Novelist and Children's Author

Featured Book: Lord, How Did I Get This Old So Soon?

Posted by on Aug 28, 2014 in Faith, Family | 5 comments

And the winner of Sarah Sundin’s book, In Perfect Time is:

Elizabeth B.

Congratulations, Elizabeth!

 

And now, our featured book . . .

From the back cover:

Need a quick pick-me-up? Communion time with your heavenly Father? Bestselling author and gentle humorist Karen O’Connor offers sincere, real-life prayers to encourage you to open your heart and talk with God.

Arranged by season to reflect the time of year or how you’re feeling, these heartfelt prayers highlight the grace, mercy, and blessings God provides. You’ll be encouraged by these thoughts that reflect where you are, reaffirm your hope during difficult times, and reveal how much Jesus loves you.

 

An interview with my friend and writing mentor, Karen O’Connor:

 

Karen O'Connor 2

 

Hi, Karen. It’s so nice to have you on my blog today! I really enjoy how you weave stories of hope and humor into your books. Where do you come up with all your stories? Do you journal?

Most of my stories are based on personal experience (mine or someone else’s). I really enjoy using fiction techniques to create something brand new from a real-life event. I journal occasionally, but more often these days I talk with the Lord during my daily walks. I think of this as vocal journaling!

 

Vocal journaling. Love that! Describe your target audience for your book.

My target reader for this particular book is women (men too may be interested) who are middle aged and beyond. Since we are all getting older by the day and we all have experiences that delight us and some that challenge us I hope that all readers will relate to at least some of what I share. I like to engage my readers with touches of humor and inspiration that are appropriate at any age.

 

What is your favorite story/prayer? Care to share?

I don’t have a favorite. I enjoyed writing each one. But two that stand out are “Daffodils” and “Mom’s Apple Slices”—the first one for the lesson these flowers teach me about blooming and being, and the second one for the memory that comes up about my mother and her many gifts of love delivered from her kitchen.

 

How did you come up with the idea for this book?

The late author and teacher Marjorie Holmes inspired me with her nonfiction book, I’ve Got to Talk to Somebody, God when I was a young mother, and later as a budding writer with her book, Writing Articles From the Heart: How to Write and Sell Your Life Experiences. I wanted to write a simple book that encouraged readers in the same manner Marjorie had inspired me.

 

What is one thing you hope your readers discover from reading Lord, How Did I Get This Old So Soon?

That life is a process of ups and downs and arounds! But that through it all, God is our safe harbor and will always be there for us. My favorite bible verse is John 10:10 “My purpose is to give you live in all its fullness.” I believe that the word fullness refers to both the difficult and the delightful, all of which makes for a rich life.

 

Lord, How Did I Get This Old So Soon

 

I love that verse too. For fun, how do you stay active?

My favorite off-time thing to do is walk, hike, and work out at the gym. Physical fitness keeps my body and mind in good working order and minimizes stress.

 

What is your favorite movie or television show?

Oh my, I have so many. Three movies that stand out are: Julie & Julia, Pride and Prejudice, and Open Range. I’m a big fan of historicals and biographies.

 

I’ve seen all three movies! In fact, I own two of those. If you could describe your perfect date with your husband, where would you go?

We’d go to Cambria, a little town in Central Coast California, for a couple of days and nights, walking the beach, visiting the shops, enjoying yummy meals, and relaxing with a good book. That has been our favorite date for more than a decade.

 

Sounds like a great date to me! Thank you, Karen, for stopping by.

Karen is offering a copy of Lord, How Did I Get This Old So Soon? to one of you. Please answer the following question in the comment box along with your e-mail address so I can contact you if you’re the winner. I will draw the winner next Thursday, September 4th. 

Karen’s question:

What do you appreciate most about getting older?

 

 

About the author:

Karen O’Connor is a sought-after speaker, a writing consultant, and the award-winning author of more than 75 books, including Gettin’ Old Ain’t for Wimps (more than 300,000 copies sold). She’s appeared on national media, including The 700 Club and 100 Huntley Street.

To learn more about Karen and her books, go to her website at: www.karenoconnor.com

 

Next up: Deborah Raney and her book Home to Chicory Lane

 

 

5 Comments

Join the conversation and post a comment.

  1. Jackie McNutt

    Hi Sherry and Karen, I really enjoyed learning of Karen and her books.
    What I really appreciate about getting older is that I now have a lifetime of different experiences that has most definitely changed my perspectives of how I go about my day .
    I have learned that life is a gift and not to take it for granted ,as I may not have tomorrow to spend more time with the people I love, and that every situation does not have to overwhelm me.
    I am much more acceptable of my weaknesses and failures while at the same time I can acknowledge my successes.
    But mostly I am grateful for the years I have placed my trust in God ,and while I have more to learn I can rest in His arms all the time.
    Thank you and Blessings,
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

    • Sherry Kyle

      HI Jackie. I loved your response. Thank you so much for sharing. Life is definitely a gift, and we learn new things all the time. Trusting God is what helps us through.
      Blessings,
      Sherry

  2. Eileen Rife

    I appreciate several things about growing older. First of all, I feel more comfortable in my own skin, rather than trying to live out someone else’s life or expectations. Secondly, I love being a grandma, passing down a legacy of faithfulness to the next generation. And finally, I don’t feel nearly as inclined to defend myself like I did when I was younger. I allow God to be my Defender and Vindicator.