Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Collier.
Hi Betty, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Betty Collier, a wife, mother, nurse, author, and child of the King. I began my journey as an author in 2009 after dreaming about the front cover of what I thought would be my first and only book. When I awakened the next morning, I immediately began writing “Living Inside The Testimony” which is a deeply personal reflection on my life through the lens of faith. I recognized that my struggles, my victories, and my journey were all part of a greater story meant to inspire and encourage others.
I soon realized there were other books inside me that needed to be told. Now I’m an 11x bestselling, 19x award-winning inspirational Christian author working on my 16th book. I write with a purpose, and that is to bring honor and glory to God. How I do that will be a pleasant surprise to readers of my inspirational nonfiction and Christian fiction books that take readers on emotional journeys of love, hope, faith, compassion, forgiveness, and triumph.
In 2023, I began focusing on a series of children’s books that unravel hot topics through the eyes of six-year-old twins, Adam and Ava Albright, These inquisitive twins discover valuable life lessons that capture the attention of children ages 3-8 while tackling issues even adults need to ponder. The 4th book in this series, “Adam and Ava Visit a Special House” is the reason for sharing my story with you today. I wrote this book in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities – Memphis. Below is a preview of the book:
Celebrated as an International Impact Book Award Winner, this book’s universal message for kids and adults alike, will help audiences everywhere discover that sometimes a small act of kindness is the best medicine.
When six-year-old twins Adam and Ava find out their friend Danny has cancer, they don’t quite understand what it means, but they know they want to do something to make him feel better.
This heartwarming story will help young children understand that a serious illness like cancer can be scary. Through their journey, Adam and Ava realize the best thing they can give Danny is their love and support.
Such a beautifully illustrated picture book is perfect for helping young readers navigate difficult emotions without being fearful. No matter what, a genuine smile from a friend is one of the greatest gifts of all.
This book is filled with hope. Find out how you can help Ronald McDonald House continue to provide families with hope away from home by visiting their website at rmhc.org.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I doubt if any “non-celebrity” author can say it’s been a smooth road. There are numerous internal struggles with self-doubt and feeling my work is never good enough. I often feel discouraged when I see celebrity authors whose names alone almost instantly and automatically put them at the top of the most influential bestsellers lists. I’ve learned not to focus on things I cannot control though. Instead, I look at the work before me and how I can share stories that are authentic to me. No one can tell my stories like I can, so instead of struggling and being disappointed, I focus on my storytelling journey which is unique to me.
As a result, I have been able to publish several different books, all of which I am extremely proud of. From ideas floating in my head to real books with pages I love to turn, my desire is to continue writing as long as I have a voice for my characters. I even established my own publishing company, John316 Global Publishing, LLC.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think I was probably born with the gift of storytelling, but it wasn’t manifested until later in life. There were hints of it as I excelled in school and college, but I never considered being an author until I had that dream at the age of forty-something. Now there are numerous future books floating around in my head, and I am never satisfied until I can get the next book on paper so that I can move on to the next one,
Writing in three distinct genres has been a challenge, not because switching from one to the other was difficult, but because of what people perceive to be true. Most authors stick with one genre as they hone their craft. As a true storyteller, what guides me in one genre crosses over to others. Whether it’s nonfiction or fiction, the characters are always real in my mind. It’s my job to tell their stories.
I can’t say that I am most proud of any one accomplishment. It is a collection of my entire body of work that encourages me to continue writing more books because there are so many stories that need and deserve to be told.
My highest recognition has been the recipient of the International Impact Book Awards. It is more than a recognition program—it is a global movement dedicated to celebrating excellence in storytelling and honoring the authors whose words spark transformation. Founded and led by a collective of respected entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, and visionary thought leaders, the organization exists to spotlight the most powerful books from around the world and elevate the people behind them.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be true to yourself. We all have unique gifts and abilities. It’s easy to lose sight of your goals if you compare yourself to others. Focus on what you can do, not what someone else is doing.
President Theodore Roosevelt said “comparison is the thief of joy” which means you can lose sight of your goals if you are fixated on what other people are doing. Don’t allow your self-worth to be based on how you measure up to others. We are not in competition with each other. Focus on your personal growth and long-term goals. Your joy comes from doing what you have been called to do, what you were created to do, not what someone else is doing. You are more than enough.
Before I was an author, I was a wife to the absolute love of my life and mother of 2 precious boys who I love beyond measure. I’m also a registered nurse and still currently work as an RN case manager. I can be all of those things at the same time, which leaves little time for me to compare myself to anyone else. I take joy and pride in what I do in all areas of my life. The key words are “my life” — not someone else’s life. There is no comparison.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adamandavabooks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettycollier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BettyCollier.Author
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betty-collier-5b12a0a/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BettyCollier
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheTestimony/videos
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettycollier1storyteller
