JUST THE WRITE CHARISMA

Where Do Artists Fit in the Church?

2012-02-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

If you have the gift of teaching, evangelism, hospitality, or helps, there is a place for you in the Church. If you have administration skills, musical talent, or simply like to serve, there is a place for you in the Church. But if you are an artist, a writer, a poet, or an actor, you’re out of luck.

Makoto Fujimura, founder of International Arts Movement, believes that:

Christians often misunderstand the role of creativity. Few churches get involved in the arts, and as a result, many creative individuals feel separated and alienated from God and His body of believers.

That’s how I’ve been feeling lately — “separated and alienated.” Probably because the last few weeks, in our church, we’ve been talking about spiritual gifts and callings. The funny thing is: It’s not ignorance of my calling that alienates me; it’s awareness of my calling that alienates me.

I mean, where do artists fit in the Church?

The church needs people to man the nursery, host Bible studies, organize social events, plan outreach opportunities, visit the sick, counsel the hurting, and recycle bulletins. But… poets? Seriously. What practical purpose do poets serve in the local church?

It’s a conundrum. On the one hand, if God “calls” some members of His Body to write fiction, direct theater, sculpt, or paint abstracts, how do those callings practically relate to the local church? If they don’t, are we prepared to say that artists and actors are peripheral to the real mission of God on earth? And if they’re not — if artists actually serve an important role in the Body of Christ — why isn’t there more of a practical place for them?

Forgiving can be hard

2012-02-16T22:22:00.000-08:00

Ever since I read Beth's post on forgiveness, I've wanted to write and share this testimony about my brother and what I learned about forgiving others.

The theme in all my books is reconciliation through forgiveness. Whether my manuscript is historical or contemporary, that is the theme. I suppose that is my brand. When readers pick up my books, that’s what they expect and that’s what they get. Sometimes the forgiving and reconciliation is with God and other times it may be person to person, but it’s there.

Forgiving others for wrongs they do is one of the most difficult things that many Christians have to do. When we or those we love have been deeply hurt, embarrassed, or humiliated by another, forgiving is the last thing on our minds. God’s forgiveness is unconditional, and quick to be given when we ask Him, so why then is it difficult for us to do the same?

I had this lesson brought home to me in a very real and meaningful way with my brother. Ever since he was a teenager, he’d been in trouble with the law. He was in and out of juvenile institutions until he reached adulthood. What happened to him in those places is too horrible to even describe now, but we didn’t know those things then.

When I married, he was at my wedding, but not many months later, at age fifteen, he was once again in detention. When he was finally arrested as an adult on drug charges and sexual crimes, I gave up on him and turned my back.

Off and on for the next ten years he tried to rehabilitate, and we’d once again have contact, but I didn’t want him around my sons. His lifestyle led him in the wrong direction that completely alienated me from him. My mother and father were deeply hurt by his actions, but they never gave up on him and supported him whenever they could.

However, at one point I decided I’d had enough and wrote him out of my life. I no longer had a brother and never talked about or mentioned him to anyone. To me, he no longer existed. That went on for many, many years until the year our oldest son planned to be married. Two weeks before the wedding, my mother called to tell me that my brother had been arrested again. This time he’d taken a young boy and left town with my dad’s credit cards.
His name, crimes, and arrest were all over the front pages of the newspapers and on TV news reports. I was thankful my last name was now different and no one would connect him to me. No one did, but God knew.
Very early one morning, mother called to tell me that he’d been visited in prison by her pastor and that Johnny had made a confession of faith and asked forgiveness from the Lord. I told her that was impossible and didn’t want to talk about it.

Later, as I was praying and getting ready for my day, a feeling came over me that I cannot describe. It was as though I was suddenly completely alone. After seeking out our chaplain at school and telling him about my brother, he handed me his Bible, open to a verse in Matthew, and simply said, “Martha, you know what you have to do.”

I read the words of Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Tears filled my eyes and I sobbed to my Heavenly Father and asked his forgiveness for my actions, and then forgave my brother and let all the bitterness flow from me.

That feeling of being so alone disappeared and once again the arms of our Lord wrapped around me and assured me that no matter what my brother had done, he had been forgiven. I wrote a letter to him and told him what had happened. He was convicted as a pedophile and sentenced to sixty years in prison. Since that time we have corresponded regularly and since our parents’ deaths, I’ve been the one to support him and make sure he has what he needs while in prison.

The ironic thing is that my friends didn’t turn away from me in disgust when they learned about John, but surrounded me with love and compassion and admiration. My testimony in the months and years since then has touched many lives and became the basis for my writing theme of forgiveness and reconciliation. Johnny is still in prison, but he is also a son of our Lord Jesus Christ and my brother.

Some of you have shared difficult times in forgiving others, but the peace that comes is from God for having been obedient to His teachings and commands.

Which is more difficult for you, seeking forgiveness and saying you're sorry or that you were wrong or forgiving someone else for doing something to you or a loved one?

Facing Monsters

2012-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Well, my second book Enemies of the Cross was released last Tuesday. It continues the suspenseful story begun in The Strange Man and takes the series into some unexpected places, setting the stage for what will be an epic battle between good and evil. You should really go buy it :p

However, what should have been an exciting time—with the release of the book—was marred by personal tragedy. Just a couple days before the release, I discovered that my best friend had been involved with child pornography for many years. So much so, in fact, that he has been arrested and sentenced to spend the next ten years in a federal prison. As the grisly details surfaced on the news of what authorities found on his computer, I felt a deep black hole open up in my heart, devouring every good memory I had with my friend. We grew up together, he was the best man at my wedding, he stood by my wife’s side during her stay in the hospital after my first daughter was born. This man was a brother to me and now to discover this ...

I spent the first day I learned of his crimes crying, nearly to the point of vomiting. The next day I felt nothing but a cold emptiness as my entire outlook on so many years of friendship was painted in a new, disturbing light. I’m still processing it, and imagine I will be for many, many years to come (though I am doing better). I’m thankful to God that my own young children were not harmed by his actions, but I’m left in a weird sort of limbo—torn between being disgusted and oddly compassionate. Christ calls us to love our enemies, but He doesn’t deny that we will have enemies. People who are opposed to the things we stand for, or who could be a physical danger to us or those we love.

I do still love my friend, though I acknowledge that he has fallen into a pit of evil. Can he climb out of that pit? Only with years of therapy, perhaps—but, more importantly, the transformative power of Christ. Will he accept that, though? I don’t know. How will I respond? I don’t know that either. I confess I need some transformative power myself to overcome the conflicting feelings I have.

In some respects, Enemies of the Cross—finished long before any of this surfaced—proved to be darkly prophetic to my own life, and seems to only further prove the point of why I write horror. Why I need to write horror. I need to write about fictional monsters with claws and fangs and slime because I’ve seen—now first hand—that there are more terrible things in the real world. Incomprehensible things. I need that fictional world as a retreat, where the monsters are easy to identify and quickly vanquished by good and noble souls. Where righteousness can conquer over depravity, where hope always wins out in the end. I need that place, however fantastic it might be. Because, ultimately, I want to believe that those things aren’t just possible in fantasy, but in reality as well. God is still more powerful than all the wickedness of man and forces of hell. Christ is still in the business of righting wrongs and saving souls—even those souls we might not initially think are worthy of saving. I believe the world can still be a place where good conquers evil, where hope and faith are our only driftwood in the dark, tumultuous seas. I want to believe that... I must. Otherwise, what hope do we have?

So, I will face this the only way I know how. By lassoing the fears lurking in my heart and binding them to the page, where I will do battle with them once again.

I’m a writer. If the pen is mightier than the sword, then I have wars to wage.

Promote Your Writing Through Speaking!

2012-02-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was listening to an interview of a Christian speculative fiction author. A blogtalk radio “station” out of Canada with a listening audience in the hundreds of thousands had granted this author an hour long interview to talk about his book. As I listened, I was appalled. Was this man a communicator? Didn’t he write a novel? How was it he was such an inarticulate speaker?

I began to listen to other podcast interviews and online interviews and I discovered something. As authors, we are the masters of the WRITTEN word, but often we are abysmal with the SPOKEN word. That author I mentioned above? That was me, Bruce Hennigan, in an interview for my first self published novel.

My journey since then has been totally unanticipated. I am an apologist, or one who is trained to defend the truth of the Christian worldview and since that interview, I have become part of a local organization producing seminars and mini-retreats on how to defend the Christian faith in an increasingly hostile culture. I sat down and asked myself, “Why has God chosen to make me an apologist AND a novelist? What do the two have to do with each other?”

Well, God has shown me an answer. And it is simply this. One way we as authors can promote our WRITTEN word is by becoming SPEAKERS and communicating, with clarity, the message that underlies our novels. From a strictly utilitarian point of view, speaking in public can afford us the opportunity to promote our works. So, how is this accomplished? Let me give you four suggestions:

ONE -- REFINE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

I enrolled in the Certified Apologetic Instructor program from my denominations North American Mission Board under the direction of one of the most awesome speakers and generally all around wonderful brother in Christ, Mike Licona. As part of this intensive training program, Mike required us to attend the Dynamic Communications Workshop (Now known as the SCORRE Conference). Now, I have been a public speaking since high school. I am producer, director, playwright, and actor in church based drama. I have spoken at dozens of writer’s conferences on writing plays as well as dozens of regional and national drama festivals. Why would I have to attend a communications workshop?

While DCW isn’t the only workshop out there, I can tell you unequivocally that it changed my life. Really! It changed my life! This Christian based program showed me where I was going wrong and taught me invaluable skills in communication. I cannot recommend this program highly enough. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is intensive. But, as authors, we must master the skill of selling ourselves in interviews and podcasts and videocasts. If we stumble and mumble and “UMM” our way through an interview, who in their right mind would want to read what we write!

I had to humble myself and realize I can always be taught something and let the wonderful people at DCW teach me how to promote my novels; how to take my “commodity” of writing and turn it into a “product” that people will want to purchase.

TWO -- SPEAK ON WHAT YOU KNOW

But, Bruce, I am NOT a public speaker. What do I know? I’m not an apologist!

Stop, just a doggone minute! You are too an expert. You didn’t just pull the words out of thin air for your novel -- well maybe you did. But, you did research for you novel, right? There is a definite message there; a genre; a “hook”. It might be historical information. It might be technical information. But, there is information there. And, you’ve written about it which makes you an expert. So, talk about it!

An old adage goes, “write about what you know”. As novelists we KNOW about something. If we can write about it, we can talk about it. If nothing else, we can talk about the process of being published authors. Think of all the aspects of the writing life we have had to become experts on. Marketing, publicity, social media, editing, research skills, etc. We have something we can bring to an audience. And, in that process, we promote our novels!

Now, this is not for everyone. Not all of us are comfortable in front of an audience. But, we should at least be articulate enough to pull off an interview or a podcast. Find that subject or subjects you can speak comfortably about and then PLUG your novel!

THREE -- SPEAK ON WHO YOU ARE

I was so touched by Mike Dellosso’s accounts of his struggle with colon cancer. The man is a hero in my book. As a physician, I work with dying patients all the time. We will all face that medical crisis that might end our lives. And, how we face death is determined by our character; our faith; our strength. It also takes guts to speak about our weaknesses; our battles; our losses. But, it also gives us an opportunity to speak about our triumphs! And, as a Christian, I have found that EVERY triumph is ultimately due to the supernatural intervention of my God.

Years ago, I battled depression. After two years of struggling through counseling and changing my life completely, God led me to develop some tools to keep me from getting depressed again. My pastor approached me about writing a book on the subject. Out of my pain, “Conquering Depression” was picked up and published by B&H Publishing in 2001. For the next three years, Mark Sutton and I offered a three hour seminar on “Conquering Depression”. We required that every participant (or, at least, every couple) purchase a copy of our book and that was included in the price for the seminar, a reasonable $25 per person. We spoke about who we were and we sold lots of books. The downside was the constant need to expose my very soul to my audience; to reveal my inner most secrets and struggles. But, God ultimately received the credit!

Every good novelists writes out of some corner of pain and suffering. Everyone of us bleeds onto the page because of the circumstances of our lives. Find that angle. Be willing to talk about it. Help others struggling with the same issues in life. And, in the process, you can promote your books!

We may end up speaking on something totally unrelated to the subject of our novel. But, people will check out our books because of WHO WE ARE!

FOUR -- TIE IN YOUR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT WITH YOUR WEBSITE

I was invited recently to speak to our state’s Evangelism Conference on apologetics. I chose to speak on the six most commonly asked questions from skeptics. I was anticipating about a dozen for each of my two sessions. I was shocked when over 100 showed up!

I provided a business card with my web address and contact information. And, I told the attendees they could download the pdf version of my notes and resources from my author website under the “Apologetics” tab. I mentioned in passing that I was an author. I even told them that my book, “The 13th Demon” was “apologetic fiction” and an exciting, scary read they could give to their skeptical friends. In one presentation, I guaranteed a possible 100 hits on my website during the next week. The presentation went well, thanks to my DCW training, and out of this presentation I received a dozen more invitations to speak!

This week, I am speaking to a seminary class in Orlando, Florida. The week after, I am speaking to our church congregation on apologetics. That following weekend, I will be speaking at our state drama festival. At each one of these venues, I will be passing out contact information and directing listeners to my website. I am hoping for a snowball effect. In fact, I want this to be so successful, I will have to turn down invitations. Although these presentations have very little to do with my novel, they still afford me the opportunity to promote my writing. Don’t know where to start? Ask your agent.

But, as exciting as this all sounds, my one goal is to glorify God through all that I do. God, and God alone is providing for my writing and speaking career. As Mike Dellosso so eloquently put it last week in this blog:

If you expect to reach just one person through your writing then success is within your grasp. If you expect to glorify God with the best you have to offer then success is within your grasp.

So, consider adding a speaker career to your writing career. Start by polishing those communication skills and start turning your “commodity” of writing into your “product”!

An Author's Juggling Act

2012-02-10T02:30:00.000-08:00

Right now, I'm trying to finish the third book in my McKenna's Daughters series. I was mostly on track to meet my March 1 deadline.

This week, I've seen the cover for book two, Mary's Blessing that will release in May, and I love it. But we did have to deal with a few tweaks.

Today, I received the galley proofs for Mary's Blessing, which I need to read through very carefully, checking for any errors. This is due back to my publisher by February 22. Can you see the possible problem looming before me?

Don't get me wrong. I love what I do. God created me to be a writer. I feel blessed by God to be able to write books that readers enjoy. Books that hold hope and redemption, along with an interesting story and usually a romance. But this life is a juggling act with many parts. In addition to the writing and editing side of the equation, I'm also working on the marketing and promotion for the last couple of books.

The only way I can handle all this is by depending on God as my source of strength, creativity, and stamina. He gives me everything that I need to accomplish what is set before me.

Problems arise when I think I can do it all in my own power. I can't.

Do you have things in your life that seems to overwhelm you as you keep juggling the parts?

How do you deal with this? Please leave a comment to share with us.

--Lena Nelson Dooley, author of Maggie's Journey and Mary's Blessing and the Will Rogers Award Winning Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

Looking for Success

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I recently read a blog post by a fellow author about when a writer should quit.
It’s a tough question and, I’ll admit, one I’ve entertained. Yes, there are
times when I’ve wanted to quit, when I’ve wanted to throw in the proverbial pen
and never write another word.

Regardless of popular opinion and common assumption, writing ain’t easy. It’s a road
travelled alone, a road full of potholes and obstacles and plenty of dead ends.
There are few, if any, signs to point you in the right direction and no one
really knows what the destination is.

And if you’re like 90% of writers, even if you do get published, you’ll still be
working a full-time job and struggling to make ends meet.

A writer’s life is full of second-guessing and self-deprecation.

I suppose after all that, after the countless rejections, false starts, bogus
ideas, and shattered expectations, the reason someone quits is because he
hasn’t succeeded. But what is success? How’s that for an existential question?

Success depends on those expectations. If you expect to get published you will most
likely fail. If you get published and expect to be a best-selling author you
will most likely fail. If you become a best-selling author and expect to write
full-time, setting your own schedule and enjoying the good life, you will most
likely fail. And when you fail over and over again, you will most likely quit.

But if you expect to gain some intrinsic joy from writing, to write for writing’s
sake, then success is within your grasp. If you expect to reach just one person through your writing then success is within your grasp. If you expect to glorify God with the best you have to offer then success is within your grasp.

And who cares about the other stuff. You travel the road because the road is there
and you enjoy walking it. And that’s success enough.

Oh, and by the way, my newest thriller, Frantic, just released yesterday. Check it out.

Still Enough to Listen

2012-02-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

I’ve written a number of fiction books, but the one non-fiction book I wrote was harder to write than any of them. Our move to Texas was difficult, especially for my daughter. Her first year in high school was so challenging we decided to move her to a private Christian school. I’d fret over things I had no control over, so I started reading devotionals. None of them quite fit what we were going through, so I began writing my own. I continued writing them off-and-on for years. It takes me much less time to write a fiction book but this was non-fiction, something new for me, and it was personal, not fictional characters in a make believe world that I could control. Every time my girl fell into trouble I’d start writing them, when she was doing okay I’d stop and go back to my fiction. Both gave me strength in different ways.
Years later when I was submitting a fiction manuscript to my agent she asked, “This is a great story, but when are you going to finish those devotionals?” My answer, “I’ll be done with them when my daughter’s done.”
When I got the final galleys and saw the formatting I was thrilled. Each page flowed beautifully and was easy on the eyes. But that wasn’t the only reason for my joy, my girl was done. She was in college, living in her own apartment, working and doing much better.
When I signed the contract I remembered feeling a bit scared and exposed. A part of us would be out there for hundreds of people to read about. But then a sense of peace flowed over me thinking...but I need to share this because I wish I would have had these devotionals when I needed them. It was then I was still enough to hear God’s voice and heard Him say, “You did. You wrote them.”

Question: Do you find yourself in the books you write?

A Writer's Pains and Gains: A Birthday Perspective

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month I had a birthday on January 11th. I'm 57 years into my journey. I’ve been taking time to look back like so many of us do at the beginning of a New Year and then looking forward with excited anticipation to 2012. I've learned a lot! I went through a bunch of blog posts I’ve done since 2009 when I was just learning to blog. Some of them are hysterical. But the important thing is that I learned to blog. Creating blogs and all the rest that comes with such things is no easy task. I’m proud of this achievement because I never considered myself technologically savvy. I"m getting better.

