3 minute read
SHELLY CLARK
Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do?
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A. Thanks for taking the time to interview and chat with me. Who is Shelly? I’m a first-time author. My hallmark work was published in mid- 2019. I’m a small-town girl originally from the great state of West Virginia and now reside in Charlotte, NC with my husband. I’m an accountant and CPA by trade but at my core I’m a teacher…whether on the job or ministry at my core I’m a teacher.
Q. What motivated you to be an author? A. It was motivated by a need to encourage and inspire other people. At one point in my life, I had the opportunity to minister to others in church and when I left that ministry, I figured that door was closed only to realize that God was opening the door to
ministry through writing. I’m learning to not put God in a box.
Q. Tell us about your book “Beyond the Cracks” and the motivation behind it?
A. If I had to sum it up in one word, I would say that it is about Hope. I really want people to realize that God’s grace and mercy is available to them no matter where they find themselves. There is hope for all of us. My motivation is to inspire and ignite others to live their best lives in and through Christ.
Q. What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
A. In writing my first book, I revisited a lot of the painful moments or cracked places in my life, so I “felt” the words that the readers see on the page. I hope as a writer that what I’m saying connects with the audience.
Q. Tell us what the most important elements of good writing?
A. I’m a newbie at this so I’ll answer your question from a reader’s perspective. I love to read. The most important elements of good writing to me, as a reader, is the writer’s ability to connect with the reader, keep the reader engaged and to inspire/ ignite something in them. I think this happens by painting a picture with your words so well that the reader can “see” it.
Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
A. I want to create a space where I can speak into the lives of other people in whatever way God allows me to. If that is through public speaking, writing, whatever…I’m open to it all. I believe that God needs people who are willing to reveal Him in the earth through our walk. We may be the only “Jesus” some people see because not everyone is going to walk the four walls of a church. I desire to walk alongside others in whatever capacity God allows.
Q. Can you tell us your favorite book you ever read?
A. The Shack by William Paul Young.
Q. Are you working on any new events or projects right now?
A. Yes. Working on a 21-day journal/devotional to couple with my book, Beyond the Cracks. It’s well overdue but I believe I’ll get it out when the world needs it.
Q. What are some things you do on your spare time?
A. I started working on my health and my weight and in doing so discovered that I enjoy walking. It has done so much for my physical and mental health. My husband and I are movie buffs too. We binge watch shows on Netflix sometimes.
Q. What does the words “Writers block” mean to you?
A. I feel like I’m experiencing it right now…lol. Seriously, I think that sometimes distractions cause writer’s block for me because it’s difficult to sit down and focus. Right now, there is so much uncertainty and crazy making in the world it’s difficult to turn it off.
Q. Where can the readers follow you?
A. You can find me on: / : @shellyrozzelclark. You can also connect with me and purchase a book on my website beyondthecracks.com.
The book is also available on Amazon.com in paperback and e-book form. I’d love to connect with readers to hear how my work has impacted their lives.
