material AND encouragement I took home from each of the conferences was simply incredible. I also began to write for others as a monthly contributor to online magazines, blogs, and as a guest blogger. This activity assisted in improving my writing skills and not being fearful of rejection. So what if you get rejected? Automatic do-over. *smile*
What are your biggest distractions?
Dirty diapers and messy kitchens.
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
One of the best moments was when my agent said she loved my proposal. In that moment, I felt like God’s overwhelming goodness had covered my soul. Hurt comes when people don’t believe in you or discredit your heart; those are not good moments and have to be lifted up to the Father.
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
The least favorite part of being a writer is that words are powerful and cannot be taken lightly. Therefore I spend far too much time concerned that someone will interpret one sentence out of context and that sort of issue. But the opposite side of the coin is that words are powerful and can be used to encourage, uplift, restore, and give life!
What is the role and importance of an agent?
I’ve never been on a tour through the Amazon jungle and I wouldn’t go through unknown territory without a guide. The publishing world is a jungle, Friends. We need agents.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Be persistent. Even if you think no one is reading, even if no one exhibits any interest in your topics. If God calls you to do it, He has a plan for it. His plan may not look the same as yours, but obedience to His instruction is all He desires.
Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.
The tabernacle’s perfumes waft higher into the air and Hannah’s prayers trailed just behind them, soaring to the heavens, rousing the attention of her heavenly Father. What does prayer smell like?
What’s on the book horizon for you?
I’m currently writing my first standard published book and have two more book proposals in the hopper. My ebooks are providing good feedback and I’m elated to have folks enjoying them!
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
RachelWojo.com, Twitter at RachelWojo, and Facebook is RachelWojo.com
On Monday, September 3rd and Tuesday, September 4th, my ebook, The Sensational Scent of Prayer, will be FREE on Amazon!
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)
Thank you so much for having me today, Suzanne!
Rachel: I think prayers would smell like vanilla, jasmine, roses, honey suckle, and peaches. I think the type of prayer migh determine the scent. Coconut, vanilla, night bloomin jasmie, wildroses, peaches, strawbeies, honey suckle are just a few of the sents I love. Also, lemons. Looking forward to reading your book.
Would love to read this book. It sounds very interesting. I DO wonder what Prayer smells like! 🙂
Thanks Glynna!
That sounds like a very interesting book.
As a woman of faith, I would enjoy reading this book. Thank you!
I guess we have all wondered what prayers smell like. I would love to win this book. ejs874@hotmail.com
Every time I smell specific scents it reminds me that my angel is near. Such as vanilla my grandmother Bartholow is near
When I’m praying and I smell gardenia flower, I feel my grandmothers present too.
Oh I can just tell you will love this book! 🙂
I like the title of the book and am now intrigued to want to read it. I used to clean our church and can tell you the smell of prayer there was mingled with Windex.
That is so funny! I LOVE that.
Prayer is very important in our relationship with God. Would love to read about the “Scent of prayer”. Especially from a mother of 7 children who would have to find her quiet time. God Bless you.
Bless you Donna!
I would love to read this book sounds very interesting. I love to explore new thoughts about faith and my relationship with God.
me too Marion!
Sounds like an interesting book.
I have smelled roses during prayer time with a church group.
That is precious!
Rachel,
Without prayer, we are powerless. I am fascinated by the title of your book and would love to read it. I think of honey, roses, gardenias, a platter of fresh fruit, and my mom’s apple pie baking in the oven.
“The Sensational Scent of Prayer” is an uplifting, inspiring look at prayer, Rachel. Any chance you will give us a sneak peak into the topic of your next book?
Your book sounds very special! So glad we have prayer to help us thru the tough times….. and don’t forget prayers of thankfulness for all we have.
I love the title of this book!