Looking Out the Window: D.M. Webb Discusses Her Books, 30 Days: A Devotional Memoir and Mississippi Nights and Shares A Devotional. Offers a Winner's Choice Giveaway

             A Warm Welcome to D.M. Webb

D.M. will give away an e-book of either 30 Days: A Devotional Memoir OR Mississippi Nights. To enter to win leave a comment and an e-mail address below.

Yeats and Christ

By

D.M. Webb (Daphne Self)

One of the most beautiful poems I have ever read was "Cloths of Heaven" by W.B. Yeats. A portion of it reads: “But, I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.”

In my devotional 30 Days: A Devotional Memoir, I talked about how we all have dreams and sometimes it was only our dreams that kept us company. Every once in a while we offer dreams to someone and we lay them down at their feet. Our wish is for them to tread carefully on these dreams we offer.

Have you ever offered a piece of yourself, lain it at the feet of someone, and wondered if it would be accepted? Have you ever looked into a person’s eyes, wished for him or her to see your heart, and wondered if it would be accepted? Have you ever listened to your own heart, felt what it said, and wondered if you could accept it?

Life can parallel the teaching of Jesus. He laid His life down for us. He offered His love for us. He placed His dreams before us. We must tread carefully because we tread on His dreams. When we trust in Him, we are accepted, and it is our dreams at His feet. And Jesus treads carefully on our dreams.

“And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold, I, and the children which God hath given me.” Hebrews 2:13

Thanks for sharing with us. Lots of writers enjoyed reading as children. Did you? If so, what did you read?

I was a really big reader as a child. I think the first book that I can remember clearly was The Black Hole, based on the Disney movie during that time. I was in 2nd grade and every chance I had, especially after I finished my work, I would read that book, never mind that I knew it word for word. Later on it became whatever I could get my hands on and what my parents could afford. From Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew to Anne of Green Gables. My favorite during one summer was Eight Cousins and The Prisoner of Zelda. Eventually I graduated to Sweet Valley High then own to the more mature books: Heart of Darkness, A Farewell to Arms, etc.

Let's talk about your writing. Many wonder what makes authors write. Why do you write?

I write because I can’t stop. I started writing at an early age. My first poem was written when I was 6 and titled "Cats." I would think to myself whenever I read a book or watched a movie, “what if”, and that began the framework of creating stories to tell my cousins.

Tell us about your latest book.

My last book published was a devotional, 30 Days: A Devotional Memoir. It was a compilation of blog posts that I had written journaling three years of my life as a widow and single mother who eventually married a family friend. It showcased the ups and downs, and all the storms in between, and how I held on to my faith no matter how small it became.

What inspired you to write this particular book?

Pain. Out of the pain of hopelessness and despair I could still a light at the end, but never knew how I was going to get there. We barely had food some days, struggled to pay bills, and I found myself crying out to God so many times. And one day I realized I wasn’t alone. There were others out there like me: mothers who struggled to provide for their children. People who lost their spouses, went through a divorce, and/or raising children on their own. I wanted to give them hope, too, because it was Christ who gave me hope and led me through my toughest storms. I couldn’t remain silent. I had to share and had to hope that my little book would help another in some way, form, or fashion.

What do you love about this book? 

My favorite part would be my reference to Mark 4:39 and the chapter where I put it all into perspective. But the ultimate favorites are the two stories at the end. My mother told these stories time and time again to me and I passed them on to my readers.

What do you hope readers will tell others?

That it’s an honest book about a woman who was open about her faith and how Jesus remained in the center of all she experienced.

Where do you get ideas for your books?

I could tell, but I really don’t know. For me, I look at a bird or a tree, and idea forms. I read a sentence or hear a story, an idea forms. Things seem to pop into my head. For my first book, Mississippi Nights, it was the idea of a firefighter and what would happen if he allowed a sin to rule his life? After that, it just starting growing and building until I could barely keep up with the words in my head. For my second novel, which I am in process of finishing, it was the idea of what would happen if two people, a believer and an unbeliever, came across information that threatened their lives and the people around them? What would happen if he was a paramedic and she was a reporter?

In three words describe your style of writing.

Emotional. Realistic. Hopeful.

What themes do you write about?

I find myself writing on a variety of themes: addiction, abortion, loneliness, pride, family, and sacrifice….there are so many it seems and sometimes the theme are intertwined with another. Basically, I write about faith and real life problems.

Do you have to juggle writing with a job, family responsibilities or other obligations? How do you balance it?

I can’t set a writing schedule because it never seems to pan out the way I want it. I grab whatever time I can get because I home school my 15 year old son, babysit my 2 year old nephew, and between all that I’m cleaning house, preparing food, and dealing with bills, new job, and just general life things. To balance it all, I go with the flow. There are times when I can type up 3500 words and then sometimes I can only jot down a few ideas or phrases for the book.

Does your faith affect your writing? How?

Faith affects my writing always. I will not use cursing/cussing in my books, but I will elude to the language to show the reality of a person. I will not have any graphic scenes. I don’t want that image in my head and refuse to be a stumbling block to my readers. In all I write, I want people to see Jesus. I want to glorify His name by showing redemption in His love.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Just keep writing. Don’t pay attention to the market, but keep an eye on the market.  Your story should be the best that you can write. Don’t worry about what others are doing or how well they are doing. Your time will come. Even us published authors have a hard time. We aren’t guaranteed publication, but we keep on writing. And a major point: make friends with authors, from the well-known to the lesser known. Some of those friendships will stick for a long time to come.

What would you be doing if you weren’t writing?

I would be painting. And probably pursuing my dream of opening a bookstore. I have always loved bookstores. I mean, who doesn’t, right?

About D. M.'s Books

Mississippi Nights (2012-Ambassador International)

Two brothers, one death--the bond of brotherhood faces its greatest challenge against resentment and guilt.

Together brothers, David and Jeremy Boyette, must decide if the bond of brotherhood is stronger than their resentment and hate as David faces his dark secret and the bitterness that enslaves him.

Can the love between the two brothers eventually win against pain and guilt?




Buy Mississippi Nights On Amazon

30 Days: A Devotional Memoir (2013-Ambassador International)

Do you desire to no longer be alone? Do you yearn for understanding and hope? Do you wish for a closer walk with Jesus?

When a relationship ends, whether through divorce or death, it leaves us with heartache and sadness. Fear of loneliness overwhelms our soul. Anger at God consumes us. We are suddenly thrust into unknown territory, lost and bewildered. Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

30 Days: A Devotional Memoir brings you deeply moving stories to strengthen your walk and bring you closer to Christ. Author D. M. Webb shares her three year spiritual journey with a collection of thirty devotions designed to reach out and uplift those who have endured the turbulent emotions that come with divorce, widowhood, and single parenting. Reach out, place your hand in His, and begin your journey today.



Buy 30 Days: A Devotional Memoir On Amazon

Put book trailers in here - check bio information

Bio:

D.M. Webb (Daphne Self) resides in Hawkeye and Indians territory a.k.a. Marion, Iowa. A transplant from Mississippi who fell in love with the Midwest state, she spends her days writing, biking, antiquing, and planning adventures with her husband and sons.

Having always dreamed of being a writer she pursues this dream with only one goal in mind: To Glorify His Name.  D.M. not only writes, but she's an avid reader who devours books in many genres. Catch some of her latest reviews here. Beyond her writing and reading, she also volunteers as a judge for the Genesis Contest and Carols Awards through American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She recently received the Radiqx Press Certification of Excellence award for Christian Religious Romance.

Learn more about D.M. on her website