Be gripped by local writer’s uplifting true-life story

Leigh-Anne Hill of Parkrand has recently published an inspirational book titled What is your driving force? You Cannot be Driven by Fear.

The128-page book is a compilation of uplifting and inspiring non-fiction stories based on the author’s real-life experiences, and how God intervened in her life during significant situations.

The 37-year-old Hill, who hails from the Western Cape, used her book to share the important lesson she’s learned about life and her rocky road from childhood to adulthood.

The memoirs tell a wide variety of absorbing stories about events and various situations the author have experienced.

It asks the motivational question: What is your driving force?

It took Hill about four months to complete the book.

“I speak about my journey, marriage, my son’s life, the road I have travelled, worrying and stress, sickness and health, blessings and curses, the people I have worked with, choices, habits and behavioural patterns,” said Hill.

Readers will also find heart-warming stories about the importance of prayer and reading the Word of God, a healthy lifestyle and the importance of looking after oneself.

The author came up with the title of the book after her whole life came to a halt last year when she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease with severe thyrotoxicosis.

“Fear gripped me. I had to spend time with God and do introspection.

“The title asks a deep Godly and motivational question to the reader. And the readers need to ask themselves this question to find their driving force, and it cannot be fear. It must not ever be fear, but the love of God, hope and faith, among other things.”

The book, published by Mecs Publishing, is now available in paperback through print on demand. It will also be made available as an ebook on the author’s website, which she is setting up.
It will soon be made available on Amazon and other platforms.

To find out more about the author and her book, the Advertiser caught up with her.

What inspired you to write this book?
My journey and life. The fact that someone else out there might need my message of hope and motivation, and if only one reads this book then I have accomplished my purpose.

What was the writing and publishing journey like?
It was amazing. I loved all of it. I’m busy with my second book. A children’s/parents information book. The only challenge was if I wanted to self-publish or use a publishing company. Everything done with and in God’s strength is peaceful and uncomplicated. He preordains our journey.

Can you share a tiny bit about the book you are working on?
All I can say it is going to be extremely interesting. The third book and others are in the pipeline.

What is the most difficult part about writing for you?
I didn’t have any issues writing. It comes naturally. I have been writing everywhere and on everything most of my life, since I can remember from a very young age.

What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing? And what part was the most fun to write?
When I was raped at the age of 12, when I had my miscarriages and lost my best friend to aggressive breast cancer in June 2018 at the age of 32. My life in the underworld. My parents’ divorce. The fun parts were writing about my childhood, family, husband and son.

How long have you been writing or when did you start?
I have always written songs, stories and poems. I have been part of my school newspapers and college newspaper. Basically from a very young age. This though is my debut book.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I have always loved writing, arts and culture, but no, I first wanted to become a doctor. Yet it is not about me and what I want to do though. God has called me for something else so much bigger and so much more to touch the lives of others through my writing, singing and ministry.

Is writing your full-time career? Or would you like it to be?
I would love for it to be, yes. I’m an author now.

Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
I would say The Bible. Two of my friends wrote books and I thought if they can do it I can really do it. I was also inspired by Caroline Leaf, William Shakespeare, Wilbur Smith and Stephen King.

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
Anything is possible. Follow your dreams. Make it happen. Strive for excellence. Touch the hearts of others, motivate them, inspire them, be educational and give them Godly input. Just be you and original. Don’t be a copy. Be meticulous and accurate. Push through. Be determined and do not quit. Someone needs your story.

Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
My husband, son and family most definitely.

Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t know (yet)?
I want to study law, psychology and possibly BCom. I am the owner of the NPO called I Sing for Jesus. I can sing gospel and I sing in national talent competitions. I am a singer and songwriter as well. I love the outdoors, nature, especially the Western Cape and all the beaches. I can paint quite well and draw. I love spending time with family and cooking.

Readers can order Hill’s book via Whatsapp on 076 748 1615 or at leighbowley@gmail.com

It will soon be made available at some local bookstores.

The author is on Facebook, so readers are welcome to connect to her profile, Leigh-Anne Hill, or her pages, Leigh-Anne Hill or What is your driving force? You Cannot be Driven by Fear, or on Twitter @leebowley or on Instagram leighhill2908.

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