Social Media Monday: Donna Pyle

Please welcome my friend Donna Pyle! Donna was recently signed by agent Rachelle Gardner in a whirlwind of interest created at the WFTS conference.  I was with her at the conference and it was invigorating to watch her take in all the attention and positive feedback on her book pitches and appointments.  Fun stuff!

Please introduce yourself!
Hi, y’all! My name is Donna and I’m a speaker, author, Bible teacher and worship leader with a passion for studying and teaching God’s Word. I have a clear, down-to-earth style that encourages women of all ages to passionately love, serve and live for Jesus Christ. I have authored 17 Bible studies to date and am currently writing my first book. I’m also preparing to tape my first DVD-based Bible study series before a live studio audience. I attend Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX and serve in the worship ministry. When not doing all of the above, I enjoy traveling, reading, singing, and driving my cats crazy with feather toys.

How did you and I meet?
We met in February at the Writing for the Soul Christian Writers’ conference in Denver. Woo Hooo!! I discovered that you have four children, even though you look 20! We both love coffee and Jesus. Need I say more? :)

lol, I think that about covers it! ;) What do you write and what are you currently working on?
I write Bible studies and Christian-based non fiction. I deeply admire fiction writers because developing vibrant characters is truly a gift. Personally, I believe I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to understand the Bible, so my writing is birthed out of my quest to understand and relate it to everyday life.
I’m so excited to be working on my first book, “Living Water for a Parched Soul.” It provides a roadmap on how to journey from spiritual dehydration toward a life fully hydrated by Christ.

Donna, I just want you to know I am amazed at how drenched in the Spirit your life has become and how much you soak those around you! What's the most exciting thing that has happened this year, relating to your writing?
I’m very excited to be writing the study guide that will accompany the upcoming 8-lesson, DVD-based Bible study series on the armor of God. It’s an exciting adventure into Ephesians 6:10-18 as we unpack each piece of armor and the protection they provide to us. If you’re in the Tomball, Texas area on May 6-7, 2011, join us at Salem Lutheran Church for the live taping. I would SO love to see you there, ladies!

I'll be praying for you those days for sure! OK, since this series focuses on using the internet, how has social media affected your writing relationships and/or marketing strategy?
As a newer author, I have come to appreciate how vital social media is to connect with other authors, learn from their experience, and let them know about me and what I’m writing. Social media is here to stay, so to ignore it would be cataclysmic to any writer’s career.

I couldn't agree more.  I love that I get to see what you are up to each day on facebook and twitter. What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?
Embrace the fact that you’re an author. That was the hardest step for me. But I realized if I never embraced it, no one else would. Just keep writing! I’ve had magazine articles and Bible studies published, and I’ve learned that if I wait to “find” time to write, it just doesn’t happen. I’ve got to “make” time to write!

That is so true.  I still sometimes struggle with identifying myself as a writer but the fact is if you have a story to tell, and a measure of talent to tell it, you are an author. Can you share a snippet from your latest project?
“Living Water for a Parched Soul” is close to my heart. Since I didn’t grow up in the church or have a relationship with Christ, I know what it feels like to be spiritually parched. I was drowning in the world’s well until someone introduced me to Christ at age 23. Now 20 years later, I am blessed beyond measure to live a life fully hydrated and tethered to Him. Even through heartbreaking, unexpected divorce, God’s wellspring of life fostered true forgiveness and restoration in my life. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I believe that the lessons learned along my journey will provide hope and draw readers to the only One who can satiate us: Jesus.

Your testimony has already touched many people, including me.  I know God is going to use you and your book to speak His truth into people's lives.  Before we go, tell us  how we can stay connected with you online!
Facebook: Donna Pyle
Twitter: @DonnaPyleTX
Blog: www.donnapyle.blogspot.com
Website: www.artestianministries.org

Donna, Thank you so much for visiting with me today.  You are so sweet and encouraging.  Nibble nibble!

Readers, do you have a question or word of encouragement for Donna?