Author Interview: Marilynn Dawson

Today we have an interview with Marilynn Dawson, author of Dressed for Eternity, which was released today! You're invited to join the online book launch on Facebook.

Can you give short summaries of your books?

Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey

This is my story of healing and restoration presented in a manner allowing the reader to appropriate those lessons to their own life.

Mom's Little Black Book: Godly Advice for the High School Graduate

This book, filled with tidbits of advice, was written for my own graduating teenagers in 2013 and is available to parents and youth pastors who wish to offer their own high school graduates that extra bit of encouragement as they start life in the big world.

Dressed for Eternity

This book seeks to answer the question, “How does God adorn His Bride in the Scriptures?” The answer takes the reader through Scripture, history, archeology, and even the New Jerusalem.

What genre are your books?

My books are 99% non-fiction, with a small bit of fiction opening each chapter of the series.

Who is your books’ audience?

My books are generally aimed at the 16 – 95 crowd—anyone who is already a Christian and seeking to go deeper in their faith. Though the grad gift makes a great gift for the unsaved teen as well.

What first inspired your books?

My series was inspired by the lessons God was teaching me in 2007 and by a Pastor's wife encouraging me to share that story with others. The grad gift was inspired by quote books I'd read, and fed by the need for something I could give my kids on a budget. My latest book was inspired by questions that entered my head while going through the 2007 healing and restoration period. I just wasn't ready to deal with it at that time.

How long have you been writing, and why did you start?

I began writing short stories, poems, puppet plays, and youth skits as a kid. I began branching into devotional writing as a teen and got a couple poems published in the late 80's. But it wouldn't be till 2012 that my first book (read small series) would be published.

Where do you write most often?

I generally write at my computer at home.  I dream of writing via laptop at the beach, but that hasn't happened yet.

What are your ‘author quirks’?

Um...not sure I really have any quirks, per se. Although when I'm really concentrating I'll get so deep into the tunnel-vision zone that I won't even hear my kids trying to get my attention just 10 feet away.

What advice do you have for other authors?

The publishing landscape has opened up to accept all types of authors now. Don't let your subject matter or lack of affordability keep you from presenting the thoughts you long to get out. Research the options cropping up and go with the one that best suits your message and audience.

What do you do when you lack motivation?

I will let the writing sit for a bit in case lack of motivation is related to burn-out. Then I'll re-read what I've written, which usually stimulates me to continue.

What do you most want your readers to know?

I want them to know that the Christian faith is all about an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ as the unseen Lover of our Soul, and with God the Father as that ultimate Dad many have never had, and the closest friendship with the Holy Spirit as our teacher. When you enter into this kind of relationship, the commands of Christ become “want to's”.