Author Spotlight: Sandra Wallis
By Sandra Wallis

We are pleased to introduce Sandra Wallis. Sandra has recently published Not What I Bargained For with us, which is now available for pre-order through the Word Alive Press Bookstore, and everywhere fine Christian books are sold. We asked Sandra to share a little bit about her writing, and her new book. But first, a little bit about her.

About

Sandra Wallis lives in Sarnia, Ontario with Wayne, her husband of forty-two years. Her four children and five grandchildren bring her much joy in her retirement. She enjoys sewing, reading, baking, photography, travelling, gardening, and camping with her grown children in Algonquin Park.

Her first book, Not What I Bargained For, is a story of determination, perseverance, and tenacity. Sandra hopes that whatever challenges you’re facing, Christ will give you the strength to face and overcome them all. God has a plan for every person’s life, and we must trust Him to see us through these challenges.

Speaking Engagements

• Residence Inn Marriott, Snowbird Speaker Series (Destin, Florida), February 12, 2020
• Destin Women’s Club (Destin, Florida), March 11, 2020
  
  With the current isolation protocol due to the COVID-19 virus, Sandra has not been able to launch her book at Lakeshore Community Church in Bright’s Grove, Ontario. She hopes to speak at the Sarnia Organ Donor Society and the Bookkeeper Book Store in Sarnia, visit the senior’s group at Lakeshore Community Church, attend local women’s groups, and read at libraries in Sarnia, Petrolia, and Bright’s Grove.

Contact Info

• Facebook: Sandra Wallis, Author
• Twitter: @WallisAuthor
• Email: Sandra.wallis15[at]gmail.com

Q&A

Q:Why did you write the book?
A: Over the years, my friends kept saying, “You need to write a book and tell people about the miracles and blessings in your life.” I began writing the book a few years ago, and it was really hard reliving the ups and downs of raising two children with severe medical issues.

I read an article from someone at Word Alive Press that said you’ll never know if your book is good if you don’t enter a contest. I’d been thinking of entering the Women’s Journey of Faith contest for about a year, and I decided right then and there to enter. The deadline was in a week.

I was shortlisted as one of four other writers who won money to publish my book. That was a sign from God that He wanted this story told.

Q:What is the greatest misconception about organ donation and waiting periods after a person is listed?
A: More than 4,500 people are waiting for an organ in Canada. One person on the Canadian waitlist dies every thirty hours, or about one person per week. In the United States, there are about 114,000 people waiting for an organ. Twenty people die in the United States every day waiting for an organ. The average wait time for an organ is three to five years. There is no age limit for a person to donate.

Q:Did your faith waiver over the years while taking care of your four children?
A: We all get depressed and feel hopeless in a situation that we cannot control, but it’s important not to dwell on the negative circumstances. I had a lot of friends praying for us. Prayer works. My faith got stronger as I saw miracles happen before my very eyes. I came to know that God was in control of every situation, even if I couldn’t see or feel it. I trusted Him.

Q:Do you have any advice for new writers?
A: When you get discouraged, leave your writing and go do something else until you feel drawn to continue your story. When you’re done writing, get some people who know you to read your book and offer suggestions. Rely on your gut feeling to include what you think is relevant, even if others don’t think it should be in the book. It’s your book. There will always be people who have different opinions. Pray that your story will help people whether it be fiction or a true story—society needs both.

About this Contributor:

Sandra Wallis lives in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada with Wayne, her husband of forty-two years. Her four children and five grandchildren bring her much joy in her retirement. Sandra enjoys sewing, reading, baking, photography, travelling, gardening, and camping with her grown children in Algonquin Park.