Author/Writer Tracy Wainwright
is helping me wrap up the week by chatting about her non-fiction book, A
Transformed Mind: Change Your Thoughts to Change Your Life.
Bio:
Tracy is a multi-published author, having self-published more than half a
dozen books and is currently under contract for her first traditionally
published novel. She has also been published in multiple local and national
magazines over the last ten years.
Tracy enjoys writing in a variety of genres and has works in the categories
of Bible Studies, adult fiction, young adult, children’s fiction and
nonfiction. Her latest nonfiction book, A Transformed Mind, is the first in a
series of twelve mini e-books devoted to life transformation.
Welcome, Tracy. Please
tell us about your current release.
A Transformed Mind developed out of a
period of personal trial, reflection, and prayer for ministry direction. It’s
the first in a 12-part series of mini e-books geared towards reaching people
who may not have a lot of time to read, but have a desire to read books that
will change their lives. A Transformed
Mind fits that bill perfectly, being called small but mighty. The book is
written with clarity and authenticity that anyone can relate to and gives
practical tools that anyone can implement. It is an important and initial step
to help people live the abundant, victorious, transformed life we’re called to
live.
What inspired you to
write this book?
As I was spending time evaluating and reflecting on my personal
ministry, my writing ministry, my family, and other things I’m involved in, I
began to prayerfully seek out how to be most effective and efficient. My desire
was to be faithful to the calling I’ve been given without taking away from my
family or church ministries. As I went through this process, it was made clear
that my focus in all areas of life and ministry are to be transformed. As I
worked on drawing this theme into my writing, the Transformed Series was
conceived. A Transformed Mind seemed like the most appropriate place to start,
as our minds must be on board before we can make any other changes in our
lives.
Excerpt from A Transformed Mind:
It was interesting as I searched scripture
for evidence of God influencing our thoughts, I came up short on what I
expected. There are multiple scriptures on God knowing our hearts and minds,
exposing the vast schism between His thoughts and ours, of God revealing truths
to us, and even God blinding people’s hearts and minds. What I didn’t find was
extensive evidence of God implanting ideas in our minds.
As I thought about and prayed over this
seeming anomaly, the Lord graciously provided me an answer. He has given us the
gift of His Word to fill our minds. He is not a God who desires control over
our minds and actions. He’s not a dictator deity pushing Himself on us and
relinquishing us of our free will. No. On the contrary, He loves us enough to
give us everything we need then let us come to Him through our own desire and
will. He has revealed Himself through actions and Holy Spirit inspired
writings, lovingly calling us to …set your mind and heart to seek the LORD
your God. 1 Chronicles 22:19
It’s not that God doesn’t desire to influence
our thoughts and hearts, it’s that He does not use His power and sovereignty to
control us. God does not forcibly control our minds, but He offers through His
Word to steer our thoughts to truth. He also offers, through His Spirit, to help
us know and understand His Word.
What exciting story
are you working on next?
I’m very much looking forward to the end of our year of homeschooling
soon so I can get to work on the many projects I have waiting in the wings. A Transformed Mouth (book 2) has already
been written and A Transformed Ministry
(book 3) is in the works. I’m also working on a middle grade novel for my
children that’s about a Girl named Broccoli. It’s fun and a nice break from the
research and intensity of writing nonfiction. I’m also expecting to be working
on edits on my upcoming mystery novel, which is currently contracted with Prism
Book Group
When did you first
consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer when I started pouring my heart out
in black and white about ten years ago. While I’ve only been published a few
years, I like most authors worked many, many moons towards that goal. When you
wake up in the middle of the night, or leave dinner to burn, or forget to make
dinner because you absolutely have to get the words flowing in your brain down
on paper, then you know you’re a writer.
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?
There are days I feel like a full time writer, but because I homeschool,
most of my writing days are very split up. I usually have an hour during the
school day where the kids are working independently, a couple of hours in the
afternoon, and try to grab one or two after dinner several evenings a week.
That’s why I look so forward to summer break, without teaching school 3-5 hours
a day, I have a lot more time to “work.” Then there’s always the times I wake
up at 3am and can’t sleep or am working on a project and don’t go to bed until
2. Basically, I squeeze writing in wherever I can. However, I’ve learned that
when I’m writing, that’s my focus and when I’m with my family, they’re my
focus. I have to completely shut off my writing side to really enjoy being with
them and in addition to regular family times, I usually ban myself from the
computer at least one day a week to be present for my family and friends. And
just take a restful break!
What would you say
is your interesting writing quirk?
Good question. I think all writers are a little quirky, so not sure I
have anything specifically unique. Maybe the fact that I edit Facebook posts
and text messages before sending them.
As a child, what did
you want to be when you grew up?
First, I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then I read a book about all that
entails. I wanted to love on animals, not do surgery on them. After that I
moved on to want to be a beautician, and then an interior designer. I’m so glad
God brought me to where I am! I don’t think I’d have been exceptionally good at
any of those jobs.
Anything additional
you want to share with the readers?
I just want to let the readers know how important and valuable they are
to authors like me. I’m also an avid reader and had no idea what went into making
a really good book until I started writing. I just loved the entertainment and
educational factors. I didn’t know I was important to the author, but the truth
is we can write thousands of books, but without readers the words have no
power. It’s when they choose to pick up a book and honor me as an author with
their time that my words reach their greatest value potential. And for that
reason, I’m very grateful for every single reader out there.
Links:
Thank you so much for having me! It’s been a blast and I hope to be able
to return again someday soon.
You’re quite welcome! Thank you for being here.
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