(Okay, I know it’s not the 4th Tuesday, my usual Author Interview Day, but it turns out that I’m heading out of town and needed to get my post up before I left, and since Sharon’s interview was ready to go, I decided to introduce y’all to her early. And you’re in for a treat!)
My AWSA (Advanced Writer & Speaker Association) friend, Sharon Norris Elliott, calls herself the “20-year Overnight Success.” Why? Because that’s how her writing journey feels. Having been in the business of Christian writing for 22 years, she’s finally hitting her stride. What a joy to share her journey–and her NEW book–with you! Be sure to read her bio below, but here I’ll just let you know she’s an author, speaker, Bible teacher, writing instructor, and so much more!
Want the chance to win her book? Just leave a comment and you’ll be in the drawing. Don’t forget to check back next Tuesday to see if you won! 
Now, here’s a peak into her story:
Q: Sharon, how did your writing journey begin?
A: I have enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. In elementary school, I wrote poems, songs, and little stories. I also loved books. My mom joined a mail order book delivery service in my name and every month, I received a new Dr. Seuss book. It was wonderful. I had my own “library” in my bedroom.
Q: So you have known all of your life that you wanted to write books, right?
A: No, quite the contrary. Although I continued writing musicals, composing praise songs, and writing Bible studies, blending the two loves – writing and books – didn’t come together in my mind until just before I attended my first Christian writers’ conference.
Q: How did that final blending of your loves happen?
A: At that conference, I attended workshops that inspired me to put my words in the hands of others. By the end of the conference, I felt God strike me with the amazing idea that I was a writer. When I came home and excitedly started telling my friends of my epiphany, they wondered how I didn’t already know that.
Q: So you believe God has called you to be a writer?
A: Absolutely. But not just a writer, He has called me to be an author. I’m not just writing things down; I’m writing what He leads me to write so others can read it and live significantly in a closer relationship with the Him.
Q: If it’s God’s Word that makes the difference, why not have people just read the Bible?
A: That’s a great question. Gods’ Word is definitely enough. The amazing thing is that God allows us authors to partner with Him in spreading His Word. In the same way as pastors preach the Gospel, Christian authors preach through the books we write.
Q: And what kind of “preaching” do you do?
A: I write non-fiction books. My books are based on lists that I see in the Bible, or on passages of Scripture, all with a view to helping my readers apply the principles of the Word into their lives. My tenth book will be out soon.
Q: What is your latest book?
A: Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame is my latest book and it’s published by New Hope Publishers. The premise of Power Suit is that we trying to fit the armor of God over some other pretty unsavory “outfits.” Until we take off some old habits and attitudes, our armor won’t fit. And armor that doesn’t fit doesn’t work.
Q: I love that concept and LOVED that book! Anything new on the horizon?
A: There’s always something new coming! My second parenting book is due out in Fall 2013 from Judson Press. Boomerangs to Arrows: A Godly Guide to Launching Young Adult Children gives a Christian answer to parents who are wondering how to help their grown kids become independent adults who are supporting themselves and living on their own.
Q: What is your advice to writers who want to become published authors?
A: My six-step plan to get new writers started up the road to publishing success is as follows: First, pray. Be sure writing is something God is calling you to do. Second, have a message. The first thing a writer needs is a message someone wants to hear. Third, hone your craft. Words, sentences, spelling, syntax, etc: these are a writer’s tools. Know how to use them well. Write beautifully. Fourth, invest in your writing. Go to Christian writers’ conferences. Learn the business side of Christian publishing. Start learning what it will take to market yourself and your message. Fifth, be patient. Remember, I am a 20-year, overnight success. Getting going in this business usually takes a fair amount of time. Finally, get started. Write every day.
Bio: “Live significantly!” That’s the inspiring message of Sharon Norris Elliott, award-winning author, speaker, and astute Bible teacher, who always encourages everyone who will listen to live a life that matters. Her two latest published books are Power Suit, the Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame, and Raising Boys to be like Jesus. Discover more at her ministry website, www.LifeThatMatters.net. She also authors a daily devotion on her blog: www.sanewriter.wordpress.com, and serves as editor-in-chief of Gospel Roads magazine (www.gospelroads.com). Being dedicated to instructing Christian authors and encouraging them toward excellence in the business, she teaches at major Christian writers’ conferences nationwide, and is CEO of AuthorizeMe through which she conducts hands-on seminars personally assisting attendees toward their publishing goals.
Thank you for joining us today, Sharon. I know the CWD gang has enjoyed your interview as much as I have! And readers, remember, you could win a copy of Sharon’s latest book, Power Suit, the Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame, by simply leaving a comment. Check back next week to see if you won!
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Today is a 5th Tuesday, and that means you get to hear from a guest blogger. Today’s guest is my friend, 
As I mentioned last week, conference season is here, so it’s time to buckle down and take care of a few things before we head out the door.
Well, it’s conference time and that means it’s time to look at the benefits of conferences again. You can’t afford NOT to go!
It’s the 4th Thursday, and that means it’s time to share conferences (some new!) and MoGo7000 with you…
The March MoGo7000 Challenge ends Sunday night at midnight!
