Interview with Nancy Quinn, Award Winning Author ~ Freedom Celebration
By Jeanice McDade
"Let the words of
my mouth, and the
meditation of my
heart, be acceptable
in thy sight, O Lord,
my strength, and my
redeemer."
Psalm 19:14
elow please find an interview with the winner of out “Freedom Celebration” Writing Contest. I’m sure that many of you will find our winning author, Nancy Quinn, to be an encouragement as she shares a little bit of herself and her heart for words and ministry. Enjoy this little peek into the author of our winning submission, “Anna’s Journey”.
Nancy, congratulations on your winning entry in "Freedom Celebration" Writing Contest! It's always a pleasure to read the work of so many individuals from different walks of life. Would you tell us a little bit about your family?
I have been blessed with a wonderful husband of 22 years and a son who is now 15. My son accepted Christ in Kindergarten and one of our special moments is when he asked for a purity ring as a birthday gift when he turned 13. The furry members of our family are two Golden Retriever/Collie dogs, Princess and Scooby, who have given me many ideas for the devotionals I write about lessons I learn from animals!
Once in a while a story hits us and we ask "How did they get the idea for that story"? Was there something that led to your writing about “Anna's Journey”?
Anna's journey is based on a true story. I met Anna in Nebraska many years ago when we attended a little country church together. I remember bits and pieces of her childhood story she shared with me so long ago, and when I hear the word "Freedom" it reminds me of Anna.
You seem to have the gift of encouragement, Nancy! Oftentimes those who exhibit such a caring heart towards others have been touched by someone at some point in their life. Can you give us an instance where you have been encouraged?
When I was 23, my Mom and I both went forward in a church service to accept Christ. I realized suddenly that you can go to church all your life, as I had done, and not have a true relationship with Christ. We started our faith journey together and my Mom has always encouraged me in everything I do, and is my biggest fan of reading the stories and devotionals I write. She wants me to send her a copy of everything!
I noticed that your bio says you have a passion for WORDS! I love that! Can you tell us how you use words to minister?
I love to write stories and devotionals that encourage people and make them smile. The characters in my children's stories learn a lesson or solve a problem and I always include the prayer of salvation at the end of each story. The subjects of my devotionals have included everything from my childhood adventures to animals. The Lord continually gives me inspiration on things to write about, and I hope these stories touch and inspire others to draw closer to Christ too!
What inspires you most and how do you want to be an inspiration to others?
My love for Christ inspires everything I do. And while I sometimes trip and stumble in my walk of faith, He never lets me fall! I hope the stories and life experiences I put in my devotionals inspire others to keep strong in their faith too.
How long have you been writing? Is it something that you've always wanted to do or something that just happened when you walked through an open door?
The Lord inspired me to write a story about a homeless girl on Christmas Eve about 15 years ago. My mom liked the story and gave it to the director of the Open Door Mission and he used it on his phone-a-story line. That event started me on my writing journey where I began writing one-page children's stories, and more recently, I've begun writing devotionals to encourage others in their faith walk too. I recently gathered all my animal-themed devotionals and made a book called "A Veterinarian's Daughter Learns about the Animal Kingdom; Devotionals for Animal Lovers". My dad was a vet and I dedicated the book to his memory. His motto was to leave people better then he found them, and I'm trying to carry on his legacy through my writing.
I had to smile when I saw your e-mail address, joyfulpenministries. We've already discussed how you use words to minister, can you also tell us what keeps you so joyful?
"The joy of the Lord is my strength" - The world has become an even more scary place lately and I don't know how people handle the stress and fears of the world without faith in Jesus Christ! Thanks to God's infallable word, the Bible, we know the end of the story and we have no reason NOT to be joyful! Sharing the lessons I've learned through writing stories and devotionals continues to give me joy too as I use this writing talent that is totally from the Lord. I hope my writing encourages my brothers and sisters in Christ to keep their Joy too!
Thank you so much, Nancy, for sharing your heart and ministry with us. It's fun taking a little peek into the lives of one of our award winning authors and fellow Christians. May God continue to bless you and your family and ministry as you continue to use your gift of writing and encouragement for His glory.