Meeting Inspiring Authors: Auralee Arkinsly
A wonderful author with tales galore in this week’s Authors who Inspire. Christian Women Living Magazine introduces Auralee Arkinsly.
CK: Give us a summary on your journey with Christ — from the time you accepted Christ, to
how you started in ministry.
AA: I emerged into this life via a complex background of parents who came of age in the ’50s California social idealism and Christian conservativism which made for a lot of hiding, insecurity, and animosity in our home growing up in the ’60s. Christian camping in the ’70s pretty much saved my spiritual and emotional health by providing substitute parents who joked with each other, read stories to each other, discussed ministry issues together, listened to the latest Christian albums as a family ̶ with stragglers, and counseled wild little sunflowers like me. From there, I joined a multi-racial Christian band in South Africa, where I found myself flung from the frying pan into the fire of seriously polarized value systems combining Apartheid and the absence of the highly valued American freedom of speech. When I arrived home, I attended Colorado Christian College (now University) and began doing some serious sorting out of all the clothing hanging in my attic.
CK: Tell us about your books and what was the inspiration for them.
AA: Okay. I’m a pessimist. People don’t think so because I laugh so much, but it is only the presence of the good Lord in my life that keeps giving me better and better perspectives on things and keeps me sailing. His Word speaks of the swinging pendulum of good and evil throughout the ages. I cannot deny it either. Living in hope and joy has been a bit of a tricky road strewn with rushing streams to cross, slippery gravel upon which my knees have been skinned up, and reaching for the clouds, but getting handfuls of low hanging fruit and branches. I like to examine some of the darker corners of my life by shedding some humorous light into them and finding the goodwill the Lord offers there. Life is complex, but I’m not one to say that God made mistakes in shaping mine. My books are ironic rather than ideal. Before Long is the inspirational story of a young couple seeking a perfect place to live and raise a family. The pictures transform it into a slice-of-life comedy used for realtor gifts, housewarming gifts, and personal finance gifts. I wouldn’t say it mentions the Lord, but it does address the human yearning for more, for perfection, and idealism. The face of Wisdom is finally kissed.
My children’s book, Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole is a delightful picture book with professionally drawn, full-color images. If you form a triangle, it is found centered among three points: The Cat in the Hat, The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Charlotte’s Web. Kindergarteners and first graders love it. There are some teachings to be had if one wants to be open-minded. The easier ones are homophones, similes, and using one’s God-given imagination. The harder one is outing people who do not have a child’s best interest at heart, though they try to change their appetites, i.e. sly as a fox at dinnertime. This book has a Hollywood ending of happily ever after, albeit the old-fashioned Hollywood. My idea for writing it was to get parents and children to think beyond handouts and fun gifts being offered (i.e. trick-or-treat) and learn about the character of the one offering the gift and whether the gift is the best thing to accept. Darling wakes up and becomes a heroine.
CK: Tell us about a time that God directly answered a prayer.
AA: I was miserable as a young teen with all the fighting and silent treatment going on at home. I felt that I had to perform for approval. I was walking on eggshells never knowing what might set off someone in the family. It made me so sad. One day while I was washing the dishes, I asked God to give me a sense of humor to help lighten my family member’s spirits. He granted that prayer. I began saying things to make people laugh.
CK: Which book was the most amusing to write?
AA: Each of them were very funny stories. I amuse myself. I’ve giggled way into the night dreaming each scenario up and laughing about the price I might pay for publishing it. I hope I get some more stories that work to encourage wisdom through good humor.
CK: Can you recall a time when you know that God was the only way you had a provision
through a certain situation?
AA: One time when I missed my plane from South Africa back home because I’d stopped inside a gift shop and was there daydreaming, I prayed that God would stop the plane and allow me on because I had no money and no place to spend the night if I missed it. The plane stopped, the doors opened, and my red face made an entrance. I realized I only had one American nickel in my coin purse, so I was worried about getting a ride from the airport back to my mom’s home after the 21-hour flight. I prayed that I wouldn’t have to make a phone call. Thankfully, she was waiting for me at the gate. Thankfully, she had a meal waiting for me, too. She still likes to remind me that I can so easily go through life with my head in the clouds.
CK: Tell us about a time you had a measurable impact on someone through your personal
ministry or through your organized ministry.
