Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
Elizabeth Arnita is the youngest of 12 children. She learned early in life
about family dynamics and the concept of sharing. After graduating in 1983,
with a degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, Elizabeth
married Shadi and they have been blessed with four fabulous children. Her love
for the Lord has opened her eyes to a world in need and ignited her compassion
for those who are less fortunate. She and her husband founded and continue to
manage Welcome The Children; a non-profit organization that funds and supports
children who are experiencing the reality of poverty. Elizabeth Arnita has
designated all of the proceeds from her book sales to support WTC.
What are some of the things
that have influenced/inspired
your writing?
Life experiences are the
most interesting and inspiring stories.
As a budding author, I look at life scenarios and imagine how they can
become a story that exemplifies a life lesson.
Can you share some writing experiences with us?
Writing has been a “heart overflowing” onto the page
experience. I have written several
different types of material (Only “Baby Come Home has been published) and find
that the best works are the ones that are an honest and open revelation of how
God has used different circumstances to teach me something about Him and His love
for me. It isn’t always easy to accept
the lessons He wants me to learn, but I have found that once I put them into
writing I understand His plan better. One of the most valuable lessons I have been
taught is that if I submit my thoughts and works to God, He ordains something
worth reading.
Tell us briefly about your recently
published book and what you feel is the most important topic/sub-message you
share.
Through the story of a young
bird named Baby, “Baby Come Home” is a book that relays the concept of
unconditional love and acceptance. Often
times we don’t realize how our decisions to rebel can lead to serious
mistakes. Baby learns that even after he
makes bad choices and is in the midst of the consequences, his caretaker and
friend Sam never gives up on him.
Please describe to us your relationship between you
and your editor. What makes an author/editor relationship a success?
Virginia is a woman with
intelligence and experience beyond my years.
Though she is younger than I am, I trust her input and value her
suggestions. I believe she respects and
appreciates the work she has received from me and allows my writings to benefit
from her perspective.
To feel that a relationship is a
success, each party must share a common goal but respect the other party’s
vision. The writer needs to trust that constructive
criticism is not a personal attack and understand that the editor works for
their benefit.
Have you ever
suffered from writer’s block? If yes, how did you ‘cure’ it?
I am sure writer’s
block plagues every writer at some point or another. When it occurs with me, I
simply put everything down and allow God to finish the work in me before I
attempt writing it. Sometimes this is
just stepping away to get some tea and sometimes months later, works are still
sitting unfinished. I resign my writings
to His inspirations.
What type of books do you mostly write?
“Baby Come Home” is the first official book I have
written. I have another children’s book
in the making and several more children’s book outlines in the works. Other writing accomplishments include
teachings used to enlighten groups on lessons I have learned through the
experiences of life.
Who or what inspires your characters and/or plots?
I have received inspirations from my children, the Bible,
life situations and an over active imagination.
Tell us about your writing space.
Although I feel that having a particular writing space could
enhance productivity, my life and home do not allow such a luxury. Our living space is full of living people and
that can create many distractions and yet many story lines. It is all in the perspective. When a writer has a story to tell, the
biggest mistake he/she can make is waiting for the “perfect” opportunity to
write it down to get in the way.
Sometimes you have to sit where you are and just get busy. Throw yourself into the work and allow
circumstances to enrich your story.
What advice would you give
to a new writer?
If you have a story worth
telling, don’t allow insecurity to stand in the way of letting people enjoy
it.
