Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Fortenberry.
Hi Vanessa , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As an advocate of reading and writing, my story began as a kindergartener, when I first fell in love with the written word. Throughout my childhood and adult years, reading and writing influenced, and shaped my life regarding my career choices.
Therefore, a little over ten years ago, I decided that I should get off the fence and start writing children’s books. And, let me be transparent, God told me that I would write children’s books, and that they would be Christian based. You see, my intention was to write a romance novel. I think God said, “Girl, get out of here. What do you know about romance?”
To date, my writing career includes the series, Families Growing in Faith with the titles, “Mama, I Want to See God,” “Daddy, I Want to Know God,” and “Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God.” My books respond to the many questions that children have about God. They also include powerful truths making them a great resource for families with young children. My books are Kid Approved!
In addition, as a lifelong advocate of literacy, I desire to enrich, educate, and empower children, and adults in developing meaningful literacy, and literary experiences. As a result, I am now the owner of Power of Words: Connecting Readers and Writers, LLC. My mission: Transforming literacy one creation at a time.
Please visit my website for more information. https://
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t know of any ministry or business that encountered a smooth road. Bumps in the road exist no matter the level of preparation. Book launch delays, deadlines, illustrator issues, health, and family matters can all deliver their own set of frustrations. When they come, I hold on tight and treat them like I would any other challenge in my life. I pray on it and give it to God. Oftentimes, when I’ve endured a specific barrier, I soon realized that it wasn’t supposed to happen, and that it wasn’t God Approved!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I exist as a creator of children’s Christian books. But I soon hope to publish a couple of non fiction, and non Christian children’s books, as well as adult literature (no romance novel).
As an entrepreneur, I’m excited about my new business venture; Power of Words: Connecting Readers and Writers, LLC. My business endeavor is two-fold; serving students and adults. I provide a variety of services that enrich, educate, and empower my clients in their literacy endeavors.
As an author and retired teacher-librarian, I offer author talks about my writing journey and literacy workshops, that reinforce classroom instruction, to schools for students (K-5). These services are offered individually or as part of a package. In some instances, my experience as a former music and reading teacher, a teacher-librarian, as well as an author gives me an edge when offering my services to schools. Also, I love speaking to adults at libraries and churches.
In addition, as an experienced author, my passion overflows so much that I desire to assist others in solving their literary career choices. My goal for aspiring and newbie creators is to allow them to partially stroll in my worn shoes. Therefore, I provide consulting and mentoring subscriptions to aspiring and newbie authors.
Please visit my website to receive all of the details. https://powerofwords.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people are not aware that in my lifetime, I have moved many times. One of my college friends shared with me that she would always input my address in pencil because I moved so often. It’s true! But even with all of the moves, I kept up with a special black binder that included all of my writings and poetry from my school days, and an uncompleted novel that I wrote in long hand, in my twenties. I’m thankful that I have now been in my home for over two decades. And, regarding my black binder, it has a permanent home in my office space.
Regarding my published books, not many people know that I commissioned my illustrators to include a portrayal of my family members in each of my books. One can find the likeness of my grandson and granddaughter in “Mama, I Want to See God,” my son and daughter in “Daddy, I Want to Know God,” and my mother and father in “Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://powerofwords.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortenberryv_powerofwords/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?viewas=100000686899395&id=61556411618163
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/power-of-words-connecting-readers-and-writers-llc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_LrpuWFSNkBF7nVpL2Y2Yw
