August 26, 2008

By Vonda Skelton

Posted in: Writing | Interviews

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Marty Norman

August 26, 2008

September 7 is National Grandparents Day, a day to celebrate grandparents and how they've influenced our lives; a day to celebrate the bridge between the generations. So this is the perfect time to introduce Marty Norman, author of Generation G - Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never Go Gray.

Marty is the mother of two and grandmother of four. We met in September 2007 at the North Texas Writer's Conference in Keller, TX where I was a speaker and she was a participant. Not only were we connected at the heart by our love for writing and grandchildren, but we both had books coming out in 2008.

Vonda: Marty, welcome to the Christian Writer's Den.

Marty: Thank you, Vonda. I'm honored and delighted to be here.

Vonda: Okay, we've established the fact that we're both passionate about grandchildren and writing. But would you tell us what gave you the impetus to write a book about grandmothers?

Marty: Great question, Vonda. Next to my faith, family and writing are the loves of my life. The book just sort of happened. In 1999 I discovered I was going to be a grandmother for the first time. I was excited and had heard from my friends that it's the best. As I write in my book, it's one of the few things in life that is not overrated!

Vonda: You're right about that! What was your first step in writing the book?

Marty: Actually, the book began as a project and touched a place deep inside of me. I was on fire in a way I had not been in a long time. I had always wanted to leave a legacy for my grandchildren. Here it was before me on a silver platter. How can one turn that down?

Vonda: Now that you had the idea how long did it take you to write?

Marty: About two years. I just played with it at first. Soon it began to take shape in my mind. I am a free-association writer. Something connects and I get it down on paper. Later, I figure out where it fits. Soon everything fell into clear categories and a book emerged.

Vonda: Let's talk about the book. I loved your themes. What are some of your favorites?

Marty: I really love the fun topics: choosing a name, changing grandmother images, and getting the news. Everyone relates to these. But I think the weightier topics are my favorites as they are a result of my own meditations and reflections. They offer the reader food for thought: long-distance grand parenting, death and divorce, giving advice. These are some of the issues that we all deal with. The word pictures and stories help trigger individual reflection.

Vonda: They sure did for me. What was your goal in writing the book?

Marty: To promote reflection. I hope that the stories and word pictures invite the reader into their own memories and insights. As 21st century grandmothers we are in a unique position to make a difference in families. I would like to see grandmothers rise up and affect change through the use of grandmother power.

Vonda: From God's perspective, what would you say your call is in writing this book?

Marty: Definitely to be an encourager and an exhorter. I want grandmothers to realize their role as lights in the darkness, healers in families. We have the opportunity to breathe life and make a difference in the world. Faith and God are the foundations of our being. Leaving a spiritual legacy for our families is our purpose in life.

Vonda: How will the non Christian view the book?

Marty: I think they will enjoy it. The book is a fun, easy read. My hope is that the book will be a bridge to stimulate discussion between the Christian and non-Christian. I know it's been that way for me. Some of my best conversations have come about as a result of the book.

Vonda: I really could relate to your chapter on giving advice versus making suggestions.

Marty: People tell me that terms like "land mines", "hand-grenades", and "explosions" are a universal language. They don't need defining. All of us can all benefit from keeping our mouths shut at appropriate times.

Vonda: Oh, how well I know that! I'm intrigued by your scriptures andchapter titles. "Dealing with Retirement While Driving To Museum School" and "Rich, Savvy, and Silver," are my favorites. How did they come about?

Marty. The chapter titles always come first for me. Once I get that down I sort of know where I'm going. The scriptures just fell into place, a natural outgrowth of my journaling and morning scripture mediations. Once I had the themes, the book took shape.

Vonda: There's so much one can say about grandchildren. How did you know when you were finished? (With the book, not the grandchildren! ;-)

Marty: In the middle of the book, I had a break where I put everything on hold when I helped my husband with an office crisis. God has a way of working things out. After nine months I found I had time on my hands because I had dropped out of everything. In retrospect I was in process of birthing a baby. When I returned to the book I was like a dog on point. I wrote non-stop every day until it was finished. Then I developed a website, learned about pdf files, wrote a book proposal, and researched the market. I was like a race horse at the starting gate.

Vonda: I know what you mean, Marty. It's an awesome feeling when you know you've written something of worth that can benefit others--and you've certainly done that! Thank you for sharing your story with us. It's encouraging to hear the details of your journey.

Readers, I know you're going to enjoy the book as much as I have. And, as always, we're going to give someone the opportunity to have a free autographed copy! All you have to do is leave a comment below and you'll be entered into the drawing. The winner will be announced next week, so be sure to check back.

For more information on Marty and Generation G - Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never Go Gray, you can visit her website and her blog. You can also get the book at your local bookstore, at Amazon, and at other online bookstores.

Happy reading!

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My New Book Trailer is Here--and You're the First to See It!

Drumroll, please...

I'm so excited about my book trailer for Seeing through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe! I hope you'll take a peek and pass it along to all your friends!

And a special thank-you goes to Misty Taggart of Trailer to the Stars for putting together this fun video. Thanks so much, Misty! If any of you authors out there need help with promotion, I hope you'll visit Trailer to the Stars. (And be sure to tell Misty I sent you! ;-)

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I hope you'll meditate on these words of David as you go through your week:

I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18b

I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,

Vonda