Interview with writer Acacia Slaton Beumer

Today's guest is Acacia Slaton Beumer to talk about her book Launch Out Into the Deep, which includes poetry by Aaron L. Slaton.

Bios:

Acacia Slaton Beumer is a graduate of Oral Roberts University. She is a member of Chi Sigma Lota (Counseling Honor Society) and will graduate with a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy during the summer of 2012. She works in the Social Service field and finds a sense of joy from helping others. Her husband, John, is in the United States Army. She has two daughters; Jana is 3 years old and Jaci is 1.

Aaron Slaton is the author of the poetry and one chapter featured in this book. Writing since the age of twelve, Aaron has been gifted with the ability to bring the Scriptures to life through rhythm and rhyme. Aaron is an aspiring songwriter and producer. If you're interested in contacting Aaron email him at aaron@launchoutbook.com.


Welcome, Acacia. Please tell us about your current release.
Launch Out Into The Deep is a devotional that has topics that will appeal to men, women, and especially teens.  

The book is contemporary and takes a modern day approach in its focus on common topics and issues for which many people are seeking solutions. The book has a unique format which is unlike any presently on the market. For instance, after covering an important topic, each chapter ends with a Selah (scripture verse), Words of The Wise (quotes from common and famous people) and a poem that reiterates the message in a meaningful and powerful way. Then, each chapter has a discussion guide that is applicable for personal and/or group study. All of these components are powerful and certain to resonate within the reader’s heart and will help them to understand and believe what it is that they’ve gotten from reading the book.

What inspired you to write this book? 

Lisa, I was inspired to write Launch Out Into The Deep while working at a psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. It concerned me that so many young people were disconnected and had very little knowledge of God. I witnessed the impact this book had upon the young people who took the time to check it out. I can recall one young man saying, “You mean to tell me these kinds of issues are in the Bible?” I smiled and said, “Of course it is!”  He looked puzzled and said, “I never really understood the Bible and never knew it was relatable to things I’m going through.” 

What exciting story are you working on next? 

Hmmm, Nada- I’m in graduate school and so all I write are research papers, but I do hope to get back into the groove when I graduate this summer. (I can’t wait!)

When did you first consider yourself a writer? 

Lol, when I published Launch Out Into The Deep and read the reviews on Amazon. I have always had very little confidence in my writing ability. I must admit I was content in writing hours at a time when I was a kid but just never took myself seriously. I was always looking for feedback from family members and friends. “Read this, what do you think?” I guess that part hasn’t changed, as I still very much interested in what readers have to say rather it’s positive or negative. Oh, how I love positive! But I am willing to learn and improve from the critical assessments.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like?  If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?  
I don’t write full-time. Presently, I am working on an internship at a psychiatric hospital in order to meet degree requirements.  When I am not at the internship site, you’ll find me at home with my kids (Jana 3 and Jaci 1), or on the Internet researching and finding creative ways to market my book.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? 

I need to have alone time and be in a completely quiet room with no distractions. It probably shouldn’t be surprising that most of my writing occurs at night while everyone else is asleep. Hint, Hint its 1:30 a.m. at the time of this writing (smile).

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted a career in broadcast journalism. I envisioned myself being an Anchor woman. When I was about 9 years old I’d get my recorder and record voices or quotes from my favorite movies. Then, I’d replay them over and over again until I was able to sound identical to the actor (enunciation and all).

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Yes, I’d like to share a quote I recently read in a daily devotional by Joyce Myers. I believe it’s applicable and relatable to most.

"Making mistakes is not the end of the world. We can recover from most mistakes. But one of the few mistakes we cannot recover from is the mistake of never being willing to make one in the first place! God works through our faith, not our fear." -Joyce Myers

Thanks for the interview, Lisa!

You're quite welcome, Acacia. It's a pleasure to have you here today and to learn a bit about you and your writing.

  

Readers, Acacia is giving away a $50 Visa Gift Card to one commenter from tour, so add a comment below and at any of the other stops along Acacia's VBT.