Meet Syreeta Thompson, Musician

Noted as one of the great instrumentalist and clinicians in the musical arena, Syreeta Thompson's musical gift proves to be both sincere and incomparable. The powerful trumpeter has managed to blaze the gospel industry circuit by sharing the stage with many of its greatest icons from the renowned Hezekiah Walker and LFT to the legendary Dorinda Clark-Cole.

For many, the musical experience of Syreeta Thompson is simply profound as she consistently delivers a stirring performance as an anointed minstrel each time she ministers. For the woman affectionately known as the Trumpet Lady, each opportunity is undeniably an opportunity "to infuse the gospel of Jesus of Christ to all mankind and to touch souls with the gift of music."

To learn more, visit http://www.TrumpetLady.com.

1. When did you first start playing the trumpet, and how did you know it was the instrument for you?

My start in music began very early when I was nine years old. I actually started playing the clarinet and later switched to trumpet. My mother told me she wasn't going to buy me another instrument unless I took the trumpet to church lol! So, I had to PLAY EVERY Sunday in church! Lol!

2. How did you become known as "The Trumpet Lady"?

I used to carry my instrument on my back and there was gentleman in my church that used to speak to me as "Trumpet Lady." Also, while touring with Hezekiah Walker, everyone in the band had a name, and mine became "Trumpet Lady." I figure it was memorable, so I kept it.

3. Would you tell us a little bit more about how your music is a ministry?

My music is totally based on inspiring others to pursue their dreams. I'm the product of a single parent home, and I'm an inner city kid who beat the odds. My dad is deceased, so my mom wanted to keep me disciplined. So, I want others to know that you can overcome the odds of the stereotype.

4. How did you choose "Winner" for the title of your second album, and how have listeners been responding to it since its release a few months ago?

The Winner release is dedicated to help inspire and keep Arts Education in urban settings. It has a total of seven songs which feature The Love Fellowship Praise & Worship team & Dorinda Clark Cole. I also wanted to show my roots and technical side, which has the song church melody, and which has New Orleans and Churchy feel.

I've been so overwhelmed by the response. The Winner release has received rave reviews, and I’m thankful. Also, the body of work maintained its position on Billboard for eleven weeks consistently.

5. Do you have any plans and projects coming up in 2017 that you're especially looking forward to working on?

Yes, in July 2017, supporters and listeners can expect the Evolution of a Winner Hymns & Songs. I'm in the process as we speak, recording this body of work!

Thanks, Syreeta!

Meet Donna Riner Weber, Author

Donna Riner Weber is the author of Scrapbook Your Christian Faith. A series of events and experiences--including chronic illness, early retirement, and her pleasure in becoming a grandmother--inspired her to reexamine her life, and she began writing stories of her faith to her family and friends. Learn more about Donna and her work by visiting https://www.faithbook101.com.

1. What is "faithbooking," and how did you first learn about this practice?

"Faithbooking" is the art of creating a scrapbook about your Faith. The "Faithbook" is your scrapbook with scriptures, pictures, prayers, and stories about God's presence in your life.

Several years ago due to chronic illness and daily pain, I had to stop my teaching career. I had been in the education field for 18 years, and it was a shock to my system, when the doctors told me I would not be able to return to work.

I believe that God has a special plan for you and me and each one of us. The Bible tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil to give you a future and a hope." Jer. 29:11 (TLB)

I didn't understand.

"But God, what is your plan for me? I thought it was to teach my middle school students." I cried. I prayed. I wrestled with what God wanted me to do. I knew it wasn't to lie around on the sofa watching TV and waiting for Him to call me home to Heaven one day.

I felt God was whispering in my heart to write stories of how He's been faithful to me and my family. So I started jotting down notes and throwing them into files.

2. What motivated you to write Scrapbook Your Christian Faith?

Around the same time that I was starting to jot down those notes, my cousin (Nora) came to visit our family. She brought her scrapbook. While I was amazed at her beautiful layouts, I knew I could not do anything like that because I have never been an artistic.

But the seed had been planted and I was interested. I attended several 101 level scrapbook classes at local craft stores.

After I created a few pages, I felt that something was missing. It was my Faith. It's a huge part of my life and I wanted evidence of my Faith to be on the pages I leave for my family and future generations.

But how could I combine Faith and Scrapbooking?

I tried to find a book to help me. At that time, there were lots of books on scrapbooking techniques but only a few on the "Faithbook" aspect.

