An Interview with Kay Davis

An Interview with Kay Davis

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Kay Davis is a published author with a passion for helping women and young ladies become who God called them to be. With a degree in psychology and certification in natural healthcare, she is committed to inspiring others to achieve total health and wellness in all areas of life—body, soul, and spirit. She is also the founder of Wai of Life™ (translated from the Hawaiian language to mean Living Water) which is based upon these premises. She has been writing for over 20 years and released her first book— Watered by the Vine: Daily Devotions for Single Women in 2014, which landed on Amazon’s best sellers list shortly after its release. This book was born out of the intimate times she spent with God during her singlehood journey. Both single and married women reported being blessed by this book. God impressed upon her heart to write Rock Your Pearl! for teenage girls to inspire them to raise the standard for their generation and generations to come.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Chicago, IL; currently residing in Charlotte, NC.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I have been writing for more than 20 years and always knew that one day I would write a book.  I had already been keeping a journal of different things God poured into my heart over the years and at the right time; He inspired me to put it in a book to share with the world. 

Do you write full-time or part-time? How do you balance your writing life with your family/work life?

Over two years ago, I was laid off of my corporate job of 12 years. I knew this was my opportunity to finally sit down and write my book!  So for two years, I was a full time author.  Now that I am back in Corporate America, I write part time.  Writing is my first love, so every free opportunity I get; I take the time to write.  I have been able to find that delicate balance between family/work life.

What are your current projects?

Currently I’m working on expanding the platform of my two books.  I’m completing the audio book for Watered by the Vine and I’m in the process of creating companion guides for Watered by the Vine and Rock Your Pearl.  I’m also, looking forward to the release of a book that I co-authored, early 2016.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I wouldn’t change anything in my latest book because I truly believe that everything God laid on my heart to say was put into the book.  I poured my heart and soul into Rock Your Pearl and I hope every young lady that reads it feels that from me.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

When I’m not in my most “creative space,” I focus on my ‘administrative’ work-cleaning up (structuring, organizing, formatting) what I already have. My work has to be authentic, it cannot be forced. When I get my creative bursts I ride with them, that’s when my most authentic self comes out. Sometimes it hits me in the middle of the night and I wake up and flow with it. The adrenaline is the creative juice I need to overcome writer’s block.

What was the most fun part of writing your book?

I would say the most fun part of writing both books is seeing it all come together. It’s watching it blossom from the seeds in my heart to a complete piece of work.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

My favorite author is Joyce Meyer. What strikes me about her writing mostly is her transparency, authenticity and relateability.  It’s as if you’re sitting down having a cup of coffee, chatting with a close friend. Her work is powerful and impactful and that’s what I strive for in my writing as well.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

The hardest part of writing my book was the editing and re-writes.  I got to a place where I would second guess myself-did I say too much or too little about a topic, wondering if my point was stated clearly enough, adding to my writing, taking away from it, etc., The hardest part was knowing when to stop, then turning it over into the hands of someone else. 

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned that writing a book is truly a process. It’s not just putting a bunch of words together, then calling it a book. After the book is finished, there is still work to be done. It takes a lot of time, dedication, and nurturing but it is truly rewarding.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My advice for other writers would be to definitely get feedback from someone you trust that will tell you the truth. It could be a critique group of local authors or family and friends. I would also advise starting a focus group made up of your target audience. If there are specific points that you want to address, make sure you ask those reviewing your work if the points came across during their reading. If there was a tone you wanted to set, ask them if they felt the impact. This will help you adjust what needs to be adjusted for your readers.  After that is done, get a professional editor. Not only are they another set of eyes, but they also know what to look for and will help fine tune and polish your work.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

To my readers: I pray that you hear my heart in every word you read and that you are edified, enlightened, and better than you were before.

Do you have an agent or publisher? How did you go about finding one?

I do not have an agent or publisher but I have learned it is difficult to do everything on your own and is not always the best choice. I have found that utilizing the skill set of others (graphic design artist, editor, marketer/promoter, etc,.)  is the best way to showcase your work in its best light. A team is important in the success of your book.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I would live on a beach that’s beautiful, quiet, and tranquil where I can relax and be at ease; but close enough to a city with all of the amenities and convenience.

Connect with Kay:

Twitter

Facebook

Website

Synopsis:

Rock Your Pearl!

Young girls today are growing up in a culture where anything goes. Right is wrong and wrong is right; they are lost and confused about which standard to follow. Those that want to keep their virginity feel isolated. Some are on the fence and likely to bends towards the "new normal." Others have given up their virginity and now feel it's too late for them, unaware that they can begin again.
Rock Your Pearl! will encourage teenage girls to honor, celebrate, and embrace their virginity or celibacy in a crazy, mixed-up world. It will inspire the younger generation to reach towards a higher standard for themselves than is currently being represented in today's culture. Author Kay Davis wants teen girls to understand that just like the pearl, they are valuable, and just like the pearl, their purity is admirable.
Whether you are a teen looking for some guidance or a parent looking for a powerful resource to help you talk with your teen about the delicate subject of sex, there is help for you inside this book!

Teen Readers will be packed full of:
-Encouragement
-Knowledge
-Wisdom
-Hope
-Practical and Biblical Insight
-Support and Guidance
-Love and Acceptance

Watered by the Vine: Daily Devotions for Single Women

Are you a single woman that is frustrated, discouraged, sad or lonely wondering why God has not sent your "perfect mate?" Or, are you a woman that chooses to remain single and are often ostracized, criticized, and judged because of your marital status? Watered by the Vine is a single woman's guide to finding purpose and fulfillment in life as a single woman. 

Embracing your singlehood can be both beneficial and worthwhile if you have and keep the right perspective.This highly inspirational daily devotional for single women takes you on a profound 365 day journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and motivation to help you live a complete and fulfilled life as a single woman. You will be richly endowed with spiritual and practical wisdom as you navigate through the singlehood journey.

With a quick boost for each day of the year, you will be:

* Encouraged
* Uplifted
* Challenged
* Inspired

Purchase links: 

Order your copy of Rock Your Pearl here!

Order your copy of Watered by the Vine here!

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