Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Decker.
Wendy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2004, I heard a sermon at church relating to New Year’s resolutions. The pastor offered ten points on how to stick to the goals many of us make each year. I wrote down the ten points on a piece of paper and slipped it into my purse. At that moment in time, I had been writing sporadically, but I had never completed anything. I had always wanted to write a novel, and that sermon inspired me in a way nothing had thus far. When I got home, I hung the list on the refrigerator, and each time I opened the door, the words on the list motivated me. I started writing with a ‘no option to fail’ attitude. I began getting short stories published, articles, poetry, and finally, I completed and published my first children’s book, THE BEDAZZLING BOWL, a book geared toward children ages seven to ten.
After that, writing every day became a habit and a passion I couldn’t leave. Next, I wrote a coming-of-age novel, SWEET TEA, about growing up with a schizophrenic mother. The book was inspired by true events. Several years later, I attended Wilkes University to obtain a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and wrote a full-length fiction manuscript for my thesis, which is still in the revision stage. After obtaining the degree, I pursued an adjunct teaching position as an English instructor onboard a naval ship. The opportunity to explore the world, teach and write without interruption has been amazing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Writing is never a smooth road. I’ve often doubted my abilities as well as measured myself against other writers, which is never a good thing to do. I’ve often felt as though I was wasting my time when there are so many great books out there, and thought why am I attempting to add to an endless list. Not to mention, receiving countless rejections is never easy for any writer. Though it just makes you work harder, and when someone reads something I’ve written and expressed how they’ve connected with my book or a story in one way or another, it encourages me. Also, I can’t stop doing it. It’s a blessing and a curse. Writing is a solitary existence in which hours are spent alone creating work that you don’t know will ever be seen by anyone. However, it is something I would do even if my words didn’t make it to publication; it’s art. Painters paint, sculptors sculpt and writers create word paintings to express the constant movement in their mind.
Please tell us about Wendy Decker.
Writing realistic fiction is my passion. I’ve experienced a colorful life and I pay great attention to issues those around me struggle with. Breathing life into characters on the page is one of my strengths as well as creating hope for my readers while using the characters as catalysts. As a young girl I used books to escape, and millions of readers do the same. For me, if I can offer something of value while entertaining them, I’ve done well. Also, the combination of teacher/writer has allowed me to offer glimpses of life at sea as well as an observer of cultures of many countries from a civilian’s perspective. Being an author and writer while journeying through the second half of my life is a gift, and I get the great opportunity to bring my readers along, so they can take the journey with me.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I’ve learned many lessons in my life, most recently, teaching military students about reading and writing is something I should have done years earlier. It’s a gift to us both.
Pricing:
- Sweet Tea $13.95 on Amazon, $4.99 Kindle
- The Bedazzling Bowl $10.99 on Amazon
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.wendylynndeckerauthor.com
- Instagram: wendylynndecker
- Facebook: Author, Wendy Lynn Decker
Image Credit:
kevinandalyphotography.com
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