Blog Tour-Karen “Girl” Friday

Welcome Karen, please tell us about your most Recent Book

I’m currently working on my first book project. Answered in more detail on question #3.

Why do you write what you do?

I write nonfiction Christian Living with published works of devotionals and inspirational articles in both print and online media. My passion is to know God more and make Him known. And I write with this in mind, we were created to tell God’s story and display His glory.

As long as I can remember, I’ve loved words. I entered a writing contest in third grade and my first oratorical contest in the fourth grade. Yes, way back. Although my love for the spoken word continued as a speaker over the years, my writing journey didn’t commence until 2014.

As a pastor’s wife and ministry leader, my tagline is “Expressing scriptural truths as life happens.” I write to encourage the Christian on her journey by offering practical ways her faith fleshes out in daily life. It’s important to take my experiences and spiritual principles and help others. My writing connects family life, Christian ministry, and real-life scenarios to the timeless truths of Scripture.

What are you currently working on?

I’m writing my first book, a nonfiction project in a trade book format with a study guide element. It’s based on my personal experience of being watched and followed. I relate each aspect of the ordeal in the physical sense to the spiritual realm. When face-to-face with the unthinkable, you need a safe refuge. The premise shows how God carefully watches over His children.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?

God doesn’t create cookie-cutter people and writing voices vary with each author. My writing voice is fresh and unique in four ways.

1. I’m approachable and transparent in ministry which transfers into my writing style. Readers can relate to my authenticity on real-life issues.
2. Communication is my forte. I’m a strong communicator and hold a degree in leadership communications. I enjoy the art of persuasion, constructive critique, debate, public speaking, and writing. Moving an audience to an emotional response of tears, laughter, surprise and deep reflection is an honor for me.
3. I not only write from where I’ve walked, but also from an authoritative perspective. Years of ministry, church work, and leading Bible studies sets me apart to write out of a knowledge base and with more depth because of my position as a pastor’s wife.
4. A creative approach to nonfiction is important to me. I use the art of imagination to drive home spiritual truths. Creativity should never be limited to fiction.

How does your writing process work?

I keep a file on my computer and notes on my iPhone where I log ideas of topics, illustrations, and stories to write about. I then catalog them into themes to use for a new book project or for an article on my personal blog or sites where I’m a contributing writer. I schedule due dates, deadlines, and writing days on a calendar so I’m consistent to keep appointments with myself and my writing. For my current book, it helped me to do a book outline and chapter outlines. If I know the main principles I want to bring out, then I can stay on track and still be creative in the way I write.

Karen Friday is a pastor’s wife and women’s ministry leader. She’s an award-winning writer and avid speaker who loves words and God’s Word. For over a decade, Karen has balanced the busy life of church ministry with working from her home office in marketing and business development roles. Karen earned a communications degree and has experience in a broad spectrum of business services where she is frequently referred to as Girl Friday. A blogger, Karen “Girl” Friday engages a community every week. Hope is Among Us is an award-winning blog that expresses scriptural truths as life happens. Karen is a regular contributor for the national site, Inspire a Fire, which draws 30,000 monthly visitors. Karen has published a number of articles and devotions in both print and online media. She is currently working on her first book project. An inspirational speaker, she addresses a wide variety of audiences. Karen is passionate about mentoring and discipleship that helps followers of Christ live with authentic faith in real life. Karen and her husband Mike Friday reside in East Tennessee and have two grown children. The entire family is fond of the expression, “TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday.” They owe Monday an apology. www.KarenGirlFriday.com