Can you share a little about your recent book?
A Bruised Reed: Memoirs of African Orphans and Their Rescuers reveals the true stories children my husband Tracy and I have been honored to lift from the pit of neglect and abuse. While the stories are initially heart-breaking, the Father’s love—and call to help—inspires readers to fight for justice for the broken children Jesus loves dearly.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
When I first started writing and speaking, it seemed my themes were disjointed—adoption, marriage, Christian living. But at the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference, editors and agents helped me discover that the driving force behind my messages was actually one main focus: things worth fighting for. In fact, this recent book is the first in a series of books under that banner. The second book, When God Comes Down Like Rain: Overcoming Obstacles to Faith, is nearly done. Many other subjects will follow, because they’re also worth fighting for, such as righteousness, prodigals, and even some rewrites of earlier works on marriage and adoption. Friends and associates started calling me “the Fight Lady,” and it stuck. I don’t go looking for a fight, but when one comes to me, I don’t back down. In over 45 years of walking with Jesus, He’s taught me a thing or two about how to engage in the battle, and my goal is to help others run into the fray, too.
How long have you been writing?
I did some creative writing in high school, and I’ve written countless songs. But I wrote my first book twenty-one years ago.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
When I wrote my first two books, I knew absolutely nothing about the publishing industry. I was speaking and singing at churches, and people wanted to take the stories home with them, so I “barfed” out two books: one about our adoption journey and the next about how our marriage when from selfishness, temptation, and despair to hope, joy, and unconditional love. The thing is, the books looked awful! I used a ridiculous font on the first one and bold type on both . . . crazy margins . . . broke all kinds of “rules.” But people wanted the stories and bought them anyway.
I went to my first writer’s conference in total naivety! The agents and editors were kind and expressed interest in my manuscripts. But others explained that since I already had a platform/audience, my best plan (economically) was to continue to self-publish. I met expert editors, typesetters, and designers who made my last book look as nice as any books published traditionally. I’m very pleased with the outcome and sales.
Which of your books is your favorite?
It’s hard to pick a favorite, because each one serves its own purpose. But A Bruised Reed is dear to my heart because the stories take me back to eSwatini, and they allow me to share our precious Swazi children with others on this side of the ocean.
Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.
The Golden Scrolls Award in the memoir category was special to me because it came from my peers in the industry—even though it’s a self-published book. Sometimes you write and write and write, and you have no idea whether anyone else will think it’s worth reading, especially when you self-publish. I felt like I got a big “that-a girl” to encourage me to keep sharing my stories.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Oh, dear, you would ask that! Haha! I usually get the first draft done in a very short amount of time, anywhere from one week to four months. But editing and polishing takes much longer, simply because my life is so crazy.
We spend 2 – 4 months of the year in eSwatini, Africa. Back at home, we try to keep up with running a bed and breakfast in our home, helping at the thrift boutique that supports our mission work, and staying connected to our huge family of eight children and kids-in-love, plus twenty-eight grandchildren (though two are in heaven and four were taken from their mother). If I could stay in a cabin for a month or two for edits, I’d be able to finish most books in half a year or so. Instead, I trust the timing to the Lord.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
Honestly, I’m not in a position to make it part of my regular schedule. I have to carve out time when others don’t need me, which means late at night—and I’m getting older and too tired to push like that—or when I can get away from home for a week or so. Perhaps at some point I’ll slow down on the other obligations and write more consistently. I hope so—I have so many ideas for the series about things worth fighting for!
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
It’s probably not interesting, but if I’m pushing to try to write at home where life is so crazy, I viciously chew through entire bags of strawberry Twizzlers. Somehow that helps me stay focused!
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
I’ve had several people tell me that they decided to adopt after reading Leapin’ Lizards . . . and other leaps of faith, which is the story of our adopting a sibling group of four. Likewise, many women have told me how my marriage book, When Prince Charming Falls off His Horse . . . and you’ve become his nag! has encouraged or helped them navigate troubled times. Knowing my writing has made a difference to someone is incredibly fulfilling.
