Pump Up Chats with Sherree Funk

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On home and family Well-grounded in biblical Christianity, Sherree G. Funk is passionate about sharing her love and knowledge of God’s Word with the next generation. She has earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and holds a Certificate in Christian Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary. Sherree leads small groups of teens at Ingomar UMC. Peter: Rock Star from Galilee is her latest release. Her other teen Bible studies are available at www.servingonelord.com.

On Peter: Rock Star from Galilee

Q: Can you tell us why you wrote your book?

When I was leading a group of young teens a few years ago, I found there were very few quality Bible studies for this age group. The materials I found were either too childish or too adult. I was looking for something that the kids could really get into, have some fun, and learn something about the greatest book on the planet. I prayed about it and decided to write something myself. Lydia of Philippi: Believer in the Lord came first. It was very well received by my group and has since been used by groups in five states. Then I wrote a study on Joshua and one on Ruth and Boaz.

Peter: Rock Star from Galilee has a unique study feature. Each chapter begins with a playlist of contemporary Christian songs and hymns whose lyrics complement that stage of Peter’s faith journey. It is my hope that by combining music with Bible study the lessons will resonate more deeply with the students.

Q: Which part of the book was the hardest to write?

The hardest part to write was also the most meaningful. In Week Five, I cried as I wrote about Thursday and Friday of Holy Week. The abrupt turnabouts in the story, the injustice of Jesus’ arrest and torture, and the pain and remorse felt by two of the disciples brought me to a deeper appreciation for what Jesus did for me in dying on the cross. And it was hard to write about Judas and his suicide. It made me wonder how God might have used him if he had only sought and received forgiveness.

Q: Does your book have an underlying message that readers should know about?

There are really two important messages. The first is that Jesus loves you no matter what, and is always there waiting to hear from you. Even after Peter did the thing he swore he would never do, Jesus restored him and commissioned him. The second is this: to be a star disciple, you have to give up your pride and trust the Holy Spirit to take over. Only then can you be used by God, like Peter was, in amazing ways.

On Writing

Q: Do you remember when the writing bug hit?

Yes, I was sitting in my favorite living room chair doing my homework for a Beth Moore study. As I thought about how much I enjoyed the interactive style of that study, I got the nudge to write in a similar way for young teens. When God gave me the green light, I went with it.

Q: What’s the most frustrating thing about becoming a published author and what’s the most rewarding?

The most frustrating thing is the ever-present challenge of promoting your book at the right times and in the right places. The most rewarding thing has been meeting so many wonderful people who are also authors. I just attended the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta, and was blessed to meet some amazing people – authors, publishers, readers, and retailers – all of whom love the Lord.

Q: Do you have a writing tip you’d like to share?

Let it flow. Let it go. Then edit, edit, edit.

home and family - extended

On Family and Home:

Q: Would you like to tell us about your home life? Where you live? Family? Pets?

Jim and I live in Sewickley, Pennsylvania on a large lot where deer, geese, raccoons and groundhogs roam. Our golden retriever, Jackson, is charged with keeping the geese out of the pool and the other critters out of the yard. He does a pretty good job. Our three children are living coast to coast – one in Washington, D. C., one in Santa Barbara, CA, and one in Madison, WI. We spend some of the cold winter months in New Orleans.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

When I am in Sewickley, my favorite writing spot is a certain comfy chair at Starbucks. I like the gentle hum of people talking, good music playing, and coffee smelling like, well, coffee. When in New Orleans, I love my front porch with the old Adirondack chairs, the sound of crickets, and the shade of the oak and magnolia trees along the street.

Q: What do you do to get away from it all?

Skiing at Steamboat, Colorado is one of our favorite things to do. All day the only decision to make is which run to ski down. There are a couple of places I love to just stop and thank God for making such beautiful mountains and for letting someone invent the sport of skiing.

On Childhood:

Q: Were you the kind of child who always had a book in her/his hand?

No, but I do remember that my mother belonged to a children’s book club, so new titles were always appearing for me to read.

Q: Can you remember your favorite book?

One of my favorites was Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell (1960). Another was Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, by Kate Douglas Wiggin (1903).

Q: Do you remember writing stories when you were a child?

Not really. I remember writing a lot of reports for school, poems in high school, and journaling in college. I did write some short stories for a creative writing class in college.

On Book Promotion:

Q: What was the first thing you did as far as promoting your book?

I launched Peter on June 17 with a signing at our local Indie bookstore, Penguin Bookshop in Sewickley. The bookstore’s Beckoning of Booklovers event attracted a panel of nine local authors and a good crowd of readers.

Q: Are you familiar with the social networks and do you actively participate?

I am a big fan of facebook because it keeps me connected to so many friends all over the country. I also participate in ShoutLife, Christian Women Online, and LinkedIn. In September I’ll be leading an on-line Bible study on facebook. Look for the Peter Rock Star from Galilee Bible Study Group and join us.

Q: How do you think book promotion has changed over the years?

The ever-improving internet is changing book promotion almost faster than we can adapt. There are so many books, so many authors competing for attention. As a result one has to use new technologies all the time. I just learned what a QR code is. It has amazing potential for sharing information about a book – sample chapters, book trailers, special offers.

On Other Fun Stuff:

Q: If you had one wish, what would that be?

I wish that everyone could experience the joy of the Lord in freedom and love, could find a fulfilling calling in life, and give the glory back to the Lord. If that sounds too general… how about this: I wish my house would clean itself.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world other than where you are right now, where would that place be?

I would be in New Orleans, Louisiana. I love the city, the trees, the music, and the food. Everyone there seems to enjoy life. I guess that’s why they call it the Big Easy.

Q: Your book has just been awarded a Pulitzer. Who would you thank?

Well, as wonderful as a Bible study on Peter is, a Pulitzer is pretty unlikely. But any award would cause me to thank God first, then my wonderfully supportive husband and family, my editing team at Winepress, my tennis friends, and my always-encouraging Christian friends whose kindness I treasure. And if it weren’t for the middle schoolers of my church, who showed me that they are hungry for the truth of the Bible, I would never have been led to write this study.

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Question of the Day

How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

-- Sheila Roberts, Author of Winter at the Beach