Q&A with Tracy Ripley - Author of Prayerful Warrior Mom

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Author Tracy Ripley with her book Prayerful Warrior MomPhoto byBookBuzz

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Tracy Ripley is a resilient figure, known not only as a dedicated wife, mother, and stepmother but also as a beacon of faith and strength amidst adversity. Her journey took an unexpected turn when her youngest child was diagnosed with congenital heart disease in 2013, a trial that fueled Tracy's unwavering faith and propelled her to illuminate the challenges of CHD, offering hope to families facing similar struggles. Transitioning from a 27-year career in accounting and finance, Tracy fearlessly pursued her childhood passion for writing, becoming an inspirational author. Alongside her supportive husband, Rob, she resides in Northeast Ohio, where she actively engages in her community and fosters spiritual growth through her involvement in Christian education. Tracy's pursuits extend beyond the written word; she finds solace and empowerment in Taekwondo, earning a black belt in 2019 and continually seeking personal growth through martial arts.

Author Q&A

What inspired you to write your first book?

After retiring from a 27-year finance career, I felt God called me to share my story as a way to help other mom’s going through a similar journey. I wanted to give them something I didn’t have when my son was born: a glimpse as to what their future may look like and hope that their child could have a normal childhood.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

My main message to parents who are trying to juggle work, family, and life with a CHD child is to remember to set healthy boundaries, focus on what you can control, and whenever possible, educate yourself on next steps so you are prepared for whatever comes your way. Last, but not least, remember that God is the final decision-maker, and only He has the final say.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

The experiences in my book are based on our youngest son’s on-going journey with congenital heart disease. It is told through the eyes of me, his mother, as I balanced our struggles with climbing the corporate career ladder in various finance leadership roles.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I am currently writing a self-help book directed toward career moms where I share the work/life balance lessons I learned throughout my 27-year career. I then plan to turn it into an audiobook to make it more practical for the career moms who have no time to sit down and read an actual book.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

The hardest part of writing my book was reliving all of the life-threatening battles my son has endured. Writing those moments put me right back in the hospital rooms or doctor offices. It was extremely hard to not only have to feel all the emotions again, but to write it and explain it in a way that readers felt it along with me.

What is your favorite positive saying?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

How can readers discover more about you and you work?

For more information and to hear about upcoming books and activities you can visit my author website: https://prayerfulwarrior.com or follow me on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093698545121 or

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prayerful_warriors

Do you like audiobooks, physical books, or e-books better? Why?

I personally love physical books. I like the feel of the book and physically turning the pages. However, I believe each format has value for specific seasons of a person’s life. For instance, when I was working 60+ and 70+ hour work weeks, I never had time to read. During that time, audiobooks were my saving grace because I could listen to them on my hour-long commute to work and back every day.

If you had to give up either snacks and drinks during writing sessions, or music, which would you find more difficult to say goodbye to?

Giving up music would definitely be the most challenging for me. I listen to music any chance I get. I find that Christian Contemporary music lifts the soul, helps me to relax, and puts me into a creative state of mind in order to write. Sometimes it can be therapeutic especially during those writing moments when I’m struggling to retell a challenging moment in my life.

How do you think being a writer has helped you as a person?

Writing has been extremely therapeutic for me and has helped to free me of some residual anger and resentment that I had been holding onto. Seeing the change that has occurred in me by releasing that tension and truly forgiving myself (and others) has helped to give me peace. It is something I hope to share with others. I hope to teach others to learn to let go of anger, resentment, and learn to forgive so that they too can live a life of peace.

Prayerful Warrior Mom is available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Prayerful-Warrior-Mom-Embracing-Congenital-ebook/dp/B0CKPYZ92T

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