“I like to think of myself as a creative doula: not the one who gives birth, not the one who catches the baby, but the one who cheers on the person giving birth. In the creative world, that means cheering on my artistic friends.” —Jolina Petersheim

Last month, we met up with Jolina in the relaxing space of a dimly lit coffee shop. We scooted our chairs up to a solid wooden table next to a wall lined with shelves and chatted about life and business over our coffee and scones. We discovered that we’re each creative, visionary, yet real women who are passionate about what we do.

Jolina admits to struggling with mama guilt at the beginning of her author career. She says, “I thought the only way to be a good mama was to stare at my child from morning till night.” In the process of motherhood, Jolina’s realized how necessary it is to have a creative outlet that fills her up so she can continue to pour out. This is a lesson that Ruth, a mother and artist, learns as well in her latest novel.

Jolina Petersheim is a highly acclaimed, best-selling author. She thoughtfully weaves powerful life lessons into the stories that she so eloquently writes. When you pick up one of her books, you won’t be able to put it back down. (When we’re not working, we’re holed up with one of her books and a big bowl of popcorn.) ⠀

Most Amish and Mennonite fiction is written solely from the viewpoint of fascination and research, not personal experience. (That doesn’t mean they don’t write really good stories, though!) Jolina uses both research and her own experiences to write her novels, and it shows.

We don’t often get the chance to collaborate with women who come from our background, so we were excited for this chance to collaborate with Jolina.

Here’s what we’re doing — we’re giving away a Market Tote to the first winner of Jolina’s pre-launch giveaway for her 5th book! There will be a total of 10 winners, so nine other women will each get a copy of Jolina’s latest book, How the Light Gets In.

ENTER TO WIN:

Women Overcoming Giveaway!

What dreams do you have tucked away inside of you? We would love to hear about them and cheer you on!

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