How Service Minded Lives Can Lead to Big Things

MEET AUTHOR + SPEAKER

ANNIE F DOWNS

Annie F. Downs is an author, blogger, and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God. An author of four books: Looking for Lovely, Let’s All Be Brave, Perfectly Unique, and Speak Love, Annie also loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students, and adults. Read more at anniefdowns.com and follow her on Twitter @anniefdowns.

You have such a heart for equipping individuals to live grace-filled lives of purpose. How did you come into your calling of being a writer and speaker?

As I was serving in my local church, I was exposed to more opportunities to write and speak. I just kept walking through the doors God opened, trying new experiences, and asking Him to open even more doors as I started to hope and dream about this going from a hobby to a career.

Tell us a little bit about what it was like to write your first book? What was the inspiration behind it?

I wanted to write a devotional for the teen girls in my church! So that's where my first book began- when I was serving in my local church.

You've been very successful at what you do. Have you had to respond to negativity from individuals along the way? How have you learned to respond to this?  

I had a dear friend say to me recently, "just remember that no one is liked by everyone." That's such a good thing for my heart; to remember that to expect everyone to "like" me is an unattainable goal. I've learned a lot from having people dislike me on the internet about what voices I listen to and how I deal with people who think differently than I do. :) And after doing this job for a few years, what matters most to me is what my real life friends, family, and mentors say about my life.

We love to follow along on your travels! What is your favorite city that you've been to recently?

I got to spend a few days in Newport Beach, California and that weather in January is amazing.
 

What are you most excited about for The W Conference 2017

I can't wait to gather with these women - both those attending and those speaking - and spend a good chunk of time learning together!