Interview: Hermina Krista Pettiford, Author of Surrendered Balance

Joining us today is Hermina Krista Pettiford, author of Surrendered Balance Daily Living for the Modern Christian Woman. She is the women’s ministry leader in her local church – New Covenant Tabernacle located San Diego, CA where she lives with her family. She has a B. A. in Biblical Studies from Southern California Seminary.

Welcome to The Book Connection, Hermina. We are thrilled to have you with us.
What is your fondest childhood memory?

I have many but one that stands out is my first trip to Disneyland. We have a large family. There were nine of us growing up, six girls and three boys. I am the youngest girl. We all took a train ride from San Diego to Orange County where Disneyland is located - dad, mom, and all of us. It was great. I remember the train ride more than being at Disneyland. It was wonderful looking at all the beautiful scenery as we went by. I love trains.

When did you begin writing?
I began writing after I became and adult, about the age of 21. It was like therapy to write what I was feeling. After I became a Christian I really began to write, this is how I pour out my heart to God and how I make a record of personal promises for Him and prayer requests to Him. Reading was my first love. I began to really enjoy reading at about the age of ten after I read The Diary of Anne Frank. It was a real story about a real person that ended in a real tragedy. This touched me in a way that caused me to love reading. After becoming a Christian I found myself writing more than I read.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I write when I can sneak a few moments. I’m always busy.
What is this book about?

The book is about balancing life for busy women, however, I’ve come to realize that this is a universal message. Men and children need it too. So many people have reached out and asked me to write a version of Surrendered Balance for everyone. People are balancing so much these days - home, work /career, staying fit, ministry, friendships, family, and our most important our relationship with God, and time for ourselves, all of this with the distractions of the modern world today. Surrendered Balance was written to give new insight and new strategies for fitting everything in without getting overwhelmed by anything. The things I discuss are not new; they are the basic principles of living a balanced life shared in a simple way. The strategies I share to fit all these valuable things into our lives without getting lost in the maze of modern life are, I believe, written with a fresh perspective.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My children are my biggest supporters.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

I am a member of the San Diego Christian Writers Guild and they have critique groups. Unfortunately I don’t get a chance to attend them as often as I’d like to so I asks friends and use a professional editor to look at my work.
Who is your favorite author?

I love the Bible, but other than that Francine Rivers.
Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

I don’t have an agent but I’m open to the possibility.
Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

It was interesting and educational. I self-published, opening my own small publishing house. I had everything done by professionals within the industry. I handled the business side of things including copyrights, Library of Congress, ISBN, finding a printer and a distributor, as well as setting a price for the book for wholesale and resale, marketing, and negotiating with bookstores to carry the book. 
If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

Yes, I would have priced the book differently. I love the business of books.
Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Surrendered Balance can be purchased at www.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com, and at local Barnes and Noble stores, and also at my website – www.surrendreddbalance.com.
Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

I have a blog – www.surrenderedbalance.com , where I write a weekly devotional. People can sign up to get them via email also. They can also get information on my scheduled events and book signings.
Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

Yes, it’s on YouTube, I was interview by Tracey Allen. It’s wonderful interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDA9z_9vY6g&feature=related

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

Pump Up Your Book because it is doing a lot more for a lot less. The links and the articles can always be referred back to and re-promoted.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Write the book before you take the journey of trying to get published. Also, for self publishers have a professional edit done, you’ll be glad you did and a professional cover. Interior book design for consistency of page layout is just as important.
What is up next for you?

Next for me is more books - a devotional and a Surrendered Balance series. But above all that I am planning on transition into fulltime ministry. There is no greater joy for me than sharing the Gospel of the Kingdome of God, all are welcome!
Is there anything you would like to add?

My prayer and desire for Surrendered Balance and any other book that I will every write is that it will be more than just another good story; I hope it will help people achieve goals and solve problems. I designed the book to be an action tool that will not only give the reader good ideas but equip each person with a plan and a way to carry out that plan.

Thanks for spending time with us today, Hermina. We wish you great success.