Author Interviews - Amber Weigand-Buckley and Lisa Burris Burns

Guide to Categories – Author Interview – an interview with an author, if there is no review from me, I have not read the book and cannot speak to its appropriateness for a school library

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About the Book

Book: Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success

Authors: Amber Weigand-Buckley & Lisa Burris Burns

Genre: Christian Leadership and Religious Leadership

Release Date: May 25, 2023

SISTERS, IT’S TIME TO GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!

Find out how to step up to God’s calling as these daring women redefine what leadership looks like. Authentic and heartfelt stories of world-changing women leaders of every hue, background, and job description, teach us by example how to battle to find our passion, connect with our gifts, and maintain forward-focused momentum in every season of life.

Join authors Amber Weigand-Buckley and Lisa Burris Burns — along with Babbie Mason, Candace Payne, Jacquelyn Marushka, Martha Bolton, Katy Nichole, Kymberlie Joye, and so many more powerhouse women–as they explore leadership purpose, and living a life that counts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors – Amber Weigand-Buckley and Lisa Burris Burns

Meet Amber Weigand-Buckley

Amber Weigand-Buckley is an author, speaker, multi-award-winning magazine editor, and art director, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (awsa.com) marketing director, Bold Vision Books’ creative director, and owner of #barefacedcreativemedia (barefacedcreativemedia.com). The Springfield, Missouri native navigates bipolar and anxiety disorder while embracing her best life. At its peak, her mental illness almost caused her to take her own life. Amber is a mental health advocate who knows that a diagnosis does not disqualify you from God’s leadership call.Amber, whose vision birthed Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success, is energized by helping world-changing women of all hues, backgrounds, and walks of life to find their wings, hone their skills, and take their God-call to the next level.

She has two grown daughters, Saffron, Imogen, and one teen Penelope, with Philip, her British hubby of 28 years, two Great Pyrenees pups—Stanley and Stuart, and a zoo of exotic pets.

Meet Lisa Burris Burns

The diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder initially shattered LISA BURRIS BURNS’ ministry dreams as a vocalist and worship leader. Despite this, God opened opportunities for her journey and abilities to expand beyond what she ever anticipated for herself — to acting, stage performance, set design, and writing. As a vocal and performance coach with K.C. Superstar, a Kansas City-based competition likened to “American Idol,” she is passionate about fine-tuning artists’ creative expressions. Lisa thrives on the artistic process, especially everything yarn and crafty.

This avid Kansas City Chiefs fan lives with her husband, Randy, in Blue Springs, Missouri. The Burns have served in marriage and family ministry since 1988. They have six fantastic children, two amazing son-in-loves, and five adorable granddaughters.

More from Amber Weigand-Buckley and Lisa Burris Burns

Are you ready to discover your God-given gifts and move in forward in all that He’s called you to be? Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success will help you identify your unique leadership abilities.

For a limited time, get the inspirational song “Lead Me On” recorded by Michaelah Weaver for FREE when your register as a Leading Ladies VIP at leadingladies.life.

Let “Lead Me On” be your empowering anthem as you read Leading Ladies and learn to boldly walk in your purpose. Download the song and book excerpt now at leadingladies.life!

Author Interview with Amber Weigand-Buckley

What in your background brought you to the writing of this book?

I grew up in the magazine world, and writing a book wasn’t initially a dream. However, I felt a strategic moment guided by God, leading me to share my perspective through the book, “Leading Ladies” that woman holds unique gifts that they can use to be a positive influence and force for change and building to better wherever God has put them in the world. We are all purpose-built and equipped with God-given talents. I knew this was a strategic opportunity to help others change their self-perception.

What research did you do for this book?

The research involved over 35 women through intensive interviews, including writers and non-writers. Zoom sessions with my co-author ensured a powerful and poignant book without repetition, a process that proved to be demanding yet rewarding.

If readers have just one take-away from this book, what do you want it to be?

I hope women realize their worth and unique contributions. The book aims to convey that everyone, including leaders, faces struggles, and success should be measured by personal fulfillment rather than societal standards.

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

The key is simply to start writing regularly. It may feel forced at first but becomes more natural over time. Be creative, find inspiration around you, and don’t judge yourself. The more you write, the better writer you’ll become.

Author Interview with Lisa Burris Burns

When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

I have been a wordy book girl all my life and love vocabulary and spelling. It’s only been the past ten years that I felt the stir to try my hand at writing. I began doing freelance writing as Amber pulled me into magazine articles and the next thing I knew we were on this adventure together. It’s been a huge blessing.

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

So many hats! I’m married to my husband Randy and we have served in marriage and family ministry for 35 years. We have five adult children, two son-in-loves and five (soon to be 6) Grandbabies! I am a vocal and entertainment coach. I love spending time with my family, travel, genealogy and loom knitting.

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

My personal favorite genre is historical fiction. It’s a wonderful way to place yourself in a different time period and get lost in someone else’s story. Reading can take us to a totally different time and location and I kind of treat it like a time to get away from the everyday moments of life.

What is your favorite holiday? And why?

I love the advent season. I like to concentrate on the gift that Christ is to the world. Setting aside the time to deep dive into what it may have been like for the characters involved in that first Christmas season is powerful. I love to do all the things…the special decorating, the family time, prepping those favorite family recipes, and making homemade gifts.

What historical figure do you admire and why?

Harriet Tubman survived the horrific abuse of slavery, and then used what she learned along the way to risk her life repeatedly to help others find their way out of the same injustice. The strength and drive it took is remarkable to me.

If readers have just one take-away from this book, what do you want it to be?

My desire is that they recognize themselves in the stories of our amazing chapter contributors. You know, life tends to come at all of us (both the good stuff and the downright hard) and we get caught up in the whirlwind. Many of us start to put our God given dreams and aspirations on hold. We forget that we’re here with purpose, or we place those dreams up on the top shelf, way back in a corner. My greatest prayer for readers is that the book inspires them to rediscover their purpose.

As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series of books began my love for chapter books, and historical fiction. I love a long story that picks me up and carries me off on a journey.

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

Amber: The key is simply to start writing regularly. It may feel forced at first but becomes more natural over time. Be creative, find inspiration around you, and don’t judge yourself. The more you write, the better writer you’ll become.

Lisa: While most of my aspirations as a young person were more focused in the musical arts and theater, my advice would be similar: Study what you love, practice what you love, take the time to engage with camps or retreats that help you expand your gift.