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Fabulous Friday Feature-Kim Vogel Sawyer





Today I welcome award winner author 
Kim Vogel Sawyer




Enter to win Kim's book, 
Kansas Weddings.


I met Kim at ACFW. She is a gracious and lovely person. I immediately saw her godly heart

I asked Kim to share how God has led her writing journey. This is what she said:








Little Girl Dreams

From my earliest memories, I have wanted to write. My parents tell me I was telling stories before I was old enough to write the words on paper. 
I believe the desire was planted in me by my Maker, and when the time was right, He watered the seed and brought it to fruit. Although I entered college as a journalism major, my plans took a turn when my young husband left and I was alone with a baby to support. 
I changed my degree to elementary education so I would be more available to my daughter. But that desire to write remained in the back of my heart, and I continued writing whenever I had spare moments. 
In the early 1990s I began submitting manuscripts to publishers and met with a series of rejections. "Good" rejections--positive feedback but no takers. After three years of consistent negative replies, I gave up and turned my focus to teaching. 
In 2000, my dad approached and said he felt it was time for me to see my little-girl dreams come true. He funded a self-publishing venture, and my first novel, A SEEKING HEART, released in the summer of 2001. 
Because I wanted to learn more about marketing, I began attending writing conferences. In 2003, I signed with Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency, and on March 15, 2005, I received my first acceptance for a story I called DEAR JOHN (a part of the KANSAS WEDDINGS trilogy). 
Two weeks later, Bethany House accepted WAITING FOR SUMMER'S RETURN, and by November of that year I had signed contracts for ten books with three different companies. 
I've been writing full-time ever since and I find great joy in giving God the glory for allowing my little-girl dreams to find reality.


Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of the most beloved writers in the Christian market today, acclaimed by readers and critics for her "gentle stories of hope." 


With more than a million books in print and stories translated into six different languages, her books have a reach far beyond her Kansas roots. 

Kim and her retired military husband Don, with the help of their four feline companions, operate a bed-and-breakfast inn (www.TheKingsInnbnb.com) in small-town Kansas. They relish time with their three adult daughters and nine grandchildren and also enjoy travel whenever the schedule allows. To learn more about Kim and writing and speaking ministries, please visit www.KimVogelSawyer.com.   



To enter the contest for an autographed copy of Kim Vogel Sawyer's book 
"Kansas Weddings":
leave a comment (and email address)
and become a follower of this site if you aren't already.
U.S. residents only
Winner announced on my facebook page.

Thank you, Kim, for Joining us This Weekend!


Reader, how has God made your childhood dreams come true?  For me, God let me travel to other countries. 

Comments

Patty said…
I think like many young girls I just wanted to be a wife and mother. That hasn't happened yet, but I trust God with my future!
I've read several of Kim's books, but I know I have missed some along the way. I would love to win Kansas Weddings.

I follow your blog via e-mail.

pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Amy Leigh Simpson said…
I recognize Kim from the ACFW choir! :) Loved hearing this story!
Thanks, Patty. Yes I am so happy you are a follower.
I had the same dreams as you. Who knows what God has down your future journey road:)
You sang in the choir too, Amy? Awesome. I hope to be able to do that sometime. Haven't quite figured out how to sign up for it.
Thanks for joining us today.
Amy Leigh Simpson said…
Nope, I wasn't in the choir Mary. I was on the worship team. But I got to see the lovely ladies of the choir from on the stage. :)
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the interview Mary. I would love to win Kim's book. Sounds like she has written some interesting books. And it always fun to read about weddings. I also used to live in KS. I am a follower of yours.
Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Pam K. said…
Please don't enter me in the drawing for Kim's book since I already have a copy. I have read many of Kim's books and enjoy them very much. She graciously met with my book club and spoke once at a local women's group. It was such fun to meet her and learn more about her and her books. Thanks for featuring Kim on your blog today.
Kathleen Rouser said…
Nice interview, Mary. I do enjoy Kim's writing and would feel blessed to win her book.
Her testimony of God's goodness to her is inspiring. God made my dreams come true
by giving me a loving husband and three dear sons to raise. Also, being able to continue
to work on my writing craft, though I haven't had a book published yet. He put a love
for stories and a desire to write in my heart even before I could read--I can really relate
to Kim Sawyer with that!

kerouser[at]gmail[dot]com
Well, some day I will be one of those lovely ladies, maybe standing by Kim...ooooo that would be awesome!
Good to see you, Maxie. I agree, wedding books are fun reads. Thanks for joining our chat.
Seriously, Pam? She came to your book club? And spoke at your local women's group. What fantastic opportunities for you! I think your word gracious for Kim is very appropriate. I'm so glad you stopped by today.
Kathleen we are very simpatico. I too have 3 children and a hubby all supportive of my writing that is not yet published other than articles.
Thanks for joining us today and becoming a follower. You are entered for the drawing.:)
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Patty, your dream sounds so familiar to my oldest daughter--all her childhood, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would say, "A mommy." (She kinda neglected the wife part, but she was pretty young! lol) I love how you said you trust God with your future. You've got the perfect attitude! Thanks for stopping by.
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Ah, the praise team! Such a great gift you give the conference attendees. :o)

And Mary, contact Rachael Phillips--she coordinates the choir. :o)
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Just had to *wave* at Pam...hi! I love the Lindsborg ladies. They are a true delight and encouragement. :o)
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Kathleen and Mary, I've met sooo many people who dream of publication, and it's a very worthy dream. Looking back, I wish I'd enjoyed the journey and basked in the stepping stones a bit more rather than focusing so much on the crossing line. When God calls us to a task, He has purposes beyond our understanding, and now I see how He drew me closer to Him during those years of writing and "pruned" me to see my dream as His rather than my own. Not lecturing you at all!!! Just sharing my thoughts a bit. :o) Blessings to both of you as you pursue your dreams!
Erica Scott said…
I've loved each of Kim's books that I've read and would love to have a copy of this one. Thanks for the opportunity! I'm now following your Facebook page as well.

