Letitia Suk and I meant at my first Write to Publish Conference a decade ago. She has been acting chaplain for the event and her red hat has become the trademark. Need prayer look for the red hat. Tish is also in charge of the Paul and Timothy program which connects an alumni conferencee with a newbie. She’s also a speaker and life coach. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her over the years and her newest book has me very intrigued. Welcome Tish.
Let’s get started at the beginning. Tell my readers a little about your writing journey.
My writing journey started a long time ago! My favorite childhood books were the Betsy-Tacy series (Maud Hart Lovelace) and Betsy was a writer and I knew I was too. My first published articles were included in a newsletter insert for a diaper service in Ohio . The publication was called “The Wet Set Gazette” and it really gave me my start. No pay but lots of exposure. After multiple rejections, I sold my first piece to Family Fun magazine for $1 a word in 1998. Slowly other articles began to sell and my first book, Rhythms of Renewal, was published in 2009.
What is your latest published project.
My latest book is Getaway with God: The Everywoman’s Guide to Personal Retreat inviting women to plug their soul in for a long recharge like we do with our phones.
How do you research for your books?
Both of my books contain vignettes of other women on the chapter topic. I ask friends for contributions.
What inspired you to write Getaway with God?
I have been taking personal retreats for 40 years and in 2010 God invited me to take a five-day retreat at the ocean and covered all the expenses (details in the book!) It was very transforming and I knew before I left that a book would emerge from the experience. This is it!
Here is the back cover blurb for Getaway with God: The Everywoman’s Guide to Personal Retreat
What if a simple day away could transform your life?
Does spending time with God sound like just one more thing to check off an ever-increasing to-do list? How are you supposed to fit in anything that threatens to be more time-consuming? Too often there’s simply no room to experience the intimacy, grace, and peace that God offers us.
Getaway with God does more than invite you to step away from life’s pressures to take a personal retreat. It shows you exactly why you must–for your sake and for your family’s.
With grace and warmth, Letitia Suk provides step-by-step guidance and the necessary tools to enable any woman on any budget to plan time away, whether it’s a quick, half-day break or a week long time of restoration. You’ll find detailed steps for preparation, including descriptions of different kinds of retreats and how to choose the best one for you, and you’ll learn ways to bring the renewal you experience home with you. Practical appendixes identify retreat centers nationwide and provide exercises and prayers to kick-start your getaway with God.
When did you realize your calling to create words on paper to share with the world?
When I was about nine years old I had a strong sense that I would be an influencer through speaking and writing. I remember the exact place where this occurred. Very defining moment.
Do you have a favorite verse that resonates with you?
John 10:10. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. My hope is that all women can experience more of that full life which is available to us here and now. My mission statement is to “Invite Women into an Intentional Life Centered in Jesus.”
If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice for your younger self about writing what would that be?
Write first, edit later.
Who is your best support system to keep you focused on your writing?
To call myself a writer, to own it. I am part of Kathy Carlton Willis’ WordGirls coaching group which provides great inspiration, motivation and tools for developing as a writer.
What is your favorite genre to read for fun?
Historical fiction (winter) and beach novels (summer)
Where is your favorite place to write?
In my office on my desktop computer with music in the background and inspiring props all around.
What are you working on now?
My next book is about how to tell your story to the next generation in ten creative ways.
Contact Letitia Suk at:
Website: Letitiasuk.com
Email: Letitia.Suk@gmail.com
Blog: Hopeforthebest.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LetitiaSuk
Twitter: @Letitiasuk
Book links:
Getaway with God: http://amzn.to/2rwpT0e
Rhythms of Renewal: http://amzn.to/2rwRjmD
Tish it’s been fun getting to know you better. Thanks for being my guest. You book should be on every Christian woman’s to-read list. I’ll get my autograph copy at Write to Publish.
These interviews always inspire me. Was there anything Tish shared that resonated with you? Please share in a comment below.
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Thank you Letitia I am going to work on owning the title author.