Ask the Author: Bonnie Lyn Smith
Answered Questions (9)
Bonnie Lyn Smith
I would go to Perelandra or Malacandra of C. S. Lewis's space trilogy and marvel at another iteration of God's amazing creation.
Bonnie Lyn Smith
Prophet by Frank Peretti, Stars Upside Down by Jennie Lawlis Goutet, and
Understanding Girls with ADHD, How They Feel and Why They Do What They Do by Kathleen Nadeau
Understanding Girls with ADHD, How They Feel and Why They Do What They Do by Kathleen Nadeau
Bonnie Lyn Smith
I have several unsent personal letters buried under a cross that, if they were ever found, would make for a fascinating story to someone attempting to piece them together. A story of love, loss, unwanted rivalry, abandonment, and betrayal, but the hope that conquers all: Christ.
Bonnie Lyn Smith
"Not Just on Sundays" originated as I came out of a very hopeless place in my life, wondering where purpose could be found. It started with a promise God gave me on a beach many years ago, and it went from there. I care a lot about the hearts of children, broken relationships and how/when they can be healed, learning to think and speak in ways that edify and bless others, and where we can see God working in our lives every day—not just in the big moments. I threw a section in there about coffee shop experiences because my moments of building relationship with God are often like sitting down and giving Him my attention over His warm cup of grace. I wanted the book to be for people who want to know more about how Jesus brings peace into the everyday. I felt it was important to have Bible verses ready for them right there in book. I wanted people to understand why those who share this faith in Christ look to the Bible as their teacher and way to approach others and life. Finally, I also wanted it to be a book that could strengthen or build faith in those already seeking Him. He has something for every willing heart, and I hope "Not Just on Sundays" conveys how beautiful and life-giving a relationship with the intimate, loving, very real God of the Bible is.
Bonnie Lyn Smith
Prayer. I often ask God what can bring hope or clarity today: for just me or also for others. I draw a lot from interactions with people, especially children. When I see people interact with each other, even if I'm a quiet bystander, if offers me so much material. I love to find what they are doing that is kind, loving, or encouraging. But I also love to take apart interactions and see where something could be done better, hopefully always keeping an arm's length and anonymity of the people (often something I did or in the lives of strangers) so that they are honored and not dishonored in the telling. Stories of hope inspire me: friends and family I see walking out hard times with much grace. Children keep life so simple, and when I see their minds and hearts at work, I draw a lot from their approach. I am an introvert who loves to pull deeply from the small moments of life because we all need those lessons when the bigger moments hit us.
Bonnie Lyn Smith
Read, read, read. It's essential to read as much as you can so you develop an accurate sense as a writer that you aren't the only voice out there with something to say. Humility means a lot to me. If I can't write in an approachable tone because I'm in a rough mood that day or moment, I just don't write for the public that day. I simply write for me. But, make sure to write every day: something, even a thank-you note, a business email, a tweet or two (the brevity of a tweet really develops the ability for word choice), a Facebook post, journal entry, or encouragement to a friend. Every exercise of thoughtfully choosing words and proofreading/editing beautifully builds in to bigger pieces you will one day write.
Bonnie Lyn Smith
To be honest, I pray and wait. If there isn't anything to put down, I may jot notes for future subjects but then move on to something else needing done in my day. I usually don't have to wait very long because each day is fully pregnant with the small moments I often write about. Blogs and books are different animals, though. When I'm stuck and waiting on new material, I sometimes will go to a section of a book I'm working on and just tweak it in small ways. Often fine-tuning and looking for precise words and wording will jumpstart the creative flow for starting a new piece. I also take breaks to read, read, read.
Bonnie Lyn Smith
I think the best thing is that I can take the intensity I feel in the world around me and put it into words to share the experience with others. When it's all in my head and heart, it feels trapped. There are big and small moments every day that inform us, shape us, and change our direction. We each have a story God is weaving into our lives. I feel so honored I get to put mine to paper whenever possible. I love reading and learning from other people's stories as well. It also builds compassion and courage when I read what other people walk through and triumph.
Bonnie Lyn Smith
Right now I am finishing a collection of island essays (from time spent living in the Marshall Islands) and a children’s picture book, "Why Don’t Grown-Ups Listen?" They are expected to be released in 2015.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more