I found an editor, Debbie Marrie, at Charisma Media/Realms who loved my book and shared it with others in the company and asked me if I wanted to sell my series at a time when they weren’t even looking for Regency era novels. I SOLD MY SERIES! I sold it by myself and then I GOT AN AGENT! I’m following Rachelle Gardner to Books and Such and am very excited about what this year might bring. So if you are reading this and wondering if you'll ever get published just remember that it's still possible no matter what you hear.
In the past twenty-two years I’ve attended at least two Romance Writers of America Conferences, multiple American Christian Fiction Writers Conferences, one Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and two Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conferences. Along with these conferences I’ve attended a zillion local writers meetings.

I’ve been in a critique group, I’ve received help, given help, and I’ve improved my writing craft more than I thought possible and still have so far to grow. I’ve entered more contests than I could count and I’ve judged a few too. I discovered that I’m stronger than I thought I was.

I’ve learned to depend on God. I’ve prayed along with my husband until we had holes in the knees of our blue jeans for our oldest child who has struggled with severe depression and anxiety for the last eleven years, and for her sister who didn’t get enough attention during that time period. She still found her way through our family’s difficulties and instead of going to college when she graduated high school eighteen months ago she travels the world with, Youth With A Mission, serving others.

I’ve had the honor and privilege of making many new friends since I decided to write; some of you here, some from ACFW, some from RWA,some of you I've never met in person but I can always find you on-line, on Face Book, on Twitter. What you've given me is so much more than I could ever give back and I’m so grateful for all of you who have helped me and prayed with me and for me and for my family.

So as I’ve said in the past to those who have been discouraged, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You must not believe them. You must try.

What is an obstacle you've faced during your life time that you
overcame?

Relationships in a Fishbowl

2012-01-27T11:16:00.001-08:00

Maybe there’s no such thing as good characters—just good relationships. Seriously, we talk all the time about the importance of good characters, but who really cares? You can have a great “character”, but put them in the middle of a desert with no one to talk to, and what have you got? Not much. Even Tom Hanks had ‘Wilson’, the lovably silent volleyball with a drawn-on face in the film Castaway. The duo even got an MTV nomination for ‘Best On-Screen Chemistry’. Even when a character is all alone, the way they interact with their environment is a relationship on some level. So, maybe we’ve got it a little backwards.

As writers we often talk about creating characters and what that means. We then work very hard to create characters that are interesting, and then we throw them at other characters to see what happens. Truthfully, nobody cares anywhere near as much if the character is interesting if the interactions are dull.

The other day was my mother’s birthday (she turned 30-something, I’m certain of it J (love you, mom)), and that evening she wanted to watch one of her favorite shows: Downton Abbey. Not my thing, but it was my mom’s birthday, so I watched it with her. Being a story person, I analyzed the show very closely, and what I realized was that I was watching Star Wars. Just another melodrama, not necessarily with familiar characters, but familiar relationships. The characters who love one another despite the odds (friendship, romance or family), the characters who hate one another despite the reasons not to, and the characters who hate despite the fact that they are not themselves hated in return. Suddenly, there is drama, and story. The marriage between plot and character, so often seen as disparate elements.

I went home with these thoughts in my head and proceeded to do the unthinkable: I pulled up Netflix on my laptop and started watching the pilot episode to Grey’s Anatomy. I watched purely for the relationships; and by yesterday evening I had watched the first six episodes with only minor shame.

We like to give our characters back story for the sake of itself; but what’s the point? So we can have a character with a back story? As a reader/viewer I only care about the back story if it explains the relationships—and it’s something I don’t mind learning over time. Like the jerk on Grey’s Anatomy who is antagonistic to everyone, whom everyone hates, until it is slowly revealed his father was a heroine addict and his home life was a mess. Suddenly the character has depth, and the relationships become more meaningful. But it wasn’t the back story that brought me in, it was the relationships made real by the back story.

So, as I continue to write, I find myself asking two major questions: are the relationships interesting? And what fish bowl have I thrown my characters into, thus forcing them to interact? If the answers to both of these questions is interesting, then I think I’ve got what it takes to write something that resonates.

Book Give-way Contest!

2012-01-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

From now until Sunday I'm running a book give-away contest on my personal blog Everything Writerly. Below are the specifics.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Announcing my first book give-away in conjunction with my brand new historical romance release, Threads of Hope. It's easy to enter, just leave me a comment below, completing the following sentences:

My favorite time of day to read a good book is ______________. The reason is__________________.

Fill in the blanks. You can enter as many times as you want to.

On Sunday afternoon, January 29th, I will randomly select TWO winners from the list of comments below. In addition to receiving a free copy of my book, Threads of Hope, winners will receive a special surprise gift, designed to enhance their reading experience.

So let me know about your reading habits and you could be the winner of a signed copy of Threads of Hope along with a surprise gift.

Good luck, everyone!

BE SURE TO LEAVE ON COMMENT ON EVERYTHING WRITERLY. Comments left on this blog won't be entered into the drawing.

Discipleship, Evangelism, and the Aim of Christian Fiction

2012-01-23T04:30:00.000-08:00

There is, without question, different views as to the aim of Christian fiction. On one side are those who believe Christian fiction should target Christians -- encourage them, inspire them, reinforce their values, and ultimately make them better believers. On the other side are those who believe Christian fiction should target seekers -- whet their spiritual appetite, disarm antagonism, simplify biblical themes, reinforce a biblical worldview, and leave them thinking about God, Christ, sin, and/or heaven and hell. Finally, there's those who believe that Christian fiction should do both.

Call it hair-splitting if you want, but how one answers these questions will determine how they approach, interpret, defend or critique the genre.

Should Christian fiction aim to disciple believers?
Should Christian fiction aim to evangelize seekers?
Should Christian fiction aim to do both?

For the most part, writers and publishers of Christian fiction aim at the Church, not the world. Not long ago, celebrated Christian novelist Athol Dickson dropped by my website and left a comment on this post. He articulated what I think is the prevalent opinion amongst Christian novelists:

May God bless every Christian author who is trying to reach out to unbelievers, but while we are commanded to be "salt and light" to the world, evangelism also includes those who help prepare disciples. I do try to get the gospel in my novels somehow (sometimes only symbolically) but my mission is to write about Christian themes for Christian readers in the hope that I can help them become better children of the Lord. That’s the best reason to write “Christian fiction” in my opinion. (emphasis mine)

(My thanks to Athol Dickson for taking the time to leave a comment, which you can read in its entirety in the thread HERE.)

I think it's accurate, as Athol suggests, to see evangelism and discipleship on the same continuum. By growing Christians and helping them reach their full potential, we in turn influence the world. In other words, the best evangelism may be in making strong disciples. So in this sense, there's reasonable rationale for aiming fiction specifically at Christians. (Of course, this hinges upon the notion that Christian fiction is, in the long run, actually making better disciples. But that's another post.)

But if Christian fiction is best understood as a ministry to believers and best functions as a tool for discipleship, it raises other questions, namely: the place of evangelism in Christian fiction. Should Christian publishers actively seek to balance out fiction aimed at believers with fiction aimed at seekers? Should Christian novelists really approach their stories as evangelistic tools? And if so, what compromises must they make to reach the secular "seeking" audience?

Interestingly enough, defining the place of evangelism and discipleship in Christian publishing has parallels to the place of evangelism and discipleship in the Christian Church.

Having pastored for 11 years, I learned that evangelism and discipleship were both necessary components of the church, and that the church suffered when one was emphasized over the other. Churches that focus on seekers and aim primarily to evangelize, potentially become theologically shallow and deficient at discipleship. On the other hand, churches that focus on Christians and aim primarily to disciple them, potentially become ingrown and deficient at evangelism. Evangelistic churches tend to be wider than they are deeper; discipling churches tend to be deeper than they are wider. One model sacrifices outreach for in-reach, and vice-versa. This is why the Church is often described as needing two wings -- a discipling wing and an evangelism wing. Without both, we cannot fly.

So you can see where I'm going with this. If the Christian Church suffers when it does not balance evangelism and discipleship, does the Christian fiction industry suffer when it neglects the same balance? In other words, by aiming primarily at believers, are we ultimately hurting ourselves? I think there's a good possibility. Let me explain.

Without an evangelistic outreach wing to the Christian fiction industry, we diminish our potential (and future) market. By targeting only Christian readers, we unnecessarily limit the boundaries of our own house, shrink our base, and fail to "impregnate" a second generation of "believing readers." Similarly, churches that concentrate on nurturing the community of believers (discipleship) to the exclusion of evangelism often become ingrown, stagnant, and out-of-touch with the culture and the needs of their community. Statistics continue to reveal that many mainline denominations are in serious decline because of this. The holy huddle guaranteed their own demise. For years, seminaries concentrated on producing students with theological expertise. Thankfully, now many of those institutions are including missions and real-world encounters as part of their curricula. In other words, failure to look outside of ourselves can be terminal. Can the same be true for the Christian fiction industry?

Furthermore, without an outreach wing of Christian fiction, we potentially insulate ourselves against the audience who needs us the most. Really, are we here just for us? Of course, the problem in reaching a non-believing or marginally-believing audience -- as it is with seeker-sensitive churches -- is how much we soften and/or simplify our message to connect with them. It's a legitimate question. In fact, this is the charge against so much "Christian worldview fiction" -- it's just not explicit enough. Yet I'd suggest these kinds of questions are inevitable, and essential. After all, when the first century church began spreading the Gospel, numerous "cultural collisions" occurred. Debates about eating pork, circumcision, slavery, meat sacrificed to idols, the role of women, cultural attachment, and interaction with heathens, were fairly common. Likewise, crafting fiction for seekers will provoke numerous theological questions. As it should.

All this to say, I sense there is a fundamental confusion among Christian authors as to the exact aim of Christian fiction. Is it evangelism, discipleship, or both? But at this stage, I'd have to suggest we're flying on one wing.

What's Your Excuse?

2012-01-21T05:44:00.000-08:00

We make so many excuses for not submitting our writing. I don’t have enough time. I have too many other obligations. I’m too young. I’m too old. I’ve got too many rejections. I don’t have an agent. Any sound familiar? If I had used the excuse of age, I would never have been published. My agent believed in me and kept submitting my manuscripts. When I wanted to quit, friends encouraged me to keep on.

When God calls us to a task, He expects us to finish it. If we’re obedient to that call, He will give us what we need to complete it because He who began the work in us will carry through until it’s completed. Galatians 6:9 tells us not to grow weary when we’re doing God’s work because we’ll reap a harvest when God sets the time.

At one time I asked God if He’d forgotten how old I was getting and how time passed by. Of course He knows how old I am and how long I have on this earth. I just wished He’d let me in on His plans. With so many younger authors getting contracts and having success, I began to think it would never happen to me, but I persevered, not ready to give up.
Well, God doesn’t forget. He doesn’t sleep. He never quits work. He’s always there willing to help us reach our goals when we call on Him for help. The Lord does expect us to do our part. That part is to put ourselves in that chair and write and submit them.

Whether you first contract comes at age twenty-three or seventy-three, God’s timing is always perfect. He’ll never let us down. The answer may not always be what we hoped and prayed for, but His answer is the best for us at that time. It always is.

I’ll be 76 this summer and by that time I will have 9 novels and 2 novellas published with another novel due out in the fall and 3 new ones plus an e-book and a novella contracted. Novels number seven and eight were released this month.

When God opened the door for me, He kicked it wide open. Prayer, perseverance and patience reaped the harvest at the time God ordained. Do whatever it takes to write. Quit making excuses. If you’re serious, God will help you find the time, face rejection, find an agent, or create the stories. At other times He may tell you to wait a season and take care of other things first. Listen to His voice and calling. Write as much as you can when you can. Be patient, and pray for His guidance in all that you do. Jeremiah tells you to call on Him, and He will answer and tell you great things you do not know. Jeremiah also tells us that God has great plans for us, plans to give us hope and a future. So press on to what God has called you to do whether it is to wait for a season to begin or whether it is to work hard now. Pressing on will lead you where you need to go.

So what excuses have you used to keep from submitting?

My New Year's Resolution...for 2013

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

I've never been much for New Year's Resolutions because I don't generally need such an occasion to give me a motivational push. Especially when it comes to my writing. I've got enough goals and plans created to meet those goals that New Year's comes and go as just any other day.

But, in preparation for 2012, I looked out across the New Year with one definite goal in mind.

By 2013, I'd like to take it easy. Or, at least, easier.

For the last few years, I've taken on more and more writing projects. To say that I'm burning my candle on both ends is close to the truth, if you added three more wicks all along the length of the candle and torched those as well. I've got at least five different projects that are all in various stages of completion and I'd like to finish those in 2012. That's my hope. I'd like to meet 2013 with a blank slate, all my projects complete and ample time to relax. Perhaps that's a strange resolution to make when--to the rest of the world--my writing career is just starting. But I've been at this for awhile and I'd like to learn this thing called "pacing". I'd like to see myself limit the number of projects I take on and only work on the ones that really get me excited. I'd like to take more time to take long drives in the country, watch really cheesy monster movies, and get some reading done. I can't remember the last time I truly stopped and watched the sun set. I miss that.

It's not a retirement, just a better management of time. If all goes according to schedule, by February of 2013, my epic The Coming Evil Trilogy will be in stores in its entirety. That's a major accomplishment that's eaten up my entire adult life. I think I'd like to take a second to enjoy that. To reflect.

In our world--especially in the entertainment industry--it's all about "your next project". The past is quickly forgotten and the future is always in our sights. I've played that game for a long time, and I think that, while my children are still little, I'd like to slow down a bit and smell the roses awhile. God has been incredibly faithful and gracious to me and I'd like to take time to appreciate that a little more.

But in 2013. For 2012, it's work, work, work :p

Dream Goals for 2012

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Dream Goals

It’s a new year and I love starting it out with “blue sky” thinking. If the sky were the limit, what kind of goals would I choose? What would be my “dream” goals? Here are a few:

1 -- Rent a bungalow over the ocean on the island of Bora Bora, take my laptop, and spend three weeks writing my next novel in the most relaxing, peaceful place in the universe!

Real Goal

Find a cheap condo for a week in Gulf Shores or Perdido Key on the beach in March and spend a writing week working on my next manuscript, the fourth book in the Chronicles of Jonathan Steel, “The 10th Demon: Children of the Bloodstone”.

2 -- Dream Goal

Ask to be a feature Christian speculative fiction author at Book Expo America 2012 in New York City and at the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando in 2012 and have hundreds lined up to get a signed copy of “The 13th Demon: Altar of the Spiral Eye”.

Real Goal

Attend the “Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers’ Conference” in Ridgecrest May 20th and learn more about this writing life. Plan on attending Hutchmoot 2012 and ACFW in Dallas in September.

3 -- Dream Goal

Hire a major marketing firm to develop my writing and speaking career culminating in an appearance on David Letterman where I try to exorcise his demons by quoting the new Top Ten List: “Top Ten Scriptures from the Bible that make demons run back to hell!”

Real Goal

Continue to learn more about marketing and publicity through social media, the Internet, and Skype.

4 -- Dream Goal

Seek nomination in all major Christian writing contests for 2012 including the Christy Awards and nail one of the three top award categories in the category of “Suspense” for “The 13th Demon: Altar of the Spiral Eye”.

Real Goal

Receive at least one email from a reader who relates that my book made a positive impact on their life and led them to a closer appreciation of a relationship with Christ.

5 -- Dream Goal

Quit my day job after receiving enough income from my book, “The 13th Demon” to fulfill my dream to be a full time writer. I add a wing to my house with the most awesome creative writer’s cocoon in the universe!

Real Goal

Keep my day job and continue to tweak my available free time.

6 -- Dream Goal

Work with one of the best and most awesome editors in the world on my second book, “The 12th Demon: Mark of the Wolf Dragon”.

Goal Realized!

I am working with the best and most awesome editor in the universe -- Andy Meisenheimer and I am truly blessed!

7 -- Dream Goal

Work with a publisher who is daring and willing to publish Christian speculative fiction that is on the fringe; the cutting edge of today’s culture.

Goal Realized!

Realized! I thank God every day I am an author working with Charisma Media and Realms Book imprints.

What are your “dream” goals? What “blue sky” projects would you dream of working on?

A Brand-Spanking New Year

2012-01-13T02:30:00.000-08:00

Off with the old, in with the new!

What does that mean to us?
Here's what it means to me:

This is a time for new beginnings. One of my best friends is a missionary, and every year, we individually ask God for a word for the year. Then we share our words with each other. Many years, we've received the same word. Sometimes, we receive words that dovetail together. That's what happened this year.

God gave me the word Rest. He said that our world is in much turmoil, and we're all feeling the effects of that turmoil. We have roadblocks, or someone in our family is one of the people in this country without a job, or the unrest between nations is taking a toll on our own family. But God wants us to trust Him and rest in Him. Worry should not be a part of our lives. We need to keep our eyes on Him, and let Him fight our battles. Remember a whole host of angels surround us to do that very thing.

Rita's word was Choices. (Another friend told me she received the word Decisions, which I see as almost the same thing.) And I feel that all three of our words connect in a precious, holy supernatural way.

When we have Choices and need to make Decisions, we must look to the Lord first, listen to Him, then Rest in the decision and let Him bring about what He wants for us in our lives.

That's my words for the new year. Please share yours with us. Leave a comment with your word or words from the Lord for this year.

And I'll have a gift for one of you--a copy of my latest book release Maggie's Journey.

Maggie had to learn how to look toward the Lord for her choices and then rest in His watch care over her.

Maggie's Journey grabs you on page one with characters and events that reflect real-life joys and heartaches that change the characters forever. Make room on your "keepers" shelf! —Loree Lough, best-selling author of 80 award-winning books, including From Ashes to Honor.

A girl who’s been lied to her whole life…

Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she was adopted. The daughter of wealthy merchants in Seattle, she feels betrayed both by her real parents and by the ones who raised her.

Maggie desires a place where she belongs. But her mother’s constant criticism and reminders that she doesn't fit the mold of a young woman of their social standing have already created tension in their home. With the discovery of the family secret, all sense of her identity is lost.

When Maggie asks to visit her grandmother in Arkansas, her father agrees on the condition that she take her Aunt Georgia as a chaperone and his young partner, Charles Stanton, as protection on the journey. Will she discover who she really is and, more importantly, what truly matters most in life?

Lena Nelson Dooley is an award-winning author with more than 690,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers—where she received the Mentor of the Year award in 2006—DFW Ready Writers, and Christian Authors Network. She lives in Hurst, Texas, with her husband of over 47 years.

