Dialogue With the Author

The opportunity to spend any length of time with Wanda B. Campbell is time well-spent. This selfless, humorous and wise woman has much to say and has a very special way of presenting her thoughts. The impression she leaves upon others has nothing to do with a verbal list of self-accolades she could rattle off; it is more her presence, her soft chuckle, or that certain look that says she knows more than she may say. In addition to that, she is a talented writer. By combining what she believes with her literary gifting, she has become a shining star among those raising the standard for Christian fiction writing.

An avid reader since childhood, Wanda responded to the voice in her head by penning and self-publishing her debut novel, First Sunday in October, (January 2007). A romantic at heart, Wanda uses relationships to demonstrate how the power of forgiveness and reconciliation can restore us back to God and one another.

Author Campbell is truly an example of the adage, ‘your gift will make room for you’. Her journey from contest hopeful, to contest winner, to self-publishing, to traditional publishing, is stuff that Hallmark movies are made of. More than her literary achievements, I find her insight, genuine caring for others combined with spiritual gifts, an asset for those blessed to come in contact with her. Conversations with Wanda are filled with humor and wisdom most associate with a more age-seasoned saint.

Through her literary renderings Wanda is very open regarding the necessity for integrity on every level of leadership. This is seen throughout the pages of Illusions as she reveals the expectation of a majority of church leadership for wives to cover the flaws of their husbands. Yet, in doing as she has been taught, it is she (the wife), who is left uncovered. It is this role reversal that breeds seeds of discourse within the family unit.

Candidly Wanda speaks of her desire for her readers to understand that, “It is okay not be perfect.” She goes on to express that we should not become so engrossed with things/position to the degree that we cannot or refuse to be honest. “Be true to yourself,” is the advice she offers to those who may not understand how to walk away from destructive habits. “There is help for the addict. There is help for YOU, if you want it.”

As a Kingdom scribe Ms Campbell is not reticent when proclaiming the necessity of responsibility. “If God has trusted you with His baby, you have to carefully nurture the baby.” As for her future she is clear that ministry is her first priority. It is her ministerial gift combined with her writing that she hopes will help to bridge the gap between the world and Christians and the walls separating the Christian community from one another.

Wanda resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of nineteen years and two sons. She also has the unique position of being the oldest of five siblings (on one side of her family) and also the youngest of twelve (on the other side of her family). Her hobbies include writing, reading, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Wanda proudly proclaims herself to be the biggest Oakland A’s fan.