Confessions of a Completely In*Sane Mother by Kersten Campbell

Author blogVIEW
with Kersten Campbell

Title: "Confessions of a Completely In*Sane Mother" by Kersten Campbell
Publisher: "Horizon Publishers" an imprint of Cedar Fort Publishing, Inc.
Release Date: February 2009 / In stores March of 2009
Website: http://www.kerstencampbell.com/

What inspired you to write the book?
I wanted to encourage mothers and families to laugh and enjoy the wonderful stages of family life instead of being stressed and overwhelmed by their daily disasters. Many mothers feel discouraged by their failures and weaknesses, but I love the human condition--that we all have our own faults and strengths,and ultimately we all need each other and the Savior to make it work. I wanted to write a book that would make women feel good about themselves, laugh about their family fiascos, and realize that all mothers struggle with the same issues, and that there is laughter and joy in the journey.

What is your favorite chapter in the book and why?
My favorite chapter has to be the one where my son is selling rocks out of our driveway to all the neighbors. There is even a rock that costs $30! He is so hopeful, and to my horror and amazement some of the neighbors actually buy some. This really happened, and at first I was so mortified that my son was doing something so ridiculous, but then I ended up buying one myself because he was so cute and I couldn't resist him. I love this chapter because it shows how your kids do stuff that is crazy and embarrassing but you can't help but love them all the more for it!

Do you have other books you have written? If yes, what are they?
This is my first one.

Is there a particular event that stands out to you that helped you become an author?
No real event. I just have always loved being lost in a book, and I enjoy the musical quality of language and its power to move people. That is what inspires me to keep writing. I want to make a difference--to give people happiness and hope.

Was there a person in your life who believed in you more than you believed in yourself? If so, who was that person?
Actually, most people thought I was crazy to try and write all the time because they viewed it as a 'pie in the sky' dream. I have a lot of practical people in my family. Luckily, the Lord believed in me. I believe He inspired me to write this book.

What advice would you give to writers wishing to have their works published? Never give up. Even if you aren't that good at writing, if you love it...keep at it. I look back at my early writing and just laugh. It's pretty bad. You will improve, and the only way to improve is to keep writing, and if one thing fails, try another until you find your niche. But keep your perspective. Don't sacrifice the things that are most important, like family. Be patient. Little by little, it will come.

Who is your favorite author?
Right now my favorite author is Shannon Hale. She writes in language that is so beautiful. It just washes over you with its stunning imagry.

Do you have a quote that motivates you? If so ... (please share)
"Live, Laugh, Love" It reminds me that family, laughter, and loving others are the most important things, and I want to keep writing about them.

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Personal note: The blurb on the back cover of the book is a quote by me! I really enjoyed Kersten's book and laughed out loud many times ... Thanks Kersten for making a difference!