Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Franklin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
At the age of thirteen I was placed in foster care. It was an emotionally difficult time because my mother needed extra support. I struggled with abandonment issues and suffered from depression. Although I wanted to be home, deep down inside I knew my life was about to change for the better. To cope with my sadness, I expressed myself through creative writing which became an unexpected therapeutic tool. I wrote poems, stories, plays and songs. I remember feeling so proud when my book of poems won first place in a high school literary contest. At that moment, I felt I had something important to say and knew in my heart that I would publish books.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to becoming an author was not easy. There were many times I doubted myself. My first publishing experience was through a third-party company, and it was not a great experience. I waited about ten years before embarking upon this journey again. I decided to do careful research on how to self-publish. I successfully published my second book and now have a fifth one in production! My next book “Your Life Matters” will be published near the end of this year. Nothing has been easy in my life, but perseverance is the key. I had to get these books out to help encourage people and to provide hope to the brokenhearted.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Last time, I shared things about my business endeavors, teaching career and my new career path in clinical mental health counseling. I am also very proud of my writing journey and for being able to write books to help people confront their own pain so they can make intentional steps towards positive change. I talk real life and use my authentic voice to encourage others to turn their pain into a purpose. I am most proud of how many people were inspired to become authors to share their own stories of triumph. I was able to provide professional guidance to help six people become first time published authors!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The late Dr. Janice M. Mack inspired me to dream big and to never feel sorry for myself. This mighty Christian woman of influence served as a Director of the Children’s Home of Virgnia Baptists, now known as the Baptist Center of Virgnia, Inc. She always told me to hold my head up high and to remember that God does not make junk. I was captivated by her confidence and compassion to see families restored. As a result of her mentorship for over 30 years, I chose to pay it forward.
This is my WHY. I am making a difference in the lives of children and adults who need hope. Dr. Mack left me with applicable lessons for the rest of my life. She always told me to never forget where I came from and to always be willing to help someone else in need. My own personal journey of healing has helped me connect and develop a stronger relationship with my parents and siblings. Anyone who has lived in foster care, knows the value of having real connections and loving relationships. I learned how important it is for homes to be nurturing and safe to ensure children grow up as healthy and stable adults. I want to tell every reader that your past traumas do not have to define your present.
I hope your readers will be encouraged by my story and be willing to pay it forward to someone else. I can be reached directly at [email protected] for speaking engagements that promote wellness and healing families.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chvb.org/
- Youtube: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=heroes+among+us+momma+mack&mid=6768C248E508EC33035D6768C248E508EC33035D&FORM=VIRE
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Hole-My-Heart-Personal-Forgiveness-ebook/dp/B096SRMGRN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OLYSSJPRZFKT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yUwlk4thpDdTdCsUJJnLxffksNb6WYubPZ4cC1__6XH9Aq4VG986kZtQvLmbE92LShky-0TEmrbX_yMW7GfzytL9ZZs-K19FyfSkvDGkHx9w1ZqSSdbuph7Fj49SllVJ.2Z-RTfoJ9R9nCDFXrlcsTX7ZetBVeBusNEmvo_sHImI&dib_tag=se&keywords=hole+in+my+heart+deborah+franklin&qid=1725836127&sprefix=hole+in+my+heart+deborah+franklin%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1
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