Grace Fox (interview 2)
Writer/Speaker
http://www.gracefox.com
By: Kelvin Oliver

CS: How long have you been a Christian?
GF: I've been a Christian for nearly 40 years. Aaagghh -- that makes me sound so old!

CS: When and how did you accept Christ into your heart?
GF: When I was eight years old, my older sister described her thoughts about heaven. I thought it sounded great, so I told my mom that I wanted to go there after I died. She knelt by the couch with me and led me through the sinner's prayer.

CS: Can you share a short testimony with our readers?
GF: My testimony isn't one of a dramatic turnaround--being set free from drugs or alcohol or some such thing. But it's a story of God's grace--His undeserved favor in my life. It's a story of His presence guarding me from evil, and of His forgiveness for the times I failed Him. It's a testament to His faithfulness through some dark times, like when my second child was born with major medical needs. And it bears witness to His strength being made perfect in my weakness. The longer I know Jesus, the more I recognize my dependence on Him and the sweeter our friendship grows.

CS: Who were the biggest influences in your life generally speaking, and who were the biggest influences since you decided to write?
GF: Generally speaking, I think Henry Blackaby, author of "Experiencing God" has been a major influence in my life. That book challenged me greatly. When I had the privilege of interviewing him in 2004, he gave me much to ponder. He's a humble man, fully devoted to God, and God has used him in mighty ways. Specifically, since I started writing, I think my husband, Gene, has been the greatest influence. He's big on encouragement and prays for me constantly.

CS: What are your next plans for writing?
GF: I recently met with several editors from Harvest House Publishers to discuss future writing projects--non-fiction for women. I'll submit three proposals and see what happens.

CS: How many times did you have to re-edit your works? Were they rejected by publishers?
GF: My first book, "10-Minute Time Outs for Moms" was rejected by several publishers before Harvest House picked it up. That's okay--I'd prayed that God would place it with the publisher of His choice, and He answered. I've written two books so far and have been fortunate not to have to re-edit either. I had more than 120 magazine articles published but I also have a fat rejection file. It's par for the course.

CS: What are some of your speaking topics and what types of audiences do you speak with?
GF: I speak to women's groups from various denominations. The audiences include Christians and unbelievers alike. My speaking topics include "Born to S.H.O.P.," "Frazzled or Fruitful," "The Name Game," and more. A list can be found on my website: www.gracefox.com.

CS: "10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women" is an interesting title. What exactly is the book about?
GF: It's about refreshing our souls through spending a few minutes with God each day. The book contains 68 devotionals that remind us about what's really important -- our relationship with God and with people. Each day's reading also contains two Scripture-based prayers -- one praises God for who He is and the other intercedes on the behalf of others. Mother Teresa said, "Our lives, to be fruitful, must be full of Christ; to be able to bring his peace, joy, and love we must have it ourselves, for we cannot give what we have not got." It's my desire that women find this book to be a tool that helps fill them up with Christ.

CS: How long have you been speaking?
GF: I've spoken to women's groups for about six years, but this facet of my ministry has exploded in the past two years. I love connecting with women and seeing God at work in their lives!

CS: How do you find time to write? Life is busy and time management is hard to do sometimes. When do you do your best writing and where?
GF: In all honesty, I'm finding it more difficult to write as my speaking ministry grows. Preparation and traveling consumes a lot of my time. Between speaking commitments, I try to take care of business in the mornings and write in the afternoons. When we moved into our present home, I converted a little bedroom in an office. That's where I do all my writing.

CS: Who are some of the authors you read? Why do you like their works?
GF: Recently I've read books by A.W. Tozer, David Jeremiah, Carol Kent, David Wilkerson, Jill Briscoe, Stormie Omartian, and Donna Partow. I enjoy their works because they lead me into a deeper understanding of who God is and how I can live a life pleasing to Him.

CS: What is the last book you read? Did you read it for research purposes or for pleasure?
GF: The last book I read was "Total Abandon" by Gary Witherall. It's the story of his wife's martyrdom in Lebanon in 2004 (it will be released by Tyndale in October 2005). I read it for research as I prepared to profile Gary for "Power for Living." I found it very moving.

CS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in writing?
GF: Attend a writers conference. Meet the editors. Find out what they want. Follow the directives. And bathe your aspirations in prayer.

CS: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
GF: Here's a piece of advice for potential writers...As I tiptoed into writing, someone said, "If God is in this, don't stop until He says so." Rejections happen. Critiques can be tough. But if God has laid writing upon your heart, just get started. Learn all you can about the craft, bathe your efforts in prayer, keep pressing forward. And don't stop until He says so.