So I set out to write the book I needed as a beginner in Faithbooking. I entitled it: Scrapbook Your Christian Faith--the Beginners Guide to Scrapbooking Your Spiritual Legacy.

3. I like that you say that you don't have to be artistic to create a meaningful scrapbook. How has scrapbooking become a creative outlet in your life?

As I continued to take scrapbooking classes, I found more and more fun tools were being created which meant even a non-artistic person like me could create a scrapbook layout.

I did not understand the techniques, tools, or even the language--but I was thoroughly enjoying the creative process and wanted other people to feel they could start participating in Faithbooking as well. In writing Scrapbook Your Christian Faith, it was important to me that everyone who wanted to leave their spiritual legacy could understand the basics to get started.

4. Would you tell us a little more about your ebook? Does it contain photos and visual tutorials as well as text?

Inside this guide, the reader will:

• Discover which scrapbook tools and supplies you need to get started
• Know how to tell which scrapbook supplies are safe
• Find out what's really in Faithbooking for you and your loved ones
• Discover the differences in adhesives, albums and cutting tools
• Find out which types of scrapbook papers are best
• See examples of layouts
• Understand basic terminology

Bonus Lessons include

• Step-by-step lessons on how to do matting
• Step-by-step lessons on paper piecing
• Instructions and resources for creating your titles

Readers can learn more about the book by visiting http://tinyurl.com/ScrapbookYourChristianFaith.

Thanks, Donna!

Meet Brenda Moore, Wife Coach and Author of WifeCheck

Brenda Moore is a wife coach, who works with her clients according to biblical truths and sound advice. She has written a book called WifeCheck which developed out of a group she started on Facebook. Brenda's book is on sale now and be purchased through her website at www.TheWifeCoachBrendaMoore.com.

Find Brenda on Instagram and Facebook.

1. Could you tell us how you would define your role as a wife coach?

I assist wives and single women in finding purpose and clarity in their marriages or while they are in waiting. My book is for single women, too. There in a section in the book titled "wives in preparation." I also give my readers tools to overcome hurt, betrayal, and infidelity. We explore the hidden areas in the heart.

2. When it comes to facing the ups and downs in a marriage (and in life!), what do you find helpful in terms of shifting perspective?

I find it helpful when we accept responsibility to how we've contributed to the issues in our lives. The first step is recognizing how your behavior and actions contributed to the problems you're experiencing. We take a look inside the heart to see what motivates a person and then address those hidden areas to start the healing process.

3. What inspired you to write your book, WifeCheck?

My marriage and journey inspired me. The first years of my marriage were tumultuous because I was a broken woman. I started the WifeCheck group on Facebook to help other women and to help support wives who are in need of answers on how to be successful in marriage.

4. Did you always have a strong spiritual practice in your own life, or was this something that grew over time?

I started to seek God after I married, and it was only then that I was able to see myself more clearly and to recognize how my behavior contributed to the issues. My faith grew stronger because I needed more of God to be happy and have peace in my life.

5. What do you see as your overall goal in your work as an author and coach?

I want to see wives succeed and win in marriage, and to understand their roles and their purpose according to God. In the end I want to see them have a pure heart, a heart healed from all of the things that are hidden and that caused them to become a woman that is motivated by hurt and manipulation.

Thanks, Brenda!

Meet Paul Etienne of 1Branch

Paul Etienne is the founder and project manager of 1Branch. His background includes graphic design and web and mobile development, and he has published games in iOS and Android in the past. Paul is a Christian looking for his true purpose, but he found he was sometimes afraid to ask questions of members of his church because he's been going to church for so long, so in 1Branch he has created a platform where people can feel free to express themselves and to find their true purpose.

1. Could you tell us a little more about some of the features you wanted to include when you came up with the idea for 1Branch--and also, how did you choose the name?

I wanted to include: a church suggestion feature that would send you notifications about suggestions for churches to attend based on reviews whenever you go to a new town or city. I came up with the name from John 15:5, in which Jesus said, "I am the Vine. You are the branches." 1Branch means each of us is 1 branch from Jesus' vine.

2. Is going to a website on a computer the only way to access or sign up for 1Branch?

No, right now we know everyone is always busy and always on the go, so there is a very responsive version of 1Branch for all mobile phones. Also, the official 1Branch app is available in the Apple app store, and in Google Play by just typing "1Branch" in your app store's search bar.

3. How have you been reaching out so far to tell people about 1Branch?

So far, we have used press releases to let the press know about 1Branch, and we use social media a lot to get the word out. Social media is now the new "word of mouth," and it is very powerful, so when people see something they like, they share it on social media with their friends.

