We did not go looking for adoption; adoption found us. I was just obedient. But I knew several years ago that this book needed to happen.
Dede Kolb
The Back Flap
Meant for Good and Adopted for Good are companions—the memoir and the children’s version of our unlikely adoption journey. One true story, told two award-winning ways. Perfect for National Adoption Month.
About the book
What is the book about?
The short answer is adoption. But not like any adoption story you have ever heard. We were married 25 years and happily childless by choice. Then God said adopt and we laughed. Six years and two closed doors later, we were wondering if the joke was on us. Our daughter was born in Kazakhstan, left at an orphanage at age two, adopted by an American family at four, and given up by them four years later. She was adopted twice. The second time, we were her family. She was eight. We were forty-eight. Her belongings came in garbage bags and we were going gray. Not a good bet—but God saw a family. Our journey to becoming a family will make you laugh and cry at the same time. You will discover that no beginning is too far gone, that God’s call is never too crazy, that God speaks in the storms, and that a no does not always mean quit. Children need to hear that as much as grown-ups do. So I told it both ways—my memoir, Meant for Good, for adult readers, and my children’s book, Adopted for Good, for the youngest ones. One true story told two award-winning ways.
When did you start writing the book?
I say my books wrote themselves and it started thirty years ago. A near-fatal car accident and a supernatural experience at my grandmother’s deathbed turned my seemingly perfect world upside down. I started down a path to “do this life better,” which began my journaling habit. That habit documented the most amazing adventure that this reluctant author couldn’t not tell. I wrote the children’s book after I retired as a gift to my daughter. The next year my memoir followed. I would say the writing process took about six months for each book.
How long did it take you to write it?
I was surprised at how challenging writing a children’s book could be. I am a retired pharmacist, so my background is in science, not writing. I did have the thought, “how hard can a children’s book be?” Well, turns out it can be very hard. Luckily my daughter’s elementary school buddy studied graphic art in college and was graciously willing to illustrate. Together, we produced a precious storybook full of color and hope after about six months of editing and about the same for art design. The memoir came easier. I was used to telling our story, and had written about it for years as we were walking through it. Once I made my mind up, it took about half the time.
Where did you get the idea from?
God. Life. This whole thing has been God’s idea from the start. We did not go looking for adoption; adoption found us. I was just obedient. But I knew several years ago that this book needed to happen.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Truthfully, the subtitle of the memoir gave me a fit! It took two long days to finally land on one that said it all—Unbreakable Covenant Found on a Broken Road. When you read this book, you will understand it completely.
What came easily?
I have always found telling our story easy. It is just too good.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My books are non-fiction and nothing is fictitious or borrowed. It all really happened. I did change names for privacy.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Some of my favorite authors include Mark Batterson, David Wilkerson, Nicky Cruz, and Max Davis. I love inspirational stories along the lines of Facing the Giants, The Blind Side, and Josiah’s Fire.
Do you have a target reader?
Ironically, this is a loaded question because it is a current struggle. The obvious audience is the adoption world—waiting families, adoptive parents, and especially the kids still in the system. That is who both books were written for. It has also been the hardest door to open. People there are careful with hope. I have been told more than once, kindly, that my books do not fit for that very reason. But maybe hope is not what these children need protecting from. Our story could ignite the hope they already carry. I also write for anyone who thinks they are too far gone, too old, or too clueless for a God journey. And finally, for those like me who simply love an inspirational story.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I am not sure I qualify as an author. I had one story and I told it. So writing processes are not my forte, except to say I was reluctant but obedient.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I absolutely outline. I organized my journal entries to fit the outline.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Both. My mother is a retired English teacher. She is my editor-in-chief and all that implies. We edited sections and then edited again at the end.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I did not hire my editor, because lucky for me she works for hugs. I would highly recommend her, but she would decline offers.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I require a quiet and calm writing space with my snoozing yorkie by my side.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No agents have been considered because, frankly, I would not know what to do with one. I might be so bold as to say God is the Agent of this testimony. We will see where He takes things.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Once again, my path was unconventional. Our daughter’s second grade teacher is a children’s book author with her own publishing company. She created an imprint for our books, Inspiring Light Press. She made publishing possible and easy.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
As I mentioned, our daughter’s elementary friend is our illustrator and media person. I could not do this without her. She fully illustrated Adopted for Good and designed both book covers as well as my author page.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Of course winging it is my go-to plan, but we have had great success with awards. The two books have 9 awards between them and are both Kingdom Book Awards finalists. We will be attending their awards workshops and gala in Orlando in November. I prefer written channels first, since writing about our story is my strength, and public speaking is not. I use Facebook and local opportunities such as book signings and elementary school readings, and our books are in local bookstores and church libraries.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Just do it. It’s great fun!
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Deep East Texas. That explains the fear of a microphone. My vowels take their time.
Where do you live now?
Still here.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I am an unlikely mother and an accidental author. I write the way I live—conversationally, honestly, and with the conviction that God wastes nothing. Not the broken road. Not the closed doors. Not even my fear. I do not write Bible lessons. I write a life that lived them. I do not write to impress an English teacher. I write to sit across from you with a cup of coffee.
What are you working on now?
Enjoying retirement and my family!
End of Interview:
For more from Dede Kolb visit her website and follow her on Facebook.
Get you copy of Meant for Good from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
You’ll also want a copy of the companion children’s book, Adopted for Good, also available from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
