Interview with Anne Del Vecchio

Author of A Daily Walk to Joy in the Midst

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Born and raised in California. Moved to Idaho 10 years ago.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

We were devastated by the loss of our investments in the real estate down turn of 2008. Since we owned a small investment property in Idaho, we decided to move into it. Leaving all our family and friends was hard but we looked forward to “Gene and Anne’s Great Adventure”. It has become our mountain home. Everyone says the moose walk down the street. I hear the stories but have yet to see one.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

My first years of marriage were labeled “Anguish”, “Intolerable”, “Painful”, as my husband and I struggled to show love to one another. Then after the birth of our son, and seven miscarriage, we adopted a 3 year old little girl from a Romanian orphanage. Having lived in a crib with no affection, toys or socialization, she was charming to strangers but acted out her lack of attachment with me. With my families permission, we decided to share our story and the lessons God taught on our journey to wholeness and joy.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

If your heart aches with sorrow, discouragement, or a desire newness, come with me on my journey out of depression and hopelessness to peace and contentment in spite of the trouble of life. Learn by walking with God, absorbing lessons from the Word, to incorporate His victory in your everyday moments. Walk over the Mountain of Gloom to the Lake of Still Waters.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Older women, you will empathize with the journey because you have walked in my shoes at some point in your life. Someone you know will need to be gifted with a Daily Walk to Joy in the Midst. Women in the child rearing years, this book is written for you! As God instructed older women to teach the younger, He has guided short stories and lessons to grow you in all aspect of life. One lesson per week, four days of verses. Five minutes is all you need!

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

To sit in prayer and silence, waiting upon the Lord for the words. This was an amazing time of hearing His guidance, developing patience, persistence and determination. It is a lot of work writing for publishing, many rewrites and correction. Yet, each time editing through the book, I learned anew something God had to teach me once again. God is so good!

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Do not listen to naysayers and your own insecurities! Listen to the Lord’s guidance. Pay attention to those our Lord places in your path with encouraging word. Run the race!

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I told the Lord, “If one person is encouraged by my book, it is worth the writing.” Even so, it would delight me if everyone who would benefit would be reached by my warm, friendly, sometimes funny, Biblically sound devotional.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

My husband Gene and I saved for years to have the funds to publish. Now when the book is available, to reach the biggest markets with a Daily Walk to Joy in the Midst, costs thousands of dollars. Our trust is in the Lord to provide the funds, but it is hard to be patient and wait.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My strength in writing. Since college as a creative writing major, I have written. Leave me alone with nothing to do for 10 minutes and I have paper and pen in my hand. Writers must write. Until now, my writing was for my family alone. Now it is shared with you. Speaking at women’s event is a pinnacle event; getting the women involved and seeing a light of God is a great joy.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness and why I have never sought to publish before, is the tedious editing. Though a necessity, I would rather move onto writing something new. Marketing is another stress.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Three books are already written but bogged down in editing and lack of finances. One is about living well from God’s perspective when the budget doesn’t quite stretch far enough. Another about Godly parenting, love and consequences. Several children’s books that include games for parenting.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Wesbow Publishing is a self-publish division of Zondervan. They provided much input to home my manuscript for publishing.