Feature on Writers From Regional Christian Paper

From Minnesota Christian Chronicle -- personality feature story about writers having an impact. To see the original, click here.

Local authors offer comfort to suddenly single women

by Delores E. Topliff

TWIN CITIES — Sharon Knudson, past president of the 140-member Minnesota Christian Writers’ Guild, and Mary Fran Heitzman, the group’s current president, share several things in common. Both love to write, and both have encountered many women who found themselves single again—through death or divorce—whose stories deserved to be told.

“The two of us have lived through the devastation of divorce or death of a loved one,” Knudson explained. “We know how utterly bereft it can make you feel.”

Knudson is a full-time freelance writer with five book collaborations and hundreds of published articles to her credit. Along with her husband Bob, she is active in her church and frequently speaks at Christian events and retreats.

Heitzman is a certified member of Toastmasters International, published in newspapers and various organizations, and co-facilitates a Faith Interaction group in her church. She works with “Duff,” her husband of 37 years, a financial advisor who often assists widows or divorcees facing difficulty.

As both Knudson and Heitzman met women needing to survive hardship, they found themselves reaching deep to provide understanding, counsel and personal encouragement. They were also inspired by and admired those with success stories of leaning hard on Jesus while trudging life’s sloughs of despondency to reach solid ground on the other side.

Combining forces, Knudson and Heitzman co-authored “Starting from Scratch When You’re Single Again: 23 women Share Stories, Encouragement, Recipes, and Lessons Learned When Starting Over Was All They Could Do.”

Although several names are altered for privacy, the book presents true story conversations with women, ranging in ages from their early 20s to late 70s, who suddenly found themselves in the unfamiliar world of financial, mechanical, household and parenting decisions once handled by, or shared with, spouses. Each conversation also includes key Bible verses and family recipes that were standbys for each woman.

“There are millions of single women in the United States today,” said the book’s publisher, Strang Communications. “Many of these women were once married but are now widowed or divorced. It is estimated that between 40 percent and 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce, while, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, 32 percent of women over 55 are widows. Dealing with the issues that arise from these sudden changes in their marital status can be a difficult and lonely experience.”

Having experienced this firsthand, Knudson and Heitzman “are reaching out a comforting hand to other women.”

Well-received at the July 2008 International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Fla., the book was released nationally in September. It is available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Family Christian Stores, and at many other book stores.

The authors are currently scheduled for book signings and book tours in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Idaho and Arizona, with more to come.

The Internet portion of their ministry, StartingFromScratchBooks.com, features an excerpt from the book, stories, inspiration, recipes, organizational tips, pictures, guest authors, give-aways and more.


Endorsements
“Starting from Scratch When You’re Single Again” has received 19 endorsements from pastors, Christian psychologists, authors, radio personalities and life coaches.

“This book is like a compendium of advice for what to do when disaster strikes,” writes Dr. Jim Burns, president of HomeWord, author and radio host.

Well-written and easy to read, initial readers offer praise for the book.

“I love the ‘Guiding Principles’ that follow each story and provide advice gleaned directly from the experiences,” said local author Connie Lounsbury. “This book is sure to be a hit.”

The intended audience for “Starting from Scratch When You’re Single Again” is women of all ages who are single again for whatever reason. However, the book is also valuable reading for men.

“I’m an analytical, left-brained male who set out to give this book a cursory glance and found myself weeping through several stories,” said Pastor Bruce Kotila, former director of Lutheran Evangelistic Movement. “I was deeply moved in my spirit, and the suffering represented in these pages stirred a compassion within me that I’ll not soon forget. Over and over, the themes evolved from despair to hope, despair to hope. I would happily recommend this book to anyone who ministers to women.”

Fathers, sons, brothers and prospective husbands will benefit from the insights and inspiration in this often hard hitting but enjoyable read.

Consider giving copies to the women in your life facing hard circumstances who need hope and encouragement as they find their way.

ACTION POINT:
Visit Sharon and Mary Fran’s interactive blog at www.startingfromscratchbooks.com to comment or schedule a “Starting from Scratch” workshop in your church, or attend a book signing.