CWD Member Interview - Janelle Moore

Most Thursdays this year we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today’s interview: Janelle Moore

Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from. 

1.  I have been married to my wonderful husband for 21 years and we have two beautiful children, aged 19 and 17. 
2.  I was raised on a dairy farm at Chinchilla and moved to Toowoomba 32 years ago.
3.  Pre children, I worked as a Taxation Accountant in both Chinchilla and Toowoomba.

Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc).  What do you write and why?

I started writing short articles and devotions about my children’s antics and about some of the issues I faced as a mother.  I’ve also written devotions for women in general, based on my life experiences. I write because I want others to know Jesus and all He offers. 

Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it? 

To date, my work has been read by Christian women. I have had short articles published in “Footprints”, which was a Christian magazine, and have also had articles/devotions published in Penned from the Heart, Inspirational Stories for Aussie Women, Rise – Inspiring Devotions to Fuel Your First Year of College, Gathered Treasures – Devotionals to Connect the Hearts of Mums and Girls.  

I would hope that unchurched ladies may read my work in the future. I am currently working on my second book, another simple devotional aimed at women who struggle with self-esteem, self-worth etc. I want them to know they are loved, valued and important, regardless of where they have come from or what they have been through. My desire is that this book may impact the lives of both churched and unchurched women and help them to realise their value. I run a Playgroup at our Church and have contact with many young unchurched mums who desperately need Jesus. I would love it if they read my work and were encouraged to walk with God, and know their worth.

Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

My best time to write is when I wake of a morning, propped up on a heap of pillows on my bed. I love to journal and most of my work has begun with journaling. I start by putting pen to paper, and once I have a clear outline, I move to my computer because it is then so much easier to delete, alter, rearrange my words into some semblance of order.

My biggest challenges are self-doubt and procrastination. I don’t think these issues are uncommon for authors. I am learning to be more open, vulnerable and self-disciplined. I am trying to have more involvement with the writing world by attending book fairs, workshops, the conference later this year.  

If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be? 

The amazing Quirky Quills! Without them I never would have begun this writing journey. They have patiently stood beside me, nagged me, encouraged me, challenged me, prodded me and cheered me on. I will forever be grateful to each one of them for the part they have played in leading and pushing me along this path. 

What are your writing goals for this year? How will you achieve them?

I have signed a contract to have my first book published, and it will be released later this year. It is a devotion for Mums and is the culmination of a 23-year dream. I can hardly believe that I will soon be planning my very own book launch (with the assistance of the very capable and experienced Quirky Quills of course).

And as mentioned above I have started a second devotion book to encourage women. How will I achieve this? With self-discipline and determination. I am trying to set time aside on a regular basis to attend to this. Easier said than done. But I am trying.

How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

My work is all non-fiction and is based on truths that God has revealed to me during my walk with Him. I have experienced His love, His goodness, his forgiveness, His faithfulness, His grace, among other things, and I want other women to know that these gifts are available to them.

Janelle lives in Toowoomba with her family. She is passionate about the playgroup she runs, is involved in a school-based mentoring program, and enjoys aqua aerobics and mosaicking.