I’m thrilled to introduce my friend, Poppy Smith, to you. I first learned about Poppy years ago through her bestselling book, I’m Too Young to Be This Old (reprinted and updated this year). I immediately became a fan. This lady knew exactly where I was in life! Then we met when I joined the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), and it’s been a joy to get to know her personally.
And I know you’re going to enjoy hearing about Poppy’s writing journey and her new book, Why Can’t He Be More Like Me? 9 Secrets to Understanding Your Husband. Be sure to leave a comment and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book! Not that any of us need help understanding our men, of course. And guys, don’t start. Remember, you’re outnumbered here. 🙂
VONDA: Okay, Poppy, let’s start at the beginning. How did your writing journey begin?
POPPY: I am not one of those women who always longed to write. In fact, it never occurred to me until three writers who heard me teaching asked why I didn’t write what I was presenting. As a former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, teaching is my love. It was only when a pastor said, “What you write will reach far more people than speaking,” that I began to weigh it seriously.
But I still wasn’t convinced I could either write or get published. Reading an article on the Parable of the Talents one night, God began to deal with my attitude. What was behind my reluctance to explore if this was part of His plan for me? Fear, laziness, indifference? Convicted, I told God I would move forward, do my best, and leave the results to Him. For me, writing books is an act of obedience because I love the Lord and I’m committed to do whatever He leads me into.
VONDA: What were your early steps toward publishing?
POPPY: My first steps included attending a Christian writer’s conference, connecting with a free-lance book editor, and beginning to write. Meeting with my book editor/teacher after writing each chapter gave me the one-on-one training I desperately needed. After finishing three chapters and polishing my book proposal, I submitted the manuscript to three publishers. Two quickly declined. My topic wasn’t of interest to them. The other didn’t reply for three months.
Finally, a postcard arrived saying they were considering my book. Then silence. I waited four more months. When I finally called the editor, he told me they were going to consider it the following week, but I didn’t believe him! One week later, they called and offered me a contract.
VONDA: What a great reminder to be patient! What happened after this in your writing journey?
POPPY: I was a complete unknown with no writing experience, but my book, I’m Too Young to be This Old: Surviving and Thriving in the Muddled, Middle Years” was published by Bethany House. It sold almost 150,000 copies, and has just been republished by Harvest House with a bright new cover. Because of the early sales figures, Bethany House gave me contracts for two more books. After I finished my third book, however, I vowed never to write again! And I didn’t write again for ten years.
VONDA: What happened that caused you to stop writing and choose to focus on your speaking ministry? 
POPPY: I had an unfortunate experience while writing my third book that triggered some deep issues I wasn’t even aware of at that time. I ended up struggling emotionally with a lot of negative feelings towards myself and my writing. I speak on the power of words, including our self-talk, because I’ve experienced it. I discovered that emotional pain is often triggered by early childhood experiences, but that we can heal and grow so those hurts from the past don’t limit or destroy our future.
VONDA: Thank you for your transparency. That’s a good lesson for all of us. The good news is, your fourth book, Why Can’t He Be More Like Me? was released last year by Harvest House and won the AWSA Golden Scroll Award for best non-fiction in 2012. What brought you back to writing?
POPPY: During my ten year hiatus from working on another book, I went to seminary and graduated with a Masters in Spiritual Formation and Direction. We were required to have a monthly meeting with a Spiritual Director and I found this wonderfully healing. I came out of seminary with a deep acceptance of who I am and an inner peace that has enabled me to reject the negative self-talk that had overwhelmed me ten years before.
I joined a writer’s critique group composed of experienced, published authors. One of them became an agent. She then represented me to Harvest House who gave me a contract.
VONDA: As we close this interview, tell us a little about the passion that drove you to write this book about understanding yourself and your husband.
POPPY: I am saddened by the divorce rate among Christians and yet I understand how a marriage can come apart because of differences between each spouse. My passion is to help women grow spiritually and personally by recognizing their husband isn’t their clone, didn’t come from the same home, probably has a different personality and way of processing information, handling conflict and communicating. I want my book to give hope that to women that change is possible when we let God change us.
Thank you for joining us today, Poppy. Your story is a powerful example of what God can do through us and our own circumstances, if we let Him.
Okay readers, I know you want a copy of Poppy’s new book, Why Can’t He Be More Like Me? 9 Secrets to Understanding Your Husband, so be sure to leave a comment and you’ll be in the drawing. And if you want to go ahead and order your own copy, just click on the book covers or titles.
BIO: Poppy Smith’s passion is to inspire and encourage women toward spiritual and emotional health through her ministry as a writer, conference speaker, and spiritual director. To learn more about her books and speaking topics, visit www.poppysmith.com. Follow her blog: www.poppysmith.blogspot.com