4. The impression I got from checking out the site is that the main idea is that it's a place for conversations and mutual support. How would you describe your goals in building it--and where do you hope to see it go over the next year?

The spirit of 1Branch is to embrace the totality of the religious experience; I want to enable people to talk about issues that really matter to them, even if they are considered off-limits. When a user signs up, that user is asked to enter a denomination. This is the "Branching" section of the network. Branching offers two streams: "Dirty Laundry" and "General," and those streams are specific to the chosen denomination.

Dirty Laundry allows users to post freely and anonymously about things they don't like or don't understand, or things that confuse them, and even about secrets a denomination may have. Anyone (within the denomination branch) can comment on the posts to bring answers and clarification. The idea is to connect people who know the truth to people who are seeking the truth, so I hope that a lot of people contribute to the overall experience of 1Branch. I hope to hear people talk about how they have found the truth through 1Branch.

5. Based on your own experience, what's your advice to other people who want to develop their own apps?

If you have a good and unique idea, then go for it. Reach out to people who have done it before, and ask for advice if there are things that you do not know how to do. There are a lot of resources out there for people who are willing to learn. "Ask and it will be given to you." Matthew 7:7

Thanks, Paul!

Meet Tammy Thompson, Author

Tammy Thompson is 26 and lives in Pittsburgh, PA. She's a college graduate with a bachelor's in Psychology, and she will be soon be going back to earn her master's degree. Tammy has written her autobiography and made the book available to read for free online on her website, God's Great Glory.

1. How long did it take you to write your autobiography?

I started writing my autobiography when I was 15. As the years went on, I continued to write about my experiences while I was going through them. At completion, it took ten years to finish the book.

2. What inspired you to write down your personal story to share with others?

I originally never knew I was going to end up writing my autobiography. As mentioned earlier, I started writing my story at the age of 15. At that time, I was residing in a shelter for teenage girls. We were all given journals and were told to write in them every day. Lucky for me I enjoyed writing. It dawned on me one day that I could turn my journal entries into something people could learn from--something inspiring.

3. Why did you decide to share your autobiography online on your website?

I wanted anyone to be able to access my story for free online. By creating a website, I knew I could also provide other resources for those who may be in need of help.

4. Are you planning to pursue a career in the ministry--or possibly in the helping professions such as social work?

I am planning to pursue a career in counseling. I am in the process of obtaining my master's degree, and then I want to become certified in grief counseling. I want to help people in any way I can.

5. Based on your personal experiences, what do you see as some specific ways that all of us could work on advocating for children in foster care?

Based on my personal experiences, I believe the foster care system is flawed. I was taken from one bad situation and put into an even worse situation by going into foster care. I believe there needs to be better resources for first-time foster parents so they can get a grasp on what their foster children will be going through and feeling. Essentially, there needs to be more support for these families.

Thanks, Tammy!

Meet Steve Austin, Author of Grace Is Messy

Steve Austin is an author, motivational speaker, worship leader, full-time sign language interpreter. He's been a husband for the past seven years, and is the father of Ben (2 1/2) and Caroline (3 months).

Learn more about Steve on his website, and by checking out the Go Fund Me campaign to publish his book, Grace Is Messy, which will help support The WellHouse, an organization combating sex trafficking in Birmingham, Alabama.

1. What motivated you to write your book, Grace Is Messy?

2. In writing the book, what resources did you draw on: your own experiences, the experiences of others, reflections on the Bible...?

Mandy, thanks so much for the interview. I'm honored to share with you and hope that my story and this new project will inspire others to seek honesty with themselves and the Hope that comes when they give themselves and others a second chance. An encounter with radical grace can truly change the course of one's life.

Growing up, I was molested as a four-year-old, I lived through the experience of my Mom's sister killing herself when I was a young teen and watching my two teenage cousins live through this grief, and lived through my own father's affair when I was in my early twenties. I watched my mother hurt so bad, but I also watched her show my dad grace like I had never experienced before, even though I had grown up as an active church member.

I began to realize that there is much more to life than being a "Sunday morning Christian" and that I wanted to experience this radical, freeing grace.

