If you’ve been waiting for a new release from New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby, then surprise, the wait is over. Not only did Roby surprise her legions of fans with a new release last week, but it’s also her first nonfiction project. I recently spoke with her about The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally.
Tell me about your book, The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally.
The Woman God Created You to Be is a book about becoming the best spiritual you, personal you, and professional you.
Why did you decide to write it?
Interestingly enough, I never thought I would write or publish any nonfiction books. Especially since, for more than two decades, I’ve always written fictional stories. But in October 2016, after waking up with the words Hearing God’s Call and Finding Your Purpose at the forefront of my thinking, I knew God had given me those words for a reason. At first, I thought they were going to become the title of the book itself, but as it turned out, they became the title of one of the chapters. It’s important for me to say, too, that no matter how much I tried to push the idea of writing a nonfiction book out of my mind, I didn’t find peace until I moved forward with it.
What was the hardest part about writing the story?
For me, the hardest part about writing this book was having to relive some of the very trying and painful times I have experienced in my own life. But what I ultimately realized was that, if I wanted to help other women in a way that I had been praying for, being transparent and sharing my own personal stories was very necessary.
How did writing this book differ from writing your novels?
So normally, I start with a story idea, then I create my characters and write a detailed outline. But for this book, my initial outline involved creating all the chapter titles. I basically outlined my table of contents, and then I began writing very short synopses of those chapters. Writing full chapters on nonfiction topics is very different from writing fictional scenes.
What advice do you have for readers who would like to write a book?
Through prayer, I would ask God if writing is, in fact, my God-given purpose. If so, I would then begin reading books on how to write a novel or how to write a nonfiction book. I would also enroll in local creative writing courses (or find courses online), and I would also study and learn everything I could about the business of writing and publishing. The other thing I would suggest is to write at least something every single day, even if only a paragraph or a page. Then, once your book is complete, I would hire a professional content/developmental editor, a copyeditor, and a proofreader before submitting it to literary agents and/or publishers or before self-publishing it.
Tell me about a book that changed your life and why.
The Confident Woman Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations by Joyce Meyer was the first devotional I began keeping on my nightstand at all times. Sometimes I read it first thing in the morning, and sometimes I read it at night before going to sleep. I love it because each page speaks specifically to the heart of women, and this has made a great difference in my devotional reading life.
What upcoming events do you have where readers can meet you?
As of today, I have speaking engagements confirmed for Grayslake, Illinois; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Valdosta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Oxon Hill, Maryland. You can also find the dates, locations, and other details by clicking here: www.kimroby.com/events.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I am going to focus on the release of The Woman God Created You to Be, as well as attending various events around the country.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
No, I think you covered everything, and thanks again for everything, Chandra!
To learn more about New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
www.facebook.com/kimberlalawsonroby
www.instagram.com/kimberlalawsonroby
Use my affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally.