1) Me: Kayla, would you tell a little about yourself – a bit about your family, how old are you, are you out of school yet, and what do you want to do “when you grow up?”
Kayla: Hi, Mr. Mark and readers! I am eighteen years old, and the youngest in my family of four. My brother and I are best friends (I dread the day he goes away for college—*sniffle*). We love to quote movies, hang out, and watch all the greats like I love Lucy, Gilligan’s Island, The Waltons, The Cosby Show and MacGyer. I graduated with my brother, Josh, when I was sixteen, and just recently started my first semester of college online. I’m not exactly sure what the LORD has planned for my future yet, but I know it’s special. I feel called to ministry, but I’m not exactly sure what that means yet.
Me: I remember some of those shows.... it is great they still have an audience after all of these years.
2) Me: You have co-authored a couple of books with your mother. What was that like, and are there any more books in the works from the two of you?
Kayla: I have indeed. My mom and I wrote two books together, No Safe Haven (written when I was twelve) and Race Against Time. It was an amazing experience! My mom and I work really well together (runs in the family—haha) and we had oodles of fun. My momma is currently working on two books—her second historical book written with Tracie Peterson (they have one out already, All Things Hidden) and a contemporary fiction novel. I’m working on a fantasy series for teens focusing on purity. We also have another series together (mom and I) we would like to write.
Me: I thoroughly enjoyed the two you and your mom co-wrote, and also the other she has written.
3) Me: I know a little about your physical problems you face. I know that for you, winter and cold weather is a blessing, and I hate cold and that miserable wet stuff. Is there a medical term for what you deal with health-wise, and can you tell a little about it and what it is like to live with it, and how important colder weather is to you? (I'm glad it is good for something!)
Kayla: I know where you’re coming from. A lot of people don’t like the cold or snow. Though, yes, I happen to be a fan—“the cold never bothered me anyway!” I have a disorder called Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy—or HSAN. Basically, I’m missing fibers throughout my nervous system. So certain information doesn't go to my brain—like sensitivity to heat or pain. Because of this (and other really scientific-sounding factors that are too complicated for me to comprehend) I cannot sweat and can’t get too hot—overheating will kill me. By the time my body realizes that it’s getting too hot, it would be too late. Fevers are really bad, as are hot climates and high temperatures. So I love the snow and building snowmen.
Me: There have been a few times when I complained about the cold and snow, that it is a blessing to you and your family. Made me feel a tad bit guilty, but not enough to shut up :)
4) Me: What are some of your favorite ways to spend time?
Kayla: Oh goodness, there’s a loaded question! Okay, deep breath… I love: hanging out with my family, studying the Bible, listening to music, watching Once Upon A Time, sketching, cooking, playing the cello, reading, quoting Lord of the Rings and other fabulous stuff with my brother, writing, making cards, scrap-booking, learning, taking photos, pinning things I love on Pinterest, swimming, and pretty much anything creative.
Me: Sounds like you keep busy enough, and that your talents go beyond writing fiction novels.
5) Me: What style of music do you like, and who are some of your favorite singers? I am thinking one of mine might be on that list – The Gaither Vocal Band?
Kayla: I love many genres. I especially love: David Phelps (my favorite artist) and the Gaithers, Steven Curtis Chapman, Meredith Andrews, Moriah Peters, Casting Crowns, musicals (especially The Sound of Music, Cinderella, Wicked, Frozen, and Tangled), Silly Songs with Larry, The Piano Guys, Peter Hollens, movie soundtracks (Lord of the Rings—can I get an amen?!) and most praise and worship.
Me: David Phelps has got to be the most talented singer alive... I love his voice. And you have some great variety there in genre's. You won't get an Amen from me on movie soundtracks, but talk to my oldest niece..... she also plays the cello.
6) Me: You don't have to answer this one, and can plead the fifth: what is your most embarrassing moment, or one of your most embarrassing moments? Or if you would prefer, what is the most interesting thing that has happened to you so far in life? (You can answer both!)