3. What is The WellHouse, and how will your book help support this organization?

The WellHouse is a faith-based and Christ-centered nonprofit organization offering immediate shelter and transitional housing to women who have been trafficked, are prostituting, or otherwise sexually exploited. Food, clothing, spiritual guidance, Christian counseling, and other necessities are provided, along with assisting with referrals for substance abuse treatment, if needed. Life skills classes, GED preparation, and other enrichment services are part of the experience to help these women become self-sufficient and give them a sense of self-worth. The goal is for women to go on to live full and productive lives.

Few shelters exist for sexually exploited women.

The WellHouse is the only 24-hour shelter offering immediate housing assistance to women being prostituted in the Southeast. Other shelters have entry requirements undermining a woman's access to an immediate, safe environment, such as requiring state identification, proof of homelessness, and other prerequisites, which this population of women may not have. The WellHouse does not require qualifying information. While in the program, residents receive assistance in obtaining the identification and documentation they need to rebuild their lives.

Safety is an ongoing concern. Exploited women cannot experience personal progress and future success, if their safety is in question or jeopardized. The length of time in the program is guided by safety and individual needs, since most residents have no other resources available than those provided by the WellHouse.

50% of the proceeds from each book will go directly to support the mission of The WellHouse, in fighting sex trafficking on the I-20 corridor, from Texas to Atlanta.

4. I think many people hear about sex trafficking but might not realize why it's still so pervasive today. Could you tell us a little bit about why combating sex trafficking is so important?

When you consider that 27 million are trafficked each year, that 80% of those are women and 50% of those are children, it is a crushing statistic. My heart aches for those exploited ones, and I want to see us come together and do something about it. I wanted this book to do more than just sit on a shelf and collect dust.

5. Why did you choose to pursue funding for Grace Is Messy via crowdfunding, and would you tell us a little more about your Go Fund Me campaign?

I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to give back. In this country, we are so blessed. Blessed more than we could ever possibly imagine. I wanted people to be able to to join the fight against human trafficking, whether it's donating $5 or $500, and the GoFundMe Campaign allows people to do just that. My friend Susan said, "With this campaign, a handful of people can change the world." I couldn't have said it better myself.

If anyone wants to join the fight, please go to http://www.gofundme.com/93lbf8 and donate. Every single dollar counts towards our goal of $10,000.

You can also follow updates at www.graceismessy.com, facebook.com/iamsteveaustin, and twitter.com/iamsteveaustin.

Mandy, again, thanks for your time and for spreading this awareness to more people.

God bless you!

Thanks, Steve!

Meet Kathy M Walters, Poet

Kathy M. Walters is a gem to the literary profession. Though she holds a Master's degree in HR Management and a BA in Sociology, her title of passion is that of an author/poet. She has written her first book and creates/performs poetry as a window to her soul. To hear Kathy perform her work, visit her Lines & Lyrics site. Her book, From Pain to Praise, is available on Amazon.

1. Were you always interested in poetry growing up, and when did you start dedicating yourself to writing as an adult?

Yes, I have always been interested in poetry. As a small child, I can remember composing "rhymes" and songs. I loved words. I loved performing for family and friends. So, once I realized I could play with words and create my "masterpieces" when the ending of words sounded alike, I was ecstatic! I enjoyed being creative and loved what I was doing.

As an adult, my dedication evolved through my personal experiences and the experiences of others. I began writing for meaning and poignancy. I wanted to write what I "feel" from the depth of my soul.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to verbalize our thoughts. But I believe my gift is to articulate feelings into words. I want to bridge a connection. My dream is to powerfully arrange my words and writings so that the pages connect with the soul of another's feelings. And when one reads my work, they will say, "That's exactly how I feel!" or "How did she know that?" or "I experienced the same thing!"

2. How would you describe the relationship between your spirituality and your writing?

My writing and my spirituality go hand in hand. I write what I feel. I write what I want others to know and I write to share words of encouragement. I love to help others and let others know that they are not alone. We all experience hurt. We all experience pain. My pain may not be the same or as severe as yours, but it is still pain. The joy lies in knowing that we are in this together. And together we can strengthen each other.

3. What inspired you to release your work in audio format, and what was the process like in creating your debut CD?

I truly believe that God places people in our lives to make things happen or help steer us in the right direction. I was inspired by an author/publisher, Fay Alice Walker, to release my work in audio format.

