Meet Shellie
I’m so excited to introduce you to Shellie Maddox, an in-real-life family friend, cross-cultural speaker, newly self-published author, and the final guest in the Everyday Author series.
Connect with Shellie – Blog | Twitter
How I Became a Writer . . .
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 ESV
Honestly, my desire to write for adults was not on my Bucket List. I have greatly enjoyed children’s literature and hope to write stories for kids. Writing Unveil Me has been an amazing experience and finding the words to write is a testimony to God. When the book was started, Zach and I had only recently settled into an apartment overseas and learned we were expecting our third child. Writing became an outlet, describing the struggle of settling in a new home and beginning a new job. God can use anyone, anywhere, to do anything.
When God has something to say, He finds a way to say it. I am grateful for God using me to write about being unveiled of unwholesome barriers through life circumstances. God alone deserves undivided attention and seeks to bring people to their fullest capacity. Living an unveiled life makes God’s plan possible.
My writing became an outgrowth of my personal journal. During devotional time, thoughts related to veils and being unveiled came to mind. Journaling started to show a pattern and freed my thoughts to recognize more veils. Zach felt I had a book on my hands and encouraged me to develop it. I started writing in the Apple program, iBooks Author. This helped organize the concept and gave me a real sense of writing a book. At the time my plan only included the immediate family. Regrettably, I had little faith in my ability to write anything others would care to read. God then swooped in and flooded me with encouragement to write a book for everyone. I am still amazed having a published book on Amazon, it does not get more real than Amazon.com.
My husband took a vested interest in the book and researched the publishing process. After researching various options, we decided on self-publishing. In typical fashion, teamwork got the book ready for print. I completed the writing and reread the edits to insure important concepts were conveyed and Zach did the publishing. My father-in-law did the editing and helped firm up my thoughts. A few close friends read and provided input on style, format and content. It was up to me to say, “It is complete!” Before long there was a book cover, book layout and finally the finished product, Unveil Me.
From this fantastic experience my mind has become open to being a writer and already have other ideas in mind. I needed to step out in faith and take a few steps in the right direction, then the writing bug bit me. I enjoyed writing the book so much I believe anyone can do one if they have a story to tell. I hope others sitting on the fence will write and share their thoughts. People love a good story, so tell your story and enjoy the journey of writing.
So happy to have you Shellie!
Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow – Shellie and her husband Zach are sharing how to professionally self-publish – an invaluable resource for anyone interested in writing (and publishing) their own book!
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