Today, we're talking with Vonda Skelton, author of the nonfiction book Seeing Through the Lies.
Oh, yes! As a matter of fact, my first two books are children’s mysteries. And how I got from children’s mysteries to women’s non-fiction is a mystery to me! Well, not really. ;-)
What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?
Hmmm. You mean besides the fact that I’d rather do almost anything than clean house and iron? Other women’s book authors have written about being domestic divas. I’m the Diva of the Domestically Disadvantaged. But I’m not sure I want your readers to know that. Instead, I want them to know that I’m so very thankful that God can take my messes in life and use them for His glory!
I know what you mean. Tell us about your family.
I’m blessed to have a wonderful family. My husband, Gary, and I have been married for almost 39 years. He is the love of my life, although it took me about 15 years to realize it. It took almost losing him for me to see what I had! We have two beautiful daughters, Christina and Nicole, two handsome sons-in-laws, Todd and Steve, and four grandchildren. Garrett (12), Ellie (9), Cole (6), and Mallory (3) take the sting out of growing older, plus they give me an endless supply of stories! We’re family who loves to laugh and play together. And we have the scars to prove it!
Have you written other nonfiction books?
This is my first non-fiction book, but I’ve written for magazines for years. I’m also an RN, so most of my articles have been about health, but I also write about marriage, parenting, and relationships. I’ve had the privilege of writing for Focus on the Family publications, HomeLife, Christian Single, and many others. (Yes, I’m a 57-year-old grandmother of four and I write for Christian Single. Does that qualify as fiction?)
I can't even remember my single life it was so long ago, or maybe I just don't want to remember. What other books have you written, and where can the readers of the blog find them?
My three-book children’s series is called The Bitsy Burroughs Mysteries. Bitsy is a 12-year-old tomboy with a good heart who just can’t seem to keep herself out of trouble, especially when it comes to solving mysteries. The first book is Bitsy and the Mystery at Tybee Island, which was followed by Bitsy and the Mystery at Amelia Island. The third in the series, Bitsy and the Mystery at Hilton Head Island, will be released in April. The hardest part about writing the series is how to continue to get this poor pre-teen girl to all these cool islands! The books are all available at Amazon.com and most online bookstores. For signed, personalized copies, they can order them at my website, www.VondaSkelton.com.
Do you have any other books in the works right now?
It’s funny you should ask that. My agent and I had a long brainstorming session just this week about the next non-fiction book. All I know so far is that it’ll be another book that uses humor to help women laugh, learn, and grow. And I’m in the “mulling” stages of a new book for kids.
Where on the Internet can the readers find you?
Thanks for asking, Lena. You can always reach me at my website, www.VondaSkelton.com. There, they’ll find information on my books, my speaking ministry to women, and on writing instruction. The homepage features The Christian Writer’s Den, a weekly blog about writing. There is also an area for kids called, Bitsy’s World, where kids can read excerpts from the Bitsy books and enter contests. I have two pages on Shoutlife.com (Youth Books and Christian Living), a page on CelebrateMoms.org, and a page on PinkCollarClub.net.
You're all over the Net. What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?
I hate to admit it, but if I’m playing anything, it’s probably not considered a leisure activity. I guess you could say I’m a bit on the competitive side. It doesn’t matter if I’m playing Uno or Pigtail, or if I’m leg wrestling or racing, I want to win! But I’m very nice about it, of course. But the thing I enjoy the most—every single night—is reading. My nightstand is always covered with books. Like the saying goes, “So many books; so little time.”
Why did you write the featured book?
This book was written out of my passion for women’s ministry. We—not just women, but all of us —are deceived by so many lies! They are woven throughout today’s culture. I wanted to help us get focused, or in some cases, refocused, on the timeless truths of God’s Word. I knew I could reach many more women through a book than I ever could reach through my speaking ministry. So, I started with the key points from my Celebrating Womanhood presentation, where we look at the seasons of a woman’s life and come to the conclusion that God can use each of us, no matter our age or situation. After several revisions and rethinking the needs of women, Seeing Through the Lies was born.
What do you want the reader to take away from the book?
I hope that after women read my book they’ll realize that Satan works hard to make us believe his lies, but this is what God wants you to know:
· Your worth is not dependent on your beauty, your busyness, or your stuff.
· A happy marriage is one that endures.
· Motherhood is an honorable profession.
· God has the power to overcome your fear.
· You win when you lose.
· Your life won’t be perfect until you reach perfection in heaven.
· You can’t win God’s love because of your goodness, and you can’t lose His love because of your sin.
And that, dear sisters, is the truth.
Thank you, Vonda, for spending this time with us.
Readers, you'll want to visit her web site to find out more about her ministry.
And you'll want to leave a comment, but for a different reason from usual. When you leave a comment, you'll have a chance to win a special gift basket. Not only does it contain a copy of the book, it's filled with many other goodies.
