Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Author Interview - Jeanette Levellie - Part 2


 
Don't forget, Jen has a fabulous giveaway on her Facebook pages.

4) Welcome back, Jen! You're known for your humor. Is this a natural gift or did you study to acquire it?

I grew up in a sarcastic family. I learned to look at everything with a little snarky attitude. I turn it around and tell on myself, so that I'm not mean to others, but I have to be cautious so it doesn't get out of hand. I think my humor is mostly a grace gift from the Lord, but I've learned to increase it from reading humorists like James Watkins, Philip Gulley, and Erma Bombeck. No matter how big  your gift is, you can always increase it by hanging out with people more gifted than you are.

5) What advice would you give a non-fiction writer, who wants to publish a book?

A) Pray and ask God to lead you down the path He wants for you. Everyone's trail is different, and the biggest mistake we can  make is to try and follow another sheep rather than the Shepherd.

B) Hone your skills--determine to grow. Read craft books, go on blogs, join a critique group, and attend writers conferences.

C) As the Lord to put people in your path that can help you achieve the goals and dreams He's put in your heart. As BIG! We are talking God here. He formed the universe with the word of His power and raised Jesus from death and us from Satan's grip. He can surely open a few doors for you. But you have to ask, and expect Him to come through.

D) Be humble enough to take advice people give you.

E) Then set your bootie in the chair and write, write, write and submit, submit, submit.

Bio: A spunky pastor's wife of thirty-plus years, Jeanette Levellie authors a bi-weekly humor/inspirational column, God Is Bigger, a popular feature in the Paris Beacon News since 2001. She has published stories in Guideposts anthologies, Love is a Verb Devotional with Gary Chapman, articles in Christian and secular magazines, greeting card verses, and poems for calendars. She is also a prolific speaker for both Christian and secular groups and loves to make people laugh while sharing her love for God and life.

Jeanette is a mother of two grown children, three grandchildren, and servant to four cats. She lives in Paris (not the French one), Illinois with her husband, Kevin. Her hobbies include dining out, talking baby talk to her cats, avoiding housework, reading, and watching old classic movies.

To buy Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top, go to: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

Question for Writers and Readers: What nuggets did you take away from this interview?

I particularly liked Jen's advice to follow the Shepherd rather than the sheep.




20 comments:

Linda O'Connell said...

"Follow the shepherd instead of the sheep"...speaks to me. So many writers hop on a popular bandwagon instead of following their hearts. Greta interview.

Dorothy said...

Great interview! I loved,'set your bootie in the chair and write, write, write and submit, submit, submit.' Wonderful advice. No matter how much I've heard it before, I still need to hear it again and again :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Linda - Yes, we're always looking to see what works for others and forget that God has a unique plan for us.

Hi Dottie - Refresher courses are wonderful, aren't they? They bring us back to the basics.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jeanette Levellie said...

Thanks, Susan, for having me AGAIN! You are one brave lady! And thanks, Linda and Dorothy, for your kind comments. You guys made my day!

Jessica Nelson said...

Woohoo, so glad to see Jeanette here today! You can tell by your pic that you have a great attitude. :-)
I liked all your advice. Very good and timely. Thanks ladies!

Ruth Schiffmann said...

Avoiding housework - we are soul sisters!

Great interview, Susan and Jeanette. I love 5A. So true!

Rhonda Schrock said...

All of that advice is great. 5A is my favorite.

Go, Jeanette! And Susan, you're a great friend. :)

Unknown said...

Great interview! Jen, two pieces of advice really spoke to me: ASK God & follow the Shepherd instead of the sheep. Congratulations on the publication of your book - it's on my 'to be acquired' list! God bless you both!

DenaNetherton said...

I guess the biggest piece of advice for me is read the kinds of authors who have a similar gift, then learn from them. The other is "submit, submit, submit."

Diane said...

Love Jen and her book. I've already ordered mine. :O)

Jeanette Levellie said...

Thanks for your kudos, ladies. I forgot to mention, I have a drawing on my blog this week for Chuckles Candy and a book of your choice. I'd love you to stop by and enter it. It's in addition to the other contests I have going...

Loree Huebner said...

I just love reading your interviews...you are such an awesome lady, Jen.

I look forward to reading your book!

Sarah Forgrave said...

Awesome interview, ladies. I loved Jeanette's comments about humor. Just today, I picked up my son from preschool and the teachers said, "Your family must laugh a lot. Your son was the only one who laughed at our jokes." Yep, I've gotta admit my momma heart was proud. :)

Karen Lange said...

I agree, I like the advice about the Shepherd too. Jen is one funny and inspiring lady. Thanks to both of you for a great interview!
Blessings,
Karen

quietspirit said...

Susan and Jeanette:
I also liked the advise about asking the Shepherd. I really liked
5A. It has made a difference in how I approach writing and life.

Elaine W. Miller said...

I'm with you, Susan. Follow the Shepherd and not the sheep. Jesus knows the plans He has for you as a writer. He gave me more than I ever asked or imagined. If I had followed sheep, I would never have written a book. Blessings to Jeanette on her book, Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top. Exciting time, Jeanette! Keep your eyes on the Shepherd, not the sheep!

Elaine W. Miller
www.SplashesofSerenity.com

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen - You're welcome! I'm delighted to have you here.

Hi Jess - Wait until you see what she shares in her book!

Hi Ruth - Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)

Hi Rhonda - Jen's awesome. :)

Hi Maria - Yes, I liked the shepherd/sheep comment as well.

Hi Dena - Reading is an essential activity for writers of all genres.

Hi Diane - Me too!

Hi Jen - Wow! Another giveaway? Hurry over there, people!

Hi Loree - If you enjoyed the interviews, you'll LOVE her book.

Hi Sarah - I love humor in writing. I'm glad I have a friend that keeps me in chuckles.

Hi Karen - Thanks. I had a super fun time interviewing Jen.

Hi Quiet Spirit - That line certainly resonated with a lot of folks.

Hi Elaine - Nice to see you! Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,
Susan :)

JD said...

Jen:

I grew up in a sarcastic family, too. I know what you mean when you say how that can nourish your humorous side, but also cause you to rein it in a bit so the sarcasm doesn't sting. I've found myself doing the same thing. :-)

Thank you for your short response after "hone your skills." Succinct and helpful, I copied it into my "Studying" document a moment ago!

Susan, again, thanks for this interview!

Blessings.

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Thank you Susan and Jeanette, for this wonderful interview and peek into Jeanettes life :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja -

You're welcome! Jeanette is every bit as nice in person as she is online. :)

Blessings,
Susan