Maggie's Journey, received 4 stars from Romantic Times Magazine

Celebrating God's Faithfulness

2012-01-11T02:25:00.000-08:00

I apologize ahead of time because this post has nothing to do with writing but everything to do with life.

I am constantly in awe of God's faithfulness. Every day, it never fails, never sleeps, never takes a "holiday." It is enduring, persistent, and relentless. And it needs to be talked about more, testified about, celebrated.

So, to kick the new year off right, I wanted to put the focus on God. I asked my readers to submit their stories of His faithfulness in their life and every day this month I'm posting them on my blog.

I call it 30 Days of Faith and so far it's been uplifting and inspiring.

Here's a sampling:

**I was a brand new Christian, so when the ladies at church invited me to my first-ever women’s retreat, I accepted. Panic immediately set in. What was I going to do all weekend with a bunch of perfect women? I mean, they walked the walk, they knew all the songs, they knew how to find the books in the Bible. I knew nothing. And I was terrified.

**I am the wife of a Marine. We have been married for 11 years Dec. 30, 2011. It was into our 7th year that he was 1st called to deploy to Iraq; we were stationed in Hawaii at the time.The day that he left we said our good byes at home so that he would be able to do his job and get his marines ready without having to watch his family stand there and cry.

**In October of 1995 I was hit with a brain anuerysm. There were many miracles that God performed in my healing but the one that strikes me most happened almost a year later.

**My mother-in-law is the family matriarch. We lived under her for years and it was a contributing factor in crippling my marriage. I kept asking God to release me from her control, but it only got worse. It’s a very long tale, but the short version of God’s blessing, release and miracle was triggered by what He asked me to do.

**My husband Tom and I had been married for 21 years and he was not a believer. I’d prayed long and hard for him and it seemed as if God didn’t even know my address. Tom was a good man, a moral man, good husband and father, but he was lost.

You can read more of these and other posts here. And if you'd like to share your own story of God's faithfulness feel free to leave it as a comment on any of the posts and I'll tag it on to the end of the 30 days. Let's keep this ball rolling!

Forgive AND Forget?

2012-01-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

The first Sunday after Christmas our pastor gave a sermon on forgiveness. It was a refreshing twist for me, at a time when I’m usually thinking about all of the New Year’s resolutions I should be making. Some of Pastor Mike’s quotes and stories have stuck with me, which usually means what he said hit home. I sat in the pew not able to think of anyone in particular and focused on the sermon. Then the list came tumbling down on me as I remembered a number of people who had wronged my daughter. It was a dark time in her life due to these people who I had stuffed away in the back of my mind. I made myself look back on that time through God’s eyes. Because the way I had dealt with it made me bitter. A quote from Nelson Mandela summed it up perfectly,

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”

But the really tough one was Mike’s definition of mercy. It was spot-on,

"Mercy is getting what you don’t deserve."

I was defensive at first, thinking of these people getting away with what they did, and then it turned around on me. Who am I not to forgive when I’m a sinner? That little voice went off in my head, which is what I ask the Holy Spirit to do when asking for guidance. But I don’t always want to listen.

On our way to church that Sunday we stopped at Starbucks. To my dismay, the woman in front of me was one of the people who mistreated my daughter. The saying that there are no coincidences with God went through my mind as I stood within inches of this person. I ironically told myself to let it go, forgive and forget, but it seemed cynical after hearing Mike’s sermon only minutes later. Mike talked about why it’s so hard to forgive. These heart-breakers should be punished, not forgiven. But Mike’s response to that was to let God take care of the consequences. Mahatma Gandhi said,

“The weak can’t forgive.”

But what about the emotional pain that we go through? What do we do with that constant reminder? It hurt tremendously when a chunk of windshield glass flew into my shoulder during a car accident. But the pain eventually went away, even though the scar is still there. We heal and hopefully move on. The scar is our badge of honor, for forgiving, even when someone didn’t earn it. Because that someone is also, me.

Mike asked us to make three columns:

-The name of the person to forgive
-What they did
-What you’re going to do

Question: What would your three columns look like?

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.”
Corrie Ten Boom

New Kind - New Time

2012-01-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

I recently heard someone say the word of the Lord for 2012 is New Kind - New Time. For example, if you drive a 2000 Ford and decide to upgrade to a 2012 Ford, you have a "new time" but you do not have a "new kind." Why give a Toyota a try instead? When you think about it, is that not what we all do? We start over at New Years with a new time line for the same old things we have been doing for years. So here are my new plans for 2012:
(1) Stop griping about the things I cannot change including the church.
(2) Co-operate with God's purposes in my circumstances instead of trying to figure out how to get out of them.
(3) Trust in the Lord with all my heart. I really mean it this time.
(4) Give the benefit of the doubt to people whom I am sure do not deserve it.
(5) Realize that I will never be younger or healthier than I am today. I will not put things off to a better time.
(6) Appreciate that an editor is my best friend.
(7) Believe that prayer changes things. In fact, it may be the only thing that does change things.
Since 7 is the perfect number, I will stop there.
What about you? New time - new kind?

New Beginnings

2012-01-04T01:01:00.000-08:00

New beginnings always exhilarate me. I love the thought of starting fresh. I feel that way every Sunday when I attend church. Sunday is a fresh beginning to my week, an opportunity to reflect on what I would like to see happen in the week ahead and strive to make it happen. That's why I'm not going to allow any discouragement to ruin my New Year.

I've decided not to make a New Years resolution but stick to the one word idea that you've probably heard others discuss. Deb Macomber even has a new book out called One Perfect Word. My word is going to be ORGANIZE. That may mean different things to different people. For me it's not about organizing one thing but about organizing many different things in my life a little bit at a time, with the hope that by the end of the year I will have accomplished many things by focusing on this word. I don't expect perfection and I don't expect everything to work out the way I think it might. But I know it will work out the way God wants it to work out for me this year. I pray for guidance and wisdom as I chose to focus on this one special word for me this year.

So did you chose one word? If not, what would you pick if you decided to do this?

On your mark. Get set. GOAL!

2011-12-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

With the New Year right around the corner, I know many of us, including moi, are setting goals for ourselves. Some are realistic and some are just plain fantasy. Just for fun, I decided to share 12 of my goals (along with the reality of them).

1 Lose 50lbs.

(Seriously, if I lose 10, I’ll be happy)

2 Exercise.

(Yeah, whatever…)

3 Eat healthier

(A must-do)

4 Write 4 books this year

(I’m not as fast as I used to be, that’s for sure!)

5 Learn to use my Dragon voice-recognition software

(I’m not as fast as I used to be…yada, yada…)

6 Buy a road-worthy vehicle

(I’m sad that my son is moving to upper Michigan and yet I’m happy for him, getting his new job position as a pastor. Weather permitting, a lot of driving is in my husband and my future.)

7 Move South to avoid another Wisconsin winter

(I say this every year!)

8 Convince my husband to drive me to the ACFW Conference in Dallas so I don’t have to fly the un-friendly skies.

(Refer to #6)

9 Clean my office, organize, and simplify

(I say this every other month!)

10 Sell some of my stuff on Craig’s List or Ebay.

(Refer back to #9)

11 Hire a cleaning lady

(Refer back to #9 and #10)

12 Earn a million dollars on my books so I can accomplish goals #1 thru #11

(Stop laughing!)

OK, so now that I've shared my resolutions with you, tell me about your New Year’s goals.

Family Christmas

2011-12-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

Today has been one of the best in several years. We had our family Christmas today. Last year I was ill with pneumonia and couldn’t enjoy Christmas. On top of that, the relations among our three sons and their wives were tense and not conducive to a relaxing holiday. What a difference a year and a lot of “Mama prayers” can make.
All three sons were here with their families. Our oldest granddaughter drove down from Ft. Worth with her two little boys to be with us. My heart overflowed with the fun and joy of us all being together and everyone having so much fun. The tension from last year was totally absent and I felt great all day.
All three daughters-in-law pitched in with the food and helped get everything ready. One year ago they could barely be in the room together without someone’s feelings getting hurt. Our sons were the same way. Cousins were actually enjoying each other’s company and playing with each other this year.
God has been good to us in so many ways in 2011. Not only did our family reconcile and come together for the holiday, but they are also making plans for other activities together. Then God saw fit for me to sign contracts for more books, kept my lung disease under control, and gave me another year cancer free.
The theme of all my books is reconciliation and restoration through the forgiveness of our Savior and forgiving each other. I’ve seen first hand how important forgiveness can be among family members. A family restored is a joy to a mother’s heart and is sweet music to God’s ears.
Then when a soul is reconciled with God, the joy is even greater. This is what I want my readers to take away from my stories. No matter how bad one’s situation is, God can make it right when the person turns everything over to Him and seeks forgiveness for him or herself or is willing to forgive the hurt caused by someone else.

Above is a picture of my husband and me with our nine grandchildren and our two great-grandsons. What a blessing to all be together.

God is good to us despite hard times and difficult situations. What has God done in your life this past year that shows His love for you?

The War for Christmas

2011-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

No, this post isn't about the culture war to "Remember the Reason for the Season" or to "Keep Christ in Christmas". I'll elaborate:

Christmastime is always a busy time for me--and not just with the usual holiday family stuff.

Being a writer is stressful, all-consuming, and exhaustive work. Add to that a 8-5 day job and a full-time family and it's downright overwhelming, bordering on unbearable. But every year I have my Christmas break. A whole two weeks off from work!

But it's not a vacation. Far from it.

In fact, it's work overload. At last I have time to get caught up on a year's worth of writing. No longer do I have to squeeze in a thousand words during my lunch break or stay up until two in the morning. I don't have to spend the three good hours I have with my daughters before bedtime sneaking off to finish "one more chapter". Now I've got a whole day to write, write, write.

But, as with nearly every year, I run into the annual "Christmas Wall". Meaning, I finally have all the time in the world...and absolutely nothing to say. The sad truth is I'm used to being cramped for time. I'm used to the late hours, the soda-fueled rampages, the run-run-run of my mental schedule. That's not to say that I like any of it--just that I've been conditioned for that. So, here I sit, with my whole day free to write, and I can't write.

Oh, I do write. Last year at this time I finished the rough draft of The Coming Evil, Book Three (due out in Feb 2013, btw). This year I'm cracking the whip trying to get some work done on a non-fiction media tie-in book I'm under contract for, and my next novel. It's slow going, but I am getting things done. But never as much as I'd like to. What's frustrating, is that I can write 10,000 words a day, when I'm really in the zone. Give me 8 days, and I could have a finished novel! Give me two weeks and I could be close to finishing two! Two whole novels! Nearly finished and ready for the publisher!

But it never works out like that. I'll be lucky if I write 20,000 words this Christmas break. More than likely as soon as I start back up to work, and get back to my terrible schedule, I'll crank out 40k :p

So what do I do, then? In the face of this paradox, how will I respond? Well, it usually starts with a fair amount of depression. I get mad, frustrated, and can almost literally hear those precious seconds ticking away, knowing that I'm "wasting" my holiday and not finishing three short stories, a novel, and a screenplay, or whatever. But, after some time, I usually snap out of it and realize that writing is not all there is to life. That Christmas comes once a year and it's to be spent with family, enjoying that time together. It's about doing something for someone else. About being better.

Writing is a horribly selfish profession. It really is. It's all about expressing your thoughts and dreams and putting them on display for others to applaud you. Yeah, we want our words to mean something. We write because God's given us this ability (or compulsion) and we want to do something with it that honors Him. But maybe God just delights in the fact that we write at all. Maybe He doesn't care if anyone reads it, or if it's our witty quotes that people are posting on Facebook :p But we want that.

But Christmas is not about self. It's about Christ (at least as Christians celebrate it). It's about family. It's about reaching out to those less fortunate than ourselves.

So, to me--as a writer--that's the War for Christmas. It's a struggle between selfishly hoarding my time off to spend on my pursuits (that probably don't really amount to a hill of beans in the long run), and spending it investing in others, especially my wife. My kids. And it is a war, don't let anyone tell you any different. It's a war of the will, which is sometimes the hardest to fight.

I hope I win the war this year. I've still got a week and a half of vacation, and I'm sure I'll be struggling to the bitter end, but I hope that I don't miss Christmas this year. I hope I see it, experience it, for all that it is and that it can be. I hope you do too. I hope you don't let the busyness distract you from what's most important. And not just this season, but throughout your life. Don't be so blinded in pursuing your dreams that you miss the wonderful reality already in front of you. Fight that war. Win the war. Keep Christmas alive, all year round.

My Grown Up Christmas "Wish" List

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

To say my wishes came true in 2011 is a gross understatement. After struggling for 12 years to see my book “The 13th Demon: Altar of the Spiral Eye” get published, Realms released that book on October 4, 2011 and I am SO grateful for a publisher willing to take risks; to think outside the box; to give me an opportunity to tell the story of my Savior and the spiritual warfare in which we are in the midst of.

One song I always hear this time of year is “My Grown Up Christmas Wish”. I decided to make out a “grown up Christmas wish” list. After all, the best Christmas present for 2011 was seeing my book in print; seeing my wish come true. So, why not put some wishes to paper and, who knows, they might come true for 2012. My list was rather lengthy so I only included a few and the rest can be found on my blog post on my website, www.brucehennigan.com. But, here are the top “wishes” and feel free in your comments to add your own!

I wish “they” would let Christmas be about Christmas. It belongs to those who celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ! That is why it is called CHRISTmas!

I wish marriage was an institution worth fighting for; worth dying for; worth working for again.

I wish we really cared about making the world a better place and not a bitter place.

I wish being in love was less about “me” and more about “you”.

I wish we would stop saying “it is what it is”. No! It is what what we make of it. One person can change the world!

I wish I could still pick up a hitchhiker and not fear for my life.

I wish Superman still stood for “Truth, Justice, and the American Way”. Heck, I wish the American “Way” still included Truth and Justice!

I wish there was room in our inns for the baby in a manger.

I wish that what is “true” for me was “true” for everyone.

I wish young people were encouraged to have ambition and not just pass standardized tests.

I wish Tom Hanks was funny again.

I wish Jimmy Stewart was still alive.

I wish I could climb a tree, not have to save it.

I wish children could still have a childhood.

I wish people would look me in the eye when they talk to me.

I wish I had a Hobbit hole.

I wish customer service meant serving the needs of the customer.

I wish I was LOST again!

I wish flying was fun again.

I wish we had a space program.

I wish modern singers stayed on key.

I wish art made sense and didn’t involve body fluids.

I wish “tolerant” people were more tolerant of “intolerant” Christians.

I wish Disney still made animated classics.

I wish people searching for truth realized He has already been here and can still be found.

I wish the buck at least stopped somewhere.

I wish “smart” phones were only used by “smart” people.

I wish, just once, someone would keep a promise.

I wish movies and books had happy endings. Just a few. Every now and then. Especially when I pay for them.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

My Christmas Gift to You

2011-12-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

After God told me to become a professional writer in 1984, He then told me to bless people at Christmas with a story. Here's the one from 1989. This was the year one of our daughters told us she was with child and not married. I wrote this from a mother's heart.

Surely a Gift From God

Lena Nelson Dooley

Yahweh, I do not know why it is so hard to understand your ways. Eli has studied the scriptures and shared with me the many wonders about you in them. We have tried to live by all your laws . . . but there is so much I cannot understand . . . especially about Mary.

Mary, the joy of my heart. When you blessed our marriage with her, my mother’s heart nearly burst. Even as a tiny baby, she was different . . . so pretty everyone mentioned it. Of course I was proud of her. Hadn’t she come from the great love Eli and I have for one another? Everything I did for her was such a pleasure . . . and she rewarded me with her sweet smiles. She would gurgle with laughter at the slightest attention. Yes, the whole family enjoyed caring for Mary.

A more obedient child I have never known. She thrived on pleasing Eli and me . . . and so smart she was. So young when she could sew a fine straight seam. And no one surpassed her cooking after she learned. I preferred her bread even over my own. I knew she would not be mine very long.

Oh yes, I saw Joseph looking at her. At first, he was amused by her. Then a light began to show in his eyes when he looked at her. He thought no one noticed, but a mother sees. I knew he was waiting for her to grow up.

I hoped she would be one of the girls who takes a little longer becoming a woman . . . so young she was when the bloom of life touched her. I hoped no one would know for a while, but I saw the startled look in Joseph’s eyes when next he saw her.

Very soon Eli told me Joseph had spoken to him about Mary. I was not sorry it was Joseph. Such a good carpenter. He would be able to provide for Mary and their children as Eli had always provided for us. I had wondered why Joseph had not married sooner. He had been established for several years. I think I had known a long time that he was waiting for Mary to grow up, but I did not want it to be so soon.

Their betrothal was such a special time. Mary was busy sewing fine linens for their home and clothing for herself as Joseph built furniture for them. Mary shared their plans with me. After all, I am her mother. Joyfully, I helped her.

I cannot pinpoint the exact time I knew something was different about Mary, but I knew long before she talked to her father and me. I could see the change in her, but could not explain it. I even thought I was imagining it.

The day she talked to Eli and me was a very busy day. She called each of us from an important task. As she began to talk, I knew by her second sentence that she was going to have a child. You remember, Yahweh, I prayed in my heart, “Oh Yahweh, no, anything but that, please. It would break her father’s heart. She has been the apple of his eye.”

Her story was hard to believe. We knew that the scriptures told of visitations from angels, but that was long ago. We did not know anyone who had seen one.

It would have been easier to believe that Joseph could not wait to have her. I know how strongly a man desires a woman. He had waited so long for her to grow up. It has happened before . . . but when she told Joseph, he was so upset. I knew the baby was not his. Maybe her story is true.

I was so hurt buy the talk after she returned from visiting Elizabeth. Other mother had been jealous of Mary for years. She was so much prettier than their daughters, and she did things so well. The story of a visitation from an angel to explain a baby coming too soon was convenient. No one believed it for a minute. I dreaded going to market or to the well. I could hear the whispering that stopped as soon as they saw me. No one would say anything to my face. My heart broke for my sweet Mary . . . and for my pain as her mother.

Then when the child came, I was not even with her. She and Joseph were in Bethlehem. I told her not to go. She could have stayed with us while Joseph went to register in the census, but she would not be parted from him. I even told him the journey would be hard on her and the baby, but would they listen to a mother?

When they decided to stay in Bethlehem, I could not stand it. At least Eli agreed to let me accompany him on this business trip. I had to see my grandchild.

Now, Yahweh, I am holding this tiny baby boy. I still do not know if Mary’s story is true. He looks enough like Joseph to be his son. Yet there is something about him. Not just because he is my grandchild. Surely he is a gift from you.