I was attending a Georgia Peach Writer's book club meeting one Saturday. Each author was discussing their book and sharing excerpts. At the time, I didn't want to share information regarding my upcoming novel because I needed to tweak it a bit more. But, I always memorized my poetry and I loved to share. I recited a poem with the other writers and Fay immediately told me how much she enjoyed it. I was pleasantly surprised because I had no idea I would get the reaction she gave. She told me she could hear my poetry with music. She asked, "Do you know how many people would love to listen to smooth sounds and poetry as they travel, dine, walk in the park, or just want to relax?" I thought about it and immediately contacted a producer. My CD project started from there, and I thank God for sending Fay to help me to realize the possibilities!

4. Could you give us sort of a snapshot of the ideas, topics, and themes that readers will find in your book, From Pain to Praise?

First of all, let me define "snapshot." For me, a snapshot can tell an entire story or only part of a whole. One of my favorite snapshots is, "Everyone possesses a license for healing, harvesting, and redemption. That license never expires." The meaning behind that snapshot is that it is never too late to overcome, start a new or escape the things which held you bound.

From Pain to Praise is a collection of poetry, words of inspiration, and short stories. It is truly an inspiration. It's cathartic. It's real.

Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel? Has it ever seemed that past hurt has moved in, packed your bags, and is forcing you out of your own home? Where do you go and what do you do when you feel all hope is gone?

As Christians, we are faced with numerous circumstances, causing "internal injuries," leading to a life of pain and resulting in permanent scars. We live in a world that no longer seems to care. As soon as you've endured one storm, another tumultuous cloud is in the making. But we serve an awesome God, don't we? He has pills for your pain, promise for your prayers, and power for your praise!

From Pain to Praise is about life, love, and everything in between. It will make you smile. It will soothe your soul. And then... you will be filled with praise!

5. Do you find that your career in HR is completely separate from your writing, or do ideas for poems sometimes come to you during your workday?

While one may think my career in HR and my writing are separate, I must say they are intrinsically intertwined. No matter what I do in my career as a HR professional, I often receive ideas for my writing. People, places, things and situations inspire me. And I can't imagine how the two (career and writing) can be independent of one another. Many thoughts and ideas come to me during the workday, sometimes taking my mind off of work! And that can be a positive and productive distraction. LOL (But don't tell my boss!) :)

There is a lot more in store for my career as an author. The bigger picture is for me to enjoy life, learn, support other authors, grow, give back, share, and be the best individual that I can be!

Thanks, Kathy!

Meet Robert Gonko, Author

Robert Gonko is the author of The Inheritance, a novel which is currently available in e-book format on Smashwords, for Amazon Kindle, and for Barnes & Noble Nook, and which is soon to be available in print format as well. He was born in raised in Illinois, where he lives with his wife, Angela, and his children, Josie and Jimmy. His parents were trained journalists and instilled a love of the written word in him from a young age. He's currently at work on his next novel. Click here to follow him on Twitter.

1. How did you come up with the idea for The Inheritance?

I think most people today dream about what they would do with sudden wealth. After all, look at how much we (including me) spend on lottery tickets each year. I just took the notion of sudden wealth and kicked up a few notches.

2. What are some of the challenges the protagonist, Sam Harman, faces in the course of the novel?

Sam has to face personal and public consequences of his new wealth. It affects every aspect of his life. He is turned into something of a local celebrity and has trouble dealing with that. There are also family problems that crop up. On top of that, there are those who are not exactly happy for him and who pose a threat both to Sam and his family.

3. Your plot has strong elements of drama and suspense, and a Christian theme is also important to your book: as you were writing, how did you balance these important aspects of your novel?

Balancing those things wasn't as hard as you might think. I really just wrote what I felt. The idea was to see how this affected Sam on a number of fronts. Doing that created the elements you refer to. It was a very organic thing. The Christian theme is important to the book because it is important in my life. I didn't really set out to write a Christian novel, but I somehow managed it anyway.

4. How did your parents' work in journalism influence your own development as a writer?

My mom and dad were my first editors. Anytime I finished a project I showed it to them first. None of that work ever saw the light of day (thank goodness!), of course, but they encouraged the development of my skills and supported me in whatever I did. Without seeming immodest, I think they were proud that I aspired to be a writer. My fondest wish is that they were here to see this.

5. What writing project(s) are you working on now?

I actually have two books in the works. The first is a crime thriller called The Leviticus Enforcer. I've finished a revised first draft and it's currently with some trusted beta-readers for comment and suggestions. You notice the biblical title? This time I take a look at the dark side of religion. I hope to have it out by the end of the year but I won't make any promises. I've also started some preliminary work on a political thriller tentatively called The Mayor. Both are set in my fictional city of Port Mason.

Thanks for talking with me!

Thanks, Robert!