Family First (vol 40:1, Feb-March 2008, page 20-21) PDF Print E-mail
“In many ways, I have the best of both worlds. My family is my priority but I’m amazingly blessed with opportunities to write,” says Angela Little, writer of the award-winning book Taming the Tiger.

From her home office in Northamptonshire, England, Angela strikes a balance between her passion for writing and looking after her two young children.

Taming the Tiger is the true life story of Tony Anthony, a Kung Fu World Champion and elite bodyguard. In a gripping, fast-paced style, Angela charts Tony’s disturbing childhood, his highflying career, his descent to the depths of despair and the prison visits of a stranger that lead him to a life-saving encounter with the love of God.

Naive

Taming the Tiger was first published in 2004 and Angela says she is deeply humbled by the many reports from readers across the globe who have been inspired by its message. “We also find that many younger people want to read the book,” Angela reports. “Tony does a lot of work in schools, so it was a privilege—and a challenge—to rewrite the story in a new style, with the violence toned down.” Cry of the Tiger was thus published in 2006.

Angela has a number of other books to her name and is regularly consulted by her publisher on new projects. Despite her success, she readily admits the difficulties of meeting deadlines and the demands of her children — Samuel, 6, and Hannah, 3.

“I was very naive at first, thinking I could tap away at my computer with my baby happily playing on the mat!” she confesses. “I’ve struggled over the last six years trying to get a balance, and I can’t honestly say there’s a solution. That’s why I’m reluctant to commit to deadlines. Thankfully the people I work with are very patient!”

Multi-tasking

Angela reminisces on her days as editor of Premier, a magazine promoting American Christian music. “I used to think that those days were pressurised. Back then, I could still chat with colleagues, enjoy a hot cup of coffee and concentrate on one thing at a time,” she recalls of her ten-year career with Word Records (UK).

Now, the name of the game is multi-tasking and discipline, as she devotes two mornings a week to writing. “The toughest thing about working like this is summoning up the creative juices in just 2 three-hour time slots!” Angela laughs. “There are many days I feel very frustrated, as though I can’t play any of my roles properly. I do get quite stressed about it all,” she confesses.

Her husband, gifted musician Phil Smith, is her cheerleader. “I often complain that I haven’t achieved anything in my day, but he always says, ‘You’ve been a mother to our kids and that’s a great achievement!’ He is very supportive and thankfully his business is successful enough to support us financially. That’s a good pressure not to have in my line of work!”

Family support

Angela is also thankful for the wider support she gets in her home responsibilities. “Our children have wonderful grandparents who help out whenever possible,” she says, “and the cleaner I have for three hours a week is a ‘God-send’!”

Ultimately, Angela relies on God to sustain her when the going gets tough and finds assurance in her favourite verses:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

                                                                      — Philippians 4:6-7
 

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