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 Sharon Deur, retired teacher turned children’s author

What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your writing career?

I was blessed to have been raised in a Christian home. Since I was quite young, the Lord gave me an inclination toward and a gift for all things Language Arts (science & math people think I’m crazy ). I taught in a Christian elementary school for 24 years, and one of my favorite subjects to teach was Bible. I became animated in telling the stories and by God’s grace alone was able to help my students understand Who God is and what treasure awaits us as believers! Since my mother always inspired us to read, I read Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan as a young teen. That book gave me profound love for Biblical imagery! It was after retiring that I began writing with the express purpose of helping children understand some of the many, many metaphors in the Bible.

What inspires your work?

Love for Jesus and love for children. When they “get it,” children’s eyes light up in a way that lights up an entire room!

How do you advertise yourself as an author?

On Facebook, Instagram, email, friends, family, and by visiting Christian school libraries.

How do you define success, and has that changed over time?

It used to be that I defined success in part by my children’s successes, but with age & spiritual maturity, I fully realize that it is only God that I need to please, and it is what He thinks of me that matters most. I’m “successful” if I am able to share Jesus with someone.

How do you stay balanced and healthy in your life and business?

I am intentional about meeting quietly with God daily and by doing the fun stuff like kayaking, walking, vacationing with my husband, family, friends, and church.

Who are your favorite/most influential podcasters/authors/bloggers?

I mentioned author John Bunyan, but in this century  I would have to say Sarah Young, Crystal Bowman, Carol Kent, Jennifer Rothschild, and Ann Voskamp.

Is there any particular process, app, or program that makes your wiring career easier?

Children’s Writer’s Word Book by Alijandra Mogilner and Tayopa Mogilner was essential in selecting the most appropriate synonyms for children of various ages.

If a beginning author came to you for advice on how to make a living writing, what would you say?

First of all, I do not make a living out of writing, but if anyone has an inkling of beginning the process, just do it! Set your mind to it and “git-r-done!” And I would be totally remiss if I didn’t mention first and foremost, pray! It is essential to ask the Lord for words to put onto paper: Psalm 19:14—“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

What’s your favorite quote and who originally said it?

The apostle John, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

Sarah Young, “God’s peace is a rare treasure, dazzling in delicate beauty yet strong enough to withstand all onslaughts.”

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Sharon Deur, Victor Discovers Treasure Children’s Books

Book Series: Victor the Donkey

Titles: Victor Discovers Treasure: 45 Daily Devotional Digs,

Victor Discovers Treasure: 45 MORE Daily Devotional Digs

Illustrated by Deborah Smith

Sharon Deur describes herself as a Christ follower first, spouse to an amazing man who shares her love for Jesus, and Mom to two grown sons and two daughters-in-love. For 24 years Sharon taught in a Christian School. Teaching Bible stories was her favorite activity. She taught in an animated way that kept her students excited about God and the Bible. She has mentored Moms in various Bible studies and at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). In her community she has facilitated the Love and Logic® parenting approach, and she is active in her home church. Sharon resides in Fremont, Michigan with her husband, Dave. Sharon describes herself as a visual learner. Perhaps because her maiden name is “Potter,” the Potter/clay imagery emerged as the first biblical metaphor she fell in love with. She feels like a reshaped pot every day and knows that her sins are smoothed out and she is made new because of God’s love, mercy, and grace. It is because of her love for God, His Word, and His children that she seeks to make the mysterious language of the Bible more real and meaningful. It is her heartfelt desire to lead children to Jesus!