Of course, every child is a gift from you. Maybe he is something more. Right now only you and Mary know for sure.

As for me, I am going to love him, and tell him how special he is. The rest is up to you.

Improve Your Writing RIGHT NOW

2011-12-16T02:30:00.000-08:00

Question: What’s one thing I can do to improve my writing right now?

Answer: Be honest.

Writing—good writing, anyway—is not about sugar-coating life and popularity ratings. It’s more about stripping away the façade we all put up, the mask we all wear, and tackling life as we live it.

Let’s face it, there’s enough dishonesty in the world already. Half-truths, white lies, withheld information, flattery, scandals, hypocrisy, betrayal. Everyday we’re smacked with it, confronted with the fact that people are not who they say they are, circumstances are rarely what they appear to be.

Writing gives us a chance to reverse that trend and show the world (or at least your friends and family) who we really are.

Here are two areas to start with:

First, be honest with yourself. Careful now, this one’s not as easy as it may seem. It’s easy and often too convenient to lie to ourselves, to convince ourselves that we are someone else, that everything is okay, to ignore the yearnings of our heart and crying of our soul. But if we can’t be honest with ourselves we’ll never be honest period. And our writing will suffer tremendously and come off as superficial and concocted.

Want to add authenticity to your writing? Search your soul, dig into those hidden recesses of your heart and mind and find the real you, the you that wrestles with your past, is disappointed in your failures, struggles with the brutality of life.

Second, be honest with your readers. Don’t give them what they want to hear, don’t cater to norms or expectations. Now is the time to pour onto the page those emotions you drudged up when you were being honest with yourself. Chances are, you’ll find you’re not alone, that there are others out there dealing with the same issues, hurting from the same wounds, celebrating the same victories.

As always, writing is a reflection of the bigger picture and honesty works not just on the page but in the person. We could all benefit from a little more transparency, a little more vulnerability, a little more honesty.

Tis The Season

2011-12-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

I just love this time of year! One of the reasons is watching and reading old Christmas movies and books. I am very into traditions, so even though my ‘kids’ are now eighteen and twenty, they fully expect to watch each and every one of our favorite Christmas classics. Although the selection has changed through the years as they’ve gotten older, there is still a handful they know we will watch no matter what the age.

Here are a few you may not have heard of or forgot about: The Bishop’s Wife starring Cary Grant, an angel who helps the bishop’s wife raise money for their church. Another is A Midnight Clear staring Gary Sinise about an American reconnaissance unit sent out on a reckless mission on Christmas. The story is even more meaningful with the thought of our troops overseas. Some of the oldies we like are Holiday Inn starring Fred Astaire. Another oldie but goodie is White Christmas Staring Bing Crosby.

The movies and books my kids grew up with are becoming outdated with new stories, but we stick to our regulars such as, Charlie Brown is my daughter’s favorite and Elf is my son’s. A Christmas Story is my dad’s first choice, reminding him of a time when he was a boy. My husband counts Die Hard and Trading Places as Christmas movies but I beg-to-differ. My two favorites are It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol staring Alistair Sim, as they echo the reason for the season. I like to watch them both in black and white although I have the color versions. It feels more real to see movies set back in the day to be the color they were originally. There is no better Scrooge than Alistair and who can top Jimmy?

The book How the Grinch stole Christmas is an all time fav. The Night Before Christmas is one I still like but my teens lost interest awhile ago. I’ll have to wait for grandchildren to read that one again. Some count The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe as a Christmas story and I am one of them, only because I liked the book so much:) I went to The Nutcracker play which is popular on stage this time of year but wasn’t crazy about it, and have never wanted to read the book. The Polar Express was popular but it didn’t grab me either. The Greatest Story Ever Told was a book that I started but haven’t finished. Maybe this Christmas?

It’s fun to find out people’s likes and dislikes and maybe something new! So…what are your favorites?

Have a blessed Christmas everyone!

Ten of My Favorite Blog Posts from 2011 Merry Christmas!

2011-12-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Myth of the Lone Ranger Author Rachelle Gardner's Blog who just happens to be my very awesome agent. :)

How I do It: Live Intentionally But With Breathing Space My agency mate, Jody Hedlund.

The Difference Between Trying and Doing Michael Hyatt shares the wisdom of Yoda.

Silencing Your Inner Critic Kathryn Lilley at The Killzone.

From Romance to Corpses by Tess Gerritsen.

A Kiss Is Just A Kiss by the awesome Julie Lessman. Okay I cheated. This blog post is from 2010, BUT heard Julie and Ruth Axtell Morren present it at The ACFW Conference in St. Louis this year.

Stuck in a Corner Martha Carr, agency mate, talks about writers block at The WordServe Water Cooler.

No Fear, No Envy, No Meanness by a mentor who knows how to make writing fun, the amazing James Scott Bell.

The Adjustable Publishing Dream by friend and agency mate Rosslyn Elliott.

The Fine Art of Choosing a Pen Name by moi. :) I thought this was probably the best post I wrote this year and because of it's nature wanted to share it with you here.

Well that's ten of my favorites. I didn't choose any of my worthy blog mates here at Just the Write Charisma because I didn't want to have to choose. That would be way too hard. It's been an awesome year and I look forward to sharing with you all and our visitors in 2012.

Now, what's one of your favorite blog posts from this year? Either one that you wrote or read elsewhere. Share the link please. And I hope that everyone out there lurking will join in on the fun. Come on, no need to be shy here.

A very, very, Merry Christmas and A Happy, Healthy New Year.

Jillian

What Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift?

2011-12-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

Why, books do, of course!

I know I may be jumping the gun, so to speak. But I'll tell you why: I’m extremely excited about my new novel, Threads of Hope. It’s book 1 in my Fabric of Time series and it’ll be released next month. For a pre-celebration of my book, I’m giving readers a little taste of what they can expect.

First, just look what a few endorsers had to say about it.

Andrea Boeshaar plucks the home strings with her newest

historical romance. Not only does she tell a ripping good tale

about émigrés from Norway in early settlement times, she

also draws from her own family history. As a Wisconsin historian,

I am well pleased with her efforts to make life at the

dawn of our state authentic. A worthy addition to Ms. Boeshaar’s

delightful body of work.

—Lisa Lickel

Award-Winning Author of A Summer in Oakville

Andrea Boeshaar’s story pulled me back into the middle

1800s. Her knowledge of the history of the times and her

strong, three-dimensional characters kept me in the story.

The feuding reminded me of Romeo and Juliet, but with an

ending I liked much better. Human frailties were dealt with

head-on with wisdom winning in the end. An excellent read

that I didn’t want to put down until the last page.

—Lena Nelson Dooley

Author of Maggie’s Journey, Book One of the McKenna’s

Daughters Series, and the Will Rogers Medallion Award–

Winning Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

Threads of Hope is a beautifully tender story of the way God

works in the lives of His own to teach lessons of forgiveness

and love. Andrea’s talent at weaving genuine characters,

vivid descriptions, and a compelling story line together drew

me into the story from the first page, and I felt Kristin’s and

Sam’s heartaches and joy. It touched my heart, and I highly

recommend this book.

—Sally Laity

Author of Remnant of Forgiveness

and Coauthor of Rose’s Pledge

And now I’d like to present a few sample pages of Threads of Hope.

Uncle Lars steered the wagon around a sharp bend in the

rutty road. He drove to the top of a small hill, and Kristin

could see the blue Lake Michigan to her left and farm fields to

her right.

Then a lovely white wood-framed house came into view. It

didn’t look all that different from the home they’d just past,

with dormers, a covered front porch, and stately pillars bearing

the load of a wide overhang. She marveled at the homestead’s

large, well-maintained barn and several outbuildings. American

homes looked like this? Then no wonder Mr. Olstad couldn’t

wait to own his own farm!

Up ahead Kristin spied a lone figure of a man. She could

just barely make out his faded blue cambric shirt, tan trousers,

and the hoe in his hands as he worked the edge of the field.

Closer still, she saw his light brown hair springing out from

beneath his hat. As the wagon rolled past him, the man ceased

his labor and turned their way. Although she couldn’t see his

eyes as he squinted into the sunshine, Kristin did catch sight of

his tanned face. She guessed his age to be not too much more

than hers and decided he was really quite handsome.

“Do not even acknowledge the likes of him,” Uncle Lars

spat derisively. “Good Christians do not associate with Sam

Sundberg or any members of his family.”

Oh, dear, too late! Kristin had already given him a little

smile out of sheer politeness. She had assumed he was a friend

or neighbor. But at her uncle’s warning she quickly lowered her

gaze.

Kristin’s ever-inquiring nature got the best of her. “What is

so bad about that family?”

“They are evil—like the Martins. Even worse, Karl Sundberg

is married to a heathen Indian woman who casts spells on the

good people of this community.”

“Spells?” Peder’s eyes widened.

“Ja, spells. Why else would some folks’ crops fail while Karl’s

flourish? He gets richer and richer with his farming in the

summer, his logging camps in the winter, and his fur trading

with heathens, while good folks like me fall on hard times.”

“Hard times?” Peder echoed the words.

“Ja, same seed. Same fertile ground. Same golden opportunity.”

Uncle Lars swiveled to face the Olstads. “I will tell you

why that happens. The Sundbergs have hexed good Christians

like me.” He wagged his head. “Oh, they are an evil lot, those

Sundbergs and Martins. Same as the Indians.”

Indians? Curiosity got the better of her, and Kristin swung

around in the wagon to get one last glimpse of Sam Sundberg.

She could hardly believe he was as awful as her uncle described.

Why, he even removed his hat just now and gave her a cordial nod.

“Turn around, niese, and mind your manners!” Uncle Lars’s

large hand gripped her upper arm and he gave her a mild shake.

“I . . . I am sorry, Onkel,” Kristin stammered. “But I have never

seen an Indian.”

“Sam Sundberg is not an Indian. It is his father’s second wife

and their children. Oneida half-breeds is what we call them.”

“Half-breed, eh?”

Kristin glanced over her shoulder and saw Peder stroke his

chin.

“Interesting,” he added.

“How very interesting.” Kristin couldn’t deny her interest

was piqued. “Are there many Indians living in the Wisconsin

Territory?”

“Ja, they trespass on my land, but I show my gun and they

leave without incident. Sundberg brings his Indian wife to

church.” He wagged his head. “Such a disgrace.”

“And the Territory officials do nothing?” Mr. Olstad asked.

Uncle Lars puffed out his chest. “As of three months ago, we

are the State of Wisconsin—no longer a territory.” Uncle Lars

stated the latter with as much enthusiasm as a stern schoolmaster.

“Now the government will get rid of those savages once

and for all.” He sent Kristin a scowl. “And you, my liten niese,

will do well to stay away from Indians. All of them, including

our neighbors, the Sundbergs. You hear, lest you get yourself

scalped.”

“Ja, Onkel.”

* * *

Threads of Hope is available for pre-order at amazon.com. CLICK HERE for details. In the meantime, all 4 books in my series called, Seasons of Redemption are available now in both traditional print and e-book formats. CLICK HERE for more info.

Remember: Books make great Christmas gifts! Have a safe and merry Christmas, everyone!

~AKB

Writing for you, for me

2011-11-30T09:31:00.000-08:00

I’m a cynic. I am a critical, cynical, and occasionally condescending person. I look around and see injustice and hypocrisy and stupidity wrapped in enviable praise. And yet, when I went to see the new Muppets film this last weekend I sobbed. Like a child. When I watch Superman and see Christopher Reeve, with conviction in his eyes, say that he fights for Truth, Justice, and the American way. That he never lies. I get chills.

Gandhi once said: “Be the change you want to see in the world”. I write that world. I write a world where good triumphs over evil, where money and power mean nothing, where style has no credibility and substance rules supreme, and where true love really does conquer all.

And yet, if I write it and no one reads it, it’s still just my world. So, perhaps pathologically, I seek to write about justice and substance – but I’m prepared to tell you whatever story I need to in order to share that experience with you. Because when we believe it together it means more. So if the world wants to read about New York Socialites or Fuzzy Bunnies or Drunken Trailer Trash – then I’ll be there, pen in hand.

I don’t write thrillers, or steampunk, or supernatural suspense, or chick lit. I write a world where courage and sacrifice (whatever form they take) are the supreme measure of what is good. Where honor will outlast treachery, and the temporary spoils of life don’t make you worth listening to, and can’t save you in the end.

Genre? That’s just window dressing.

Lasting story is the perseverance of unyieldingly innocence in the face of the unrelenting rationality of cynicism.

So, I guess I do write for myself. But whatever ending I create in which virtue outlasts, I want the world to come along, because if that’s the only meaningful change I can make in the world, then it isn’t a wasted life.

'Tis the Season for Giving Thanks

2011-11-23T06:21:00.000-08:00

Gathering with family and friends around a table loaded with good food is special at this time of year for most people. Many tables will have an empty chair for one who is no longer with us. Those who have lost loved ones since last Thanksgiving may find it difficult to celebrate and have joy, but in their hearts there is comfort and peace when that loved one is now celebrating the greatest time of giving thanks. Many are in hospital rooms this day fighting for their very lives, and some will be sitting down to a table with less than others. In all of this we follow Paul’s example and give thanks in the circumstances and praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Those who are not as fortunate to have a bountiful year can find hearty meals provided by charitable organizations across the country. These groups share not only with the food but also with the story of our Savior. Volunteering at one of these gatherings can be a real eye opener and will bring great joy to the heart. Watching the faces of children as well as adults partake of what others have shared brings a great deal of peace and hope to those who serve.

Many of our sons and daughters, husbands and wives, or even friends are across the ocean serving their country and missing out on the traditions of their families. We remember them and pray for their safe return.

As we take time to pause from our writing and celebrate with our loved ones, we can give thanks for all God has done for us in the past year even though it may have included some rejections and rather meager royalties. God’s plans are far greater than any we could come up with on our own. Let us remember those who are not as blessed as we are. Let us lift our voices in praise to the one true God, the God of Truth and Light and give thanks with a grateful heart for the Son who lived and died that we may eternal life in His presence.

What has been your greatest blessing this past year?

May you all have a blessed and happy day of giving thanks.

Spotlight: Spirit Blade Productions

2011-11-21T05:11:00.000-08:00

Given the fact that I'm super behind on a number of writing projects over here (and I've been sick to boot), I'm turning the spotlight over to a fellow Christian writer who is doing some amazing things, blazing incredible trails: Paeter Frandsen and Spirit Blade Productions.

Spirit Blade Productions' mission is providing a sort of haven and gathering place for those Christians who love science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Paeter runs a blog where he talks about movies, comics, and games--while always adding a Biblical understanding to the mix.

Apart from that, SBP's focus is producing high-quality audio dramas! With a full cast, Hollywood-style special sound effects, and dynamic editing, Spirit Blade's productions play out like a big budget roller coaster ride of a movie for your mind. I'm endlessly fascinated by all that Paeter has accomplished with their flagship title Spirit Blade. So far, there are two parts released of the Christian Sci-Fi actioner Spirit Blade Trilogy . He is also in the process of adapting Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan's classic epic Christian fantasy allegory.

I did an interview with Paeter a year ago, talking about his work in the nearly lost medium of audio dramas. In high school, I was turned on to radio dramas, listening to the original The Shadow episodes, and, of course War of the Worlds. It's really an art form that many modern day audiences don't fully appreciate, but I think Paeter has gone a long way to make an audio play that appeals to the "flash-bang" desires of our modern generation. Head over to my blog to read my in-depth interview with Paeter, but more than that, check out this page and listen to the incredible trailers he's put together for their stories! Buy yourself a copy, if you're so moved, and support Paeter's work. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

For those of you who are familiar with audio dramas, which ones did you listen to? I've just discovered a Sirius radio station that plays Classic Radio Dramas, and I'm learning more about the medium every day!

To Sign or Not to Sign . . .

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

In recent posts, Jillian wrote about the book festival she attended. Beth wrote about the ever changing world of publishing. And, Mike asked the all important question of “Why?” do we continue to write. I just completed a six week book tour for my debut Realms novel, “The 13th Demon” and spent many hours in book stores signing books. Was it worth it?

My very first book signing was in 2001. My co-author, Mark Sutton, and I showed up at our local Barnes & Noble and we proceeded to sign over 50 books in a two hour period. There was a line in front of our table and we both regarded the event as a rousing success. Subsequent book signings were not as successful but we sold over 25 to 30 books at each sitting.

Fast forward to 2006 and my first self published book. At my first book signing for that book at our local Barnes & Noble, we sold all of the books the store had ordered and I had to go crack open a box of 50 books I had in the car. I was stoked! Then, I showed up at my next book signing in Orlando, Florida at a major book chain store. No one greeted me on my arrival. A table was set up. I put up my sign and got out my goodies and sat down. And waited. And waited. And waited. Not a single worker at the store ever spoke to me. Not a single customer stopped at my table. It was the single most depressing book signing of my life!

Fast forward to 2011 and the release by Realms of my first real “debut” novel. Do I hold book signings? Are book signings a thing of the past with the availability of e-books? Is it worth having a book signing to make certain my book ends up on the shelf of a book store? These were difficult questions to answer. Only five years had passed since those early book signings, but marketing a book has changed significantly. With the advance of blogging and social media, is it a waste of time to have a book tour and travel long distances to hold book signings?

My first book signing for “The 13th Demon” was my “book launch” and the response blew me away. I planned this event at my church’s combination book store/coffee shop. I advertised in local Christian family magazines and on the local Christian radio station. Over 100 people showed up and I sold 91 books! I was overwhelmed by the response. But, the next three book signings ranged from 4 books sold to a dozen. Why then should an author continue to hold book signings? Here are my reasons:

1 -- I want to support local book stores. With the growth of e-publishing, local book stores are hurting and hurting badly. Customers may show up to browse books, but they end up purchasing them on their book “pads”. But, if you hold a book signing, the event hopefully will draw potential readers into the store not only for my book, but for additional purchases. I reason if the local book store sees I am supporting them, then they may be more likely to stock my book and maybe even put it on one of the “golden” tables up front!

2 -- I want to connect with potential readers and put my face and my personality behind my book. Word of mouth can increase sales. At least, I hope it does. Even if I don’t sell a book, I make myself known to anyone who approaches my table and I pass out bookmarks and tee shirts.

