Sadie Robertson’s writing was born as she journaled through life experiences. Life Just Got Real
is a fascinating look at how a reality television show literally upends
everything familiar and causes you to consider what is true and vital
in your everyday walk of life. Sometimes the teens in the book behave
better than the adults! This is an entertaining read with nuggets of
truth that both teens and adults can appreciate. Join me as Sadie and I
explore her fiction debut!
Life Just Got Real includes a lot of universal and
timeless truths about life as a teen. Can you share with readers where
this book idea was born? What inspired you to write this particular
story?
When the idea first came to me of writing a fiction
book, I honestly felt lost. I had lots of ideas but wasn’t sure where
to start. I decided that it would be best to start off by writing about
my life. I thought about my life before Duck Dynasty and my life now. I
realized that I was describing two different people. There differences
were so strong that at first they didn’t see eye to eye, but eventually
they came together as one to make each other better.
Have you always considered yourself to be a writer? Can you share a bit about your journey to publication?
No, not at all. My writing actually started because
I would get really nervous while speaking on stage. I wasn’t able to
get everything out that I wanted to say, so I started writing down all
of my thoughts in a journal. Once I started journaling my writing
became motivational speeches and those speeches led me to capturing all
of my journaling into my first book, Live Original.
Will you continue to write for the young adult audience? What take-aways do you hope readers find in your novel?
My future depends on the Lord’s plan. I never saw
myself writing a book, but somehow He made it happen. No telling what
is next for me, stay tuned! I wrote this book in hopes that every girl
would find it relatable to their lives. My desire is that this book
shows the audience that no mater who you are or what life brings your
way, you can always live original in your own life. Your individual
talents and abilities can be used to help others, but if you try to be
someone else you aren’t able to help anyone.
Does your writing reflect some of your own
experiences with reality television? Do you think reality shows help or
hinder today’s youth from forming unrealistic ideas about their own
circumstances?
Yes, I think my readers will be able to see that
once they read the book. I think reality t.v has been a great thing for
our family because not only do people look up to us by watching us on
t.v, but they almost feel as if they are a part of our family because
we deal with real life situations in view of the world.
What is the biggest challenge today’s youth face in
regard to developing and growing their own faith? How do they ever
overcome life challenges long enough to do that?
I think the biggest challenge people face is
worrying about what other people think and focusing on their own
insecurities. I have learned from experience that this creates a life
of fear. Living in faith calls for us to be confident in who God
created us to be and to live fearless!
What are your plans for future writing projects? Will this novel launch a series?
I have a lot of upcoming events, such as my Live
Original Tour. All of my writing has come from my life experiences. I
am excited for this new journey I am about to start, I know there will
be lots of memories and learning experiences. It ivery possible that a
this experience could lead to a book . I guess you guys will have to
wait and see!
Can you give us a window into your writing style? Are you a planner or a seat of your pants plot follower?
Like I mentioned earlier, my writing comes from life
experiences. I never have a plan when it comes to writing, or really
anything in life. I have ideas and visions but I always pray that the
Lord leads me in His way and not my own. Sometimes my ideas lead to
something completely different than I imagined. Flexibility and the
willingness to change things up a little is very important in writing.
How has your writing journey impacted your faith? What have your learned through this process?
This process has encouraged me to take my time in
figuring out all of my thoughts and expressing myself more clearly to
my audiences. I can feel the Lord speaking to me sometimes, but cant
quite share what He is saying with others unless I write down that
experience. It’s really cool to have those experiences written down and
to be able to go back and read them.
What works of encouragement would you share with someone who feels like pursuing his/her own novel?
Go for it! You never know how the Lord will speak to you and use you through this process!
Kim
Ford has been a resident of Alabama for more than fifteen
years. Originally from Georgia, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in
English from Brenau Women’s College. After more than 12 years in sales
and marketing, she now serves as the Lead Office Administrator for
Auburn University’s Department of Theatre. A mother of two sons, both
of whom are pursuing college degrees, Kim’s life is full and blessed.
She enjoys reading great fiction, writing and spending time with her
family.
She blogs at: Window
To My World
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