Ten Questions with… Elizabeth Chalker
Please welcome Elizabeth Chalker to the blog today, who has the distinction — such as it is — of being my second non-fiction author interviewed!
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Author Bio: I grew up in South Florida and have always been a strong willed, determined individual. I am a very loyal person and tend to see the heart of individuals over behaviors. I was an athlete growing up and even as an adult. Before serious physical disease, I worked as a psychologist and addictions counselor with violent juveniles and their families. I also practiced sports psychology with young athletes.
My dreams have always been huge and continue to be even today. There is much I would like to do in this life, all towards making the world a better place. I am constantly striving to become all of who God created me to be, and am continually striving to go deeper in my relationship with God.
I began writing as a catharsis to everyday life. Also, as an avenue to share raw insights, emotion, and to inspire and encourage others.
Author Site: http://www.elizabethchalker.org & http://www.helpelizabeth.net
You can find her book “Hanging On by the Scratch Marks My Nails Left Behind: Raw Faith” at Amazon or Barnes & Noble!
About the Writer
1. What five words describe you?
Five words to describe me would be, child of God, loyal, fiercely loving, tenacious, and funny.
2. What was the first story you ever wrote?
The first story I ever wrote was as a young child. I wrote about changing the world!
3. What inspires you?
Mainly I look to God. I see Him everywhere; through nature, animals, other people, and the trials/triumphs of life. Hearing how others overcome seemingly impossible life circumstances and go on to serve despite their limitations is also very inspiring, to me.
4. What distracts you?
Physical pain and fatigue are main distractions for me at this time.
5. What’s your favorite story?
My favorite story is the absolute love story God has shared in His word, the Bible.
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About the Writing
1. Tell us about your currently available titles.
I have one book currently, “Hanging On by the Scratch Marks My Nails Left Behind: Raw Faith”. This is a book that was written while still in the midst of trials with no promise for the suffering to end. It took 10 years to write while suffering serious, physical illness. My prayer for the book is to inspire individuals to self-examine and find their core; to realize that we are all children of God and therefore, one in Him. We tend to see life and our circumstances as if from under a quilt as it is being made, where all that is seen is a bunch of haphazard threads from our view. God’s view is from above where everything comes together and forms a beautiful and complete picture.
My hope is also to encourage individuals to seek love and extend love.
One of the most important messages of the book is to strengthen anyone who reads it, to cause him or her to embrace all of who he or she is, the parts we deem ‘dark’ and unacceptable as well as the parts we see as praiseworthy and pleasant.
Most importantly, my hope is that the reader will embrace intimacy in relationship with God and realize that raw expression of heart, no matter how unacceptable to the world, is honorable in the eyes of God and welcomed.
We live in a world where appearances are most important and true character; integrity, honesty, ethics, service…are balked at and mocked in exchange for superficial ‘wealth’ that only breeds hate and egocentricity. I pray that the God inspired messages in my book will lend ‘permission’ to the readers to step up within themselves and fully own all of who they are and share such with others, while also serving as a soft cushion for others to share. Effecting positive change, towards love is a main hope that I pray readers will embrace.
2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?
My favorite part about writing the pieces I have shared in my book and otherwise, is being used as an instrument for God’s glory. To me, there is no human event that can provide more joy, strength, fulfillment and peace than the experience of God’s hand and Spirit in and through me.
3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!
I write non-fiction so there are no characters 
. I would say of myself that I am a strong-willed, stubborn, sensitive, fiery red head with a spirit that desires to bless, inspire and strengthen others, who is continually becoming all God created me to become, for His glory.
4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?
My favorite ‘character’ in my book is God. If a movie were made, I would love to have Jim Caviezel play God.
5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?
Currently, I am fighting for my life and doing all I can to promote my book in order to have some income for life-saving medical treatment. Due to severe limitations from physical illness, I am not able to participate in much of life. Nevertheless, I do all I can and push to do more. Encouraging others and giving to my loved ones in all the ways I am able…sharing my relationship with Christ wherever I can…sharing my story in the rawness of my soul and the truth of what is happening, I hope to be an example of courage and inspiration for others.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share with you and your readers!
To God be the glory.
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Thank you for joining and sharing with us, Elizabeth, and good luck to you!