3 -- I want to meet people and talk to them about the issues pertinent to my books. I am not only an author, I am a physician and a trained apologist. At a LifeWay store book signing in Austin, I had the opportunity to talk to a grandmother who was distressed that her grandson was abandoning his Christian faith and she didn’t know how to answer his rather pointed and cynical questions. We had a pleasant conversation and I gave her some pointers on relating to her grandson and his growing unbelief as well as giving her some websites that would help not only her, but her grandson. She ended up buying a book for her grandson and I was able to write him a short, encouraging note in the book. I’ll never know how that situation turned out but I have to believe it was a “divine” appointment.

4 -- I want to give away promotional material. I always begin a book campaign buy having my good friend Jeremy Johnson (www.heyjj.com) design a killer tee shirt. I produce a limited number and I advertise that I am giving away free tee shirts with each book that is purchased. Now, I lose money on the tee shirts and that is a given. But, if someone wears the tee shirt to a concert or to a worship service or to a youth event, my book title and website are clearly evident. Hopefully such promotion will bring readers to my website.

So, what do you think? In view of the past three posts, where do you think an author should best spend promotional time? Do you still hold book signings? Do you think they are effective or just a waste of time?

The Question of "Why . . ."

2011-11-14T06:23:00.000-08:00

Thirteen years ago when I set my sights on becoming a published author I had a vision in my head of what it might be like. Without going into the painful details, I was wrong on almost every account.

Now, five books later I find myself still working my day job, juggling writing and work around family, and trying in vain to keep up with all the social media outlets. I'm writing one book while editing another while gearing up to promote and market yet another. My time management skills are being put to the test and at times I fail miserably. I fret and worry about each book, whether it will be well-received or not. I lose sleep. I second-guess myself. I struggle with writer's block and lack of inspiration.

This isn't the way it was supposed to be. This writing life has turned out to be too much like work.

So I think about why I keep doing it, why I keep writing. My reasons have to go further than just wanting to honor the rest of my contract. There must be a deeper purpose. To find it I really don't have to look far within myself and the answer is more complicated than you may think.

There are several reasons:
1) I continue because it gives me something to do. I'm not a hobby kind of guy. I can't see myself spending Saturday afternoons on a golf course. And I'm not so much into watching sports on TV. Writing gives me a worthwhile activity to channel my energy into.
2) I continue because the opportunity is there. Not everyone gets this chance to be published so there must be a reason God allowed me to be. I don't want to waste it.
3) I continue because I still have stories to tell. Not my stories, though they come from within me, but the stories of others, so many just like the people I meet on a daily basis.
4) I continue because I believe God wants me to. Whether I grow tired of it at times or not, whether I question my ability or not, whether I want to or not, doesn't really matter. God has put this task before me and I want to complete it. I don't want to let Him down. And, for me, that's enough motivation to press on.

So what keeps you going? Not just with writing but with anything. Where do find your motivation? Why do you press on in the face of discouragement or failure or hardship? Why do you feel a burning need to do more than zone out in front of a TV?

The Ever Changing Publishing World

2011-11-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

Writers, editors, publishers and readers are watching the publishing industry closely these days. Authors are just a few of those who are scratching our heads waiting to see how the changes will affect us.

Print sales are still in demand, but not as much as they used to be, and the tides are turning to e-books at a rapid pace. The variety of e-readers is appealing, popular and even kosher. There are different models in various colors and picking out the cover shows a flare of your personality. Publishers Weekly reported e-book buyers spend more money than those who buy print books, and more women than men own them and are over fifty. But it has also been said that this generation still values print books more than the up and coming.

Bad news for book stores, I have a harder time with this than the change to e-books. I still envision going into the book store with my e-reader to drink Starbucks even if there isn’t a print book in the entire store. Silly I know, but can’t they still put book covers around and create an aroma of book pages? I hope I don’t see the day when book stores are obsolete, but hopefully libraries will still be around for a long while.

The good news is that with the higher numbers due to print on demand, digital and self-publishing there are more publishers. Writers have more access than ever to create their own cover art, price, release date etc. And although some genres are more popular than others the variety of genres has gone up. No matter what you want to read or write, it’s out there or you can create it.

I've heard conflicting research on the future for writers. I’m sure that getting your book to stand out in the mass will become more difficult, but there has to be as many new stories to read as there are people who want to read them. They say writing as a profession may become harder in the future, but there are too many imaginative minds, and readers who want to sink into that creative world, for writers to give up their passion.

For me and my house…we’re going to continue to enjoy settling in at the local B&N to read a good book, e-reader or print, without the worries of what lies ahead. And I’ll never stop writing, whether what I write is published or not. It’s just what we do, and we can’t let the questionable future discourage the present.

These are bits are pieces of what I have heard about the publishing world. What can you share about what the future holds for the industry?
What about readers and their preferences?

Cincinnati's Book Festival

2011-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

I blogged about my weekend experience at The Cincinnati Book Festival that was held on October 22nd here as it relates to Marketing for those of you who are published and interested in such things. There's even more though that doesn't necessarily relate to marketing, but relates more to being passionate about words and books and how they make us feel and what they make us think about. If you want to read up on what was happening and who was there here's a link, BBTB.

The first night we went to the author reception at The Mercantile Library. I've lived in Cincinnati for thirty one years and I had never been in that library. I loved disappearing from the crowd to sit in the stacks of this incredible library, which is located on the eleventh floor and you can get a pretty good idea from the link what it looks like.

I wanted to curl up in one of the big chairs and read a book. Knowing that I was going to be at this huge event the next day I really had to push myself to socialize. I'm more introverted than extroverted so I have to make sure I get alone time to energize or power up.There wasn't a big author turnout, but a lot of library people who worked hard to put this event together showed up.

My hubby and I were thrilled to get a chance to talk to Dennis Lehane who had come to the reception as well. I did pick Dennis' brain for awhile and asked him to sign my copy of Shutter Island. He was a gentleman and willing to talk about what to expect at a big book signing, etc. But then I spent more time talking to the catering folks and a woman I didn't know from my suburb who was providing transportation for a couple of the authors. I just felt very relaxed and enjoyed myself and spending time with hubby, without getting all freaked out about trying to fit in with the crowd or how stressful the next day might be.

The next day at the event was great. I was assigned to a table with Donna MacMeans, Redeeming the Rogue who is an author from Ohio Valley RWA where I'm also a member. Then I met Regina Jeffers, The Phantom of Pemberley and then sitting next to me was Carrie Bebris, Deception at Lyme. All delightful women. The picture as the right is my friend Donna MacMeans, awesome assistant that day for us was Tracy and then me. You can tell from our smiles that we were enjoying ourselves.

The crowd was wonderful and I had a wonderful time talking to everyone who stopped at our table. Gina in the picture with me to the left is an enthusiastic reader that I enjoyed spending time with and there were many more. I think my main point here is to say that it's just fun sharing your passion with others who, "get it." :) They all read and love books. Some write, some don't, but in the end we all have passion for words.

Do you remember the last book event you attended? Where was it? Did you go as an author or reader? Why did you go? What drew you there?

Another CBA Publisher Gets Purchased By an ABA Company

2011-11-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

CBA? ABA?

The CBA (Christian Book Distributors) is an acronym largely used to reference Christian publishing or the Christian marketplace. The ABA (American Booksellers Association) is its general, or secular, counterpart. Recently it was announced that Harper Collins (a secular company) has purchased Thomas Nelson Publishing (a CBA company). Harper Collins also owns Zondervan, another CBA publisher.

So what does this mean for Christian authors who want to publish in the CBA or the Christian marketplace?

No one is quite sure yet. But it does mean that the content coming out of Thomas Nelson in the future will have to be approved by higher-ups who may or may not find a Christian worldview and the Christian message favorable.

My agent, Steve Laube, has posts on his blog about it, from today and yesterday. CLICK HERE TO READ IT

Could this be an end to Christian fiction as we know it? Perhaps. If the demand is not there. Christian readers don't realize that when they share books or buy them at resale shops they are doing a disservice to Christian authors. I understand that readers want to be good stewards of their money, but if we're going to get serious about standing strong in the end times, we need to support Christian authors -- and other Christian talent.

How many of you have seen the movie Courageous? What about the movie Fireproof? If you have only borrowed the DVDs (or you're waiting to borrow them) from your church library, you're not doing Christian artists any favors.

I personally think most Christians are CHEAP. There I said it. Stone me. But it's so true. Many good Christian folks would rather beg and borrow than buy. This does our Christian publishing industry no good.

If our aim is to get Christ's message of love and redemption out in the form of fiction, we have to cultivate readers. But readers need to do their part too. They need to buy our books! And we, as authors, have a daunting job: We have to write books that readers want to buy!

But that in itself poses another set of issues.

Have you heard of the book Heaven is For Real? It's published by Thomas Nelson. Readers, both Christian and secular, are grabbing it off of store shelves. What do you think is the reason for it? I haven't read it, but I wonder if the Christian message has been watered down to a feel good story rather than the truth of our sin, which sent Jesus Christ to the cross.

Will the Christian message be watered down in the future, so publishers can sell, sell, sell and make money, money, money?

What do you think?

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2011-10-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

I would suspect that this blog, like many others written by professionally published authors, draws a certain amount of aspiring authors, perhaps looking for advice or insight concerning the in-roads to breaking into the business. I know I've been asked a couple times in my career if I have any advice for folks just starting out. Well, as it turns out, I do. I could go on about the benefits of being open, honest, polite, and friendly to absolutely everyone you meet. Not only is that just a good thing to do in your every day life, it can also benefit you in strange ways in your career as you never know who might be in a position to help you one day--and they will most assuredly remember if you were a jerk or not.

I could give other advice about honing your talent and staying true to your story. Both are sound, practical advice.

But, perhaps the best piece of advice I can give you is something that I learned from a small child that I taught one year many years ago at a Vacation Bible School at my church. We had a small group of, I believe, pre-schoolers and we had them for the evening. It was tough going trying to come up with something to keep them all occupied and interested for the time allotted, but one thing we did was hand out mazes. We passed them out and the kids went to work, trying to get from Start to Finish. They took some wrong turns and a few probably even made it through. But my attention was focused on one little boy. I watched with mild amusement, at first, as he took the crayon in his chubby hand, stabbed the Start line, then drew a straight line, cutting through obstacles, to the Finish line. Blank-faced, as though he wasn't even aware that what he'd done was the total opposite of every child, he calmly handed the maze back to me, without a word, to show me he was finished.

For long seconds I stared at that page and, I kid you not, I had an epiphany. The heavens parted, light shone down, and the scales fell from my eyes. I remember looking at that maze with one simple line drawn from Start to Finish and thinking "Exactly".

It has become an attitude I have adopted in all areas of my life, and especially my writing. There are so many people in this business who will set before you hoops to jump through. They'll tell you you have to get an agent, or go to writers' conferences, or get a certain publisher, or be a New York Times Bestseller, or this, or that. Everyone seems to have a different level they want you to reach before they accept you. Before they deem you "Finished". To that, I say "bah". Set your mind on your goal--what you want to do--regardless if anyone believes in you or not. Then, like that boy in my VBS class, shoot for that goal, never minding the obstacles in your path, never minding the accepted "rules" of "how it's done". Yes, you're going to make mistakes along the way. Maybe you'll have to retrace your steps and try again to find your way through the maze. But don't be afraid to be unconventional. Don't be afraid to blaze new terrain. Be yourself. If I've learned anything, no two writers come to the Finish Line the same way. We all take different paths, some we planned, others we didn't. But know where you're at right now in your life. Then identify your goal.

Then draw a straight line. Don't hold back.

That's probably the best advice I can give you.

To the other authors out there, what's some of the best advice you've received about writing and/or life?

Couragement!

2011-10-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

A rather strange title. I was thinking the other day while reading a post from my former agent on the growing field of Christian speculative fiction. I recalled the words he told me when I was trying to get him to shop my fiction around. His words were far from encouraging. In fact, they were discouraging. But, because of his discouragement, I just worked harder if for no other reason than to prove he was wrong about my fiction. And I concluded after my period of thinking that often, it doesn’t matter whether the words are encouraging or discouraging as long as we have the right attitude about what we do with those words. If I’m discouraged, I won’t give up. If I’m encouraged, I start looking over my shoulder because something bad is about to happen. I decided to write down five of the most -couraging phrases I’ve heard in my career as a writer.

1 -- “Publish! Publish!” was written in red ink at the top of every one of my creative writing assignments in the ninth grade. I was so blessed to have one of the most positive, encouraging English teachers in history. Mrs. Griswold thought my stories and poems and haiku were the best thing a ninth grade student had ever written. I don’t know if they really were, but it inspired me to become a writer. I still have those fading notebook sheets in a plastic sleeve to remind me how important an encouraging word can be at just the right time.

2 -- “Fiction has to be stunning!” was the phrase uttered to me by my second agent. My co-author, Mark Sutton and I hired him after the success of “Conquering Depression.” I had finished the rough draft of “The 13th Demon” and was ready to start shopping it around with a real agent behind my manuscript. His terse reply was the above statement. I was wasting my time with fiction. Stick to non-fiction and self-help books. You will NEVER get your fiction published! It has to be stunning to get the attention of a Christian publisher. And, let’s face it. You will NEVER write a piece of fiction that is stunning! I was stunned! I thought my agent worked for me! I understood that my agent would be able to look at my work and tell me if it had a chance; if it had an audience; if this was the project I should focus on at this time. But, to tell me forget about it? I was so discouraged. Eventually, he left the firm he was with and I severed our contract after two wasted years of arguing over my fiction. So, I decided I was going to prove him wrong!

3 -- “Who cares?” was the operative phrase from my editor on my first book with Realms. His assessment of my manuscript was scathing and eviscerating, but ultimately liberating. It was like listening to Simon Cowell destroy the latest American Idol contestant and realizing the man, however loathsome, was absolutely right! My editor, however, was no Simon. Andy was a great guy who cared about my book and he wanted to help me make it the best it could be. Sometimes the truth hurts, but only in hearing the truth can we change direction and make our path right. I took my editor’s suggestions and I embraced them. After a month worth of rewriting, the book was hardly recognizable compared to the original manuscript. But, that was good! It flowed! It moved! It was a book I couldn’t put down! Now, let’s see if readers would agree! Who cares? I care!

4 -- “Cheesy, but an honest effort.” This from a recent review of my debut novel, “The 13th Demon: Altar of the Spiral Eye”. I’ll admit the review did upset me some. I never pictured my book as “cheesy” although it was certainly an “honest effort”. Of course, one man’s “cheese” is another man’s fondue and there are several other more positive reviews than this one. So, should I let this upset me? What should I take from it? I plan on writing more books so I want to improve my writing. I have several favorite book serials and I’ve noticed that the first book is always the worst written book. But, each subsequent book got better and better. This is what I am hoping for. I remain teachable! As Mike Duran posted recently in a quote from Andy Crouch: “it is better to create something worth criticizing than to criticize and create nothing.”

5 -- “Never Surrender Dreams” comes from one of my favorite writers, Michael J. Strazcynski creator of Babylon 5. That television series still stands the test of time as one of the best series ever created. Michael sat down and mapped out every episode over a five year story arc. He took characters through tremendous changes and upheavals. One major character started out as an arrogant politician and ended up as the savior of his people. One started out as a drunk and ended up the emperor of his world. Strazcynski’s passion for his story and his dogged and relentless pursuit of his story was inspiring. My son, Sean, gave me an autographed sign with that phrase and it hangs on my wall where I can see it. No matter how discouraging things may get; no matter how hard the criticism hits; no matter how dark the day becomes I will never surrender the dream God has given me!

So, how about you? How did you react to a negative book review, assuming you received one? How did you plan on improving with time? Or, were there any phrases, words of wisdom, pearls of encouragement you have relied on during your most trying times as a writer? How about sharing some of them with the rest of us?

Historical Research Enriches Your Stories

2011-10-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked how I found some of the information I've used in my stories. I keep a file going with all the internet links I've found useful. You do have to be careful with things you find online, because anyone can put just about anything they want online, whether it's true or not. Once I've found informtation from a reliable source, I like to make note of that link. No telling when I'll need to go back to that place for more information.

I'm soing to share some with you today. I have most of the links divided by subject matter, but these have general information on a large array of topics in them.

http://www.worldcat.org/- libraries

http://www.thestarbarn.com/documents/AboutThe1870s.pdf

http://www.library.illinois.edu/dnc/Default/Skins/FFF/Client.asp?Skin=FFF&AppName=2&AW=1310757471393– Digital historical newspapers and magazines

http://historicaltidbits.blogspot.com/- by decade in 19^th century

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html- from Library of Congress

http://www.teacheroz.com/19thcent.htm- on all aspects of 19^th century

http://writersdreamtools.com/view/decades/default.asp?Decade=1650history by decades

http://www.thewildwest.org/

http://www.mikelynaugh.com/VirtualCivilWar/New/Originals2/index.html

http://news.google.com/archivesearch/advanced_search- historical newspapers

http://dailytimes.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8a4cba60869d2159– Hill Country Texas historical articles

http://www.loc.gov/library/libarch-digital.html- digitized magazines, newspapers, etc.

http://www.visualthesaurus.com/

http://www.literary-liaisons.com/resources.html

http://www.civilwarhome.com/

http://antiques.rubylane.com/- all kinds of antiques

http://www.the-genealogist.com/occupations.htm

http://www.oah.org/announce/links.html

http://www.laurasprairiehouse.com/

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/elections.php- presidential election information from 1789

http://weather-warehouse.com/?gclid=CML224-lzaACFcrY5wodSUtT0g

http://data.nssl.noaa.gov/

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/texas/westward-expansion-map.htm

Where do you go when you're looking for historical accuracy for your books?

--Lena Nelson Dooley

Live Like It's Already Happened

2011-10-19T02:54:00.000-07:00

I started writing in 1998 as a way of dealing with the grief and questions after a terrible motorcycle accident almost claimed the life of my brother-in-law. I didn't know what else to do, how else to express myself. My heart was raw and exposed. I'd been poked in the eye by life and needed to vent. Writing became my outlet.

It was then that I was born a writer. I fell in love with it and knew it was what I wanted to do the rest of my life, in some form or another.

At first I wrote only for myself. I explored my feelings, questions, thoughts, my anger and frustration. Being a stutterer my whole life I had finally found my voice and there was no shutting me up.

But it didn't take long for my writing to become more focused and my goals more precise. I wanted to write a book. I wanted to be published.

Years went by and my writing evolved from short, vignette-like devotionals to more full-bodied creative non-fiction to, eventually, fiction. I'd finished one book and started on another but that publishing contract was no where to be found.

And I grew impatient. I was sure I was called to write, it was my passion. So why the delay? My frustration grew and spilled over into my day job and family life. I became withdrawn, moody, unfocused. I'd lost my vision, lost my way.

