In the book, Susan delves into the lives of scriptural working women and shows readers how these ancient women are actually excellent role models. I found the book down-to-earth, easy to read, and encouraging, and I'm thrilled to host Susan today. She was gracious enough to answer several questions--AND her publisher provided a copy of her book for a giveaway. Read on to learn about Susan, working women in the Bible, and how you can win a free book. :)
Like most women today, I wear many hats. I’m the youngest child of five daughters, a wife of 20 years, and a mother to three growing children (ages 7, 9, and 12). I’m also a lawyer, author, friend, cook, runner, and lover of dark chocolate. I write because it’s when I feel most connected to people and to God.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written two books. My first book, Chasing Superwoman: A Working Mom’s Adventures In Life And Faith (2010 Cook) is a personal memoir. Yet after I wrote my own story—the story of a too-busy mom, wife, and lawyer trying to do it all—I knew I wasn’t finished. I next turned to the women of the Bible, and I quickly became passionate about the untold stories of some amazing women.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Like so many authors, I can’t find enough time to write. Most of us have a “day” job, family responsibilities, and the everyday distractions of a full life. While I wouldn’t trade my life or the multiple hats I wear for anything, some days I wish I could just sit and write on a mountain top. Uninterrupted!
Oh, I so agree! And I truly feel your pain. :) Susan, can you tell my readers a little bit about your newest book?
Working Women of the Bible focuses on women who worked outside the home or held positions of spiritual or political influence. In addition to Eve, we study Rahab, Jezebel, the widow in debt, Huldah, Deborah, the Proverbs 31 woman, Ruth, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus, Martha, Lydia, and Priscilla. All of these women—faults and all—give us insight and inspiration. They speak to us as working women who live in two worlds: the spiritual and the secular world.
What inspired you to write this book?
I have always loved the stories of biblical heroines. Yet until recently, I never viewed these women as modern mentors. I made the mistake of thinking my mentors had to live next door. Yet God has a way of providing answers where I least expect it. As I read about the women of the Bible, I realized the mentors I have longed for were right under my nose. Too often, we forget that the women of the Bible worked. Hard. They made mistakes, and they didn’t give in. In many ways, their stories are our stories.
Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?
Yes, more than anything, I want my readers to see that God has been redeeming the work of women for centuries--one life at a time. Like many of us today, the women of the Bible were trying to do it all: providing for their families, caring for the elderly, exercising spiritual leadership. Trying to be strong. Trying to figure out whether God can still use our work, despite our mistakes. Even trying to be Superwoman. It all sounds too familiar. Yet too many modern women believe that the Bible is a book for that time and that place. And most of us are wondering how it really relates to me. I want to challenge that thinking.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Just do it. There will never be a good time to write. If your soul is burning with a desire to say something, you probably have something important to say. And if you have something important to say, someone will probably listen. But even if no one listens, you must follow your heart and take a chance. Otherwise, you’ll always wonder “what if?”
That's great advice. Thanks so much, Susan.
Now, it's your turn! To win a copy of Susan's book, just leave a comment answering this question: who is your favorite woman in the Bible, and why?
, Debora Coty is hosting the Too Blessed to Be Stressed KINDLE Giveaway!
