An Interview for my article in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider
A Personal Makeover — Inside and Out

Why did you write the piece?
Two reasons:
1-to share my experiences, and in turn, encourage other women that they are never too unathletic, anti-athletic, or uncoordinated to get fit
2-to share that spiritual fitness is important and God wants to be part of everything in our lives

Where are you from?
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. About an hour east of Toronto.

When and why did you begin writing?
I won poetry awards in grade school and always wrote in a journal. But I started seriously writing in 2003, after joining The Word Guild.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When my first book, Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health

What inspired you to write your first book?
My passion to tie in my love of God with my interest in health

Do you have a specific writing style?
First person, I write from my heart.

How did you come up with the title?
The editors of the anthology N. J. Lindquist and Wendy E. Nelles gave me three titles to choose from. I loved this one.

Is there a message in your piece that you want readers to grasp?
It’s never too late to get fit – both spiritually and physically.

How much of the piece is realistic?
It’s my story, based on my personal experiences.

What book are you reading now?
I’m loving the suspense books in the Love Inspired division of Harlequin.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Bonnie Gilpin

What are your current projects?
A children’s series based on science curriculum

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
The Word Guild writer’s association

Do you see writing as a career?
No, I work to fund my love of writing.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always felt tongue-tied and at a loss for words. But with writing, I could organize my thoughts.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Finding the time to explore and write all the different ideas I have.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Create a space that is yours – a place where you can be inspired.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Try something new, you never know if you’ll end up loving it.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
For the last 8 years, I’ve written my deep pieces while listening to the same instrumental CD.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Love to walk, hike, snow shoe – especially in the woods.

What does your family think of your writing?
They think it’s a nice “hobby”.

How many books have you written?

A non-fiction workbook – Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health
A novel – Tooth for Tooth
3 Devotionals – Where Life meets Faith, Where Fitness meets Faith, Where Family meets Faith

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Read. Read. Read.

Kimberley Payne – author & speaker
Exploring fitness, family & faith over 40
www.kimberleypayne.com