Kayla: Whew. Ummm… I’ve had so many embarrassing moments, I don’t know if I could narrow it down! Hmm… Well, probably the most embarrassing “moment” was my high-school graduation. I was going through a rough time physically—the first time in my teen years—so my doctor put me on this strange medication a few days before. We’ll just say that it was an interesting evening. Full of swimming people and lopsided vision.
The most interesting thing that has happened in my life so far… yikes, another tough one! It really depends on how you define “interesting.” From the outside view, the most interesting thing that has happened to me would probably be my getting published at a young age. It was awesome! From a personal point of view, I think the most interesting thing that has happened to me has been just growing up in general.
Me: I am jealous a bit. I have part of a book sitting on my computer, and you are published. And I am way past the age of 12 :)
7) Me: Outside of your mother's books, what do you like to read? Any favorite authors?
Kayla: I love Christian fantasy. My favorite series are: the Tales of Goldstone Wood (Anne Elisabeth Stengl), The Lord of the Rings (J.R.R. Tolkein), The Dragonkeeper Chronicles (Donita K. Paul), The Chronicles of Narnia (C. S. Lewis) and The Wilderking Trilogy (Jonathan Rogers). My other favorite authors are: Tracie Peterson, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Darcie Gudger, Becca Whitham, David Platt, Randy Alcorn, Kay Arthur, Elisabeth Elliot, Eric and Leslie Ludy, Sarah Mally, and Francine Rivers. Though I love many, many more.
Me: You are a very well-read young lady. I applaud your reading choices. More young people need to read, it is nice to see one who does.
8) Me: If my memory serves me correctly, you have a blog and have posted some great posts about modesty. Do you still keep up with it, and would you mind sharing the link?
Kayla: I do! When I became a teenager the LORD really placed it on my heart to reach out to other teenage girls and guys regarding purity. It’s on our website. Here’s the link: http://kimandkaylawoodhouse.com/kaylas-blog/#!/blog/
Just a side note: we've experienced technical difficulties on the posting from my end, so some of my recent blog posts are under my mom’s blog but I’m happy to say after much time and effort, it’s back up and running correctly .
Me: I have read some of what you have written, and have been impressed. You not only write well, but you have a great grasp on the subject of purity and dress.
9) What would you say is your goal in life?
Kayla: My goal in life is to serve the LORD wherever HE leads me.
Me: There is no better goal.
10) Me: Are you dating yet, and what are some traits you want in someone you would marry?
I’m not dating anyone yet. Some traits I want in the man I marry are:
Kayla: He loves the LORD most and first
Lives off of the daily bread of the Word
Honor
Honesty
Responsibility
Patience
Faithfulness
Integrity
Faith
Manliness (as opposed to boyhood)
Gentlemanliness
Stands up for truth
Self-control
And just always encourages others in their faith
Me: Those are some great traits to look for, and so much better than just looking for a guy with a good job and good looks, though those are important. Whoever he is, he will be getting a great wife.
11) If you could sit down and talk to anyone you wanted, living or dead, who would you pick? And don't just say “the living one, of course”
Kayla: Anyone? JESUS!
Other than the Savior of the world? Hmm, this list could go on for a while. A few would be: Gennifer Goodwin, Moses, Hugh Jackman, Ruth, Peter Jackson, Elisabeth Elliot, J. R. R. Tolkein and Kay Arthur.
Me: I never heard of the first (human), but those are some interesting choices. There are a couple who would be on my list also.
12) Me: Are there any questions you wish I'd have asked and didn't?
Kayla: I think this was an awesome article! Thank you for the opportunity. If anyone has any other question feel free to shoot ‘em to me in a comment or comment on my blog. You can also find me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/woodhouseauthor/
Me: Thanks for taking the time to do this. I really appreciate it, and wish you the best in all you do.
Check out Kayla and Kimberly's website here.
It was so neat to meet you & your Mom & brother several years ago in Attica, NY. You have a true story to tell, and all of us who have fewer challenges should take note, and praise the Lord!
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