Sunday, July 24, 2011

Author Anita Estes


Hi Anita, welcome to Empowered to Prosper. Please introduce yourself, then tell us how you got started writing.

My name is Anita Estes, and I’ve been writing since I was a teenager. I started writing poetry and kept a journal. When I became a Christian I began writing articles and devotions, then I started writing children’s stories when I became a teacher and a mother. As I grew in the Lord, I progressed to writing inspirational stories and had my work published. I wrote my first book of stories and devotionals six years ago when I was invited to be a speaker at a women’s conference (WIN). They wanted me to have a book available of my work.

What have you published and what is your current project?

I have written a number of devotions and short stories that have been published in “Upper Room”, Penned form the Heart, Adam’s Media Books, God Allows U-Turns: for Women, Cup of Comfort Book of Prayer, and Deliver Me! I have three books published, When God Speaks, 40 Days and Nights of His Promises, which is a story format devotional with an accompanying Bible Study work book.

My next book I compiled and edited was Transformed—Inspiring Stories of Freedom, a book of testimonies about men freed from the bondage of addictions.

My recent release, Letters to God on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer was birthed from the painful journey I experienced while navigating the minefield of my son’s addiction

I kept a journal that contained many powerful prayers, letters and scriptures that I thought would help others navigate the turbulent waters of a prodigal’s addiction, so I worked on transforming it into a book. I added two sections, Lessons Learned and Suggestions that I thought would further help others to avoid some of the pitfalls I experienced, while offering a lifeline of hope. At the time my son was going through this terrible ordeal, I couldn’t find any Christian books on the subject that gave practical and spiritual, not textbook, advice. Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son was designed to fit this need. It’s filled with the heart-felt letters and prayers of a mother, key spiritual insights and practical advice. My desire in writing this book is to help others and minister to them though this true life story. You can buy this book and any of my others at www.anitaestes.com or on Amazon

Barnes and Nobles (Transformed only)

I’ve also written a novel, The Dividing Stone, which I plan on publishing in 2012. It is a spiritual warfare book with a historical slant involving angels, demons and an unsuspecting artist who is drawn into a battle for her life to rescue the lives of other Christians.

What do you hope this book accomplishes and who is this book written for?

First I want to reach out to parents of prodigals and let them know there is hope. I especially want to let them know that God has not abandoned them, nor is he punishing them. God is compassionate and there to help, but he doesn’t trespass our will. I want to show parents and loved ones that it’s okay to be honest with God. He desires that. I also want to reach out not only to parents and loved ones of prodigals, but to everyone who is dealing with a difficult relationship or situation. I believe the prayers and scriptures in Letters to God are powerful for “pulling down strong holds” ( ) in people’s lives—areas of bondage.

Do you have a “life verse” that you have claimed? If so what is it and why is that verse so meaningful to you?

I have many verses throughout my life that I have felt a particular affinity to, but none as much as Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” I thought I knew about trusting God until my son had a problem with addiction. I learned to truly trust God with everything, even when circumstances looked bleak. He taught me how to keep my eyes on Him, and how to surrender to him. I also learned a lot about praising Him in the storm, another facet of trusting. I firmly believe that if you “Delight in the LORD, (and) he will give you the desires of your heart (Proverbs 37:4).

What do you want reader’s to come away with?

All my non-fiction books and articles are written to either help Christian’s grow in their spiritual walk with God or to reach those who are hurting and hurl them a lifeline in their storm. My books lean heavily on the power of prayer and God’s amazing compassion, mercy and love. I want others to intimately know the awesome God I know and the power of praying His promises. My fiction work is also spiritual in nature, filled with mystery and intrigue. I want to alert Christians to the enemy’s tactics so they can avoid his traps and use prayer as a powerful weapon. All of my writing is geared to coming away with a fuller understanding of God, His promises, and the transforming power of prayer.

What one issue ignites your passion?

Prayer and an intimate relationship with God are my two deepest passions. I want others to know how much God really cares for us and wants to know us. He gives us so many great gifts nestled in His promises. I want others to know how they can avail themselves of these treasures and go deeper with God. It is my desire to help others who face life’s challenges to know and understand how they can be victorious—in Jesus.

On August 30th I’ll be having a book launch for Letters to God… and you’ll be able to get many free products when you purchase the book on that day. You can find out more about the launch on my web-site, www.anitaestes.com or blog http://anita-thoughtsonchristianity.blogspot.com/

Anita, I’m sure your books will minister to many lives. Thank you for sharing your story with our readers.

Please leave a comment and tell Anita how much her story has touched your life.

6 comments:

Cheryl Rogers said...

I pray your testimony and writings will be an encouragement to those who are searching for God and his divine intervention in their circumstances.

Blessings,
Cheryl Rogers
http://www.songsfromtheword.com/NewChristianBooks

Nothing But Books said...

Thanks Cheryl

Deborah H Bateman said...

Anne, thanks for sharing your post. I love the fact that you used an experience of your life to help others. Many times in my life I have found that my life experiences were later used to help others. May God bless you and the work you do.

God Mission Possible said...

Hi Anita - great interview! You obviously have a winner here that will minister to many hurting souls based on your personal journaling and family story.

Thanks for sharing - May God continue to open doors for you and your powerful books.

God bless,
Deborah McCarragher
http://www.Godmissionpossible.blogspot.com

The Crazy Cat Lady said...

I'm right there with Cheryl ~ what a powerful subject. Thank you for sharing it, and thank you, Paulette, for hosting her here. Always a pleasure to visit your blog!

Nothing But Books said...

Thanks everyone for stopping by. Appreciate the support