Author Interview - Connie Sokol

Author Connie Sokol

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a sought after national and local speaker. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for KSL’s "Motherhood Matters" blog. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, and Motherhood Matters as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life? Mothering seven children, one of them at 47. Honestly, I don’t think anything else can top that (though an agent and a major deal would come really close).

When did you first know you could be a writer? When my sixth grade teacher took my poem “Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride” to the principal because it was that good. He didn’t believe a sixth grader had written it. That was a moment that I thought, I have talent…

What made you write this book? Ironically, it was originally from wanting a more Christ-centered Christmas. During December I wrote daily posts on a character trait of the Savior, calling it 24 Days with the Savior. Then I received requests for all posts at once, so I thought, Okay, I’ll make an e-book. For me, the experience shifted my whole season—I couldn’t believe the difference reading those daily posts made in my feelings about Christmas, so peaceful and truly enjoyable. Thinking ahead, I wanted that same experience for Easter, so I put together 40 days’ worth this time to represent His 40 days’ preparation in the wilderness.

How has writing this book influenced your life? I can’t get over how many times what I’ve written or read from the book has changed my choices, even though I wrote them! One post shares about how Jesus held difficult conversations—He didn’t shy away from saying what needed to be said, but He did it lovingly. I had just had a difficult experience with some friends, a misunderstanding, and wasn’t sure how to exactly go about it. The post came to mind and I decided to follow my own advice that I had shared. It was to “behold” the person lovingly first, then have that conversation second. So I did that, and what an incredible experience. We each felt happier, more joyful and that familiar love return. Truly, it was a keeper moment for me and my friends.

What do you hope people will take away from this book? How down to earth Jesus’ teachings are, how timeless. These scriptures truly do apply to our day—our worries, struggles and disappointments. And as we read them, our hearts are comforted and our thoughts become clear. I hope people will feel more familiar with Him. And rather than seeing Him as a distant, austere being, they will know Him a little better as the kind and loving person He is, who only wants to help us be happier.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? It’s a Mother’s Day book called The Life is Too Short Trilogy, a combination of three books: Life is Too Short for One Hair Color, Life is Too Short for Sensible Shoes, and Life is Too Short for Linoleum. It’s kitchen table wisdom with a side of humor on thriving being a woman, wife, and mother. The collection of columns include upbeat anecdotes with life principles, so you get the humorous as well as helpful. I love, love, love this book! I feel like this is truly a joyful book on motherhood with lots of I-can-relate reality but with laughs and no guilt.

What do you love most about writing? The total creation involved. When I wrote my first romance novel, Caribbean Crossroads, whole scenes would come to me and I had to run to my laptop to type them before they vanished. I came to know those characters as if they were real people in my life. To me, that’s almost unbelievable (and slightly off balance??) In the end, to hold a story in your hand, bound and beautiful, that you hadn’t known existed within you is an incredible creative high.

What is your greatest strength as a writer? Finding ways to organize my time to write and publish so that it doesn’t negatively affect my family. When I had the opportunity to re-edit and release Create a Powerful Life Plan, I thought—I don’t have time, I should put this on hold, it’s not going to work out. But then the other part of me, that feeling-thought part, came back with, Yes it will, just involve good people. So I did. Everything came together—the cover artist, formatter, editor, they all did an incredible job, even with their busy lives, and because of that, the book turned out fabulously. What a great experience—it wasn’t just writing and producing a book, it was the whole package deal journey. Working with great people, sharing uplifting content, producing something worthwhile, it doesn’t get much better.

Do you have any upcoming appearances that you would like to share with us? I’m a regular life coach contributor on KSL TV’s “Studio 5” where I share thoughts on getting the joy back in being a woman, wife, and mother. If you like, you can see my past clips at www.conniesokol.com.

If you could leave your readers with one bit of wisdom, what would you want it to be? Do it. Now. Today. Take your dream and start with a step, literally and figuratively. One woman did that and was only able to walk to her mailbox—months later she’d lost 75 pounds. Another woman did that and she ended up paying off two credit cards and creating a successful home business. Another woman did that and ended up making heirloom quilts, absolutely gorgeous. Start with one tiny, enjoyable step, and you will be amazed at what is inside you!

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40 Days with the Savior 
by Connie E. Sokol


Do you desire a more Christ-centered Easter?
You’ll experience a more fulfilling Easter season with this collection of inspirational thoughts on trying to become more like the Savior. For forty days, enjoy a daily scripture and personal insight on a character trait of Jesus Christ. Learn more of who He was and what He taught.
As you read these daily devotionals, you’ll feel a joyful connection to the character of Jesus Christ, understand how much He is involved in your life, and discover how knowing Him better makes your life better, too.

Purchase

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~Connie donates 100% of the profits from her books to charity~

Praise

"Connie Sokol, the queen of simple yet effective, has done it again. What a great resource for quick, daily things that we can do to draw closer to the Savior. This easily fits into our busy lives, reminding us of what matters most."
~Peggy Urry, President-elect, American Night Writers Association

“I LOVED this book! Connie brings these scriptures home with real, everyday moments. I can savor these bite-size gems throughout my busy day with little ones. The teachings are powerful, and her added insights brought them home for me in a new way."
~Amy Chandler, Founder My Story Matters

“Connie Sokol’s new book, “40 Days with the Savior”, is just the little push I needed to feel the Savior’s presence in my daily life. Using personal stories, scriptural accounts, and meaningful insights, she helps readers draws closer to Jesus Christ and become a more Christ-centered person. I loved her daily nuggets of wisdom, with titles like, “He Did the Right Thing” and “He Gently Corrects”, to prompt a change of behavior. My Easter will be more meaningful this year!”
~Jodi Marie Robinson, Author of “Women of Virtue” and “A Royal Guardian”

“Connie Sokol has thoughtfully shared fresh insights to well know scriptural phrases. The simple meditations in 40 Days with the Savior are enlightening and empowering. This is an easy way to draw closer to Jesus Christ throughout the Easter season and during the rest of the year. After reading this book I feel my burdens are lighter.”
~Margaret Turley, Author of Save the Child, Administrator Writers Unite to Fight Cancer

Tour Schedule

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Ends 3/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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