Writing this now and thinking back to those days I'm not proud of the way I handled things, actually, I'm ashamed of it, embarrassed even. But that's how things went when my focus turned to my own plans and timelines and expectations. It's reality in all its ugliness.

My wife, bless her, tried to be a constant encouragement to me. At times she was stern, redirecting me away from the computer when it interferred with family life, and at times she was patient, assuring me that my time would come.

Finally, she said something to me that changed my mindset and brought everything into focus. It exposed my selfish desires and humbled me.

We were standing in the kitchen and I once again expressed my discouragement over yet another rejection. "Micheal," she said. "Do you believe God has called you to write?"

I didn't even hesitate. "Yes. Absolutely. I know it in my heart. I just don't understand why it's taking so long."

"Then it will happen. In His time. In the meantime, live like it's already happened."

That hit me. Those five words. Live like it's already happened. That takes faith, you know? That's putting your heart where your mouth is and going beyond words and platitudes.

I took her advice and put the whole writing thing in God's hands. I stopped trying to control something that was completely out of my control. This was God's deal not mine. I finally understood that. And in the meantime, I would walk by my faith and not just talk about it. And be content with whatever God had in mind.

A year later I went to a writer's conference where the ball started rolling. Less than a year after that I signed my first contract.

Listen, I know many reading this are aspiring writers, maybe established writers. You believe God has called you to write. You believe it in your bones. That's great, but please realize He'll use you how and when He wants to use you. It may be by getting published and reaching thousands with your words, or it may be by writing for your church newsletter and reaching one who needs to hear exactly what you've written. Whether you reach thousands or one it's all good, it's all for Him.

And in the meantime, while you're writing and waiting, hoping and praying . . . live like it's already happened.

Don't Quit Your Day Job

2011-10-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, the next ACFW Webniar is, How to Write More and Work Less. I’ve been talking with writers who have another job as well as their writing to see how they juggle doing both. I was a social worker before my daughter was born and started writing soon after, but now that my youngest is off to college I’ve thought about getting back into the work force. I just don’t know how I’d balance the two yet.

The first thing I thought of was that I’d have to do some serious time management to get everything done that I do now plus working. Getting my family used to the idea that I wouldn’t be as available would be the biggest undertaking, and having others do some of the tasks that I’ve always done. In having less time for writing I’d be spending less time with my imaginary friends, meaning my characters of course (If I were writing this to anyone other than fellow authors I’d worry they would question my sanity) along with a number of activities and groups I belong to. I suppose it’s all about prioritizing.

I did a little research about authors who didn’t give up their day jobs, or at least not right away after they were published. Some of these might surprise you.

-Michael Blake, author of Dances with Wolves, had just been fired from his job as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant when Kevin Costner called him to ask if he would be interested in writing a screen play of his book.

-Steven King was a high school history teacher and used to write in the furnace room closet of his trailer.

-Both C.S. Lewis and Tolkien served in WWI and then taught at Universities

-John Grisham was a lawyer and member of the State Legislature of Mississippi

-Jack London was an oyster pirate and then a gold prospector.

-Nicolas Sparks applied at Law school but was not accepted, so he tried doing real estate appraisals, waiting tables, selling dental products and starting a manufacturing business

-J.K. Rowling got her postgraduate degree and taught in Scotland. She had a baby and then was divorced. She completed her first novel while on welfare

-Francine Rivers wrote obituaries for the town paper

-Zane Gray was finally published after many years of rejections and quit his job as a dentist to write full time.

-William Faulkner was a post master

This group of writers is a tough comparison, but were the most interesting. I know many writers on this blog manage doing both very well, so help me out with some ideas…how do you create the necessary balance working two jobs?

Is Your Kindle Cluttered? And How About The New Fire?

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Less than a year ago I bought my first e-reader, the Amazon Kindle. I thought I was buying it primarily to download research books for my historical novels so I wouldn't have to lug heavy books around. Oh boy, was I ever wrong. I love it. I bought the basic one which I think was about $149.00 then. And I bought a red case and a light to read by at night. My hubby loves it because I don't keep him awake at night. But even more than that I love the fact that the font can be adjusted. This has become very important to me and my changing eyesight. It was bad enough having to get use to bifocals but regular 12 font in a typical paperback novel just isn't what it used to be. I would have loved to have had this as a kid when I was growing up. I could have stayed awake all night under the covers with my ability to read by Kindle light. :)

Now before you think I've gone completely off the deep end for e-reading, hold on a minute. I still love a book with a beautiful cover and the feel of real pages. I don't think I'll ever not love the smell of a new book, the feel of a new book, a traditional author signature of a favorite novel.

But here's a really scary thought. You can now store up to 1,400 books on a Kindle. 1,400! I thought my bookshelves were way to heavy on the home front. I currently have 91 items on my Kindle. 91! What's going on? This is crazy. Isn't it? I don't need 91 books, do I? Is the invention of the e-reader a good thing or is it going to suck away even more of our cherished minutes per day? What do you think?

And now the Kindle Fire has been unveiled. I didn't buy a Nook because it was too expensive. I'll wait for the Fire to come down in price, but I've got to tell you I'm scared. I think this could be a real time suck. I think I may have to set more boundaries on it's use just because all I'll do is read. And what about all those other features. And Minow thought television a vast wasteland.

Wasteland or treasure chest? Curse or blessing? How many books do you now have on your e-reader? If you haven't bought one yet what do you think about our changing times and our love of reading?

Book Trailer

2011-10-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

When I was 16 I started college and got a degree in video production. Ever since then I've been looking for practical applications for my work, and have had difficulty finding takers for such work. But, from time to time I find a use for the skill, and use it with great gusto.

In the book world there is sometimes the discussion about book trailers, and whether or not they are of any use to authors. Being a guy with a video skill-set, I find myself quite quickly coming down on the side of pro-book trailer--partly because I've seen genuine results with my own books, and partly because I like have an excuse to do them.

That said, video work can take as much as 20 hours worth of work for every minute of final product, so when you do take the time and do the work, you find yourself wanting to see what you've done.

Recently, my agent and I have been putting together materials for a supernatural suspense/fantasy novel of mine, and I decided to do a trailer for it. After many, many, many long hours away from human contact I came up with the following. Since I now have all of you as a captive audience I would like to say this: Please watch, rate, comment, and subscribe! Thank you very much!

Characters in Christian Fiction Who Reject Faith

2011-10-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, Amy Riley at My Friend Amy, on her Faith and Fiction Saturday, posed an interesting question regarding Books Where the Main Character Rejects Faith. She asked about the

…lack of books where characters consider faith or religion but decide against it for one reason or another.

Rejecting faith is a part of the faith experience like embracing it so do you know of any books where the characters have considered faith and rejected it?

That question probably divides differently along religious and traditional market lines. Portrayal of “faith experience” in the general market can be as stereotypical as that of the Christian market. The conversion-to-rejection rate of the characters no doubt bears that out. Nevertheless, in the Christian market, I think it’s safe to say, “there’s a lack of books where characters consider faith or religion but decide against it for one reason or another.” In other words, most main characters in Christian fiction who are confronted with faith, inevitably “accept” it.

Admittedly, I don’t read enough Christian fiction to comment authoritatively on the actual percentage of conversion-to-rejection ratio of characters. However, the majority of Christian fiction I have read does include — in fact, center around — some form of “conversion,” whether it be a backslider returning to the faith or a seeker discovering it. So I think it’s safe to say that conversion scenes and/or conversion processes are one of the earmarks of Christian fiction.

This conversation fascinates me for several reasons. For one, as Amy mentions, “Rejecting faith is a part of the faith experience.” So why don’t we see more “faith rejection” in Christian fiction?Are we afraid to show someone (albeit fictionally) deciding against the religion we defend?

The second has to do with my debut novel. What I’m about to say may require a minor spoiler alert. So be forewarned. But a central character in The Resurrection, after rigorous “Christian evidence,” remains largely agnostic. While conversion is an issue throughout the story, it is unresolved in this character’s case. After much thought, I believed that ambiguity was so true to the character and so integral to the story, that I could not remove it. When my publisher approached me about edits, I was prepared to concede a lot… but not that. If my editor asked me to convert this character, I would have refused. Which is one of the reasons I am so thankful that Strang let me tell that story.

Anyway, I’m interested in your take in that conversation. Do you agree that most characters in Christian fiction who are confronted with faith, inevitably “accept” it? And if not, can you name some Christian fiction books that don’t?

The Reality of Evil

2011-10-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

With Halloween approaching, October is a good month to remember that evil truly exists. I think one of the most frightening things I ever read can be found in a book, titled Crying Wind by Crying Wind (yes, that’s her name). It’s the true story of a Native American (Kickapoo) girl’s journey from darkness into light during the mid-1960s and early 1970s.

In it, Crying Wind describes an unforgettable time when she was about ten years old. She wrote:

"I knew that there must be dark, shadowy things, bad things that Grandmother and my uncles talked about when I was supposed to be asleep, but I didn’t know what they were. Even though I was curious, I wasn't sure I really wanted to know everything that went on around the reservation."

Crying Wind goes on to say that a man came to the door one night. He'd been newly wed, but his wife died of pneumonia. So he had gone to the medicine man on the reservation and was told he could raise his wife from the dead if he did the following: 1) Took off his clothes and slathered his body with mud; 2) Waited for the full moon to rise; 3) Went to his wife's grave and covered it with a coyote skin.

The man did this and reported that in the third hour of his waiting, the ground began to shake and something ugly and horrible rose from out of his wife's grave "so terrifying that his mind couldn't grasp it." He knew it wasn't the spirit of his late wife and sensed the spirit was despicably evil. The man went screaming off into the night, the evil spirit right on his heels. He went from house to house, seeking help, but found no escape.

The story continues:

“What’s happening, Shima Sani (Grandmother)?” I whispered as I watched the man disappear.

“He shouldn't have done that,” she said quietly and shut and bolted the door.

* * *

Conjuring up spirits? Frightening stuff!

But, all right, I'll admit it. I'm a big honkin' chicken. It's hard for me to enjoy Christian thrillers without feeling the hairs on my neck stand up and my limbs go numb from fright. I, personally, don't enjoy being scared out of my mind.

But the plain truth is the spirit world is alive -- and about half the authors on this blog write about that very subject! Native Americans especially, I think, are aware of this fact. Crying Wind’s journey ended with her conversion to Christianity and her desire became to share God’s plan of salvation with others. She is featured on Indian Life Ministries web page.Click here to find out more.

This month when store aisles are lined with ghosts and ghouls and enough candy to make my blood sugar soar to the stars, my big honkin' chicken heart can take comfort in the words of my Savior. Christ said, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” (Luke 10:20 NASV)

So what's the scariest thing you've ever read in a book -- or, for the Christian horror and thriller authors, written in a book? How did that impact your life?

Keeping up the quality

2011-10-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

So many of you write such deep, introspective things about your writing life, and I do enjoy reading them. However, my articles are sometimes serious, but not the deep introspection into writing that others have.

That’s one of the things that makes authors such unique individuals. We all may think alike as far as our writing skills and knowledge are concerned, but when it comes to topics and styles, we all have our own way of doing things. Some are plotters, planners, and organizers. Others of us are Pantsters and don’t know the whole story until we write it.

Those who write mystery, suspense or thrillers have their own way of thinking and keeping their readers on edge until the end. We have gentle, sweet, romance writers who have conflict, but it doesn’t blow up in your face.

I envy those who can write mystery, suspense, speculative and fantasy. That’s just not me, but I enjoy reading those genres. Perhaps that’s because I don’t feel I am competing with them for a reader base. I want my stories to touch the hearts of my readers as they watch the lives of my characters grow and evolve in their relationships with each other and with the Lord.

The libraries and bookstores are full of books for every kind of reading tastes. If readers can’t find something they would enjoy reading, they just haven’t looked hard enough.

Each of us writes with our own style and voice, and that’s how it should be. Being true to ourselves in our writing is what makes our writing sincere and keeps it moving. It also builds our fan base if we strive for excellence in our writing. When the quality of our writing stays true to our voice and style, our readers won’t be disappointed.

So many times we may wonder if that first book was a fluke and if everyone will hate the next ones. As long as God is helping us write, and we rely on Him to supply us with the stories, we will not disappoint.

My greatest concern with my writing is that the quality will diminish the more I write. I’ve seen it so often in the secular world, but only a few times in CBA authors. Later books by well known, best-selling authors sometimes lose the pizzazz of the first few and the plots and outcomes become much too predictable. That’s what I hope I can overcome and write so that each book keeps getting better rather than the same old thing.

Of course in romance there has to be some predictability in the hero and heroine resolving all issues and coming together at the end, but the journey to that end must be exciting and keep the reader turning the pages to find out how the two will finally be together.

What do you do to make sure each book is as good as and even better than the previous one, especially in a series?

How Much Do Writers Owe Their Audience?

2011-09-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Been thinking of some things lately. I don't know if I've come to any conclusions, but I thought I'd share my thoughts and get your thoughts, as well.

How much do writers owe their audience?

Now, of course, writers wouldn't get paid unless their audience bought their books. So, for that, no doubt, we are eternally grateful that people give of their time and their money to indulge our writing obsessions.

But my question goes deeper than that. The second book in my The Coming Evil Trilogy--Enemies of the Cross--will be released in February. That's just around the corner, and I'm starting to feel the pressure. Will people like the book? Will they feel satisfied and that the year-long wait was worth it?

Will I live up to the expectations of my fanbase?

Expectations... I never had those with Book One. It was a wild card. A weird little addition to the world. No one saw it coming and I certainly had no clue what the reaction of readers might be. But now that it's out--and people have read it--they have no doubt come to their own conclusions about "what happens next". I know I would if I were merely a Reader. Most of my favorite TV shows are eventually ruined for me because, the longer I stay with them, the more ideas I come up with for how I would continue the show. And, when the show veers from my ideal direction, I feel offended. I feel that the show has let me down because it's not stuck to my own fantasy direction.

The question is: Should it?

At what point do fans have "a right" to their story? Or do they ever? Is a book art? Or is it a product to be consumed?

If it's merely a product to be consumed, then I would say the fans have every right. If you buy Peter Pan Peanut Butter all your life, and suddenly the recipe changes, you have a right to complain. That's a product and you buy it because of certain attributes. If that changes, then it's not the same product. I suspect that's why some fans have created an uproar over the Blu-Ray release of the Star Wars saga with all of its (largely unnecessary) changes. They saw the movie a certain way in the theater, and now that product is being changed. The recipe's changed. It's not the same product. Or is it?

If a book is art, do the fans have any say? Or is it the author's right to create however he or she desires? Is George Lucas right to make his changes to Star Wars? It's his movie, after all, right? (I'm being rhetorical. I'm one of those upset with most of his changes :p)

What I find interesting is that, personally speaking, when I become a fan of something, it's because I trust the author. I feel like they know what they're doing and, especially for that first book/movie/tv season, I'm just along for the ride. But, as the ride progresses, then I want to start having my say. I turn into a backseat driver and I think the characters should do this, or the twist should be this.

I remember reading someone's comment on a facebook post that, if a reader doesn't like your book, then you--as the author--let them down. I find that to be a very harsh and erroneous, black-and-white statement. But maybe I'm wrong. How do you measure the success of a book? By how many people you pleased with it, or by how you personally feel about it?

I will not please everyone with Book Two, I fear. I'd like to think my audience will continue to place their trust in me as I lead them through this story. On the other hand, maybe it's an honor that fans feel so comfortable with your story that they feel a small ownership in it. Maybe that's what I want. Maybe that's a good thing. I'm passionate about the story and I want others to be too. At what point do you cater to those "partner owners" and at what point do you carry on in the path, regardless of your fanbase's wishes (both extremes)?

I've seen shows and stories that (at least I thought) have catered only to their loudest fans and they lose their identity. They lose the thing that made them unique because they allow themselves to be pulled this way and that.

I don't know if these questions have any easy answers. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about all of it--but I'd love your input. Where do you draw the line between "fan service" and "creative freedom"? Are novels art or a product? Or does the truth lie somewhere in the middle?

the black liquor with which men write

2011-09-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

Ink -- The dark liquor with which men write.

the well -- a cavity used to contain liquid.

. . . And Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well . . . John 4:6

Then he taught them things using stories. Matt 13:3

In August 2010 I attended the first ever Hutchmoot. Developed by the writers at rabbitroom.com, Hutchmoot was a gathering of storytellers to celebrate the inspiration of classical writers such as C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, George MacDonald, Walter Wangerin, Jr., Wendell Berry, and Flannery O’Connor, for starters. I went for the “nuts and bolts”. I was finishing the final revision of my second book for Realms and I was hoping to get some practical information on the editing process. How do you cut 35,000 words from your rough draft and manage to keep the story intact?

But, I never made it to the “nuts and bolts”. I was steeped in Story; embraced by Story; amazed by Story. Story, story, story! I wanted to scream, “It’s the Story, stupid!” to my reflection in the mirror. I was missing the forest for the trees. Here before me was the heart of what I do. I tell stories. And, we do not tell stories in a vacuum. We are not alone!

What made this meeting of story tellers so enticing was the community that developed among the one hundred attendees. This sense of community began with the faculty on the stage. The audience immediately sensed the connection between these authors on the stage. It was palpable and, yes, enviable. They laughed and smiled and completed each other’s thoughts and talked of critique sessions on music writing and song lyrics and chapters of fantasy novels as if they were comparing the many varieties of a diverse meal at a family meal seated around an aged table beside a roaring fireplace.

I wanted this. I wanted to be a part of this camaraderie. I wanted to have this kind of fluid brother and sister hood with fellow Christian writers. I wanted to sit at that table and talk about my Story without worrying about derision and scorn. Let’s face it. The writer’s life is often a lonely life. We sit and stare at the blank manuscript page and we tell our Story. No one sits with us. No one tells us the Story. We are not transcriptionists. We are artists, creators, an insubstantial reflection of the power of our Creator.

Here is an excerpt from the blog of “katannette” about the wonderful community of Hutchmoot and the Rabbit Room:

Just a few years into our pursuit of a more artfully engaged and financially down-to-earth lifestyle we came across The Rabbit Room. In this semi-circle of artists there seemed to be no exclusivity, no specific hairstyle or ironic t-shirt required. Just support for the journey and a mutual admission that none of us is yet an expert. . . . The world is richer when we are engaged with it, the word is richer when we make it tangible. There may be nothing new under the sun, but the hard-won art of these Rabbits illuminates the same truths to new people, in a moment’s language. And when the truth is spoken, they continue on, looking for a way to say it again, for someone else. The artists that were present this weekend have at times spoken my language, have communicated things I did not even know I needed to receive, and that have changed me eternally. Their work does not promote escape, but engagement. It is not numbing entertainment; it is soul distillation. And, oh, how I need it. [emphasis mine] I am so grateful to this community, to those who host it, and to each artist who shows up over and over and hollers, “Y’all come!” despite what fear, despite what interruption it brings.

