JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Sheila L. Agnew, author of Dear ____, Are You Missing Your Calling?
(Mo Better Publishing a division of S. Agnew & Associates, Inc.)

“Dear ______, Are You Missing Your Calling?” is a non-fiction book that uses the invitation as a metaphor to encourage readers to chronicle their most significant and important life events whether joyful or painful to help develop a clear path and direction to understanding our callings and purposes.

The events of our lives are like a road map that becomes key to opening our minds to accept the invitation God has extended to each one of us. Recognizing most people at some point will address the question of calling and purpose, I incorporated personal experiences and inspiring real-life lessons of people who connected to their callings even though enduring unimaginable adversities only to find their true purpose.

If deep within lies a burning desire for something more, something deeper, the stories in this book will inspire and help you to remain focused on the path. We have all received a personal invitation to use the gifts and talents so divinely given to us. You can choose to accept the invitation with an RSVP or send regrets, I cannot come.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write “Dear ____, Are You Missing Your Calling?”?

Sheila L. Agnew: I am deeply inspired by my experiences and people. I keep notes and journals about life, situations and my spiritual journey. Often, people ask the question, “What is my purpose”? Some people are confident they are living their purpose, others not. The inspiration for this book was the people who question their purpose.

I’ve read several books and listened to people speak about purpose and calling. They provide definitions and examples, but not necessarily how we get to the point where we truly believe we are living the life that God has destined for us. I was lead by the invitation and God provided the rest.

JP: What sets “Dear ____, Are You Missing Your Calling?” apart from other books in the same genre?

SLA: “Dear ____, Are You Missing Your Calling?” is not a how-to non-fiction book. This book is real. Reading it is like going to church, and the sermon is so inspiring you think the pastor knew you were coming and preached it especially for you. Readers can place themselves and their experiences in each chapter.

The book has a flow, and it’s easy to read whether you are a teenager or a PhD. Each page is carefully laid out to encourage readers to go within and answer the question that so many believe is a mystery.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to “Dear ____, Are You Missing Your Calling?” getting out to the public?

SLA: In general, I always say, “No one will know who you are if they don’t see you.” It’s important to use various vehicles to get the words out, “read my book.”

As an independent author, I established a marketing plan of action. This plan includes social media listings, blog postings, direct contact with media resources, researching events and programs targeting a market that would support this book genre, book signings, inquiries on speaking opportunities and writing my own articles and press release. In short, I do the same thing for myself that major publishing houses do for their best-selling authors and celebrities, but I get to do it my way.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish “Dear ____, Are You Missing Your Calling?”?

SLA: I’m an early morning, late night writer. When the spirit moves me, I move with the spirit. Writing non-fiction for me is about life experiences. I do incorporate a lot of myself, at least in my first two books. “Dear ____, Are You Missing Your Calling?” took three years from conception to completion.

JP: What’s next for Sheila L. Agnew?

SLA: My first novel is in motion. It is based on a real-life story about a lady and three love relationships with men who were all in the same profession. I want the book to be as close as possible to the true story, so I am currently in the process of research because it involves a crime.

Additionally, I am rewriting my first book, “All About the Vets-A Sharing of Life Experiences for Women of Honor”.

http://www.sheilaagnew.com

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http://twitter.com/msmobetter

http://www.sheilaagnew.blogspot.com

http://www.mobetterbysheila.blogspot.com

“I have received excellent feedback from “Dear ____, Are You Missing Your Calling?” One of the very first readers sent me a note saying she accepted the invitation and placed the book in the category of Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life”. I don’t believe she was comparing. I believe she meant the value to her personally. I encourage readers if the blank in the title fits, please fill it in.” ~ Sheila L. Agnew

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