Wordsowers Christian Writers Group

Today I chatted with author, speaker, teacher and Dean of Women at Grace University, Tara Rye about her presentation at our WordSowers meeting, this Thursday, May 2ndat the Rockbrook Garden Café. After our discussion about Thursday’s  workshop I asked Tara a few questions.

Kat:    When did you feel called to write?

Tara:  I have always written. I wrote poems and short stories for school. I kept a journal as a kid. I have always wanted to be a writer, but it wasn’t defined as a fiction writer, but more as an inspirational writer. I wanted to write so that people were caught, taught, changed, or challenged in their thoughts.

Kat:  Tara I know you self-published your manuscripts. Did you try presenting them to a mainstream publisher—if so, how did the editor/publisher respond?

Tara: I tried sending out queries and I was told regularly that what I had was good, but it is more niche’ oriented. Several time after submitting a piece to a publishing house, it was rejected. About two years later the same company published something very similar. I lost respect for traditional houses and feared giving out my material.  I used to think poorly of self published authors, but eventually I realized that it was the avenue I needed because I don’t write for the masses I write for the one that will be inspired. I do not write to make a profit or to sell a lot of books. I write for the one. So, my marketing strategy works for me. I do nothing. 🙂 The icing is that they do get purchased.

Kat:  I know you stay busy. Can you tell us what you are involved in at the present time?

Tara: I write for the Kansas Nebraska Digest as a regular and for CWAHM. I have a calendar reminder each month to submit and I do. I did write for the Examiner, but decided it wasn’t worth my time. I have written for LIFEWAY since 2005 as a Bible curriculum writer.

Kat:  You finished your dissertation.  Does that mean you are Dr. Tara Rye?

Tara: Yes, I am now Dr. Rye. It is a DEdMin, a doctorate of educational ministry. The last four years has been a very intense writing experience from the scholarly perspective. It was not about inspiration, but information. It was tough, but through it God has taught me that I can do hard things. I am getting requests for it (the dissertation) and I have been asked to publish it beyond the seminary publication.

I write daily. I write when I teach about the lessons. It is my greatest joy. I do not feel that I am a gifted writer grammatical. I enjoy the thoughts. I hate the grammar and spelling. I am terrible at it and struggle through it. For this reason, I have a hard time releasing my work. LOL! However, I cannot imagine a day without some sort of written expression.

Kat: What are the credentials behind your name?

Tara:  DEdMin

Tara gave a workshop at the WordSowers Writers Conference on March 2, 2013. She is an awesome speaker, author and prayer warrior. You may know her from the Cultivating Hearts Radio Ministry or through her ministry at the Open Door Mission.

Don’t miss Thursday, May 2nd at the Rockbrook Garden Cafe

108th and Center.