Author: Tonya Jewel Blessing
Submitted: May 05, 2017
Tell us a little about yourself. Growing up Tonya Jewel Blessing spent numerous vacations and holidays in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. Most of her adult life has been spent in full-time teaching in local Colorado schools and in women's ministry with a focus on helping women. She has traveled nationally and internationally as a conference speaker. For a number of years, Tonya and her husband operated a retreat facility in Colorado for pastors and missionaries.
She and her husband currently live in South Africa. They are the directors of Strong Cross Ministries, a non-profit organization that assists local churches in providing humanitarian relief and spiritual reconciliation. She is currently pursuing a degree in pastoral ministries. Tonya has written a number of devotionals geared toward women in ministry.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? I hope that people gain spiritual insight into how much God loves us and wants to do amazing redemptive works in our lives.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? The Whispering of the Willows is my first novel. It was enjoyable and challenging to write. My parents both grew up in the Appalachian Mountains, so I thoroughly enjoyed returning to my roots and exploring the history of the region. There are parts of the book that were extremely difficult to craft. I have a tender heart so writing about someone suffering was very emotionally moving for me. The biggest lesson I took away from the book is how God is more than able to take tragedy and turn it into triumph.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? The person who influences my life the most is my husband. I also have two wonderful siblings, who are very supportive personally and in ministry efforts. I have a few amazing women in my life who are great encouragers. Pastor Duke Morrison was instrumental in building my spiritual foundation. A mentor of mine, Betty Habig, recognized spiritual gifts in me and cheered me on. I also participate in a monthly Writer's Group which I find invaluable. I am an avid reader of a variety of genres. My only pet peeve with reading is that I do not like predictable stories.
