What inspired you to become an author?

I’ve been desiring to write for a long time.  I had started a devotional for women years ago and never finished it.  When the idea for this type of book came up for children, it felt like it was time to get an important message out there for our families.  One day I will finish the devotional when it is time.

Give us an interesting fun fact about your book.

The name of the main character, is the name of the street my family and I use to live on back in New Jersey.  While stationed in the Air Force, I simply love that name.

Which chapter in the book is your favorite and why?

My favorite is the chapter where Sassay is using her faith to encourage her friend Jeremiah, after his mother passed away.  Yes, I cried while writing it.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

I want our families to think about what they are saying and demonstrated to our children by their actions.  They are shaping the lives of the children in their life.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Never give up, even when it seems like it will not happen.  When we trust and believe, all things are possible then ALL things ARE possible!

What is something you will never do again?

I will not settle in life or believe that I’m not enough.  Believing that it may be possible for someone else to achieve their dreams but not me.  For instance, something that I wanted to do was to go back to school.  We were a military family, moving all the time, so it never seemed like the right time for me and my family.  Yet, my desire to return remained very strong.  There came a time where I gave up and thought I was too old, not to mention I didn’t know what I wanted to do or go back for.  But when I began to seek God and ask concerning what he had placed in my heart to do.  When I did that, it all made sense to me.  I had that light bulb moment! When the opportunity came, I grabbed it and never looked back.

What’s your most valuable possession?

My faith, my family and my education.

What is one thing in life that makes you feel alive?

Loving Jesus, knowing he loves me and died that I may live!

What are the top things you’ve learned over the past year?

That anything is possible when you believe.  Never give up, even when you don’t understand and you don’t see the end.  Others, including family members may not understand why you do what you are doing, but it’s not for them to understand.  It’s also important to not share everything with everyone, not everyone needs to know what is in your heart to accomplish.  If you have a dream in your heart, follow your dream.  The people in your life that do not understand were not given your dream.  So dream on, because it’s for you, not them.  Therefore, keep the faith and your dream in front of you.

What memory do you just keep going back to?

The one memory that I keep in my heart is that of my mother.  She passed away last year, before my book was finished.  Although she knew I was writing it and I would often share it with her.  She never had the opportunity to read it.

How can everyone keep in contact with you on social media?

On Instagram at OurFamilymatters_Denise Harvey or by email via deniseharvey4u@yahoo.com.  I have started a website, but it’s not finished yet.  Once I get a break from classes, I will get it finished.