Andrew Peterson talks of a “shack” on his property up on a small hill surrounded by verdant trees and grass and crouched beneath a dome of stars at night. It is here in his solitude he sweated over the last revisions of his latest fantasy novel. Andrew is part of the Rabbit Room. Andrew is part of this community I crave.

And, so I am creating a local Christian artist’s community of my own. I’m calling it the ink*well because we will meet in the coffee shop of my church, the Well. I do not know what will happen. I hope that other artists pursuing their Story with great passion and, sometimes grief, will find a respite at the Well. I am hoping we can gather in the soft, warm glow of candlelight amidst the fragrance of coffee and pastries and share our struggles with Story; our battles with the elusive page before us; our travails at the hands of the savage, knife happy editor that lurks within; to listen and gently critique our telling of the Story. Gather at the table. Sip some spiced tea. Taste a flaky cinnamon roll. Turn away from the gathering words for just a moment and relax at the well of God’s love and share in the creation of Story.

Maybe you have found a way to be in community in your geographical location. I’m not talking about a virtual community. I’m talking about meeting in flesh with other Christian authors. If you have such a community, what is its structure? Local writer’s clubs? Local chapters of national groups? And, if you are a member, what kinds of “support” do you get from such a group and what kind of support do you give to such a group?

MAGGGIE'S JOURNEY is Here

2011-09-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled when I first signed this contract with Realms at Charisma Media. It's been more than a year in writing and production, and every step of the way, I was extremely pleased while working with is marvelous company.

The graphic design department created a cover that really fits the story.

Later the marketing team had this trailer made.

The trailer really fits the story as well.

Here's the first page:

Chapter 1

September 1885

Seattle, Washington

Margaret Lenora Caine sat in the library of their mansion onBeacon Hill. Because of the view of Puget Sound which she loved, she had the brocadedraperies pulled back to let the early September sunshine bathe the room withwarmth. Basking in the bright light, she concentrated on the sketch padbalanced on her lap. After leaning back to get the full effect of the drawing,she reached a finger to smudge the shadows between the folds of the skirt. Witha neckline that revealed the shoulders, but still maintained complete modesty,this dress was her best design so far. One she planned to have Mrs. Murdockcreate in that dreamy, shimmery green material that came in the last shipmentfrom

China

.Maggie knew silk was usually a summer fabric, but with it woven into a heavierbrocade satin, it would be just right for her eighteenth birthday party. Andwith a few changes to the design, she could have another dress created as well.

Once again, she leaned forward and drew a furbelow aroundthe hem, shading it carefully to show depth. The added weight of the extrafabric would help the skirt maintain its shape, providing a pleasing silhouetteat any ball. She pictured herself wearing the beautiful green dress, whirlingin the arms of her partner, whoever he was. Maybe someone like Charles Stanton,since she’d admired him for several years, and he was so handsome.

“Margaret, what are you doing?”

The harsh question broke Maggie’s concentration. Thecharcoal in her hand slipped, slashing an ugly smear across the sketch. She glancedat her mother standing in the doorway, her arms crossed over her bosom. Maggieheaved a sigh loud enough to reach the entrance, and her mother’s eyebrowsarched so quickly Maggie wanted to laugh … almost, but she didn’t dare add towhatever was bothering Mother now. Her stomach began to churn, a thoroughlyuncomfortable sensation. Lately, everything she did put Mother in a bad mood.She searched her mind for whatever could have set her off this time. She cameup with nothing, so she pasted a smile across her face.

You can order the book here:

Maggie's Journey (McKenna's Daughters)

It's available in both print and e-book formats.

Maggie's Journey is set in 1885. The story journeys from Seattle, Washington Territory, all the way to Little Rock, Arkansas, and back while Maggie seeks the answers to the secrets in her life.

I have just returned from the American Christian Fiction Writers national conference in St Louis. While I was there the Romantic Times Book Reviews magazine arrived at the hotel.

Maggie's Journey received this 4-star review.
Dooley begins the McKenna's Daughters series with lovable characters finding out that who they thought they are is not really who they are. Readers are a part of the characters' journey to discover the truth. Dooley is a wonderful author who brings her characters to life.

I was both surprised and thankful for that review.

Tell us about the last time you were surprised with something wonderful happening in your life.

What I REALLY Love About Writing

2011-09-23T02:31:00.000-07:00

There's lots to love about being an author, I won't lie to you. Yes, it's hard work, it's time consuming, at times it's pull-your-hair-out frustrating and I question why I waste my time punching these little keys so many times. There's moments when I just want to throw in the towel and never look at a computer again.

But when I hold my own book in my hands, the book I spent hours, days, weeks, months crafting and honing and polishing, the book I literally poured my heart and soul into, man, it's all worth it. And when I see my book on the shelf in a bookstore or a library a sense of real accomplishment fills me to running over and I forget the heartache and frustration.

So what's my favorite part about being an author? The people, of course. I love words, but interacting with people makes the words worthwhile.

Nothing excites me more than connecting with readers via email, Facebook, or in person. I love hearing what they thought of the characters, the plot, the twists and turns. Were they scared at the right places? Did they laugh when I wanted them to? Did they cheer for the protagonists and boo and hiss at the villain?

Were they touched? Did the story make them think, feel challenged or inspired?

Sometimes the common bond I share with my readers opens doors for deeper conversations about life and family and God. About the struggles with which we all wrestle, those monsters in life, about sorrow we must endure, joy we celebrate. Through the characters and themes in my book I make a connection with the reader, we share a moment in life together and, even if only temporary, a union is formed.

I recently had a young man connect with me after reading one of my books and share some real struggles he's been trudging through, tough stuff. He felt comfortable talking to me because of the book I'd written and the way the story touched him.

Folks, that's heavy stuff. I feel the weight of that responsibility and don’t take it for granted for one minute. For me, that's when this writing thing and all the baggage that goes with it is worth every minute of time I put into it. It's about people, it's about the reader, it always has been and always will be.

ACFW Conference

2011-09-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

Today many writers will be making their way to St. Louis for the Christian Writers Conference. When I checked out the numbers I was glad to see the growth. The first conference was in K.C. in 2002 had 100 attendees. It’s come a long way.

I had a great experience the first time I attended the ACFW conference. I was a little overwhelmed with everything offered as far as classes, editor/agent appointments and Early Birds sessions. The classes were helpful for a novice writer to learn the basics and some facts about this crazy industry we’re in. I still remember some of the classes and authors who gave sessions and what they taught. There was a lot more to this writing business than I’d realized! The best part was meeting other authors and making connections that I still have today eight years later. It was great to meet my agent in person and spend some time talking over goals and plans for my writing career.

I’ll miss the conference this year. Instead I’ll be flying to Lancaster Pennsylvania to do research for my books. So I expect to hear all about it when I get back. Have a great time everyone!

Do you have a memory to share about your first conference?

Tell the story of your life

2011-09-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

There is a true story of two Genoan sailors who landed on an island off the Mediterranean coast. When they began to explore it, they found a monk who had been attacked by island natives and left for dead. The sailors rescued him and took him aboard the ship and set sail for their homeport of Genoa. One day en route, the monk was well enough to be carried on deck for fresh air. As the sailors helped him lean over the ship’s railing, the monk grabbed one of the young man with one arm and with the other waved out across the sea and said, “Over there is a land where the gospel has not gone. Send men there.” Then he collapsed and died a short time later.

The young sailor was greatly impacted by the monk’s words his entire life, telling the story over and over. As he grew older, his grandchildren would sit at his feet and listen to the tales of his seafaring life. The most repeated story was the one about the monk. The grandfather would always finish with the words “Over there is land where the gospel has not gone. Send men there.” Eventually, the grandchildren developed other interests and tired of hearing the story. Except for one. The youngest would ask his grandfather to tell it to him over and over. Years past and the grandfather died and no one ever told the story again. An ordinary sailor with an ordinary life that history would not bother to remember. Well maybe not quite. The young sailor who found the monk so many years before was named Stephen Columbus. No one knows what became of his many grandchildren, except for the one named Christopher.

Ex. 13:8 On that day tell your children, ‘I do this because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’

Have you told the story of your life? You never know who is listening.

The Moral Premise

2011-09-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Stanley D. Williams, Ph.D. is going to be presenting the The Early Bird at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference on September 22, 2011 in St. Louis, MO. I ordered his book, The Moral Premise a few months ago with the plan of being prepared when I went to conference. I have to admit I just haven't found time to read it. However, he did assign us some homework and I have watched the movie Ratatouille, which I loved and I watched, Where the Heart Is, but didn't read the book. I enjoyed it too. Can't wait to see how this all comes together in the workshop.

I found an interesting site. I love the movie Amazing Grace and have the fantastic poster hanging in my office. Check this out. Amazing Grace and The Moral Premise

I'm also looking forward to these workshops:

A Kiss Is NOT Just a Kiss presented by Julie Lessman and Ruth Axtell Morren
The Vise, the Rachet and the Hammer-Suspense so Good it Hurts presented by Kristen Heitzmann
Sometimes It’s Better to Tell than Show, Level: D, Presented by Erin Healy

Don't forget that if you can't attend conference you can always order the MP3. I do every year.

So are you planning on going to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference this year? If so I hope to see you there. Have you read The Moral Premise? Have you put his strategies into place? What workshops are you attending? If you buy the MP3 what would you listen to first? Here's where you can see what's being offered: ACFW Conference

Garage Band Writer - "I'm kind of a big deal"

2011-09-14T12:24:00.001-07:00

It’s a weird experience, telling people you’re a writer. Like a real writer. It’s strange how few people really get it or believe you. This became clear again this last Sunday after church. I was having dinner with a group of people from my church and talking to someone new. She asked me what I did and I told her I was a writer. I don’t think it clicked, but that doesn’t really matter to me. It was only when a friend from across the table spoke up that I remembered just how hard it is to grasp what I do.

He looked at me and laughed. “You know,” he said, both sincere and incapable of keeping a straight face, “When I first met you, you said you were a writer, and I was like ‘oh, like people in garage bands say they’re ‘musicians’. It was only after I heard an ad on the radio for your books that I thought ‘OH! He’s a real writer’’”.

I get that a lot. And it makes sense, I suppose. We all know one of those ‘writers’ or ‘musicians’ or ‘artists’. Typically it’s the people who are most vocal about the fact that they’re writers. The person with a t-shirt that says ‘WRITER AT WORK’, the bumper sticker that says ‘Be nice to me, or I’ll make you a character in my next book’, or even say it to our faces. It’s like having a vegan at a dinner party; you don’t have to ask about it, they’ll be certain to let everyone know.

“So, you’re a writer?” We ask.

“Oh yes, I’m a writer, I just make my living doing (fill in the blank).” We’re sad now, realizing that it isn’t what they do in the same sense of what most of us think when asked that question.

“Really? Do you have anything published?” We’re usually setting the bar low here, thinking magazine or local paper.

“Nothing yet. But I will. You’ll see me on the bestseller’s table at Barnes & Noble soon enough.”

“What do you write?”

“Oh, everything. Mostly poetry and Science Fiction. And I’m working on a romance novel about a person exactly like me who finds true and unconditional love from a significantly more attractive person for no apparent reason.”

With sincere interest, but without any expectation of quality we say something along the lines of: “I’d love to take a look at one of your novels some time.”

“Oh, you can’t. I haven’t finished anything yet. And I’m waaaay too sensitive to let anyone read it now. But you can read it once it’s published!”

“I see.”

“But I do have some free-verse poetry about my feelings you could read right now, if you want.”

We pause for a moment, trying to think of the last time we saw a book of poetry on a shelf that wasn’t written by someone already famous, but remain optimistic and friendly.

Usually these are very nice people with good intentions and a kind heart. But it becomes obvious in about ten seconds that though this person writes, they are not a professional. Some of them may get there eventually, but for the most part they’re hobbyists.

So, when I got published it was hard for me to discern yourself. Some people instantly assume that I’m super rich and famous, and that I summer with Stephen King; though this is the minority. Most just nod politely and assume I’m ‘that person’, who enjoys talking about writing but remains a clear hobbyist. There are some times when I try to clarify, but for the most part I just mention it and move on, remembering the words of Jesus: it’s better to put yourself at the foot of the table and be asked to move to the place of honor, than to place yourself at the head of the table and be asked to move. So, I try not to make it the first thing I tell people about myself. In fact I have friends I didn’t tell about my writing career for months. Usually they find out on their own, so there’s no point in being obnoxious. And besides nobody really wants to be this guy:

The 10 Books That Have Most Influenced and Inspired Me

2011-09-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

If reading is a journey of discovery, most readers can point to landmarks along the way. Whether it’s a matter of eloquence, conceptual lucidity, or just good timing, these books inevitably serve as signposts to our reading experience. These are the books you keep going back to — if not in thought, in actual re-reading — the ones you tend to judge other books by.

Below is ten of mine. I’m not necessarily saying these are my favorites, nor are they the best in their field. But just that they’ve had more lasting impact on my ideas, outlook, and emotions, than others. (I’ve purposely omitted the Bible because, hey, every believer is supposed to list it.)

The Pursuit of God — A.W. Tozer’s fiery devotional classic. As much a rebuke against stale orthodoxy as a passionate call to eschew comfortable Christianity. The chapter entitled “The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing” should be required reading for every believer.

Godric — Frederick Buechner’s Pulitzer-nominated retelling of the medieval hermit’s battles against the world, the flesh and the devil. A bittersweet, poetic tale about a quirky, painfully devout saint. Buechner’s rich, alliterative language is nothing short of amazing.

Celebration of Discipline — Though criticized by many for its flirtations with mysticism, Richard Foster’s contemporary framing of the classical disciplines — prayer, fasting, solitude, meditation, etc. — is a timely tether to monastic history, the saints of the past, and their personal pilgrimages.

Perelandra — The second book of C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy and the best of that bunch. The “unfallen” Venusian world of floating islands is unforgettable. But underlying the drama, Lewis demonstrates a philosophical rigor that engages the reader at another level. What Christian sci-fi should be.

What’s So Amazing About Grace — I read this on the heels of a debilitating legalistic relationship… and it was liberating! Philip Yancey unpacks a concept that’s been cheapened by bad theology and flippant culture. Through insightful anecdotes and heartbreaking stories, the author restores the mystery to the most powerful divine force in the universe.

The Lord of the Rings — Tolkien’s classic trilogy remains the watermark for fantasists everywhere. I still view The Two Towers as the book that single-handedly inspired me to become a writer.

The Master Plan of Evangelism — This short book expounds Jesus’ simple strategy for changing the world. Robert Coleman reaffirms the exponential possibilities of human relationships, while alternately dismantling the inherent flaws with program-oriented power structures. Should be studied by every Christian minister or leader.

Amusing Ourselves to Death — Neil Postman’s scathing expose of the effects of television on public discourse, religious thought, and political debate is even more relevant now than it was 20+ years ago. The decline of the written word has been replaced by sound-bite psychology. Thus, as we fixate upon Twitter and the tube, we empower the very mediums of our demise. A must-read for every cultural observer!

Till We Have Faces — Lewis retells the myth of Cupid and Psyche, displaying both his fluency in ancient literature and his worldview regarding myth and Christianity. But, more intrinsic to this story, is the psychology of the human soul. While lacking the overt Christian symbollism of Lewis’ other works, the tale engages at a deeper, more disturbing, level. A haunting, beautiful, story.

The Creator and the Cosmos — Astrophysicist Hugh Ross articulates how the existence of multiple dimensions not only aligns itself with a biblical view of the universe, but provides a paradigm for resolving apparent theological contradictions. This book on cosmology single-handedly helped me overcome a dreaded fixation upon paradox.

Honorable mentions: Lifestyle Evangelism, The Man Who Was Thursday, No Place for Truth, Mere Christianity, Orthodoxy, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Dust of Death, and Pensees.

So I’m interested, what books have most inspired / influenced you?

Amazing journey

2011-09-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 niv

This verse is my signature verse for my writing. Because of my age, I despaired of every becoming a published writer, but this verse gave me the inspiration and motivation to keep working and not give up on my dream. God is giving me that harvest now.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved to make up stories for friends, cousins, dolls and my paper dolls. Around the age of nine or ten, I began writing my stories down. I continued that through college when I wrote a novel, but then I married and started a family and had no time for writing.

Then in my forties, I decided to go back to school and get a MEd. I enrolled in a course to teach writing to high school students. My love for writing resurfaced and I began with short stories. My primary desire was to have a novel published after I already had written several Bible studies and stories or devotionals for various compilations, and even a story in a novella. Still, I wanted a book with just my name on it. I voiced this desire several times over the years, and one of my First Place 4 Health friends started praying for me and my writing.

In January of 2009, Carole Lewis, our National Director, challenged us to “Give God a Year.” I made the list of things I would do for God and myself for one year and then what I expected God to do for me. One of the things on my list for God was to get a contract for a novel. I didn’t share the list with anyone, but did my best at keeping my end. I didn’t always succeed, but I didn’t give up.

With the prayers of so many of my friends, both writing and church, and my new commitment, I had confidence and believed that God would honor my request.What happened that year is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and how He answers the prayers and faithfulness of His children.

In June of 2009, on my seventy-third birthday, I received a call from my agent that Strang Communications wanted to offer me a contract for a book proposal she had sent them. After accepting the offer, I received a contract for not one but four books all based on the one proposal we had sent them. God had not only answered our prayers, but had blessed me four times over.

Last year when I attended the American Christian Writer’s Conference in Indianapolis, Tamela and I received word that the editor was offering me a new contract for five books. Then in January of 2011, I was asked to write a prequel to the first series and given a new contract. I am overwhelmed at how much God has accomplished. I’m working on that fifth book of the second contract now. In January, 2012, My ninth and tenth books will be released. What an amazing two years.

We are on this journey together, and when we share our heart’s desires with others who then pray for and with us, it becomes sweet music to God’s ear. We rejoice with each other in triumphs, and we cry together in heartache. God hears and sees it all, and blesses us beyond measure for our faithfulness to Him and our belief in His answers.

What is a dream you don't want to give up?

