Her Safari

Today, I have the pleasure of featuring friend, writer, and debuting author, Lisa Mikitarian as she shares with us a fragment of her journey into the world of literature. Her style is witty, honest, and humorous with a depth that grabs at the truth of matters with sincerity and grace.

Her Safari, By Lisa Mikitarian

Lisa, what sparked the idea for your collection Her Safari?

Before I ever thought about putting a collection together, I wrote a short story called "Her Safari".  It was based on a friend's experience.  The depth of the hurt she felt at being overlooked by her father moved me—tremendously. I don't know who my biological father is—and it makes for a certain type of ache—that seemed to be mirrored in my friend's emotions. And we had both come to a place of acceptance.  So this story is a mesh of our feelings and thoughts, and although there was a real safari, I've fictionalized the events.

What I love most about the story is that the main character never realizes that it was her safari—she thought it was her brother's.  But I, the author, could make that statement, that realization on her behalf.  It's a little like God—the Author of Life—knowing the truth about you, and me, though we may not know it ourselves.  It's a thought that gives me comfort.

It was after writing this story that it occurred to me that it had the strength to be an anchor for a collection.

To purchase Her Safari click here  

Remember to check out the fabulous gift basket available.

Lisa has partnered with Heart of God International Ministries, so that they’ll receive the proceeds from books bought on their behalf. If you wish to benefit HGIM with your purchase, there’s a special button on the publishers site at check out (HGIM).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Renee Sorbo Walsh Felsch Heidenstecker Mikitarian

I've never been comfortable talking about myself.  Then the other day someone asked me about my name--my full name:

How's that for offbeat?  When I explained the parts, another friend said, "Hey, your biography is in your name!" Well, shoot, my friend was right.  I owe her big time for helping me out of this coNUNdrum.

So here's my personal bio--via the names:

Lisa:  First name given to me by Mom.  It was in a book she'd been reading.

Renee:  We'll come back to this one at the end.

Sorbo:  My last name--listed on my birth certificate.  But I can't say I know who my father is.  Perhaps one day.  After I was born  (in California), Mom took me to live with Oma Heidenstecker in Germany.  I refer to these as, "The Stable Years."  Thank God for Grandmothers:).

Walsh:  Last name of my stepfather--Mom married him when I was five.  That's when Oma brought me back to the States.  Those were the grade-school and not-so-stable years.

Felsch:  The last name of the family who graciously became my guardians when life got too complicated at home.  Those were the Junior High and High School years.  Those were kind of rickety years, too.

Heidenstecker:  At 18, I legally changed my name to my Grandmother's, though I hadn't seen her in a decade.  I joined the Army, attended the Defense Language Institute where I re-learned German. I was  stationed in Germany for two tours where I reunited with Oma--yay!  Slightly wild and joyful years. Learned to dance in the discoteca.

Sam blames me for all his gray hair. I've NEVER seen him without the mustache.

Mikitarian:  The last name of the  man I have loved (and danced with)  for 24 years:  Sam Mikitarian Jr.  A blessing before I knew what a blessing was. Three children: Madeline, Spencer, and Katalina.  A dog:  Dorian Gray

Renee:  Ah--now here's where the middle name fits in. It means born new.  And that's exactly what happened to me when I (along with Sam and Maddie and Spencer and Katalina) accepted the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.  It's here (about 18 years ago), that I began understanding that God created us in community for a reason--to love and help one another while on this earthly journey. I've felt strongly about this aspect of life ever since. 

Well, there it is. Me in a Nut-shell. 
 

Thank you for stopping by. There will be a drawing to win a five-dollar Starbuck’s gift card, for those who leave a comment here. The drawing will be held September 24th. (The winner will be announced here, so please remember to check back!)

Thanking God everyday for you.

Anna K. Jeffrey
Writer/Editor

Sufficient Grace Writing & Editing Services
southpawscribbler@gmail.com