Author Brenda Minton and I met online (where else?) several years ago, but then had the privilege of meeting in person at a writer’s retreat in Branson, Missouri a few years later. This bubbly redhead greeted me like a long lost friend, and I’ve enjoyed Brenda’s friendship ever since. She is funny and sweet and caring and an author you won’t want to miss.

Brenda Minton lives in the Ozarks with her husband, three kids and numerous cats and dogs. For fun, she likes to sit on her front porch and drink coffee. (We’ve had lively discussions on the merits of coffee vs. tea, but we both agree that chocolate beats all.) :) She plays a poor game of basketball with her family, and the only board game she can win is Scrabble. Her hobbies include anything outdoors. Canoing, hiking and even cooking outside. There’s nothing better than hotdogs over a fire, and s’mores for dessert. To enjoy this classy backyard dining, she made a campfire ring just outside the back door of her house.

Brenda’s favorite sport is bull riding, so watch for future romances with cowboy heroes and the women who love them.

Brenda’s latest book Trusting Him released from Steeple Hill Love Inspired July 24th.

Here’s the blurb:

Since the day he left prison, Michael Carson sought a second chance. Helping troubled teens in a church youth group seemed a good place to start. Working alongside youth leader Maggie Simmons, Michael could see his new life before him—a life he hoped would include smart, pretty Maggie. But because of her painful past, she was wary of trusting anyone, least of all an ex-con. When circumstances beyond his control threatened to pull him away from Maggie and the kids, Michael prayed he could resist old temptations and keep God— and Maggie—close to his heart.

You can purchase Trusting Him at these three online bookstores:

CBD, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon. Amazon also features an excerpt of the book – well worth the read.

I asked Brenda to give us some insight into how God is using her and her writing.

Jill: When and how did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Brenda: I think I was eight or nine years old. I loved to read and reading inspired me to write stories for myself. I had a long ride on the school bus and it was a way, other than carsickness, to pass an hour driving down country roads.

Jill: Tell me a bit about what you write now and what you hope to write in the future.

Brenda: I write grocery lists a lot. But in the future I plan to write a best-seller. Okay, serious answer. I write for Steeple Hill Love Inspired. I like to read stories that take me on an emotional roller coaster, and I hope that’s what I’m writing. I’m definitely a character driven author.

Jill: Do you consider your writing a calling of God or something He has given you to do for a season?

Brenda: I think it’s a long season if it is just for a season. I’m not sure that I think it is a ‘calling.’ I write because I can’t ‘not write.’ I write because I think this is the gift God gave me, or one of the gifts, or maybe a talent is the better word. I think my ‘calling’ is to minister to women.

Jill: Are there people in your life who encouraged you, who are responsible for you realizing your dream to be a published author?

Brenda: Several people. My family has always supported me. My husband, quite literally has supported me. From the beginning he treated me like a professional author, one who needed time and space to do her job. My friends and critique partners, my agent, and my editor. It takes a village. Can I say that?

Jill: Sure – but only in the right context. :)

Can you share one struggle that entered your life as a result of writing and how God helped you to overcome it, to make you more like Christ?

Brenda: Do I have to name just one? The first struggle was the time issue. At first writing was an obsession, and then online writing communities and groups became a part of that mix. I prioritized and put my family first, and my home. I also found that I have to watch myself, to make sure I don’t envy, because envy is easy to do in this business. Who is getting contracts, who is doing well, and then we compare that to what we’re accomplishing. In the end we have to realize this isn’t a competition. Our journey is our own. I also try to watch my relationships and make sure they’re for honest reasons and not for personal gain. If my writing career ended tomorrow, I would still have friends and self respect. Or at least that is my goal.

Jill: Likewise, is there a particular joy in this writing business/ministry that God has used to remind you that He is, in fact, using your words to His glory?

Brenda: The friendships, first. The people I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t started writing. And the doors He has opened for ministry. I’ve been able to speak to people that I might not otherwise have had a chance to reach.

Jill: I agree. The friendships are the best!

Has writing opened opportunities for you to give your testimony and witness for Christ or minister to fellow believers? If so, can you give one example?

Brenda: Yes, to fellow believers through email. I’ve been able to pray for people and hopefully encourage people that I wouldn’t have met if it hadn’t been for writing. Those relationships are special to me because I feel that God brought us together.

Jill: I couldn’t agree more! And you’ve been a great encourager to me!

You can visit author Brenda Minton and get to know her better by checking out her website.

Thanks Brenda, for joining us this month on Spotlight!