Connie Arnold went blog-hopping to find my company. As a busy woman of God with many talents, I appreciate her taking the time to share her heart and inspiration behind her latest poetry book,
Abundant Comfort and Grace. It was such a pleasure to design this book from cover to cover; she’s an amazing woman with poetry to touch every heart.
Please enjoy the interview August 2, 2010 and share it with followers. Her book will be on sale through the end of the month from
http://www.store.rpjandco.com/. If you’d like an autographed copy, email her directly at:
beautifulmomentsofjoyandpeace@yahoo.com. Her website is:
http://www.conniearnold.webs.com/.
There will be prize drawings at the end of the tour. Details will follow the interview. Post a comment to enter.
Q: How did you get started writing poetry?
A: Music has been the instrument through which I had my early experience with writing poetry. I was the organist/choir director at a church for several years in my 20’s and early 30’s and began writing music there. That was my beginning of writing poetry, as text for music. Upon moving to Winston-Salem in 1996, I became inspired by my beautiful surroundings to write more poetry.
Q: What do you think has been the greatest influence on the type of poetry you write?
A: Being diagnosed with lupus forced a change in my life. It has caused me to become more open to God and being inspired, and to have a greater understanding of the suffering of others. Many of my poems are influenced by that and express how important it is to rely on God, whose love can sustain us through life’s difficulties.
Q: Do you only write when you feel inspired?
A: I do only write when I feel the inspiration. Sometimes it just comes to me, and that’s when the writing seems to just flow onto the paper. Other times I have to actively seek inspiration and much prayer is needed. If I can’t write something that will be meaningful, uplifting and encouraging to those reading it, I put it away and come back later to try again.
Q: Do you write anything besides poetry?
A: Poetry is definitely the gift God has given me and what I feel God uses to touch people’s hearts. It is the easiest way for me to communicate what I want to share. There are thoughts and feelings welling up in me that need to be expressed, and writing inspirational poetry is a wonderful outlet. I also write for children. I have three young grandsons, and I enjoy writing for them and other small children. In fact, my first children’s book is due to be released shortly.
Q: What do you find is the most important part of beginning to write?
A: To me, the most important thing is to begin with silence, prayer and meditation.
Q: How do you think Abundant Comfort and Grace can help others?
A: Life can be extremely hard at times. We all have our challenges to face. God’s love and the comfort and grace we have from God can make living a joy in spite of the difficulties, and this is what the poems offer to others. The light of God’s love can shine through them and into the hearts of the reader. The beautiful color photographs by Gary Strader add the visual delight of God’s glorious creation, revealing glimpses of God’s grace and peace.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I would like to thank you, Kathy, not only for sharing this interview as part of my blog tour, but also for the wonderful work you did to make Abundant Comfort and Grace the best and most beautiful it can be. I feel like God led me to RPJ & Company and am very thankful for the outcome!
There will be two drawings at the end of the tour from comments made at the different blogs, one for a free copy of Connie's first book, Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace, and one for a $10 Amazon gift certificate. The more blogs you comment on, the more entries you receive! There will be an additional drawing for a $25 Amazon gift certificate from those purchasing Abundant Comfort and Grace. You’ll be entered by purchasing a signed copy from my website,
http://www.conniearnold.webs.com/ using PayPal or check, from RPJ & Company (
http://www.rpjandco.com/) or Amazon and contact Connie with confirmation of your online purchase. May you be abundantly blessed, comforted and filled with God’s grace!
Please accept the invitation to continue following Connie's virtual book tour. The entire schedule is posted on her blog,
http://conniearnold.blogspot.com/.
To learn more about our services and books, our website is:
http://www.rpjandco.com/. To visit our online store,
http://www.store.rpjandco.com/.
