Write2Ignite

This wintery week, we’re catching some rays of joy with Cheri Cowell, owner and publisher of EABooks Publishing. Also a published author and speaker, Cheri will present two workshops at the 2015 Write2Ignite Conference: “How to Evaluate Your Options: Traditional Publishing, Independent Publishing, or a Combination” and “Why You Need an E-book/Audiobook: Taking Advantage of this New Trend.”

The conference is only a few weeks away. Remember to take advantage of that early bird rate before February 28. Until then, let’s get better acquainted with Cheri.

Cheri, we’ve been asking our workshop presenters for three of their favorite 2014 moments. What were yours?

• My husband I spent two weeks in Hawaii with family and friends.
• We added a door from our bedroom out to the hot tub–no more traipsing through the kitchen dripping wet.
• I completed my family ancestry scrapbook–a history of God’s faithfulness through the generations.

I’d love to see how you did the family ancestry scrapbook! How far back did you go in your family? 

I started with me as a baby, then went to my parents, who then have two “trees,” which I traced back through my two sets of grandparents as far as I could go. One I’m able to trace back to the 1700s.  

That’s wonderful. All writers should take time to do that. We’re often so busy with “outside” writing that we forget to write important things like this for our families.

What was your first paying job?

My first job out of high school was a barista—before there was such a word. I had to pass a coffee and tea test every quarter to keep that job.

At what point in your life did you know you wanted to pursue writing?

I have a degree in children’s theatre and then became a youth pastor for 15 years, and when that career ended in 2000, I had no idea what I was qualified to do. Thankfully, God did, and He opened doors I didn’t even lean against.

Looking back over your writing journey, what is one thing you wish you had known earlier?

It’s about the relationships, and relationships take time.

What do you hope to learn this year?

I’m currently studying Nehemiah, and what I’m learning is preparation takes time.

You’ve mentioned learning several things “take time.” Sounds like you’re practicing patience!

The take time message is very strong this year as I have several things that are almost ready to “give birth,” but if I get impatient, they will not be in God’s timing, and I could mess things up. So patience is key.           

Do you remember one of your favorite books from your childhood? What made it special?

I nearly cried when I found a dog-eared copy of Mister God, This Is Anna in a used bookstore because that story about a little girl with a special relationship with God told me that my special relationship with Him could impact lives.

What was one of your favorite books when you were a teen?

I love history, so The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom had a huge impact on me.

If awarded one day to talk with three authors (from any time period), whom would you choose?

Any of the gospel writers, C. S. Lewis, and Os Guinness.

The theme for Write2Ignite 2015 is “Shine.” What three helpful hints would you recommend to writers to make their work shine?

• One of my favorite tips is to read your work, beginning at the end of the piece, read sentence by sentence, back to the beginning. It is the best way to hear mistakes in grammar and spot mistakes in punctuation.
• Work on something else, and then come back to your piece with fresh eyes.
• Find a good critique group/partner who will be honest with you about your work and help you shine as you help them/him or her shine.

Thank you for taking time to share with us, Cheri. We look forward to learning more from you at the Write2Ignite Conference.

Readers, you can connect with Cheri at www.info@eabooksonline.com, EABooksOnline.com and CheriCowell.com.