Taffy Wagner

Dr. Taffy W. Wagner

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"The Interview with Dr. Taffy W. Wagner "

THE ROCK: Who is Dr. Taffy W. Wagner, tell us something about you?
Dr. Wagner: I am author, speaker, counselor and ordained minister. I am a financial coach for Christian Ladies Connect and Christian Business Talk Radio.

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
Dr. Wagner: I am from Shreveport, Louisiana and currently reside in Denver, Colorado.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Dr. Wagner: Yes. My brother is a journalist and my mom has written several Christian plays for the church she belongs to.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Dr. Wagner: I began writing when I was in junior high school. I attempted to write my life story when I was in the eighth grade. Then I wrote poetry for several years after that.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Dr. Wagner: My life experiences growing up in a single parent home, being in the military, being an independent African American woman, having a relationship with God, and being able to relate to different people prepared me to become an author.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Dr. Wagner: When I was working on my Doctorate degree, my professors would comment on my papers that what I was sharing was needed by many people. I have always kept a diary or journal and loved to write.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
Dr. Wagner: My first book, Debt Dilemma is based on my life and experience with money. Many people will be able to relate when they were growing up, money was not discussed in their household. It was "taboo". For this reason, I was not prepared to handle money. I felt that there were many people bound by debt and not knowing how to get out of debt. I believe sharing my story would help someone else understand they could get out of debt without filing bankruptcy and start new. Debt Dilemma is written from a spiritual perspective and offers realistic solutions whether you are a Christian or not.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Dr. Wagner: My latest book, Homebuyer’s Helper (How to Have and Hold on to your House) is a resource for anyone seeking to purchase a house.

Many people want the American Dream of homeownership; however, it ends up becoming the American nightmare. Homebuyer’s Helper prepares you for homeownership and teaches you how to maintain the American Dream for a lifetime. It shares with you national and state downpayment assistance programs, educates you on telephone calls you should make before you move into a home as well as other pertinent information.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Dr. Wagner: No.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Dr. Wagner: All of my books are self-published because I did not want someone to change the meaning of what I said. I like being in control of how long it takes for my book to come out and owning the rights to my work.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Dr. Wagner: A fresh voice that stands out from all the rest.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
Dr. Wagner: I am a publisher and have published another author’s book. Simple solutions for self-help subjects without overwhelming the reader.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
Dr. Wagner: I do not believe so. Marketing is key whether you use a traditional publisher or self-published. The Internet has expanded the territory of the self-published author with chat groups, blogs, press releases and internet radio shows.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
Dr. Wagner: Graduating with my Doctorate of Ministry in Biblical Counseling with honors at the end of 2004. Debt Dilemma becoming an Amazon.com Bestseller after being on the market for only six months. Being a mother and teacher to my twins. Writing Debt Dilemma, Discharged Into Debt, Every Little Bit Helps (e-book) and Spare Change(e-book) in less than a year.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Dr. Wagner: Frank Peretti, David Baldacci, John and Lisa Bevere.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Dr. Wagner: International teacher/speaker. Well known publisher who takes care of and invests in their authors.

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
Dr. Wagner: I am glad you asked that question. They can find me at www.journeytowholeness.net, www.paidoff.net, www.dischargedintodebt.com and also on www.amazon.com. Email me at taffy@paidoff.net.

Thank you for taking the time to interview me.

THE ROCK: Thank you very much, Ms. Miller.