My
Beauty for Ashes
is your personal journey in Christianity. Do you plan any follow-up
books?
Yes,
I am actually working on my second book right now. I didn’t plan to
write a second book, but the Lord told me that was his will. I
thought writing my personal testimony was going to be a one-shot
deal, but the Lord said otherwise.
What
do you think makes a great personal story?
I
think transparency is key. It’s important to be honest when you are
telling your story. I believe readers can tell if you are
sugar-coating the truth. Honesty is so important.
What
inspired you when writing My
Beauty for Ashes?
I
knew that writing this book was not about me. God told me to write
this book over 3 years ago, but I fought him. I thought about all
the people God told me needed to read my testimony. He told me that
my obedience in writing this book was tied to someone else’s
breakthrough.
What
are your ambitions for your writing career? Full-time? Part-time?
I
think it will be part-time, but I’m not sure what God’s will is
for me in this area. I am allowing him to order my steps.
When
did you decide to become a writer?
One
year ago in 2016, God dealt with my disobedience when I was in a
wilderness season and I finally surrendered to the call on my life.
I had no aspirations to become a write, but I loved the process.
There is nothing like working on something for months and months and
seeing it come to fruition.
When
writing My
Beauty for Ashes,
did anything stand out as particularly challenging?
Yes,
reliving my past was not easy; there were some very painful memories
I had to write about. There were many times I just had to stop
writing for a day or two because it was too much.
What
motivated you to write My
Beauty for Ashes?
All
of the people God told me would experience breakthrough and healing
after reading my testimony. They were my daily motivation while
writing this book.
What
do you like to do when not writing?
I
love to listen to music, go the beach, and spend time with my
daughter.
They
can visit my website, http://www.toniashalel.com
and visit my Instagram social media account. I minister daily to my
followers.