Getting to Know...
Denise Frank
Published Work
Books to be Published
Hoping for another in 2019... I have the outline. I just need to sit down and write it.
Favorite Non-Profit
MISSION & VISION
Thinking globally, acting locally to provide resources for children and their families
The mission of RMHC is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.
Our Vision
A world where all children have access to medical care, and their families are supported and actively involved in their children's care.
Favorite Book
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Favorite Movie
All of the Madea movies, The Wedding Planner and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Personal Questions
Tell us about yourself - your family, marital status, your background... the basics.
I was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut. Moved to Pennsylvania when I was 12 and lived the majority of my adult life in Phoenixville, PA. In June of 2014, I relocated to Fort Worth, Texas. I have four kids: ages 25, 20, 14 & 13; and two grandsons, a 3-year-old and one born just this week. I’ve been divorced for six years and it was the best decision for my overall well-being.
For the last four years I’ve taught reading and English on the high school level, but have taught 9th graders for the last three years and don’t want to teach any other grade or subject level. Teaching is one of life’s passions and purposes. I love reading, writing, listening to music, working out and spending time with my kids. Currently I am working on my doctorate degree in Education Psychology & Technology.
Where is your favorite vacation spot? Why?
Anywhere exotic. I really need to get my passport and start collecting destination stamps. As a new travel agent, my desire to travel has intensified. If you need help planning your next adventure, visit my travel site at InteleTravel; I’d love to help you.
What is your #1 bucket list dream?
My #1 bucket list dream is to visit Italy, Greece & Rome.
Tell the readers one thing you would like them to know about you and/or your writing.
When I write, I never write an outline. I look at the topic, pray on it, sit down and start writing. Words pour out of me and sometimes I’m like, “Wow, where’d that come from?”
After I’m finished writing, I walk away from my laptop for a little while to gather myself and recover, since writing tends to be very emotional and therapeutic for me. After a while, I re-read what I’ve written and begin revising and editing.
My preference is to write about topics that are relevant, that will help others and are not being discussed because of their ‘heaviness.’ I want people to walk away from reading my work with questions. Questions that will cause self reflection and start conversations. Personal growth is what I pray each reader gains after they read my writing.
What would you want your 5-word epitaph to be?
A woman who never gave up. (Couldn’t whittle it down to 5 words)
Faith Questions
Briefly, tell us about your decision to become a believer - where, when, how?
I can’t explain it really. I’ve always been really sensitive to spiritual things and know God shielded me from a lot of the situations my mother put my siblings and I in. I was baptized at 15 and had my first encounter with God when I was 36. In my living room, at the lowest point in my life and marriage, I poured my heart out to God. He both chastised me and held me. I felt His arms holding me as I wept. He reassured me that my life would be okay provided I stopped being an Indian giver and allowed Him to carry my burdens and work things out in my life. That night in November of 2010 forever changed my life.
What is your favorite story from the Bible, the one that inspires, moves you?
The story of Job. No matter how bad things became, He never stopped believing God would work on His behalf. Also, God told Job to act like a man while in that storm. He also revealed to Job that since he could not fully fathom the personhood of God, he has no right to question him about the circumstances he found himself in. His duty was to trust and believe God’s plan in all of his turmoil and heartbreak.
Do you have a life's bible verse? If so, what is it? And/or, do you have a verse that is currently on your heart? Why?
Jeremiah 29:11... For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans for a hope and a future.
That verse was given to me by God when I packed up the home my family was being evicted from. He kept me while my kids and I spent eight weeks in a shelter.
Despite the things that go wrong in life, God has a plan for it. Whenever I see ‘LORD’ in all caps, I’m reminded that God made a promise to me that He’d never leave me nor forsake me or see me begging for anything. He has kept his promises to me. When I’m having a down day, that scripture comes up in my spirit as a reminder and anything I’m feeling dissipates.
If you could have a long, leisurely dinner with a person from the Bible, who would it be and why? What would you talk about?
Jesus. I’d ask him how he was able to exhibit positivity all the while knowing who was in his company? I’d also want to know what he really thought about and wanted to say, to his parents, when he purposely stayed behind at the synagogue? I’d also inquire about this current age and ask for suggestions on dealing with the people I encounter day to day. Also, how to accept ministry knowing I’m an introverted extrovert who prefers to remain behind the scenes.
If you could pick one thing you deeply want the readers to know about God, what would it be?
He expects us to call Him out on the promises He’s made us. Also to be blatantly honest with God about EVERYTHING. Although God already knows our heart, He wants us to cultivate an open, honest and transparent relationship with Him. He wants to be our best friend if we allow Him to.
What motivated/inspired you to write My Story: A Rollercoaster Ride to Healing?
My life inspired me to write this book. God dogged me for years because I wouldn’t sit down and write it. He’d given me the outline almost 15 years prior to writing it. I kept the outline in my favorite Bible. When my marriage was hanging on by a thread and after my encounter with God, writing helped me process the reality that my marriage was ending and healing ensued. I learned a lot about myself while writing that book.
I got writer’s block (this NEVER happens to me) when I began writing the chapter about forgiveness. God showed me who I was harboring unforgiveness towards and wouldn’t let me continue writing until I forgave those two people.
As a published author, what tips do you have for aspiring authors?
- Don’t procrastinate. Sit down daily and write for an hour or two to clear your mind.
- Keep a journal and write in it daily. This allows you to hone your writing skills.