Erica
ericascott76@gmail.com
Jody Rigle said…
Thank you for the beautiful interview with Kim. I have enjoyed all of her books and always anticipate the next new novel. I can't wait to read Kansas Weddings and would love to win it. Thank you both and God Bless <3
Jody
jodyr444@comcast.net
Jennifer said…
Reading is my way to reach my dreams and accomplish goals that I can't afford to do. The funny thing is I've always wanted to stay at a bed and breakfast. Hopefully my husband will get the hints!
I do have a good husband and four handsome boys! :)

jennydtipton[at]gmail[dot]com
Anonymous said…
This is one of my favorite Authors, I would love to have this book, I am 73 years old, taking care of my husband who is not well. I read alot! Peggyhacker@ymail.com
Angie Adair said…
One of my favorite authors! These sound like awesome books! Would love a chance to read them..angadair(at)nwcable(dot)net
Thanks, Kim, I'll do that.
Great words, basking in the stepping stones, Kim. I think that should be my next post. Thanks.
Erica,
How nice to have you with us today. I sure enjoyed hearing about the books of Kim's that you've read. I look forward to seeing you again.
Anonymous said…
I enjoyed the interview and she is one of my favorite authors. I'm excited to sign up for your blog. I looked at your list and you have some great authors coming up.
I would love to win this book. I've become disabled at the age of 51 due to a medical error and thankfully reading is my passion.
Thank you,
Barbara
barbmaci61@yahoo.com
Jody,
So nice to have you back again. I truly enjoy finding an author who's single book leads me to read another by the same author. I would think it would be quite a compliment for the author as well, knowing they have met the call God gave them to write a book intended for you. Yes you are entered in the book drawing and God's blessings on you as well.
Jenny,
What a delight to have you here today.

I agree, reading is a way to travel, stay in nice places, meet new people, and etc. Maybe if you showed your hubby a photo of Kim's bed and breakfast. Wouldn't that make a lovely celebration. :)

Thanks for being a part of our chat today. I sure hope to see you again.
Peggy,
Thank you for joining us today. Sure appreciate your participation in the chat. You have a wonderful and great task, to take care of your husband who is not well. There are probably difficult times, but I am confident God is so happy you have accepted this role. Blessings on your work.

What a great idea to fill the time with reading while he is resting.

I look forward to seeing you again.
Angie,
Thank you so much for becoming a follower and joining our chat today. Kim's books are awesome! You are definitely entered in the book drawing.

Hope to see you again, soon.
Barb,
I am so glad you had a chance to stop by today we so enjoyed your visit. So sorry about the medical issues, I will pray for you and your physical needs.
To have reading as a passion is a gift. Just think of all the places you get to go through the pages.
I look forward to seeing you again.
Unknown said…
Thank you for letting me join as a follower. I'm looking forward to the upcoming authors. That is one thing reading gives me is to get involved in what's happening and be wherever they are in the book. Thank you for your prayers.
Jennifer said…
Thanks Mary!
bonnie said…
Enjoyed Kim's interview & reading about how her childhood dreams have come true. Haven't read any of her books yet & would love to win one! Love B&B's - checked out the info on hers, looks beautiful, historical, & unique - hoping to be able to spend a night there.

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! I am a follower of this site.

bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

squiresj said…
I'm already a follower of this site. I also know this author's books - they are annointed. I would love to win, review and pass this book to another.
jrs362 at hotmail dot com
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Thank you for the kind words, Erica!
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Jody, Kansas Weddings is one of my first complications, but it remains a favorite of mine. I hope whoever receives the book will enjoy it. :o)
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Jennifer, if you're ever in Kansas, I hope you'll come see us at The King's Inn. Congrats on your four handsome boys!
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Peggy, thank you for your kind words, and blessings on you as you give care to your husband.
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Good luck in the drawing, Angie! :o)
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Barbara, I'm glad you enjoy reading--it gives me many pleasant hours, as well. :o) Blessings!
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Bonnie, I hope you can make The King's Inn a stopping point some day. Blessings!
Kim Vogel Sawyer said…
Thank you so much for your kind words. Good luck in the drawing!
Bonnie,
So nice to see you here. If you ever get a chance to go to Kim's B & B be sure to let them know you read her story about childhood dreams. I think that will make her smile.
So nice chatting with you today. Hope to see you again:)
Oh, yes, I remember you are a follower and always enjoy your visits. What a good word to say about Kim's books, you are such an encourager. Thanks so much for stopping by today.
Jennifer said…
I'd so love to come out and stay at your place! Hopefully someday!

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