31 Dec 2024 Five-Oh-Ones to Watch 2025: Author of the Month – Sandra Jones

By Susan L. Peterson

Ringing in the new year is often accompanied by thoughts or commitments on how to improve oneself. Author Sandra Jones may be able to help. Her books, “Encouraging Word of the Day” Books 1 and 2, present interactive devotions to help readers defeat the fears and doubts that may be impacting their lives.

Jones, a devout Christian, believes that helping others is the greatest gift. And throughout her life, she has never shied away from giving others advice or comforting them. Several years ago, with the help of a friend, she started posting a daily word of the day on Facebook. She was surprised when the number of viewers grew and she started receiving positive feedback from strangers about her postings.

She never intended to publish a book. It was a friend, someone she met online during COVID-19, who viewed her postings and suggested others would benefit from them. They turned to Fiverr, an online freelance platform, to have the videos transcribed and edited. The writer credits her community of friends and her trust in God for her successes. Others helped her with the final product since she knew little about the intricacies of self-publishing.

“I took the thoughts of my mind of love and encouragement and placed them in word and video form,” she said.

Both books offer the opportunity to read, reflect and then write responses to questions designed to help the reader examine his or her motivations. For example, after relating her ideas about materialism, she asks, “What steps can you take to ward off envy in your life?”

Born in Arkansas, Sandra moved with her family to Wisconsin when she was only 2. But her ties to Arkansas remained strong. Every summer, she would return to her grandparents’ home in Plumerville (Conway County). She returned permanently in 1989 to help take care of her grandmother who became ill. She always felt Arkansas was her home.

She worked for Levi Strauss and then Kimberly Clark, where she worked her way to the position of lab technician. Following the company’s closure, she and her sons opened PostalAnnex in Conway. The company hit a rough patch during COVID-19. Her sons needed to find other employment, and she nearly closed the business. Sandra again prayed for guidance, but as she said, “God answers prayers, but sometimes the answers don’t come the way we expect.” Taking on a second job as a cleaner, she was able to keep the business afloat, and miraculously she obtained a shipping contract with a new business in town.

Another way Jones helps others is that she mentors five girls at Morrilton High School, giving them advice and guidance. “I’m going to let them see me work on my next book, which will tell more of my own story. I want them to know they can write their own stories too,” she said.

During her free time, Jones enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves to hike and fish, especially with her nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

Her personal guiding statement is: “I am Sandra Jones and I have limitless potential and can be all that God has called me to be.” It is her hope that she can help others find their capabilities and light in order to live their best lives as well.

Her self-help books are on sale on Amazon and other online booksellers. She enjoys attending book signings and speaking to groups and may be contacted through her business.