Please Welcome Christian Author Deanna Nowadnick

Welcome to the Barn Door Book Loft, Deanna!

Is there a story behind Fruit of My Spirit?

Fruit of My Spirit began as a short story for my sons. I just wanted them to know how I met their father. I expected to get the important details down on paper and then head up to Staples for a couple copies. One chapter on Love quickly moved to a second and third chapter on Self-Control and Patience. Soon a “fruity” theme had developed and there was no stopping me. Finally I announced to anyone within earshot, “I think I wrote a book!”

What kind of books do you enjoy reading? 

I enjoy different kinds of books. Right now I’m in the midst of The Forsyte Saga. John Galsworthy’s descriptions absolutely entrance me. Stepping back a few centuries, I loved Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth and its sequel. And Jane Austen! I love Jane Austen.  Do you sense a “Jolly Old England” trend?

If you were a style of music, what style would you be?

I’m a struggling violin player. I say struggling, because I took a thirty-five year break. Now I find myself part of the musical team for Sunday worship. I’m absolutely hooked on Stuart Townend and Keith and Kristen Getty. They are contemporary hymn writers whose music makes my heart soar.

What makes you smile and/or laugh out loud?

My sons are such a delight. I absolutely treasure my time with each of them. We can solve the world’s problems over lunch or moan about the Huskies’ chances for a Rose Bowl appearance. On a daily basis, there’s nothing that makes me happier than to look at my phone and see that it’s Kurt calling. After thirty-one years of marriage, he still makes me smile.

What is your favorite season of the year? 

Spring. I enjoy watching the garden awaken, seeing trees come into color. In Washington, we have long, gray winters, and those first sunny days of spring are the best. Spring is also the time when we get to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. After my mom passed, her memorial service was held on the afternoon before Easter. I still remember walking into a church full of lilies glowing in the sunlight that had broken through on a cloudy, miserable day. In the midst of great grief, I was reminded of the hope to come.

Where is your favorite place to travel/vacation?

Every year our family spends a week in Eastern Washington at Crescent Bar, a small resort community on the bend of the Columbia River. My husband I love hanging out with our boys. The guys ski and wakeboard. I write and drink lattes at the pool. We have also made frequent trips to San Jose del Cabo. It’s a beautiful community on the Sea of Cortez on the Baja Pennisula. Again it’s a week of family fun and togetherness.

Has some place you have traveled inspired something in your writing?

My travels haven’t inspired my writing, but sitting in a little café in Cinque Terre, Italy would certainly inspire me to write.

Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you.   

My second book (that’s coming soon) begins with Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” David’s prayer is my prayer.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?

The first draft of Signs in Life: Meeting God at the Corner of Grace and Mercy is done. Hopefully by this time next year, I’ll be talking about a real book. Signs in Life tells of those time when God has come alongside and guided, directed and turned me. The book recounts when God has met me at life’s crossroads, when I’ve been “on point” with God, not because of anything I’ve done, but because a loving, gracious, merciful God has been there time after time, again and again. More short stories!

You can find Deanna on the web at:

Website and Blog: 

Facebook: 

Look her up on Twitter: @deannanowadnick

Purchase the book at:

Amazon

 or

Barnes & Noble

Dena Nowadnick is giving away a copy of Fruit of My Spirit.The giveaway is only available to U.S. addresses.To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment along with your email address.You may enter the book giveaway twice--once on each spotlight post.