Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deborah Smith Pegues. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deborah , we are looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do?

Writing a nonfiction book that the masses would flock to was a skill that I didn’t know that I had. I never aspired to pursue this as a career. However, English was always my favorite subject, and the teacher who influenced me most was my high school English teacher, Mrs. Scales. From the time I graduated college to this day, my family, friends, colleagues, and others have always asked me to draft correspondence on their behalf or to weigh in on their writings. Okay, to be completely honest, I often offered my critiques without their solicitation–but usually with much appreciation.

In terms of learning the craft, I’ve never had a formal writing class. I simply observed or experienced a problem or challenge in our culture and decided to tackle it from an inspirational perspective using the ancient wisdom of the Bible. The goal has always been to keep the writing simple and to propose actionable steps or strategies to assure a positive outcome.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was inspired to write my first book, Confronting Without Offending, when I observed people in conflict in their personal and professional relationships. Most did not have the courage or the skill to sit down and work through a conflict or an offense. Many of them just kept quiet and suffered in silence—sending their anger or other negative emotions underground to the detriment of their mental well-being. Some simply blew up. This was a societal problem that I knew I needed to address. Today, the book has sold tens of thousands of copies and people have learned the techniques for engaging in an effective confrontation to achieve harmony.

This approach became the foundation for all of my writing. Find a problem experienced by the masses—and show them how to fix it.

I solve problems for my readers by challenging them to get real about their own behavior and how it could be a factor in perpetuating the situation–be it relational, emotional, physical, or financial/occupational. Then I offer ways they can overcome them by focusing on their realm of influence or control.

In terms of what I am most proud of, I feel rewarded when I walk into big box stores like Walmart and CVS Drug Stores, major airport stores, hospital gift shops, and other popular retail places and see my books on display. Emails, letters, texts, calls and other communication from readers validate the effectiveness of the wisdom that I share. Also, when I deliver a keynote speech that resonates with the audience to the point that they give me a standing ovation, I know that divine wisdom has reached their hearts and put them on the path to more peaceful and productive lives. Mission accomplished!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Six months after I left my stable, six-figure job to make the leap into being a full-time speaker and authorpreneur, I was immediately stricken with trigeminal neuralgia, an excruciatingly painful jaw-nerve condition that often, without warning, rendered me unable to speak for several minutes. I was just beginning to get national radio and television exposure, so it was a challenging time. I decided that I was not going to cancel a single engagement but to take a risk that I’d be able to get through each one. Lesson learned: Just show up in faith and expect a miracle. That’s exactly what happened each time. 

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Being a champion and cheerleader of the ancient wisdom of the Bible as a practical guide to success is a big career risk! However, I’m willing to take it because no one can deny the results. I’m not the world’s best marketer but when you can sell over a million copies of a single book (30 Days to Taming Your Tongue), and go on to write 17 more books that have sold tens and hundreds of thousands each, aspiring authors/speakers take notice. I’m quick to recommend the practical application of specific Scripture to handling the problematic issues of life. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.DeborahPegues.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahsmithpegues
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeborahSmithPegues
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/DeborahSmithPegues
• Other: https://www.essence.com/entertainment/christian-authors/#1211559