Blessed Guest - Writer/Speaker Angie Knight

Angie and I first met in 2008, at the P31 She Speaks conference. We both were writers for the Laced with Grace devotion site and found each other in the meeting room at the hotel where the "Bloggers" were gathering.


As soon as I heard her voice I fell in love with her. She has a soft southern drawl that is a delight to listen to. I tried to keep her talking by asking her question after question. She was standing right beside her darling sister Amy, another soft-spoken southern charmer. They both had the most beautiful complexions. I think I even asked them what makeup they used.


Remember, I'm a not so soft spoken California girl. We ask these types of questions when we first meet someone.


Angie's love for the the Lord is contagious. Anyone who knows her is drawn to her because of it. Just over a year later, I was on a plane again going back to spend more time with this beautiful new friend from Florida.


I know you're going to love her as much as I do. Would you please give a big round of comments to today's Blessed Guest - Angie Knight.

Let's begin in the beginning. Tell us about the birth of your blog.


I generally share this when I speak because it's probably different than most, I was actually reading Beth Moore's blog and wanted to make a comment. Well, I didn't know I could do so anonymously, so I created a blog--without knowing exactly what God had in store. Two days later, in an attack from the devil and I was in a storm of tears, my sister, Wanda called me at work with a "word". That "word" was the very first thing I blogged about. The rest, as they say is history! I've learned much along the way and had the best time in the LORD--and more time in the Word than ever before! I really have to know that I know that I know before I put something in print. It's there sista! Until they yank it off line or Jesus comes!


What do you and don't you love about it?


I love writing devotions and sharing the hope I've found in Jesus Christ. What I don't love? I don't love ridicule that I have seen or heard on other blogger sites. In my humble opinion, negativity should be kept to yourself.


As "Thumper", on the movie Bambi is famous for saying, "if you can't say somethin' nice, then don't say nothin' at all".


That's my motto.




What has surprised you the most about blogging?


The number of bloggers! But then you mention, "blogging" to someone at church or work and they look at you as if you've just spoken a foreign language! But you get online--and they are everywhere!




Bloggers are usually writers. Do you write anywhere else or for anyone else?


I write for the Internet Cafe` as well as Laced with Grace and LOVE both of them! I also write on “Sisters of Faith (dot) net” which is a story of sisters---and the faith that has brought us to where we are today! I am listening to the heart of the Lord—and releasing my words carefully—as He leads and allows my heart to overflow with them.




Do you use your blog for your ministry?


Absolutely. As a matter of fact, I believe the ministry that God has called me into, was born out of my blogging ministry. I tried another blog for a while. An information station if you will about "hormone issues". It was supposed to be informative and light at the same time. It's called The Hormonal Years. It has been fun---like I said, light and with my take on hormones. It's still there, but since the hormones are steady these days, I've been functioning without venting ;) (too much anyway)




Who are a few of your favorite blogs to read?


Yours of course! I come over here when I need a smile or laugh, and I know I can find one on the page. BUT Really, you ask a hard question, there are too many to name. My time of late has been so occupied, I have only been able to grab a read here and there! Sad! But true. I haven’t found one that I don’t find something good to read! (I’m careful in my searching…J)




Have you ever met your blog-friends in person? If so, which ones?


Oh my goodness! YES! And LOVED IT!

I have met your sweet self! Lynn Donovan, Kathy Schwanke, Elaine Olsen, Lori MacMath, Delaney MacMath, Maddie MacMath, Julie Todd, Marsha Harwood, Lisa Shaw, Tiffany Stuart, Susan Baldwin (I already knew), Mary Snyder, Sabrina Sentille, Rachel Temple, Sue Combs, Barbara Keene, Barbara Sapp, Wendy Cox, Lisa Whittle, Teresa Rainey (I knew her before blogging:), Donetta Jonas, I may have missed someone. If you are reading this, and we have met...please please please forgive this tired brain!




Who has made the biggest impact on your life?


(Of course Jesus would be number one) My family as a whole, but my sister, Wanda had incredible faith that carried her past any doctors expectations. When diagnosed with congestive heart failure at 20, she lived almost 24 more years. I think the longest living recording of that was 8 years after diagnosis. God had full control. She wasn't leaving until her work had been complete and she knew it.



Do you have a favorite scripture?


WAY too many to get started here! But I will add the one that I have currently on my outgoing messages from my e-mails--"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV




What would surprise us about you?


Ha! It would be where Jeff and I got married. That would be the biggest surprise. I'd have to actually SEE your face to tell you that one! (Ask me again in October!) Actually, I don't know what would surprise you about me. I like most of the normal stuff everyone else does. Except---I do NOT like scary movies. I love Mexican food! Wish I could speak the language! I love to cook. And eat. I LOVE sweets. Pies, cookies and chocolate are my favs.


What's your favorite flavored potato chip?


BBQ Really spicy


Favorite thing to do with your family?


I love to feed them. I love to cook for them and watch them enjoy their food! I love time of talking--and listening to them. Games---sometimes. I'm not a huge game person. I can play--but in small doses.




What book is on your nightstand right now?


Two Bibles (KJV and CEV) The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson, Fasting by Jentezen Franklin, and Forgotten God by Francis Chan, and “FRESH ENCOUNTER” by Henry & Richard Blackaby and Claude King. I'm in a very serious mode.




