| 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. Genre: Christian Leadership and Religious Leadership Release Date: May 25, 2023 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with Amber and Lisa
#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
Amber: You know, I've always been passionate about encouraging women to embrace their talents. But, one day waiting in the carline, it hit me—I wasn't giving myself the same pep talk. This book is about breaking free from societal expectations, seeing the woman God meant me to be. And, I truly believe that transformative journey is something God wants for everyone.
Amber: You know, I've always been passionate about encouraging women to embrace their talents. But, one day waiting in the carline, it hit me—I wasn't giving myself the same pep talk. This book is about breaking free from societal expectations, seeing the woman God meant me to be. And, I truly believe that transformative journey is something God wants for everyone.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Lisa: Fall 2021 to Early Spring 2023, so roughly a year and a half.
Lisa: Fall 2021 to Early Spring 2023, so roughly a year and a half.
#3. What part of the writing process do you like the least?
Lisa: I wouldn’t necessarily say we disliked the process, but there were challenges. The book gave us an opportunity to ghost-write for some amazing women with fantastic stories. Trying to maintain their individual voices based upon our interviews with them, along with the desire to create a cohesive finished product, was time consuming and intentional. We were stretched in a way that I can honestly say grew us. So it was a great bonus in just becoming better communicators and writers.
Lisa: I wouldn’t necessarily say we disliked the process, but there were challenges. The book gave us an opportunity to ghost-write for some amazing women with fantastic stories. Trying to maintain their individual voices based upon our interviews with them, along with the desire to create a cohesive finished product, was time consuming and intentional. We were stretched in a way that I can honestly say grew us. So it was a great bonus in just becoming better communicators and writers.
#4. What new or interesting things did you learn while researching for this book?
Lisa: Meeting so many women through the project, and hearing their stories and how God was moving in their lives, was powerful for sure. On a personal level, and because this was my first experience with such a large written work, I learned that I truly do love the editing process. Who knew?!
Lisa: Meeting so many women through the project, and hearing their stories and how God was moving in their lives, was powerful for sure. On a personal level, and because this was my first experience with such a large written work, I learned that I truly do love the editing process. Who knew?!
#5. What drew you to take on this topic through non-fiction versus fiction?
Lisa: The project came from a God prompted question to Amber. God was challenging her, a woman standing in her own doubts and insecurity, to recognize the gifts He had placed within her to lead. It made sense to bring in women that we would call successful leaders, to share their transparent and life changing stories, as a way to inspire other women in their current situations. It is such an affirming experience to recognize yourself in others, and to be on the receiving end of their uplifting insights.
Lisa: The project came from a God prompted question to Amber. God was challenging her, a woman standing in her own doubts and insecurity, to recognize the gifts He had placed within her to lead. It made sense to bring in women that we would call successful leaders, to share their transparent and life changing stories, as a way to inspire other women in their current situations. It is such an affirming experience to recognize yourself in others, and to be on the receiving end of their uplifting insights.
#6. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic?
Amber: While working on the book, Tracy Glass, the author of Chapter 2, threw a curveball: "Are you afraid to lead boldly because you are afraid to stand out or are you ashamed of your story?" It hit home—I was still grappling with shame. Another contributor, Veronica Clay, opened my eyes to a new understanding of rest.
Amber: While working on the book, Tracy Glass, the author of Chapter 2, threw a curveball: "Are you afraid to lead boldly because you are afraid to stand out or are you ashamed of your story?" It hit home—I was still grappling with shame. Another contributor, Veronica Clay, opened my eyes to a new understanding of rest.
#7. How has writing about this particular topic changed your own life?
Amber: Honestly, I thought I was a pretty “open book” type of person, but this project pushed me to a whole new level of transparency. Connecting with the other ladies and their stories made me reassess my own struggles. I had to step outside my comfort zone and reevaluate my story in a new light.
Amber: Honestly, I thought I was a pretty “open book” type of person, but this project pushed me to a whole new level of transparency. Connecting with the other ladies and their stories made me reassess my own struggles. I had to step outside my comfort zone and reevaluate my story in a new light.
#8. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
Amber: When I started, I pictured reaching women like me, wrestling with identity and purpose. I could relate to tying self-worth to accomplishments. It's been a 50-year journey, but now I'm uncovering the woman God created me to be—one valued for who she is, not just what she achieves.
Amber: When I started, I pictured reaching women like me, wrestling with identity and purpose. I could relate to tying self-worth to accomplishments. It's been a 50-year journey, but now I'm uncovering the woman God created me to be—one valued for who she is, not just what she achieves.
#9. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
Lisa: I hope that they find 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 and do whatever it takes with God’s help to step out, start over, and keep going!
Lisa: I hope that they find 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 and do whatever it takes with God’s help to step out, start over, and keep going!
#10. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Amber: Romans 4:17-18 aligns with our book's theme—God calls things into being that weren't. He turns pain into purpose, brokenness into healing, sorrow into joy. As we walk by faith, like Abraham, God transforms us, writing incredible stories. This verse embodies the hope I share through our book, Leading Ladies, and all I do. In moments of feeling stuck, God revives our dreams and reveals our calling—often unexpectedly.
Lisa: Philippians 3:12-14 has been especially important to me and I just keep coming back to it. There were moments that Amber and I both were pressed beyond what we thought we were capable of. While we knew God was present every step, we also felt the stretching of those moments. It was so good of God to use us! Philippians 3:12-14 has continued to help in spite of my insecurities and inadequacies.
Amber: Romans 4:17-18 aligns with our book's theme—God calls things into being that weren't. He turns pain into purpose, brokenness into healing, sorrow into joy. As we walk by faith, like Abraham, God transforms us, writing incredible stories. This verse embodies the hope I share through our book, Leading Ladies, and all I do. In moments of feeling stuck, God revives our dreams and reveals our calling—often unexpectedly.
Lisa: Philippians 3:12-14 has been especially important to me and I just keep coming back to it. There were moments that Amber and I both were pressed beyond what we thought we were capable of. While we knew God was present every step, we also felt the stretching of those moments. It was so good of God to use us! Philippians 3:12-14 has continued to help in spite of my insecurities and inadequacies.
More from Amber and Lisa
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!
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!
 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.
Great Pyrenees pups—Stanley and Stuart, and a zoo of exotic pets.
 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. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate their tour, Amber and Lisa are giving away the grand prize package of
a copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
a copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Author Interview)
Fiction Book Lover, February 18 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18
Simple Harvest Reads, February 19 (Author Interview)
She Lives to Read, February 20
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 21 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 22
Beauty in the Binding, February 23 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 24
For the Love of Literature, February 25 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 26
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 27 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, February 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28
A Reader’s Brain, February 29 (Author Interview)