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
I became terribly discouraged over my current work in progress, because from November of 2019 till September of this year, I didn’t even open the manuscript. I’d planned to have the book on shelves by fall of last year, and the rough draft was complete, but I just couldn’t get past the halfway mark on edits. We’re always incredibly busy at the boutique during the holidays, and when that wrapped up, I had only days to pack for a three-month mission trip in eSwatini, Africa. During that trip, my mother-in-law passed away, so we flew home for the funeral and to deal with her affairs. We went back to our Swazi children, only to have to leave the country early before the borders closed because of Covid-19. Of course, we had to quarantine when we finally got home, and emotionally, I just didn’t have it in me to get back to the book. Many volunteers at the thrift boutique stayed home after we opened, so I had to spend lots more time there.
I just felt like I just couldn’t get out from under the stress and busyness, and the book felt like a heavy burden instead of the joy I usually experience. It’s only been in the last month or so that I’ve felt the burden lift.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
I can’t think of a time when I’ve experienced rejection connected to my writing. But in my speaking career, I had a pastor call me just days before I was scheduled to share. Someone had reported that two of our teenagers were in rebellion, so he just didn’t know if I was qualified to share with the women of his congregation. I told him that it was true that two of our kids were struggling with their faith and relationship with my husband and me. I added that if he preferred I didn’t come, I would understand. But I also suggested that Christian families are under attack everywhere, and it just might be that I would have something encouraging for the women—that we aren’t perfect families, any of us, but we can run to Jesus and find grace in time of need. I gave him our pastor’s name and contact info, and he ended up chatting with him and finally leaving my invitation open. Interestingly enough, one woman at the altar after my message desperately needed to dose of reality in the area of rearing our children, but also in marriage. Up to that point, she’d felt like she was likely the only Christian woman facing these issues, and hearing my stories helped her see that she wasn’t alone and there was hope. I still felt rejected, but I received confirmation that my husband was right in encouraging me to tell our marriage story and write about it, because the trials and temptations are common, even in the church.
Where do you get your ideas?
Real life, since I write nonfiction.
Who is your favorite author to read?
Oh, hard to narrow it down! Currently, probably Cindy Sproles. I also love Dee Henderson, Robert Whitlow, Mary Demuth, Patricia Hickman, and Lisa Samson. (I could go on and on! So many books, so little time!)
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?
Go to writer’s conferences early on. The information available, one-on-one advice, and relationships formed are invaluable.
Also, write a lot. Your voice doesn’t come through until you’ve put out lots of words.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Our books are like our babies, and nobody wants to be told that their creation is less than perfect. It can be tempting to take suggestions by professionals as criticism.
But we can learn so much from listening to experienced authors, editors, and agents. The rough draft is just that—rough! People in the industry know what works. If you hear the same thing more than once, be willing to consider making changes, even structural ones. If possible, tackle suggestions like a challenge you’re eager to take on!
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
Each situation is as different as the individual writer. If you’re a speaker or singer-songwriter with an audience already asking for your stories, you’ve got a head start. But in most cases, writer’s conferences will be the easiest way to make connections. Mailing an unsolicited manuscript to a publishing house will likely lead nowhere. Conferences help writers of every level, from beginners to experienced, published writers. They help you take the next step needed to succeed.
Becky Jo Spencer and her husband Tracy have been married for forty-four years. They raised 8 children–four birth and four adopted–and so far, they have twenty-eight grandchildren. Becky doesn’t go looking for a fight, but battles find her. So she writes, sings, and speaks about things worth fighting for.
When she’s not traveling, Becky stays busy running their bed and breakfast; serving vulnerable children in eSwatini, Africa; directing Grand Staff Ministries; volunteering at Grand Staff Thrift Boutique; writing; and enjoying her role as Grammy.
You’ll find Becky and Tracy fighting the good fight of faith in Buhler, Kansas.
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