Last food you ate?


A bowl of Multi Grain Cheerios cereal & cup of coffee. Not very adventurous. I told you. Serious mode.




When was the last time you played the air guitar?


Gosh--I wish I could remember. Maybe I'll play it tonight! You should have asked me when was the last time I played the air piano--I do that MUCH more often!




You are so funny! Thanks so much for taking the time to be my Blessed Guest today. I know everyone will love you just as much as I do.

Blessed Guest - P31 Woman Glynnis Whitwer

My guest today is someone I respect in the world of writing. She is the editor of P31 Woman Magazine and played a big part in my own personal writing journey.

After winning a scholarship to attend She Speaks in 2008, Glynnis was one of the first women I spoke with about publishing my article, See Jane Run -The story or our Radical Sabbatical. She loved it, and she published it. Her encouragement hasn't ended there.

I continue to keep in contact via email, sharing potential articles I believe may be a fit for P31 Woman Magazine. Most recently, Glynnis gave me one of the kindest rejections in my writing career. She didn't just reject it, she critiqued it too - priceless wisdom for any writer. Her heart to encourage others to reach their God-given potential is apparent.

So, would you please give a big round of comments to author, speaker, and P31 Woman Editor, Glynnis Whitwer.

Welcome to Blessed... it is such an honor to have you here. There are so many questions I'd love to ask you, most especially, how did you begin your journey in the world of publishing? Was this something you always wanted to do? Did you go to school for this?

I’ve always loved to write, but didn’t always want to be a writer. In fact, I wanted to be a teacher. But I consistently excelled in English, and particularly writing. When I got to college, I happened upon a brochure for Public Relations. It seemed like the perfect career for me, so I picked it as a major. However, I attended Arizona State University and at that time, I had to get a Journalism degree with an emphasis on Public Relations. Thus, my professional career as a business writer began. It wasn’t until I connected with Proverbs 31 Ministries that God took that love of writing and directed it into Christian publishing.

What do you love about being an editor?

First and foremost, I love having a small part in passing on God’s love and encouragement through writing. Women’s lives are changed every day by reading how other women have found peace, comfort, purpose and healing through Christ. Second, I love encouraging other writers to keep sharpening their skills and pursuing God’s call on their lives with passion. It’s a tough road to follow and we all need people to believe in us, and show us how to improve.

What don't you love about it?

That’s easy. I don’t love having to tell someone we can’t use their article.

What has surprised you the most about your job?

In the beginning, I was surprised at how hard it was to help people improve their writing. Most everyone can read an article, and decide if they think it’s “good” writing. But to be able to dissect it and tell someone how they could improve is really, really hard. It has made me a better writer for it. At She Speaks each year, I host a peer critique time. This is one thing I tell all the writers they must do. They can’t just say “This is an awkward sentence.” Instead, they must tell the author how to improve it. Don’t say, “boring word choice.” Instead, suggest an alternate word. It will sharpen your skills as a writer to help others improve.

When it comes to a new writer, what do you think is most important for them to know when submitting to your magazine/publishing house?The most important thing for writers to know when submitting to ANY publication is the style of the magazine. There is a style to every publication. Get a sample issue and study it. At the P31 Woman, we have a more relational style. When authors submit an academic flavored article, I know they haven’t read our magazine.

Are there any red flags an editor sees that will give a writer an immediate rejection?
I might be different, in that I give authors a chance. I assume the best. However, with that said, I will reject an article that is written by someone who is in the midst of a personal life trauma and is venting. I will reject an article that misuses the Word of God. I will reject an article that is sloppy.

Is there anything, in your opinion, that writers pay too much/too little attention to?

I think most writers could benefit from a grammar review, with an emphasis on being consistent in tenses.

Anything specific your magazine/publishing house is looking for right now? (Types of books, articles, sidebars, etc.)

We are always looking for articles on the practical side of managing life. We get a lot of general faith, marriage and parenting, so we don’t need those.


Who has made the biggest impact on your life?

That’s a tough question. If I had to narrow it who has made the biggest impact on my writing life, it would have to be my friend Lysa TerKeurst. She has encouraged me, modeled godly leadership, generously invited me to share in her success, opened doors of opportunity and continues to show me what it looks like to follow God with abandon.



What do you think about blogging? Do you have your own blog?

I love blogging, and I have a blog. But I’m a bad blogger. I’ve never been a journal keeper, so it’s a stretch for me.



Do you have a favorite scripture?

I don’t have one favorite scripture, but here is one of many: “Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” Psalm 102:18



What would surprise us about you?

You would be very surprised to know that my husband and I are part owners in a Mixed Martial Arts training center (www.mmalab.com), and that I like to watch UFC and WEC fights.



What's your favorite flavored potato chip?

Cool Ranch Doritos



Favorite thing to do with your family?

Be in nature, especially a National Park somewhere.



What book is on your nightstand right now?

The Knowing Jesus Bible, Visioneering by Andy Stanley and Ready for Anything by David Allen



Last food you ate?

Steamed veggies and one slice of thin crust pizza. (I’m weighing in a Weight Watchers this morning)



When was the last time you played the air guitar?

Never. J



Thank you Glynnis, for being a Blessed Guest, and taking the time to share a little bit of your life with all of us.