Teena Stewart, author of The Treasure Seeker: Finding Love and Value in the Arms of Your Loving Heavenly Father.
Teena Stewart is an author and artist whose work reflects the spiritual message of being broken and yet valuable in God’s eyes—a message incorporated in this book. When she isn’t creating up-cycled treasure (artwork and jewelry) from discarded and found objects, she is writing articles and books or leading ministry for Java Journey, an innovative coffee shop ministry.
Teena understands firsthand what it means to go from something of seemingly little value to a beautiful and valuable treasure in God’s eyes. Visit Teena at www.teenastewart.com, www.serendipitini.com, and www.javajourney.org.
Writing Career Coach: What motivated you to write this book?
Teena Stewart: I have always been fascinated with stories of lost treasure. I am also an artist and for years have worked with recycled and discarded objects. The idea for the book developed over time as I read various treasure stories, including the ones in the Bible dealing with lost treasure, and as an artist began working with broken and discarded items making them into something valuable and beautiful. It is very much what God does with us…seeking out the lost, broken and discarded and making it into something truly valuable.
WCC: Tell us a little more about your book?
TS: I weave treasure stories I have collected throughout the book. The first part of the book covers the concept of mutual searching and finding between us searching for the greatest treasure–a deep relationship with our Heavenly Father–and His quest to enter into a close relationship with us. The next part of the book looks at God as the Master Jeweler who takes us, his rough gemstones and polishes us and refines us.
WCC: You have a section in your book dedicated to gemstones?
TS: Yes. As I considered how we are each unique with our own unique skills and personality traits, I began to see how we are like certain gemstones and every gemstone has its own flaws and inclusions. One section of the book talks about certain gemstones, gives a bit of their history. Readers can have fun identifying the ones they are most like based on their personality, etc. I also created a Treasure Seeker jewelry line and have designed necklaces and earrings based on these particular gemstones. Those who purchase my book can also order these handmade—for a discount when they purchase my book.
WCC: What do you hope women will learn from this book?
TS: Most of all how important it is to stay in a deep relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we yield to him He will refine and develop us into the gemstone we are meant to be. I also want them to learn they are valued and that they can help others find value and worth as well.
WCC: What is the exact book title and where can people purchase it?
TS: It is called The Treasure Seeker: Finding Love and Value in the Arms of Your Loving Heavenly Father. It is published through Wine Press and you can order it through my website at www.teenastewart.com, through Wine Press, amazon.com and at most book stores.
WCC: What lessons did you learn from writing your first book that you used in writing your second?
TS: To slow down and take my time so that I produce a better book. Proof multiple times and also get input from at least one other writer I trust. Always include questions for reflection.
WCC: What have you learned about marketing that may help other writers?
TS: Find one person you know who is a people person, who will be an advocate for you and your book and will create a buzz by talking about your book to friends and acquaintances.
If you interview someone or quote someone keep them in mind for receiving a copy because they will most likely promote too because they are featured in it.
WCC: What are your long term plans for growing/developing as a writer?
TS: To turn my hand toward women’s fiction which will cover honest topics that people struggle with and relate to.
Don’t miss a single posting! Subscribe here to receive these postings by e-mail. Tiffany Colter is a writer, speaker and writing career coach who works with beginner to published writers. She can be reached through her website at writingcareercoach.com.
0 Responses to “Interview with Teena Stewart”