When I was single, my college roommate suggested I read Tommy Nelson’s book, The Book of Romance. I had never read a book about dating and relationships and was a little skeptical. But I read it in a few days and was hooked. I started reading a bunch of other books about relationships after that to be encouraged in the seemingly never-ending waiting process of finding Mr. Right (or rather God finding him for me).
Now, as a married woman, I still love knowing what is fresh and relevant on the market regarding relationships. I love being able to share about books and authors that I believe in and can recommend to my friends and readers.
About a month ago, I was able to connect with author Renee Fisher, also known as “Devotional Diva.” I first heard about Renee on Twitter and then realized that my friend and former co-worker Lonnie Smith had done an endorsement for her new book. Renee and I also discovered we knew a lot of the same people in the writing world.
I have grown to admire Renee’s enthusiasm and love for people. The fact that she’s a devotional writer is my cup of tea as well. I asked Renee if she’d be willing to share with us more about herself and her most recent book, Not Another Dating Book. She said she’d love to because she is just so cool like that. I think you’ll agree too.
An Interview with Renee Fisher about Not Another Dating Book
Samantha: I can’t help but ask… How did you and your publisher land on such a brilliant title?
Renee: It just came to me one day. I was frustrated with the lack of relevant books on the topic of relationships. I knew I wanted my book to stand out as “Not Another Dating Book” and it stuck!
Samantha: Can you share a little bit about how the book was birthed and the process in writing it? What did God teach you while you were writing?
Renee: Oh man. Do you have ALL day? I’m kidding! The book was birthed through a process of being single my whole life. I knew God had strongly promised me a husband when I was 15 and somehow I never let go of that promise. After the success of my first book, “Faithbook of Jesus” I jumped at the chance to write something that was super important to me, my heart, and my friends who were on the same search for significance in all their relationships.
Samantha: I love that Not Another Dating Book really isn’t just a dating book. You’ve included scriptural insight, prayers, journaling space, and questions for reflection within each devotional. How do you foresee readers being impacted by a book they can actually interact with on a really personal level?
Renee: This is something I’ve only dreamed and prayed about. My hope is that it becomes YOUR love story. I don’t like it when books give formulas on how you can find Mr. or Mrs. Right. Get your own love story! This is my attempt at giving you the keys. It’s just a tool and it is my hope that God uses it mightily in the lives of so many young people.
Samantha: What was your favorite chapter to write, and why?
Renee: When It’s Over. I love my ending of “Remain. Remain. Remain.” That was the biggest lesson I learned while writing that book. I never knew how God would honor His promise by bringing a man into my life, but I just knew I had to remain in Him to find out!
Samantha: What is the overall takeaway you want young adults to leave with after they’ve read the book?
Renee: HA! Part of my personality is to say something as I said before of, “get your own love story!” But I also love being highly interactive so if nothing else I hope it causes them to wrestle with God as much as I did!
Samantha: Are you working on any future projects?
Renee: I am. I just finished the rough draft for my third book yesterday, actually. It’s on the topic of forgiving yourself and I felt it would be a nice follow up to a book on relationships. Once you get in one, you find out quickly how easily you can hurt others and be hurt yourself!
Fore more information on Renee, visit her website at DevotionalDiva.com.
Renee and Harvest House Publishers have provided a copy of her book to give away. To enter for a chance to win:
- Leave a blog comment that answers: “I’m single/dating and would like to know _____ about marriage” OR “I’m married and I wish I knew _____ before marriage.”
The contest closes on February 20th and the winner will be determined using Random.org.
Renee Johnson Fisher is a spirited speaker and writer to twenty-somethings. She graduated from Biola University and worked with nationally known Christian speakers and writers at Outreach Events. Her devotional blog reaches hundreds of readers. Renee’s mission in life is to “spur others forward” (Hebrews 10:24) using the lessons learned from her own trials to encourage others in their walk with God.
Her first book, “Faithbook of Jesus” released Spring of 2010 with NavPress won the support of over 30+ endorsers in the Christian community including Josh McDowell, Miles McPherson, Eric Bryant, Shawn Wood, and Anne Jackson. Renee’s second book, “Not Another Dating Book” releases February, 2012 with Harvest House Publishers. With her trademark wit and enthusiasm Renee urges young adults to take a closer look at the way they relate to God and others, showing them that every relationship finds its perfect example in Christ.
Find her book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Harvest House