AA: I love to worship. I’ve helped lead worship in several congregations throughout life. Worshipping the Lord is just such a high priority for adjusting one’s attitudes and beliefs. Worship is needed to produce a genuine relationship with the Lord. I’m so thankful to have had a part in this. In the last ten years, I’ve been honored to have had a part in adapting the Psalms for singing to a series of Psalm Hymns books. They are the full Biblical Psalms set to traditional hymn tunes and spirituals for singing and memorizing the Psalms. These books have been a blessing not only to me but to others.
CK: What was your biggest challenge when getting a book published in the Christian genre?
AA: I didn’t understand much about why Christians read what they read. Christians are attracted to either Christian romance or Christian self-help classics mainly. I didn’t understand that I truly needed a trusted endorsement for my books, or that Christians don’t buy books unless they are endorsed by trusted household names and influencers in the Christian church. I also didn’t understand that if there wasn’t a verse quoted, that it might not be seen as “Christian” even if it is written from a Christian perspective or with the help of the Lord. I still think that writing a well-crafted story is a gift from God. My picture books are like mini memoirs.
CK: What are some of the biggest challenges facing women today — and women ministries?
AA: Hmm. Probably that women can say the things expected of them in a certain setting, and act or behave contrary. I know that I can be a chameleon changing colors and spots to fit in with the crowd at the time. So, there was a time I prayed for God to correct this issue and give me more integrity and cohesiveness. I went to a Christian counselor who helped me be more true to what I believe even though others may disagree. I’ve continued to grow up in that regard.
CK: I believe that God is a remarkably interesting and creative God! Tell me about a time when you were uncertain or unaware of a provision from God but later realized that it was all a part of His plan.
AA: I’d always prayed for a ministry partner, like a worship leader, a youth leader or a pastor to marry. Instead, I waited on the Lord’s direction and met a man who was highly respected and well-favored in his humble job at a local hospital. Besotted with me, he eventually wooed me over with his sweetness and genuine support for whatever was in my heart to do. I married a man who is a leader in his own right and who has a great and natural levity to him. He’s been the best gift throughout my adult life! I believe that I didn’t even know how to pray for what was in my own best interests regarding a spouse, but the Lord knew. I waited on Him, and He gave me the best life partner.
CK: What inspires you?
AA: Scripture. Every time I open Scripture, it speaks to me and I want to turn around and share the insight with others. God’s Word really is living. His Word, the Son in the flesh is also still living, and I am incredibly excited for the day everything makes sense and I see my Savior on the throne.
CK: What has been the most interesting book that you have read as an adult? As a child?
AA: The Runaway Bunny is profound. The Velveteen Rabbit is probably my favorite children’s book, and Shrek is my favorite children’s movie. I encountered all of these for the first time as an adult.
CK: Do you have any projects in the works for a new book?
AA: Just praying about it. We’ll see.
CK: How do unwind after a busy day?
AA: I like to walk in the sunset and talk with God about things.
CK: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
AA: Oh, my. I’ve received plenty of good advice in my time. One thing that still makes me laugh is the day I went to visit my camp director’s wife in my blue jean worker’s shirt and jeans. I’d come to ask her some very serious advice about visiting my dying grandpa. We talked for a bit, and she helped me come to a decision. Then she said, “Do you mind if I give you a little more advice? Maybe you shouldn’t wear that shirt because the buttons on the pockets hit you in just the wrong place on your breast line.” Sometimes, it’s the practical things that save us.
CK: Is there anything else you would like to say? Take this opportunity to promote your own
ministry, project, business or share what God has put on your heart recently.
AA: Cyndi, I really appreciate this opportunity. Thank you so much. Just a note for anyone who would like to find a good publishing group, I’d highly recommend Capture Books. This is a seriously invested boutique publisher which publishes reference books like The Psalm Hymns for churches, Welcome to the Shivoo for mentoring creativity in God’s people, and also sweet and fun books, cross-over literature written by Christians for a broader audience. I’ve been coached to learn to blog and to make public appearances. I’ve been given great direction for artists and book designers, editors, and marketing help. I think this group of authors is varied and gifted. I love the comradery in helping each other succeed. You can find me on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Auralee-Arkinsly/e/B07PDTLPQQ. You can check out an article I wrote about finding confidence in a shoebox here: https://booksforbondinghearts.com/2020/08/30/closeted-confidence-in-a-shoe-box/
Thank you, Auralee, for sharing your story with Christian Women Living Magazine.
