Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a first time author of a christian parenting book tackling how to address the subject of intimacy and healthy relationships with children. I am a homeschool mom and freelance writer for various online and print magazines. Formerly, I served as an Executive Director and Youth and College Counselor for two crisis pregnancy centers in Mississippi. I am a coffee lover, travel enthusiast and day dreamer!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Walking the Talk: A Parent’s Guide to Intimacy and Healthy Relationships
I worked in the counseling room and schools with young adults for years. There are a lot of great programs, secular and spiritual, that deal with topics on relationships and intimacy, but I do not see a lot to help parents navigate the topic. Many of us feel woefully unprepared to address intimacy and often times, parents wait too long to start talking. I wanted to encourage parents on their journey but also remind them that they can talk until they are blue in the face and see very little change. Our children need to see the examples lived out. We should be showing them what a healthy relationships looks like, how a man treats a women, how we should honor our bodies etc. None of this can be taught properly in a classroom or high school auditorium. It is not a one-time discussion. The great thing about Walking the Talk is it was written to use as a group teaching tool so parents can tackle this together. I am excited to announce we are scheduling Parent Forums for 2016 as well!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I talk to myself- like a lot! My kids and husband have finally stopped trying to answer me. I ‘talk out’ my words before writing them down. I guess it is just my process. Most authors have a specific writing time but I don’t. It is not usual for me to be up at 2 a.m. writing or in the grocery store writing an idea down on a napkin.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I started out in the counseling room and knew I wanted to write non-fiction, I looked to the authors/speakers/counselors that started paving the pathway for purity discussions. I really look up to Pam Stenzel. She has a heart for teens and her work was used immensely in the counseling room with me. I started parenting classes around her message. I hope the torch continues to be passed down and we, as writers/speakers/counselors can build on what is already there!
What are you working on now?
I have a million different ideas floating around in my head. Currently, I am praying about it. I am in a busy season of motherhood and the pressure I put on myself can be exhausting. God has really placed the topic of slowing down on my heart. Maybe a devotion for moms will blossom from this season. Who knows!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My book can be purchased and reviewed on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Talk-Parents-Intimacy-Relationships-ebook/dp/B015YKQX38/)
The best way to keep up with what is happening is to sign up for email updates on my blog www.heartskeeper.com and/or www.facebook.com/heartskeeper
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for yourself. I have learned, the hard way, that when you gauge “success” on the number of books sold or the number of followers you have, your love for writing changes based on that view. There is someone out there that needs to hear what you are saying. If you can encourage one person, it is worth it. Just write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stay humble and trust God in the process. Anything outside of Him means little.
What are you reading now?
Since I homeschool, my daily book reading consists of history books like Story of the World. I actually enjoy it. When I get a chance to sneak away, I read a lot of blog articles from various christain bloggers. You cannot go wrong with C.S. Lewis either.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The sky is the limit. I love to write and I have learned a great deal with my first book. I would like to use what I have learned and possibly help guide new authors. Right now, I am taking it day by day.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Can’t I just bring my kindle- then the selection is unlimited!
Bible (yes, really)
Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Intentional Warfare by Mary Graziano Scro (She was my editor and I love how God has used her on my journey to speak truth into my writing and life)
Author Websites and Profiles
Sarah West Website
Sarah West Amazon Profile
Sarah West’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account