Today’s Successful Author Spotlight features one of Xulon Press’s most successful children’s book authors Jennie Bishop, author of the bestselling book for girls The Princess and the Kiss, which has sold almost 400,000 copies to date. Jennie is an international guest speaker who has written a new book Planned Purity for Parents to encourage and instruct parents. She has spoken to groups in the Ukraine and in Africa, sharing the news that purity is a better alternative for our children than what Planned Parenthood is promoting.
Jennie believes that parents would choose to pick up her series of books, from The Princess and the Kiss to The Squire and the Scroll (her book for boys) because purity starts with the heart! At her meetings, Jennie proclaims “The topic of purity can be taught to children through parables, just like Christ did – our children can be taught about purity and choose to remain pure before God!” Whether it’s the “Princess” or the “Squire” series, the “Garden Wall” or the “Crayon Kingdom”, or any of her other children’s books found at www.jenniebishop.com – talking in parables is what Jennie has done internationally to bring her message proclaiming purity of the heart. Through the popularity of her books, it’s apparent that both children and parents embrace Jennie’s message worldwide.
During a recent interview with Jennie Bishop, we asked her a series of questions. The following answers were gathered.
What one past experience changed the course of your life?
“My consistent walk with God. I grew up in a highly churched environment. Everyone said the right things. They talked about Jesus, but we sat on our hands and didn’t have a personal relationship with Christ. Finally, when I was 19, I felt a real transformation through really knowing the Lord. I have had a real relationship with Him since that time. That prepared me for when my daughter came home in 1999 and asked about kissing boys. That started our purity ministry – I honestly never imagined this is what I would be doing, but whether I wanted it or not, and this is what God has asked her to do. I have always believed in being available for whatever God wants me to do – even write children’s books! Availability is the key to serving and pleasing God.”
What method do you use to start your writing process?
“I am an untrained writer. I’ve had a gift to write since I was young. I wrote my first novel while I was in high school. When I was30, I was hired as an editor at a publishing company, and that started me writing my first book. My “method” is always a matter of prayer. I always only want to write the one thing that God needs at that moment, as opposed to just writing the next thing that will sell. I earnestly really try to ask God, “Which is the one that will really make a difference?” Once I know, then there is a season of writing– I write during that season. I suggest to writers “Pray until you know what God wants…then write.” I always give my all to Him when I write – what He wants is my goal.”
What message do you want shared by the story of your life?
“Availability – it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from. I’m a farm girl from Ohio, and I never thought that I would be doing the things I do today. Having sold almost 400,000 copies of “The Princess and the Kiss”, being invited to speak about purity and my books in countries like Ukraine and Africa… all of it, I attribute to making myself available to whatever God wants me to do. I have learned that God will call you and He will qualify you for whatever He needs you to do! Stay available to Him. I have a daily prayer “God what do you want from me today?” It’s my mantra! I have found that God gives you the unique purpose for each day.”
What would you tell others about your relationship with Christ that would inspire them?
“Acceptance of God’s grace on a daily basis is the most important key for me. God’s grace covers you even when you are not up to the task at hand. I struggle with anxiety. I’ve shared this in my meetings. I want people to know that there is nothing that grace is not big enough to cover; I am a recovering perfectionist! I need grace on the days when I don’t feel like I am good enough. I have to trust that I am good enough in Christ. His grace covers my need to be a perfectionist by reminding me that… I am good enough for the task at hand because God chose me to accomplish this task. I rely in His confidence in me!”
What inspires you?
“My family. I have two beautiful daughters and I am amazed to see their lives in Christ, each having a personal relationship. My husband Randy is a worship leader, so we constantly have worship in our home, and I am inspired by him. Nature also inspires me. I grew up on a farm in Ohio with four seasons and how the changing of the seasons affects life on a farm. Just like Jesus wrote in parables. I am inspired by the world around me and the wonder of God as He relates to this world.”
What is your theme scripture and why?
Philippians 3:7-8 “For I count it all gain that I am know Him in His fullness!” It’s all rubbish – that I may know Him!
What will they write on your gravestone that will sum up your life?
“I just loved this question. I wrote and acted in a play with my husband about writing your Epitaph. There was a tombstone on the stage – and it addressed writing your own tombstone. I actually love visiting cemeteries just to read all of the tombstones! I would love mine to say “She knew Jesus – She listened to His voice – She did what He said!” and that’s exactly how I live today!”
