Interview with Ruthie Lewis - Author of Fireflies

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Tell us your favorite part in Fireflies

That’s so hard because I like different scenes for different reasons, but one I love is the snow angel scene with Charla and little Nicky. It’s short and sweet, but I love it.  I think my favorite would have to be the ending; it’s unique and so powerful.

What do you hope readers will take away from Fireflies?

I realize everyone will take away different things, but my hope from the beginning has been that women will realize that they have a passion they were meant live out; that they were created to be who they are, which has nothing to do with the roles they play; that it’s okay to live what they are called to live instead of all the should’s that come from everyone else.  I pray they will clearly see the degree to which they are living a life of “have-to /supposed-to” while their inner light is dying.  We as women need to take a very introspective look at the lies we believe.  This is a dangerous subject for me to get into!  You will get me going real quick!

How does Faith play into your writing?

For me, faith is a part of life, whether you have it or not.  People describe their faith in all different ways, and I believe faith is highly misunderstood.  My reasons for writing have everything to do with provoking people to ask themselves tough questions about their faith and to see it as a growing thing.  Faith is NOT just a belief in God.  Faith is the opposite of fear – and as you know which is a subject addressed in “Fireflies.  Faith and fear are opposites, which must mean it is a choice.  And if the most repeated words of Jesus were “fear not”, it must be a choice. True faith is what gives you the strength to walk through fire, to stand up for the truth even if it could cost you everything.  That’s why our faith is constantly tested – it forces us to ask ourselves what we really believe.  You’re good! This is another subject that could really get me going.

What are your hobbies other than writing?

I wish I had time for other hobbies, but writing, speaking and life coaching just don’t leave any room.  I do make “me” time a priority, but the little that there is, I read or hang out with family and friends.  I love to travel, there’s just not much time to do it.  If I did have a hobby, it would be scrapbooking and other crafts.  I love creativity.

What movie has inspired you the most?

Well, there’s many, mostly about strong women who overcame incredible difficulties.  If you’re expecting a movie with a religious message, that’s not it, because religion has nothing to do with spirituality and living the light inside you, what you were created for – I could write a book about that alone.  One of my favorite movies is “Eat, Pray, Love”, not because I aspire to everything in the movie, but because of the courage of Liz - played by Julia Roberts - to completely change her life because she knew it was a long way from where she knew she needed to be and because it involves my dream of traveling.  If you haven’t seen it, she travels for a year to Italy, India and Bali, living in each country for four months.  What an adventure! All of us dream of doing something crazy like that but very few step out in courage and do it.

What is your favorite book?

Oh my, I’ve read all my life, so that’s nearly impossible.  There’s so many, but I suppose it would have to be a non-fiction because as much as I love novels, I’m a Life Coach and have read so many non-fiction books about women’s issues and why people make the choices they do and there are some that have changed my life.  One would be “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers.  Another would be “Boundaries” by Henry Cloud, not as much because it’s a favorite, but because I meet few women that truly know how to draw boundaries.  I recommend both these of these books a lot.  You can find a list of recommended books on my website: www.RuthieLewis.com

What is your favorite comfort food?

That would have to be a great pot pie, or beans and cornbread.

I am a big dog lover, tell us about your pets if any.

When my kids were younger, we had a terrier/collie named Taz – very appropriately named as it turned out.  The story behind Taz is one I love.  My son, Josh and I were at Wal Mart and someone was in front of the store trying to get rid of puppies, and of course, Josh had to stop and hold one.  Josh’s puppy eyes reigned as we shopped, begging me to keep one; he’d picked out the cutest.  I explained he would have to be responsible for it and went through all he would have to do and then I left the decision up to him.  Back out front, we stopped and played with the puppies again and I asked Josh what he thought.  With a sad face, he said he didn’t know if he could take care of him, which surprised me, because kids promise the world for a new puppy. As we slowly walked away, big gator tears rolled down his cheeks. 

What are you writing now?

There is a sequel to “Fireflies” and most people are saying “yeah!”, telling me there HAS to be one.  But because I’m a Life Coach, I also have a non-fiction I’m really anxious to finish, so I’m struggling with which one to finish next.

Do you have a website or blog where readers can find you?

I do have a website and blog: www.RuthieLewis.com.

I’m also on facebook/LetYourGlowShow; twitter @RuthieLewisGlow, and LinkedIn