Have children at home or know families with young children, then you’ll love this month’s Author Highlight & Giveaway!
Oh my! How I wish I had known Karen Whiting — or at least her books — when we was raising our daughter and when our grandson was young. If you are a family with young children, or know of a family with young children this blog (and the YouTube interview) will be an incredible blessing. Blessings and insights that could make a positive change in your family.
I met Karen at a chapter meeting of ACFW in Delaware way back in the late 1990s. It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with her and see what new and exciting projects she has for women and families.
Here’s an intro to this month’s amazing author: Karen Whiting writes to help families thrive. Her newest book The Super-Sized Book of Bible Craft Gifts provides 100+ paper crafts with 20+ related Steam Lessons that focus on kindness.
Karen enjoys adventure like camel riding in the Canary Islands, white water rafting in Australia, and scuba diving off Bermuda’s coast as well as cooking and crafts.
She’s a certified writing and marketing coach, international speaker, former television host, and award-winning author of thirty+ books for women, children, military, and families. She’s a mom of five (including two rocket scientists) and a grandmother.
Impressed yet? I mean, camel riding?! Think she might have some interesting insights into an adventurous family life — in the LORD? Let’s get to know Karen even better.
What was your inspiration for writing in general—why did you choose writing?
God called me to writing after friends kept suggesting I write. I prayed about it. God gave me a vision and right after that someone (not knowing about the vision) gave me a painting of the symbols in the vision. I believe strongly in families and that God wants me to help strengthen families.
Wow! That is amazing and so confirming.
How has Christian nonfiction impacted you personally?
So many non-fiction (NF) books have guided my life and helped me grow and be a better person and parent.
How has being published been a fulfillment of your dreams?
Through writing I had a free trip to the place of my dreams — China, where I spoke to children, parents, and educators. I dreamt of going to China since I was ten (never dreamed it would be because I was a writer).
What did you read as a child? Or, what did/do you read to your children/grandchildren?
I read mystery books for girls, books about places, Pearl Buck’s Imperial Woman, my dad’s college math books, and the Bible among other books.
Who are your favorite authors to read & why?
In NF, don’t have favorites as I am more drawn to topics and read widely. However, Mary Connealy is my favorite in fiction, because she makes me laugh.
Do you have any strange writing habits/quirks?
I don’t think I have any, but I do pray before writing and simply trust the Hold Spirit to guide me (no writer’s block with that approach).
Also, I always check out the competition before I generate ideas. That ensures my books are different from what’s out there.
Do you have any unusual research habits for your books?
I tend to look up scientific studies related to my topics (such as studies on the family, prayer, mom, etc.) and really like Science Daily for that plus check out stats for the reader demographic.
Another habit is that I also like to talk with potential readers and search articles on the topics I will write about. Readers will tell you what they need and articles give me the current trends.
What is the story behind 52 Weekly Devotions for Family Prayer?
We raised our children with daily devotions (and often made up our own). That kept them so well bonded and faithful that I wanted to share what we did. As our country has become more divided and hostile to religion I felt strongly that we need to raise a new generation of prayer warriors, so this seems like the perfect format for doing that.
If you’re interested in the BOOK REVIEW video click here.
What is something God taught you while you wrote your featured book?
Parents are fearful that their children will fall away from faith and are looking for tools to help them raise children who really know Jesus. This was the topic that parents I interviewed kept mentioning.
What is one of your favorite quotes from 52 Weekly Devotions for Family Prayer and why do you love it?
Words a child in a story said, “I’m still learning about how to talk to God and to stop and listen.”
I love that.
What is a question no one has asked you about 52 Weekly Devotions for Family Prayer and you wish they would? Why?
How can Dads or parents who travel and are deployed stay in prayer with their children?
Because society often cuts off dads and considers them less relevant in the home, the reality is they are vital to their children. They can stay connected through journals they share when they reunite, having their own copy of the book the family uses at home, and through connecting via internet and phone to pray together.
The Super-Sized Book of Bible Craft Gifts (co-authored with daughter Rebecca White)
What are you working on now?
Growing a Peaceful Heart
What is the least helpful writing tip you ever received? Why wasn’t it helpful?
Someone once told me that I wasn’t creative enough to be a writer. Judgmental comments are never constructive and thus never move anyone forward in life. By the way, I’m regularly told how creative I am.
What do you hope readers know about you and your books?
That I really want them to succeed and find ideas/tools they can use to strengthen their faith and lives — especially families.
Your passion shows in every book you write, Karen!
My friends, if you’re like me and see the value of quality books that help families, here’s your opportunity to enter for a chance to win A SIGNED COPY OF ONE OF HER LATEST BOOKS 52 WEEKLY DEVOTIONS FOR FAMILY PRAYER and a SPECIAL SURPRISE GIFT.
The February’s Author Highlight Giveaway!
NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?
Check out my YouTube Author Highlight interview with Karen. Because, in the video interview she will answer different questions, and you don’t want to miss one very exciting little known fact about Karen and learn more about the SPECIAL SURPRISE. By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry. Sharing the video, another entry. Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.
The Deadline is February 10th!
Author Highlight with Terri & Karen
That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!
Be sure to tell your friends because they could win a copy, too! See you there!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know my friend Karen and her amazing books.
Next month’s Author Highlight is the prolific, bestselling and award-winning author of Biblical Historical Fiction, Jill Eileen Smith!
Thanks for stopping by! God bless and KEEP READING!
