THIN PLACES - Mary DeMuth - Free Book

Readers, you know that I feature many more novels than non-fiction books. And I haven't always read the non-fiction title when I run the interview. I do scan the books to make sure they're okay to have on the blog, but not read them in depth until a later date. I've read Thin Places this week. I believe it's a memoir that every Christian should read, and even give it to hurting friends who can gain freedom because of Mary's transparency in the book.

Welcome, Mary, you are writing nonfiction. Do you also write fiction?

Yes, I’ve written 3 parenting books and four novels, with a few more on the way via Zondervan.

Your novels are powerful, too, Mary. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

Because Thin Places: A Memoir is such a personal book, I’ve worried about negative reviews. In some ways that’s good because it will force me to find my security and love from the One who made me, rather than the opinions of others. I’ve received some great endorsements, but also some harsh reviews. And those are the ones that knife me! Because the book’s about me!

I worry that I’ll be misunderstood. Or that telling the truth will hurt others. I’ve made a point to disguise nearly everyone and everything in the book, but of course the potential for hurt feelings is high.

I fear opposition by the father of lies. Since this is a truth-filled book, displaying authentic struggle, I have a feeling he won’t like it. I’m thankful for a specific, targeted prayer team around me to pray for protection regarding the release of this book. It’s humbling, actually, to see how God brought those pray-ers together.

What wonderful support He sent you. Now tell us about your family.

I have three amazing children (17, 14, 11) who daily light my life. I have a dashing and supportive husband. We have a dog that smells like fish and a cat who thinks she’s all that.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

Yes, three parenting books: Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God (Harvest House), Building the Christian Family You Never Had (Waterbrook), and Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture (Harvest House).

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

I have a standalone novel in the works and am working on a young adult novel and another memoir.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

Cooking (check out: http://adailyrecipe.blogspot.com/ ), gardening, singing, creating small-scale art projects, running, reading.

Why did you write Thin Places?

I felt sufficiently healed from my past, which had been a long, long journey. And in that healing, I knew I had the perspective I needed to be able to communicate my story with hope. In the past, I’d vomit my story of sexual abuse and neglect on any poor soul who’d listen, not with the intention to help her grow through my story, but to gain empathy.

But now I marvel at the path God’s brought me on, how gently He’s led me to this place of wholeness. From that abundance, I share my story. Why? Because I believe sharing the truth about our stories helps others see their own stories.

While I recorded the audio book for Thin Places, the producer asked me why I’d splay my life out this way.

“Because I don’t want folks to feel alone,” I told him.

“You’ve given a gift,” he said.

I sure hope so.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I hope they see hope.

I hope they realize how profound and surprising and radical God’s redemption is.

I hope they’ll see the irresistibility of Jesus.

I believe they will, Mary. Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

http://www.marydemuth.com/
http://blog.myfamilysecrets.org/  (Share a family secret anonymously)
http://www.thewritingspa.com/  (mentoring writers)
http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com/  (personal blog)
http://www.wannabepublished.blogspot.com/  (help for those wanting to be published)
http://www.twitter.com/MaryDeMuth
http://www.facebook.com/mary.demuth

Mary, thank you for writing this poignant, powerful book. And thank you for sharing your time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order Thin Places. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.

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