WINNER:
cltgrace said...
This is a great find for my sister who needs a cup of home right about now. THanks for hosting!
Cup of Hope is a compilation of inspirational devotions. A mixture of spiritual insights and personal reflections, this book a great gift for anyone who needs encouragement.
When and why did you begin writing?
My first adventures in writing were in third and fourth grades when I entered creative writing competitions. I had so much fun making up stories that I continued writing at home for a while. I dropped writing as I grew older, but then in 11th grade, my English teacher "forced" our class to keep a daily journal as part of our grade. I quickly grew bored of the "Today I..." entries and started writing a story. (I earned an A on that journal, and my teacher expressed great interest in that story!)
Fast forwarding to 1999...When my daughter was born, I quit work to become a stay at home mom. During this time, I started writing again. My husband bought me my first computer and connected me to the Internet. I joined a writing group for moms, and well...the rest is history.
Truth is, I've always loved to write. :)
What inspired you to write your first book?
This first book actually is an evolved version of my original Cup of Hope newsletter. In 2003, I decided it was time to take writing more seriously. A good friend suggested I start an ezine, so I did. It was called Cup of Hope. :) After each newsletter came out, I'd receive emails from my subscribers, telling me how my article helped or encouraged them in some way. One subscriber, a potter, even made me my very own "Cup of Hope"--a handmade cup and saucer!
Through the years, my readership grew. I've had people walk up to me in person and ask, "Can you write something....for me?" I don't say this to be boastful, but share it with a humble heart. I decided to compile some of these favorite devotions into paperback format, so all those who enjoyed reading them so much the first time around, can enjoy them in the form of a book. (Cup of Hope is also available in e-book format, for those who prefer on-screen reading.)
Who or what has influenced your writing?
Most importantly, God is the ultimate influencer of my writing. I am, and always have been, a spiritual person. I believe in a higher power, and I believe that through Him, I can do anything. My faith is often reflected in my writing (or so I've been told).
Second, I tend to pull a lot from real-life experiences. I used to think that all the bad things I've been through were something to run and hide from. I finally learned that when I dig deep and write from my own person experiences, that is most often when someone comes to tell me that they were touched by something I wrote.
Finally, I enjoy reading self-help and motivational books. I had poor self-esteem into early adulthood. I learned how to change that and create a more positive self-image, through books! I am a firm believer that if you recognize a personal flaw, you have the responsibility to do everything in your power to educate and help yourself turn that flaw into something beautiful. I find great encouragement in reading authors like Brian Tracy, Julia Cameron, and Winston Churchill.
What are your current projects?
I am working on another non-fiction book called, "The Self-Empowered Woman." I also have an idea on the back burner for a follow-up to that book called, "The God-Empowered Woman." I'm very big on becoming all you can be. ;)
I'm also working on a Christian contemporary romance, tentatively titled, "Finding Home." (You can read more about that on my website.)
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Actually, there was nothing difficult about this book. I love writing inspirational and motivational pieces that (hopefully!) encourage others.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I am a work in progress! :) No matter how "good" we think we are, or how far we've come in our journey of life, there is always room for improvement. There are little lessons in everyday life to be discovered, but we have to learn how to slow down and be quiet enough to "get" them the first time around.
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I had a chance to read through Cup of Hope and was very inspired, especially the "Sweet Peace" devotion. I think it's very important as women and moms to sit down and take a few moments for yourself, even if it's 4am! Sit down with Cup of Hope and a cup of coffee and take just a few moments to read through one or two devotions, I think you'll find yourself a bit more ready to conquer the day ahead!
Cup of Hope retails for $11.36 or download for $5.00 (wow!)
You can purchase your copy HERE
Hope Wilbanks Web Site
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Deadline to Enter: November 30, 2008 @11:59 am PST.
I consider myself to be somewhat of a crafty person but there's just some things I have never tackled, one of those is the Christmas wreath! 
The wreaths are 24 inches and retail for $29.95. The centerpieces range from $32.95-39.95.
I'm so glad I get the opportunity to work on these reviews, there are so many companies and products I never would have been introduced to otherwise. More fabulous cleaning products coming your way!! 
