each friday on the kreatid blog, I’m shining a spotlight on a different person who I admire on a regular basis…the people who inspire me (whether in person on on-line) to strive to live every day, creatively.no matter what their creative medium is,no matter what their vocation is,if I admire them, you’re gonna be introduced to them!in·spi·ra·tion [in-spuh-rey-shuhn] nouna thing or person that inspires.this week's INSPIRATION | friday interview is with my new friend sarah.I first noticed her about a year ago sitting a few rows in front of me at church.she was sitting to the right of her husband and the thing that caught my eye was her and her girls.all in a row, and their hair...sarah's auburn red, then blonde, then red two more times...it made me smile.and it made me wonder about her for the first time.I had heard of her through a mutual friend and her gift for writing...and as I looked at the back of her head I couldn't help but co-relate and imagine her as agrown up version of Anne - from Anne of Green Gables.and again, that thought made me smile.sarah, is someone who isn't afraid of chasing her dreams.but not at the expense of not being an amazing daughter, mother and wife!she is the author of two incredible novels (go buy them on amazon!)and she has the amazing ability to weave history, an amazing love story and God throughout her novels.in getting to visit her at her home for this interview,I couldn't help but notice that that love of history is beautifully displayedfrom the keepsakes vintage scrapbooks on her coffee table,to her unbelievably beautiful quilt from generations of families fabric's woven into one beautiful blanket! :)her love story of her husband and her family were beautiful displayed in pictures and art on her walls...and God's hand was evident as she described His story in some of the art on her walls...she is living life the same amazing way in how she writes her novels...full of history, full of her love's + most importantly, being a part of God's story. :)to put it simply, she continues to fascinate me and inspires me to chase after my own dreams as a "grown-up".I genuinely admire her.meet, sarah. :)

What's your full name?  And how would you describe yourself?

My pen name is Sarah Witenhafer.  Actually, that’s my real name - Sarah is okay, but who would choose a monster like Witenhafer for a last name, right?I hate to describe myself because, honestly, at 48, I’m still not sure what’s up with me. I’ve learned not to think about it too much.  What I can say is through all my phases God has proven Himself to be abounding in steadfast, faithful love. In fact, it was in one of my confused, wandering phases His incredible love inspired me to write. You could say I’m often inspired by history, art, romance, but it’s definitely God’s personality that weaves all my stories together and stirs my soul between the lines of ink.

what's your favorite inspiring quote/Bible verse?

A verse that captures His character and my need is Psalm 18:28. “My God turns my darkness into light.” For me, it not only speaks to God’s ability to give me direction – it also testifies to His covering my sinful nature with the perfect works of Christ through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. There’s an incredible personal story of how God used that verse to guide me in a very dark time. I sign my books with the reference as a testimony to what God has done. You would think that would mean I constantly float in this cocoon of God awareness. Um…I wish. :) Unfortunately, my gift is a strength and a weakness. I can make up some pretty exciting stories, and I can do it in my head all day long. This imagination has Super-Me (empowered to do all things perfectly while armed with a sword) zooming on her Ducati motorcycle to Greek mountaintop monasteries while my hands are stuck in the dish water at the kitchen sink. If this seems weird to you, you’re obviously not a writer.

where would you escape to in the world if you could? why?

People talk about getting away; I just want escape my own head. But that doesn’t mean I’d turn down a river cruise through England on a houseboat either. *subtle hint to my hubby, there* All those historic sites! And the Queen keeps asking me to tea. Oh… wait… I think I imagined that. Durn. :)

tangent time. ;)

As fun as making up stories is for me, I was created for a much greater purpose – to enjoy GOD. The irony is simply by enjoying God, by thinking about His greatness and talking to Him about everything, I’d be supernaturally empowered to not only do all that He sets before me, but also to affect the lives around me. And seriously, have you seen people lately??? We’re going nuts. Yeah, I gotta work on the enjoying God more. Ask me later how it’s going. No, really. Ask me. Slap me if I have a glazed look and I’ll answer quicker.  *I literally laughed out loud here.* ;)

do you have any other hobbies you enjoy?

Other than writing I also enjoy sculpting, horseback riding, and laughing. But it’s good that lots of things make me laugh cause' I don’t get to do much of the other two.

if you could encourage someone who is just starting out in the writing field, what would you say to them?

Writing takes a lot of time. It’s been compared to crossing the ocean alone in a bathtub. That’s why if someone asks me to give advice to a new writer, I say PICK SOMETHING ELSE. But if you really are a writer, you can’t stop yourself. Poor sap. ;) In that case, I say write a story you would like to read. If you’re a Christian I say write so that your reader will finish your story pondering something about God. A lot of Christian writers hate that idea believe it or not. I think there’s freedom. I also think there’s enough stuff that never makes people ponder God so I’m going to do it. If I’m a goober for it – I’m God’s goober. God’s Goobers, how’s that for a church name? 1st Church of God’s Goobers United. Goobers of Grace. I could go on all day – see what I mean?  *I'm seriously still laughing.* :)

brother’s/sister’s? where are you at in the birth order? nicknames as a kid?

It might be a last child thing. We tend to be the entertainers of the world. One of my four older brothers accidentally threw me through a window once. When I popped up on the other side, laughing, he was highly entertained. They nicknamed me Omega, praying I would be the last of my kind. I wasn’t. There are plenty of people just like me. You know who you are.

If you’re STILL reading this incredibly long blog post, Jen asked me to answer even more questions:

favorite article(s) of clothing?

My father’s naval officer dress jacket. (secret fact - we share the same favorite article of clothing...makes me like her more.)

favorite band/song for inspiration?

I’m so bad. I daydream to songs and forget the band’s name. Some I’ve remembered – Coldplay, Switchfoot, U2, Toby Mac.  Epic bands, those.

favorite three blog’s you like to read?

Don’t have time. I’m in the tub crossing the ocean.

top three book’s you would buy?

The Gospel for Real Life by Brown. Desiring God by Piper. The Holiness of God by Tozer.

favorite author?

George Martin – he needs to get saved so I don’t have to skip over portions.

if you could encourage young women (14-21) to be anything, what would it be?

Be diligent to rest in the grace of Christ then you will succeed at whatever you choose to do. At the right time, marry, love your husband, and have lots of children. Shocking, I know. If you don’t do that – be a mom to someone else’s kid. There are plenty who need love.

if you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

I love what I do – just wish I did it better. see, she's pretty dang inspiring. :)thank you sarah! :)