Hi friends! It’s been a while since we’ve had an interview on TTT, so I know you’re going to love this new interview with Debbie W. Wilson. She’s an author friend of mine who is preparing for the launch of her book, Little Strength, Big God! Keep reading to learn more about her writing journey, as well as her suggestions for growing writers.
Tell readers a little bit about yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
As an author, speaker, Bible teacher, and former counselor with Lighthouse Ministries, I seek to help women find victory in life’s battles. I help people—especially overachievers—give themselves a break and experience spiritual rest in their personal lives and relationships with God.
Biblical stories of real people who demonstrate courage and faith in crushing circumstances inspire me. Because I believe the Bible holds the secrets to life, I enjoy writing and speaking on biblical topics that help us know God’s heart.
When did you first become interested in writing?
I stumbled into writing when I joined an international ministry out of college. Part of my job was to write monthly newsletters to my supporters. Instead of only relaying news, I shared what I was learning from my personal Bible study. Feedback indicated these letters ministered to people.
When I spoke to groups, women would ask for my notes. Counseling clients also asked me to put my thoughts on paper. After my children left home, I had time to polish my thoughts and began writing books. I didn’t set out to be an author. It’s been an overflow of my personal walk with God and ministry.
What has your writing journey looked like?
When our ministry board asked me to begin a weekly blog post, I discovered I liked blogging. My first book, Little Women, Big God, came from a study I taught one summer. The women responded so well that I taught it again, adding my personal notes. My book Give Yourself a Break came from common themes I addressed with my counseling clients.
When women responded well to these, I decided to become more serious about my writing. I attended Christian writing conferences and took classes from Jerry B. Jenkins’ writing guild. I’d say I’m a Christian communicator. I’m just as happy facilitating a small group or speaking at a retreat as I’m writing a blog post or book.
How do you use personal experiences in your writing?
When I read biblical stories, I like to put myself in the position of the characters: What would it be like to live through their challenges? Imagining how they must have felt, based on their recorded actions, invariably resurrects times I felt similarly. Even though my situation was different, I needed God just like they did.
When I first studied Gideon in the Bible, I was a bit put off by his constant need for assurances after God had clearly promised him victory. As I wrote the chapter on him in Little Strength, Big God, I remembered numerous occasions when I, too, had asked for repeated confirmations. Recalling how God had supported my shaky faith created an affinity with Gideon and fresh appreciation for God’s patience with me.
What is one piece of advice you would give to readers—especially readers who want to grow in their writing skills?
Life is short. Read what fills your soul. Savor the readings that do. For those who want to strengthen their writing skills, read books on writing and attend writing conferences. Keep growing, learning, and honing your skills. And write. Writing improves as you do it.
The following verses from Jeremiah remind those who view writing as a calling to make sure they’re listening to God and faithfully sharing His message.
“If they had stood before me and listened to me, they would have spoken my words, and they would have turned my people from their evil ways and deeds…Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between straw and grain!” (Jeremiah 23:22, 28 NLT)
Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. She and her husband lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books, including Little Strength, Big God, which releases September 5, at debbieWwilson.com.
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