Irene B. Brand
Inspirational Author
http://www.irenebrand.com
By: Kelvin Oliver

CS: Can you share a short testimony with our readers?
IB: I became a Christian when I was eleven-years-old, but I was in my mid-twenties before I made Jesus the Lord of my life. At that time I became an obedient follower, and my Christian faith is the lodestone of everything I do. Serving God through the medium of my local church is my first priority in life.

CS: What is the main focus of your writing
IB: To proclaim the gospel message to my readers, so they can come to a knowledge of Jesus Christ, or if they are already Christians, to help them to grow in the faith. I also attempt to give them a “good read.” I feel that I’ve accomplished my purpose when I receive messages from readers, such as the following: “Your book blessed me. The Holy Spirit ministered to me, and I know that regardless God loves me. Thanks for the encouragement to stand firm. Not everyone can be preachers, preaching from a pulpit, but you are indeed a preacher—preaching through your books.”

CS: Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten? The future?
IB: Since I’ve already reached my “threescore years and ten,” I suppose I’m optimistic to think about what I’ll be doing in ten years. However, I plan my writing career as if I’ll live forever in this world. My long-range goal is to have 50 different books in print in 10 years, which means 11 more books to write and sell. And until the day I die, I will hold my ultimate dream of having one of my books made into a movie.

CS: What is your upcoming novel, Snowbound Holiday about?
IB: Snowbound Holiday is included in a 2 in 1 book, entitled CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR . It’s a sequel to A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS, which I co-authored with my friend, Dana Corbit, in November, 2004. My book covers a period when 8 people are stranded, from December 23-26, in a deserted church building in northwestern Ohio during a blizzard. The unique ways they celebrate Christmas will inspire and entertain the reader.

CS: How do you find time to write?
IB: No one “finds” time to write. We have to “make” time to write. When I was still teaching school, I did my writing on Saturdays and from 5:00-6:00 a.m. on schooldays. Since retirement, it’s my goal to write “something” everyday. I judge that I average 5-6 hours six days a week in my office.

CS:When do you do your best writing and where?
IB: In my office with the phone on mute and the door shut. I have a sign (which I’ve never used) to hang on the doorknob—“writer at work—do not disturb.” Most of my acquaintances know that I start writing early in the morning and don’t bother me unless it’s an emergency. If I’m facing a deadline, my husband fields the calls and I return them in the afternoon.

CS: What is the most inspirational piece of scripture that you have found that applies to your life?
IB: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:23 (NIV)

CS: Who, aside from Jesus, is or has been the biggest influence in your life?
IB: My husband, who encourages me and promotes my work and takes care of a multitude of “extras” to give me time to write. Also, my mother, who taught by example that God should receive first place in my life.

CS: What advice would you give to someone interested in publishing their works?
IB: Prepare to write by going to writers’ conferences. I’m also fond of slogans that encourage me, and I post them on the walls of my office.
I’ll share two of them:
“Success isn’t given to the talented—it’s taken by those who struggle, sacrifice and reach for it.”
The above was taken from a periodical, The Christian Writer, which was published in the 50’s. I don’t know who said these words, but they have influenced my work.

The other:
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’” (Erma Bombeck)

CS: What training do you have in writing? Did you take any writing courses in college to obtain the skills you have currently?
IB: I took only 2 writing-related courses in college, but I have a MA in History, which prepared me to research the historicals I’ve written. I did a thesis for my Masters, which was a historical subject. I received most of my training in Christian writers’ conference. I attended many before I was published and credit my success in writing from the nurture and information I gained at these conferences.

CS: When did you start writing?
IB: When I was ten or twelve years old. But I didn’t get serious about it until I was in my twenties.

CS: What kind of writing did you begin with?
I started right out with a book---as my goal was always to write fiction. However, I’ve published in a few other genres—devotional books, curriculum for women’s groups, historical and travel magazine articles, family and church histories.

CS: Do you do any other writing for fun, like journaling, poetry, etc.?
IB: Writing isn’t “fun” for me. It’s hard work, but it’s a satisfying experience.
I’ve kept a diary since I was in my twenties, but I don’t consider it journaling---it’s just a day-by-day account of what we’re doing.

CS: Are there any last words you would like to tell our readers?
IB: I’ve been publishing inspirational books since 1984 and have a total of 35 (mostly fiction) already in print, and 4 more under contract.—2 scheduled for release in 2005; 2 to be released in 2006. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to witness for Him.