WOMEN in the SPOTLIGHT
Inside: Women in the Spotlight is a series of interviews that highlight women in business and ministry, with the goal to inspire, educate, and motivate other women in their personal and professional lives.
Meet Jennifer Noel Wilson, writer, ministry leader, children’s author
What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your writing career?
I graduated from Indiana University with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy. I later earned my Master of Arts degree in Educational Ministries and Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College, in Illinois. I’ve been in children’s ministry for over 20 years now and love it!
The Holy Spirit began nudging me to write several years ago; however, I didn’t start putting pen to paper until the past couple of years. A friend from grad school encouraged me to start submitting my children’s stories. That began my journey into writing. I’ve joined both a local and on-line critique group to learn to be a better writer. I also started attending writing conferences where I can learn from other authors.
What inspires your work?
First, Jesus inspires my writing. He called me to write, so I prayerfully write in hopes to glorify Him and bring children closer to Him. I love teaching children in ministry because I learn so much from them about the Lord. Their love of Jesus blesses me. The children I volunteer with, and my own children inspire my picture books.
How do you advertise yourself as an author?
Originally, I learned to begin building a social media platform. At first, I wasn’t sure about promoting myself on social media. I want others to know God more than myself. I will fail people, but He will not. I prayed about it and learned that God could use me to reach others. He can take my story and make Himself known. I hope that my platform is evidence of our amazing Creator who loves us unconditionally.
Next, I built a website and began a newsletter. I enjoy sharing what God is doing in my writing journey, my family life, and books I’m reading. My prayer is that God will bless, encourage, and inspire others.
How do you define success, and has that changed over time?
Success is in accomplishing my goals and helping further God’s kingdom. It’s not always about materialistic things like awards or money. I strived for all the awards back in high school and college. Now, it’s not about the accolades hanging on my wall.
When I set a goal and accomplish it, I call that success. I’m a triathlete and my goal is to just finish the race. I don’t have to win any medals to be successful. When I learn something new through my critique group and later get feedback on how much I’ve grown as a writer, I call that success. I’m learning and I love to learn! When my teenager grasps something new about God, I call that success. I try to live by Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
How do you stay balanced and healthy in your life and business?
Staying focused on the Lord helps me have balance. I’m in a women’s Bible study at church and I have a weekly chat with my accountability partner. These give me the structure I need to stay focused on Him. I plan my work schedule for when my kids are in school, and my husband is also working.
Being a wife and mom is very important to me. My husband and I make sure to take time for date nights and get-a-ways. I’m also careful to make sure I’m available for my teenagers when they are at home. Before I know it, they will be graduated and out of the house. My oldest is going to be a senior in high school this fall! Every moment with them is a blessing. My oldest son and I have been doing weekly Bible study together since his eighth-grade year and we both love it!
I also have two writing critique groups that hold me accountable to keep writing and improving my craft. One is a local in-person Christian writing group for any genre and the other is an on-line Christian children’s writing group. They are both a blessing!
Who are your favorite and most influential podcasters, authors,bloggers?
Kristin Faith Evans has been one of my biggest supporters. She has a wonderful blog for special needs parents. Michelle Medlock Adams has been a wonderful mentor and I love reading her children’s books. Yes, I still read children’s books even though my kids are teenagers now. Kellie Vanhorn is another favorite author if you enjoy Christian Loved Inspired Suspense. Growing up I loved to read Nancy Drew and devoured Frank Peretti books.
Is there any particular process, tactic, app, program, etc. that you use to make your writing career easier?
Canva is wonderful for social media posts. The program is easy to use and has many free graphics. Joining a critique group has been an excellent way to learn and grow in my writing. I highly recommend every writer be in a critique group where they offer positive, encouraging, but also honest advice. Multiple sets of eyes can catch mistakes we miss ourselves and help us know when something is or is not working. We use the sandwich method. Share something positive about the WIP, then get to the meat of the critique, and finally end with an encouragement.
If a beginning author came to you for advice on how to make a living writing, what would you say?
Well, I admit, I am a beginning author… :-) So far, I have learned to write articles. Articles are a great way to earn some money and build your resume. They also help get your name out and build your platform.
What’s your favorite quote and who originally said it?
My favorite quote is a Bible verse from Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” There are so many Bible verses I love, but this is the one I lean on often. This verse reminds me God is in control, and He will work things out according to His purpose. I can trust Him.
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Living in the Midwest, Jennifer loves sharing life with her husband of twenty-two years and three teenagers. Board games, word games, Blue Bell ice cream, the outdoors, and training for triathlons are a few of her favorite enjoyments. Jennifer’s passions include writing, serving her church and fulfilling her calling in children’s ministry for over 20 years.
Jennifer is a former Certified Recreation Therapist, Personal Trainer, and current gym owner and children’s ministry leader. She received her Master of Arts degree in Educational Ministries and Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College, in Illinois, and is an active member of Heartland Christian Writers and Word Weavers.
Jennifer desires to help bring children closer to Jesus through serving, teaching, and writing. To God be the Glory!
Connect with Jennifer👇🏼
Website: https://www.jennifernoelwilson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenn.n.wilson.author/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjennifernwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJennNWils
