Leigh Ann Thomas on encouraging women

Leigh Ann Thomas is passionate about encouraging women to seek God’s best. She has penned four books and is a contributing author in twelve compilations. A staff writer for the parenting sites, InTheQuiver.com and Just18Summers.com, Leigh Ann has also contributed to Southern Writers Magazine, Power for Living, Charisma Magazine, and others.

She is married to her best friend, Roy, and they are thankful for the gifts of three daughters, two sons-in-law, three amazing grandsons and a grand-princess.

Tell us about your newest book.

Smack-Dab in the Midlife Zone—Inspiration for Women in the Middleuses scripture, prayer, and the power of story to show women in midlife how being smack-dab in the middle of God’s plans and purposes is the best place to be!

I am thankful for the Lord’s work in my life and for the privilege of walking in step with Him, each day an adventure. But a few short years ago, this was so not the case. I was grieving an approaching empty nest, a changing body, and an uncertain future. Through my struggles, God showed me that even though life was packed with change and transition, He did not change, and His call to love and serve continued in all seasons of life. This book includes my journey, as well as the stories and insights from over a dozen women I interviewed concerning their midlife years. I pray it will be a fun and meaningful mosey through the midlife zone!

What genre do you focus on and why?

I’m drawn to inspirational nonfiction as a way to encourage and motivate women to seek God’s best and to live with joy. For pure fun, I write short stories and drama sketches (a creative rest for my brain).

Why do you write? What drives you?

I feel God’s pleasure as I brainstorm, write, and edit. Being on mission with Him is the greatest joy of my life. The years I wasted running from this calling, are my motivation for writing with an intense urgency.

What does a day in your writing world look like?

An ideal day includes: an early start, breakfast, quiet time, calendar review, writing until early afternoon, lunch, editing, then a few minutes dedicated to the business end (marketing and such). If I’ve walked by a work-in-progress countless times to engage in “busy work,” I know the day is in danger of losing “ideal” status. And yes, it happens. I try to show myself grace and to move on.

What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?

Everything beyond the quiet working moments with me and the Lord. I’m a typical introverted writer, and social media, marketing, and public events are way out of my comfort zone.

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

The beautiful moments walking with God—as I learn, grow, laugh, and cry. These times are precious because I ran from it for so long.

What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?

I get tickled when anyone assumes I’m wealthy or well-known because of being traditionally published. I tell them, “Sure, I’m loaded. I’m laying up awesome treasures in Heaven!”

What are you most proud of?

This is more like what I’m grateful for, but that I stopped running and surrendered to God’s plans and purposes.

What is your favorite pastime?

Traveling with my sweetheart, hanging out with family, and being silly with my grandbabies (did I mention them yet? Big smile.)

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

I’m also the author of Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace—Inspiration for the Mother of the Bride(SonRise Devotionals—2017). I have two older books, Time Out—A Quiet-time Devotional for Busy Moms, and Go Ye Therefore: Dramas for Today’s Church.

What are you working on now?

I’m smack-dab in the middle of a book launch (see what I did there?) so that’s absorbing my working hours. But I’m excited about the next steps as I listen for my Lord’s voice and stay ready to respond to His direction. Quite the adventure!

Website: LeighAThomas.com

Link to book: https://amzn.to/2IAEUVd

Social media links:

Twitter: @LThomasWrites

Instagram: @LeighAThomasWrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leigh.nallthomas

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/785810.Leigh_Ann_Thomas