Leigh Ann Thomas is an award-winning author of four books, including Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace–Inspiration for the Mother of the Bride, and is a contributing author in twelve books and compilations. She is also a staff writer for the parenting sites, InTheQuiver.com and Just18Summers.com.
She is married to her best friend, Roy, and they are thankful for the gifts of three daughters, two sons-in-law, three amazing grandsons and a grand-princess. You’ll find Leigh Ann on adventure with her sweetheart, getting silly with her grands, or daydreaming story plots on the front porch.
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is an amazing gathering of writers where I had the amazing opportunity to get to know Leigh Ann. I’m currently reading her latest book, Smack-Dab in the Midlife Zone, Inspiration for Women in the Middle, and it speaks volumes into my soul. If you’re a woman in the middle, I guarantee it will minister to you.
Leigh Ann can be found at her website, twitter, instagram, and her amazon author page.
Leigh Ann, tell readers a few things about yourself.
My husband, Roy, and I love our mountains-to-coast home of North Carolina where we can enjoy day-trips to either destination. We are settled in the same home where we raised three girls and now love on four grand-babies. Our favorite activities? Exploring our beautiful country, laughing at old movies and TV shows, and finding the best milk shakes.
Your writing is beautiful, did you always want to write?
Absolutely not. Formal writing was torture throughout school, but when I discovered creative writing, I was hooked.
Tell us about your new release, Smack-Dab in the Midlife Zone: Inspiration for Women in the Middle.
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of working with Elk Lake Publishing Inc. to release Smack-Dab in the Midlife Zone: Inspiration for Women in the Middle. This season of life can be a shock–our children move through high school, college, or marriage, our schedules and responsibilities change, and we may struggle to find our footing. We gaze at the woman in the mirror and wonder, Who is that? What now, Lord? Through scripture, prayer, and the power of the personal stories of eleven interviewed mid-lifers, I hope to show women in the midlife that being smack-dab in the middle of God’s plans and purposes is the best place to be!
What advice do you have for young writers?
Relax and write for the simple joy of writing. Focus on subjects you are passionate about–whether that centers around sports, cooking, crafting, music, drama, etc. Create around your interests and magic will happen!
Everyone writes in different environments, some in silence, and some with background noise. Which do you prefer?
At home, I need silence (or the sounds of nature on the front porch). In the corner of a restaurant or coffee shop, I enjoy a low rumble of conversation/music in the background.
Where do you get your inspiration to write? I listen for wisps and whispers of inspiration in conversations, circumstances, movies, books, and articles, and especially in my study of God’s Word. Oh, to find the time to pursue each whisper.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books/writing?
Because of my relationship with Christ, my heart’s longing is to point others to Him. I never want to shame Him with my words; I want to honor Him with excellence.
When I read Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace–Inspirations for the Mother of the Bride, I was actually the Mother of the Groom, and it helped me through the wedding season. I highly recommend this book if you are working towards ribbons, lace, and moments of grace in your future.
