Author of the TodaysGirls.com Series
https://todaysnashville.com/
https://terrysquires.com/
by Trisha Bleau Smith
T4JYM: Being online quite frequently with running an online ministry I found that many of the book’s subjects were issues I had dealt with. Where did the idea for the TodaysGirls.com series come from?
Terry: I started to look at what teens were involved with today and I found out that it was the Internet. I wanted to create a cool, contemporary series that today’s girls could relate to their own situations. I took my past and created TodaysGirls.com because “Today’s Girls” never go out of style. We all have dealt with the same issues, it rarely changes.
T4JYM: Where do you get the ideas for your books and stories? Do you get input from other people in order to help you create the various subject lines?
Terry: The ideas of the stories relate to today’s situations such as self-image, gossip, integrity, boys, parents…and everything else you can think of that happens to teenagers. It’s a team effort between myself, Tommy Nelson and the writers. Normally, I came up with a list of topics, storyline ideas and we built the books from there.
T4JYM: How have your books been received by the general public? Do you usually receive feedback from your readers?
Terry: Yes, we receive 100’s of emails daily thanking us for what we’ve done with the books and the website. Girls are re-dedicating their lives to God. It’s extremely rewarding to see the results of hard work.
T4JYM: What is the feedback from the site like? Do you have many visitors to the site?
Terry: We get an average of 150,000 visitors a month. The site is growing fast and we’ll be adding additional features within the next few months. We’re going to be adding TodaysBoys.com, but it’s not for boys! This area is for girls only… and it’s about everything you want to know about guys. It should be an interesting and busy hangout!
T4JYM: Do you personally respond to the feedback from the site? Do you go to the chatroom and visit with those who join? Do you write the devotions that are sent out yourself or do you have help to manage things?
Terry: I read every single email that comes through…at least for now. And I try to respond to all of them. It’s so important for the girls that email us to know what they say matters! That’s what the ministry part of us is all about.
It is getting so busy, but yes, I visit the chatrooms, message boards and write most of the updated devotions. I do most of the updated work on the site, but we have great webmasters that help me when I’m on the road.
T4JYM: What are your next plans for writing? Are there more books in the series planned? What about another series? Do you have plans for any other series or writings?
Terry: Right now we’re holding off on new books because I’m working on the TV pilot, TodaysGirls.com. We’re signing with a well known Hollywood producer and our plans are to take the series to the small screen, hopefully sometime next year. It’s a very different world in the television/film industry, but very exciting.
T4JYM: Have you written any other books? Do you have any ideas for books you would like to write?
Terry: Yes, I have several new books out that just released – Communicate, co-authored with Michael Ross, editor of Breakaway Magazine at Focus on the Family www.communicatechrist.com and God’s Stories, My First Thoughts. I do have others planned but they’ll have to wait until the TodaysGirls.com scripts for TV are finished.
T4JYM: Who were the biggest influences in your life generally speaking, and who were the biggest influences since you decided to write?
Terry: My biggest influence in my life is Jesus. I have the coolest relationship with Him and love to share that closeness with others. I can honestly say I don’t sit around thinking about new ideas… He just gives them to me. Normally, what I create is something I see that needs a new perspective, a new change. It’s something inside of me that I want to express that God has put on my heart.
Also, I have 3 teenage sons that inspire my creativity. I watch them and their teenage friend’s needs. If God can use me to make a difference in a teen’s life, then I’ll keep going.
T4JYM: How do you find time to write? Life is busy and time management is hard to do sometimes. When do you do your best writing and where?
Terry: I’ve had the great opportunity to have help in my writing. This was not my first career choice. In fact, I’ve never had any formal training in writing. It’s amazing what “we” pick as a career is not what God has planned for “our” lives. So my greatest strength is the ideas, storylines and concepts behind the writings of my books. But it’s been fun learning the skills. Now it’s changing to pilot treatments and scriptwriting. The best time for me is late at night or early in the morning. But my greatest ideas came while driving alone in the car… different, huh?
T4JYM: What training do you have in writing? Did you take any writing courses in college to obtain the skills you have currenty?
Terry: See above answer.
T4JYM: When did you start writing? What kind of writing did you begin with? Do you do any other writing for fun, like journaling, poetry, etc.?
Terry: I started writing in 1997 when I created the Ancient Heroes trading cards. It was my very first venture into the publishing world. I love writing devotions, poems, but do very little journaling. I think it’s because of the time involved and sometimes I don’t want to remember the day I’ve had!
T4JYM: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in writing?
Terry: This is my advice I give to my own sons when it comes to choosing a career. God reveals your talents and gifts. Pick something you love to do, pick your passion and build a career around it. So many people go for the financial rewards of a career and are miserable their entire lives. Those who love what they are doing usually are using their God-given talents.
T4JYM: What advice would you give to someone interested in publishing their works?
Terry: Wow, that’s a hard one, but I’ve been asked that question a hundred times to others who want to be published. It doesn’t happen overnight like so many people believe. It does take a lot of work establishing relationships with publishers. But if it’s what you really want, then be persistent, consistent and persevere. Don’t give up when you think all the doors are closed and brush off the “rejection” notices. Don’t take them personally. And the most important advice is to pray that you are in God’s will. Let Him take control of your life and the direction He wants.
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