Shelva Nivens, a Study in Perseverance

Today we’re introducing an author to you who understands the concept of perseverance. Shelba Nivens, author of The Mistaken Heiress released April 1, 2014.

 

 Shelba has had a wonderfully colorful life and her novels reflect her many experiences.

"Well, I got bitten quite early by the writing bug. As a toddler sitting on Mama’s lap, I loved the Bible stories she read to me, but I so wanted to learn to read them for myself.  I recall sitting on the floor near Mama’s chair attempting to read from the Bible while she rocked the latest baby.  When I came to a word I didn’t know, she could usually tell me what it was without looking at it.  I’ll be glad when I get big, I thought, So I’ll know the Bible by heart like Mama does."

When she was older, Shelba became ill and was put to bed, no longer able to work with the youth as she liked: 

 "So, after I was able, I began keeping a pad and pen under my pillow and writing all hours of the day and night. When I was allowed up, I borrowed an old mechanical typewriter, typed up things I wrote in bed and sent them to editors whose names I found in magazines.  Right away, my work began appearing in family and religious periodicals, and for several years I free-lanced regularly for these.  I also worked for several years as a writer/photographer for our County newspaper."

Shelba never quit. Throughout her life the dream of a novel played in her head, in fact, the dream of many novels. But here is her first, and I might say, she has the more perseverance than any author I have ever known. I won't give you Shelba's age to show you why I'm so impressed, but let's just say, she waited a while!

Congrats, Shelba!

Enter your email below for a chance to win a copy of Shelba's debut novel, The Mistaken Heiress!  I'LL BE PICKING A WINNER ON SUNDAY, SO LEAVE YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDY FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR NAME DRAWN!!!