Author: Karen Witemeyer
Located in: Abilene, TX
Submitted: January 28, 2010
Tell us a little about yourself. I believe the world needs more happily-ever-afters. That's why I write. I enjoy bringing heroic men and feisty women together on the page and in readers' hearts. And if the Lord can touch a soul in the process, my prayers will have been answered.
What was your motivation behind this project? I have a heart for helping Christian women mature in their faith and a passion for romantic stories from times past. Writing this book gave me the chance to combine both of these loves. Besides, who could resist the opportunity to create a rugged hero whose gruff exterior hides a soft heart and an independent heroine who privately questions her life's direction? I just had to see what would happen when I threw these two strong-willed people together.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? Being right is less important than living right.
So many times as Christians, we see things as black and whiteright and wrong. We can be quick to condemn other believers because they don't follow a doctrine identical to ours. A Tailor-Made Bride demonstrates how submissive hearts open to the Lord's leading can bridge such gaps with grace, fostering relationships and nurturing increased spiritual maturity.
Such a journey is not easy, and the characters in this story reflect that struggle as they battle judgmental attitudes and endure a period of questioning that sends them on a hunt for truth beyond their black-and-white interpretations. Yet in the end, they realize they have grown spiritually and personally thanks to the challenges they have faced. Their understanding of truth has broadened and their relationships have deepened.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? Every book is a spiritual journey for me. God often teaches me through my characters and their situations. I am not immune to pride or the occasional bout of dogmatism, and in writing this story, God reminded me of the need for a humble spirit and a grace-filled attitude toward others.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? Some of my favorite Christian authors are Francine Rivers, Deeanne Gist, and Tamera Alexander.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: I would be honored for you to visit my Web site where you can find background information on the characters from A Tailor-Made Bride as well as a free download of a biblical fiction piece and Bible study inspired by the life of Rahab.
Visit me at: karenwitemeyercom
