Here is my interview with the amazing author Amber Leggette-Aldrige, author of “Faith, Hope & Miracles”.
Take a look and tell us what you think…and please share! Thanks – R. Glenn
Q: Give a little background of why you wrote your book.
A: In November of 2010, I watched my then 8 year old son, Christian, die in a horrible accident. After being extricated from out of the wreckage, paramedics worked on his lifeless body for over 40 minutes and were to the point of giving up. All the while I 
prayed. And suddenly, there was a faint pulse, by all accounts, a miracle. But it didn’t stop there. During the next few weeks in the hospital, miracle after miracle unfolded. Not only in medical terms, being told repeatedly by the doctors that my son should not be alive, but in the words that Christian shared, stories of being in heaven sitting on the lap of Jesus. I was compelled to share his experiences, along with the transformation of my faith, to give hope and encouragement to others and give God the glory He alone deserves. I wanted to share these miracles and tell people, don’t give up, no matter what – keep believing.
Q: What direction do you want to take with your book?
A: Since the day of the accident, each time I’ve shared Christian’s story, I have seen such a powerful impact…from sheer amazement to eyes filled with relief and wonder. In 2013, I was honored to have a condensed version of my story selected to be included in a book of testimonies along with 39 others. That book, “Trials and Triumphs: Hope Beyond Circumstances” was released last year, and has received such heartwarming reviews. It has been an incredible awakening to me to find so many searching for something to believe in, to hope for. The tears of joy and thankfulness that I have seen, have inspired me to continue sharing the everlasting miracle of God’s love. If my book can bring hope and encouragement to a heart that is hurting, or stir up someone’s faith and strengthen it, then the words are fulfilling their purpose.
Q: Do you have any plans for more books in the future?
A: Yes. About a year after his accident, Christian was given a short writing assignment on using the armor of God. His essay gave me the idea for a series of Christian fiction…part fantasy, part reality, involving a group of teens that are battling against demons, with the help of an unlikely “crazy man” and some angels. In their struggles to protect their families and friends, they learn the true meaning of what it is to love one another while using the armor of God. It is a story of friendship, courage, sacrifice, faith and victory.
Q: What is the one thing that drives you more than anything else as an author?
A: I am not a silent kind of person. I love to share stories, thoughts and experiences, especially if they bring laughter, joy and encouragement. Whether the words are spoken, or written, if they can brighten someone’s day, then I have done my job. It is my way of connecting with the world around me, and hopefully making life more enjoyable.
Q: What advice would you give to new authors, or those considering becoming one?
A: Good communication is the ability to put the same picture or idea that is in your mind, or the emotion that is in your heart into the minds and hearts of others. It is how the reader connects with the words in a personal way that stirs their spirit, whether in the imagination, intellect, or heart. In 1946, sportswriter Paul Gallico wrote, "It is only when you open your veins and bleed onto the page a little that you establish contact with your reader." It doesn’t matter what genre you choose, just write from your heart. Write, and write, and then write some more. Don’t stop, and don’t give up. It takes blood, sweat and tears sometimes, (and for me, lots of coffee) but it is worth it!
Q: If you could share a particular message with your readers, what would it be?
A: Be helpful, kind and generous, and pray for each other. Jesus said it best, “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34 KJV) If you can bring hope and encouragement into one life, then you have made a difference. The darkness can be overcome with light. It all starts with one action, so let it be a good one.
Q: Any additional comments?
A: It has been an honor and privilege to be asked to do this interview, and to be given this opportunity to say “Thank You” to all that have so generously shared their support and prayers. You have touched my heart deeply with the tremendous outpouring of your love, and it will not be forgotten.
“Faith, Hope & Miracles” is available here
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008J0Z2FQ
Reviews
About the Author
As an artist, Amber has enjoyed sharing her unique creativity and working with others to bring more beauty into the world. A desire for adventure and love of nature brought her to Alaska in 1989, where she has lived out many of her childhood dreams. She has gone hiking on glaciers, climbed mountains, prospected for gold, raised wolf pups, fished with eagles, and has been chased by bears. (The part with bears was NOT a childhood dream though.)
Her most challenging and rewarding role however, has been that of being a mother. She says, "Children don't come with instruction manuals. Sometimes you just have to make it up as you go along, and have lots of love and faith". Through joy, heartache, laughter and tears, Amber discovered a passion for writing to help and encourage others to enjoy the journey we call life. Her mission in life is to bring a message of hope…that we are not alone in our struggles, God is always with us.
To find out more, visit Amber’s author page at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008J8MDUK
To contact Amber, email her at
or at visit her website
https://www.facebook.com/FaithHopeMiracles?ref=hl
https://twitter.com/AmberOfAlaska