Acting Out in Your Writing

2011-09-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

Coming from a screenwriting background, I always write from a very visual place. My books first come to me (and most others I'm sure) as a movie in my head. I'm not in love with prose. In fact, often I feel that my words--feeble as they usually are--get in the way of my story. When I really feel a character or their journey, my goal as a writer is to stand out of their way and let them live.

One of the things that helps me is to act out my characters. Now, no, you won't find me prancing about my Batcave (that's where I write) with a cloak reciting lines to thin air (I don't know why I would have a cloak, it just sounded appropriate). But I really try to picture actors or put myself in the role. Not just in what they think or their background, but I want to define their mannerisms. How they relate to one another and what that visually looks like.

Today I had a blast watching through some audition tapes of the young actors that are going to be in the movie I wrote "Amazing Love: The Story of Hosea" (title subject to change). The film starts shooting in a couple weeks and I'm really excited to see the finished product. I wrote this a few years ago and, since then, filmmakers Rich and Dave Christiano worked on the script, found a director, and have put this whole thing together. Watching the young actors cast in the movie was a real treat. It was even a little emotional, watching them live out my dialogue. Some of them brought things to the roles that I would have never dreamed of. Their nuance, their acting choices--it showed me a new side to my own characters. What was especially neat was watching one young actress in particular read one of the more tender, emotional scenes. I marveled that she was making all the same nuanced mannerisms that I made while writing it! Perhaps I'm just really in tune with my inner teenage girl, but I felt a real kinship to that performance. That was my character, ripped right from my heart, and on the screen staring back at me.

I think watching the actors has helped my writing process even more. It's given me new things to think about in how people act and the various ways that a single line can be delivered and all the new meanings that arise out of each interpretation.

I'll let everyone know when the movie comes out. It's a far cry from my usual projects--you know, no monsters or disembowelment--but I think you'll like it anyway :p We're hoping to see it out early next year.

For the writers, what are some of the ways you've acted out your characters to better understand your writing? For readers, would it bother you to think of your favorite author prancing about in a cloak reciting dialogue to thin air? :p

A Real, Live Book Store!

2011-09-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

I went to a book store.

There was a time I practically lived at a book store. My local Barnes & Noble is the only chain book store in my city. And, before Starbucks staked a claim on just about every corner in our town, it was the only place to get a decent non-fat latte while you were writing away at your novel.

At that time, my co-author and I were working on our depression book and the book store coffee shop was the writer’s community in our area. We knew the people who came and went. They were avid readers or wannabe writers. We sat and sipped and talked and, frankly, seldom wrote a word. But, it was community! It was warm and inviting.

Things have changed. I seldom go to my local book store anymore. Why would I have to? My church has added a coffee shop so I can spend time there working on my books. The money spent on coffee goes to a mission project. I read blogs and check out book reviews for new books. And then, I just pop open my iPad2 and order the book through iBooks or Kindle or Nook. Simple. Clean. Fast. Efficient.

Case in point. Our local apologetics group invited the collegiate minister in our area to speak to us on the state of college kids and the threat to them of losing their faith in a secular higher educational institute. He held up a book, “The iY Generation” and started quoting statistics. I have a keen interest in teaching college bound students how to defend the faith and to think critically. So, I opened my iPad2, found the book on Amazon, ordered it and downloaded it in less than a minute. By the time our speaker found the page with the statistics I had the book open on my iPad2! Isn’t technology great?

Or, is it?

This past weekend, my son and I decided to go on an adventure. I took my old nook (don’t need it anymore with the iPad) and we visited my Barnes & Noble. I decided to revisit my old habits. I walked through the front door. I realized instantly how I had missed that unique and enticing blend of fragrances. Coffee and paper with a hint of dust and what was that exotic tinge? Ah, yes, cinnamon. I went to the New Arrivals table. Lots of books I had not heard about. For free, I was able to sample the book with my nook. I grabbed a skinny latte with sugar free vanilla and began to wander and explore. My son and I compared reading lists and touched and handled real books. We sampled chapters and read passages out loud. We opened “The Fellowship of the Ring” and took turns reading aloud some of our favorite passages.

We had a blast! I realize now how much I miss the book store and the sensory experience of real books. This is something we have lost in the Kindle era. We have traded depth for expediency and I fear we are much less for it.

On a table near the back, we found a treasure. Classic books by authors had been compiled into large tomes with dark, rich leather and gold leafing. These were some of my favorite authors and their books had become works of visual art. I picked up two of them even though I have old paperback copies and also copies on my Kindle. Is this the future of books? Render them into works of visual art to be displayed on our shelves?

And, there sitting at a table was an old friend I had not talked to in years. He was a little grayer, a little more stooped but we sat and talked and shared mugs of coffee and we had -- community!

Do you miss the book store? Are we richer or poorer for our Kindles and Nooks?

Writing from Real Life Experience

2011-08-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when we write from a real personal experience, the writing is more difficult than if we make up the situation. That occurred in the book I just completed. In it the hero must go through a time of deep soul searching in forgiving the heroine for her past life as a prostitute. As deputy sheriff he has spent years making sure his town was clear of such activity.

The agony he goes through as he wrestles with certain principles and moralities he has always upheld and what he knows he must do as a Christian is the same agony I faced with forgiving my brother many years ago.

I learned that no matter how heinous the crime committed, God will forgive that sin when the person gives his or her life over to Christ. Christ died for ALL sin and sinners, not just a select few. This includes thieves, murderers, homosexuals, and those convicted of sexual crimes.

Over twenty-five years ago, my brother was arrested for a sexual crime involving younger boys. I had already written him off as my brother because he’d been in and out of prison so often on drug and other charges. My mother pleaded with me to forgive him because our pastor had gone to visit him in jail, and my brother had made a confession of faith and become a Christian.

That was a bitter pill for me to swallow. I refused to accept the idea that God could forgive him for being a pedophile. That was in mid-December and I was busy with our oldest son’s wedding and then the Christmas program at church and the holidays. I pushed it to the back of mind, thankful that few people remembered my maiden name and wouldn’t associate him with me. I was too ashamed to tell any of my Christian friends since most of them didn’t know I had a brother to begin with.

Still, I wrestled with what I should do, continuing to ignore what I read in the Bible and what I knew I should do. In January, my mother called me again to tell me that my brother had been sentenced to forty years in prison and asked me to pray for him. My mind couldn’t wrap itself around the fact that my brother asked for God to forgive him and God did. When I went in and talked with our chaplain at school, he smiled, handed me his open Bible, and said, “You know what you have to do. You know what God expects. So do it.”

He then left me alone with his Bible open to Matthew 6:14 and15. Those words burned into heart and I cried and prayed for God to forgive me for not believing He could change my brother. Then I prayed and forgave my brother. When I wrote to him and told him I loved him and forgave him, he wrote back and said I was the one family member whose forgiveness he most wanted because he’d always looked up to me and loved me because of the way I had taken care of him as a child when our parents divorced and mother worked all the time.

In writing Cory’s experience for Spring Hope, I relived those days and even now as I write this my eyes fill with tears. We serve such an awesome God. He turned my brother’s life around. It was also a major turning point in my own walk with the Lord. When I opened up and gave this testimony about my brother and God’s love and faithfulness, instead of the scorn and contempt I expected from my friends, I was overwhelmed with love and support.

God is in the miracle business. This is just one example in my own life and my family. My brother now leads a Bible study and meditation group in prison. With our parents both gone on to be with the Lord and my sister’s situation, I am the sole support of my brother. I am so thankful that I have money to send him for the basics he needs, and that my husband fully supports me in it.

Our Lord and Savior came for all humanity. Despite our sins, He loves us and wants us as His children and proved it with the ultimate sacrifice of His life. Praise God from all blessings flow. My hope is that others will see the awesome love of Jesus Christ and will right any relationships that may be askew in their own lives.

Is there a time in your life when our Lord revealed what He wanted you to do, but you had to wrestle with the decision before you finally obeyed? I’d love to hear your experience and how God worked in your life.

Is "Christian" a Genre?

2011-08-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

A few months back, I was interviewed about The Strange Man and towards the end of the interview the question came up, "So, why did you choose to write in the Christian genre?"

I have to admit, I just sort of sat there for long seconds of stupefied silence. I was confused: Horror is my genre. I wanted to say, "No, no, I write horror. Look, I've got monsters!" I wanted to whip out my pedigree of horror-dom to prove to this person that I was a horror writer! At last, I stumbled and said, "Well, I'm a Christian. It just sort of comes out." The reporter nodded, jotted it down, and I believed I'd come up with a great answer.

But, as time has moved on, I'm not so sure.

There are some who can honestly give that answer. Recently I attended a writer's workshop and Robert Liparulo was in attendance. He relayed an encounter where someone came up to him and asked, "What's Christian about your stories?", to which he replied: "Me." That's a great answer and I think probably fits Bob perfectly. But, in my The Coming Evil books, no one who has read the book will ever have to ask the question: "What's Christian about your stories?" It's everywhere. I write about Christian characters dealing with specific struggles that Christians can relate to--things that "non-believers" don't necessarily understand. Book Two of the trilogy, Enemies of the Cross, has just got a fancy new cover. The book's getting closer to release date. It deals with anger towards God. Doubt--not in God's existence or power, but in His judgment. Does God really know what He's doing in my life? I think that's a unique circumstance to the Christian experience.

Understand, when I started writing these books, I had no idea about markets or target audience. I just had a love for the story and these characters and a desire to communicate my own faith journey. And, as much as I always wanted to believe that this series would be a cross-over success--something that Christians and secular horror audiences would enjoy--it's just not happening that way. Why? I've got monsters all over the place! I wrote this thing from a lifelong love of horror--years of my knowledge, influences, and passions boiled into one cataclysmic event!!

Perhaps the reason is that this isn't a novel in the "horror" genre. Could it be I wrote in the "Christian genre"? If that's so, it's certainly not because I chose to, but rather it's chosen me.

If only Christians read my book, is that a bad thing? It's a smaller audience, yes. A much smaller audience, given the global stage. But if I can challenge them, help them to grow, to excite them about their faith--even just simply entertain them with my story I will always think of as a monster/horror story--I don't see any shame in that.

As Christian writers, whether we're writing in the "Christian genre" or not, ultimately we have to trust this story inside us. We believe God's put it there--or at least blesses the fruits of the imagination He's given us--so we have to trust it will find its audience. That it will serve its purpose, whatever that purpose may be. I'm trying to trust that, to let the story be what it needs to be, regardless of genre or audience.

But it's an interesting question to me: Is "Christian" a genre? Or is it simply a perspective the writer brings to a genre? If it is a genre, is it possible to have a book published by a Christian Fiction publisher and yet not be of the "Christian genre"? Questions abound!

What Would Jesus Say?

2011-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

“Martha?” he said, “how often have you repeated the Psalm, The Lord is my Shepherd? Well, think of me as your good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. A hired hand, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and runs away. he leaves the sheep to be snatched and scattered by the wolf. He flees because he cares nothing for the sheep. I will never do that to you.”

Jesus in “The Book of God” by Walter Wangerin, Jr.

Yes, it is Homeboy Jesus!

My friend, Chan, came up with a killer idea for an opening illustration for his speech. His audience would be a group of teachers and he was assigned the job of discussing the new classroom guidelines for correcting student misbehavior. His idea: recount the Sermon on the Mount speaking as Jesus with the disciples interrupting him in the same manner a student might interrupt a teacher.

The illustration was masterful and incredibly funny. I almost fell out of my chair and I will not share the specifics of the speech with you other than to say he concluded it with the words: “And Jesus wept!”

He received one negative critique of his presentation from our communication workshop. What would people in the audience think about him putting words in the mouth of Jesus? We should only use the actual words of Christ from the Scriptures, right?

I have often faced this dilemma in my writing, particularly if it is a historical or period piece taking place at the time of Christ. How do you handle Jesus’ dialogue? Is it appropriate to make up dialogue that Jesus might have said? Or, is doing so tantamount to blasphemy? In fact, can you even show Jesus to the audience? How do you describe him physically?

These questions are good ones and we often wrestle with how to deal with putting words in the mouth of Jesus, or for that matter, God. In fact, I have a hierarchy. God first, Jesus second, the disciples third and then it is fair game for anyone else. Certainly the author of such books as The Shack had no problem putting words in the mouth of God or Jesus. And, I just finished Imaginary Jesus where lots of dialogue was put in the mouths of various Jesuses (or is it Jesi?).

I ran across an interesting series of blog posts by Anna Lewis. In her posts, Anna discusses the challenge of creating Jesus on the stage. In her play, she wrestles with the conundrum of the silent, but visual Jesus and the visible but audible Jesus. She references the American history professor, Robert Detweiler with this conclusion:

Detweiler argues that the proselytizing nature of Christianity is at odds with writing good literature about Jesus. The religious writer, he states, “finds himself caught in an uneasy liaison: the doctrinal Jesus he propagandizes and the symbolic Christ he tries to fashion invariably get in the way of each other, so that eventually both the art and the all-important message of his story suffer.”

In her play, she chooses to demonstrate Jesus with unconventional, but modern activities such as skateboarding in order to connect Jesus to her audience. But, she never puts a word in Jesus’ mouth:

Jesus doesn’t say a word in the whole play. Ironically, after distancing the audience from Jesus as a doctrinal figure and making him seem a true character, silencing Jesus allows the audience to apply their own perceptions of Jesus to the staged Jesus. Whenever Jesus communicates, the audience cannot hear him. They are required to hear the interpretation of what he says given by the other characters, none of whom is reliable. This allows the audience a certain amount of freedom in ascribing meaning to the stage Jesus. Instead of having to reconcile the stage Jesus’s words and tone with their own imagined deity, they are allowed to interpret his actions as they may.

In the written word, authors may choose to show Jesus from a distance or to have Jesus appear in a vision or dream thus distancing the fictional Jesus from the real Jesus to achieve this purpose.

So, what is the solution? I really can’t say. I’d like to hear from other authors on this issue. Do we put words in the mouth of God as moviemakers did in “Bruce Almighty”? Can we put words in the mouth of Jesus? Here is Anna’s final decision:

So the greatest dilemma in writing my play was to keep my audience from walking out on me. I want to emphasize again, that I am not talking merely about a conservative, Christian audience. Knowing my audience is imaginary makes it much larger. It’s not only that I don’t want my audience to feel I’ve betrayed their beloved image of Jesus, but I also don’t want them to think that I have turned him into the saccharine-sweet, happy-ending-maker that will be predictable to them.

How do we “keep the audience” from putting aside our stories and walking away? How do we handle depicting Jesus or God in our fiction?

Settings – Beyond Talking Heads, Bare Stage

2011-08-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

I host a critique group in my home and have for over 25 years. You’d be surprised to see how many people bring a very good story, filled with emotion and conflict, but completely bare of setting. That’s what I call “talking heads, bare stage.”

What is setting? It’s the description of the place surrounding characters. Many elements make up setting.

Time is part of the setting. In a contemporary novel, the time is present day, and in a historical novel, it denotes the time period. In the book, it could be winter, summer, autumn, or spring, or the book could span all the seasons. Each of these elements adds to the fabric of the story.

Place should be revealed early in each scene. Does the scene take place indoors or out? If inside, what kind of building, with what kind of furnishings? If outside, is it rural or urban? There are a lot of varying settings that paint your book.

Another important element is the weather. And weather can add to the tone of the book. We all know that stormy weather increases the darkness of a brooding mystery or gothic novel. Sunshine can add to the feeling of well-being.

Some authors use the setting almost as another character in the book. One that comes to mind immediately is my friend Colleen Coble. Study her work to see how she uses these elements.

Why do we need setting? It anchors the reader in a time and place. It enhances the story whether a dark mystery, a tender love story, a family tragedy, or a myriad of other scenarios.

How should you use setting? When I first started writing, I dumped large sections of description of setting into one place. Tracie Peterson, my editor at the time, told me that she didn’t want a laundry list description of the setting. Her words really revealed to me what I was doing. Thank you, Tracie.

Don’t overload the reader with unnecessary information. It’s best to include setting in snippets woven throughout the story. And reveal the snippets from the viewpoint of the POV character. How that person responds to the particular part of the setting will add to the overall feel of the story.

Setting should always be tied to the point of view character’s perceptions. And that character will be affected by what is going on emotionally in his or her life. Depicting these emotions in a graphic way draws the readers deeper into the story and keeps them turning pages.

Another place to include elements of setting is in conversation beats. I hardly ever use a conversation tag (he said, she said, etc.). Instead I utilize the beats to describe setting and other characters in the scene as well as depict the emotions of the Point of View character.

If you’re an author, you should read multi-published authors and see how they include setting in their books. I will add this caveat. Many authors who write suspense don’t use as much setting, because it can slow down the pace of certain scenes – those edge-of-your-seat scenes. But they use setting snippets in other places.

When you're reading a book, what kinds of settings do you prefer?

Has a particular setting ever made you stop reading a book?

--Lena Nelson Dooley, winner of the Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in western fiction

Tell Your Story

2011-08-22T03:48:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a story burning inside them just waiting to be told. And many of those people feel it is their duty, their obligation, to make sure we authors know about their story because they are convinced it's the next New York Times best seller waiting to get published.

I get approached often by folks with story ideas they want to share with me. Usually they pull me aside and lower their voices like they're about to disclose the secrets that will once and for all blow open the mystery of the Kennedy assassination. As if their story is so remarkable, so fantastic, they fear for their life that someone will hear it and run with it before they get a chance to tell it to me and thereby claim a portion of the glory for themself.

It goes something like this:

"I have this story I know will sell millions. What if a scientist found some dinosaur DNA and was able to recreate dinosaurs by blending the DNA with that of a living reptile. And what if the dinosaurs broke loose and starting terrorizing New York City, killing people, stomping buildings, destroying everything. Well, what do you think?"

Um, I think that story's already been told.

Or sometimes like this:

"Okay, this one is a sure hit. What if a woman didn't want to be a woman anymore and had a scientist take parts from an ape and implant them in her, and what if she then slowly mutated into an ape and fell in love with a silverback gorilla. Only the silverback knows she really isn't an ape and tries to kill her. She escapes to America where she is put in a zoo and eventually drowns because she falls in the water and gorillas can't swim. Awesome, huh?"

Yeah . . . no.

But my favorite always goes like this:

"Okay, here's the beginning . . . a man wakes up one morning to discover he's invisible. There, I got you started now you take it from there and run with it."

[Insert blank stare and sound of crickets here.]

Do you have a story burning inside you? If so, here's my suggestion: you write it. No one knows your story like you do and no one has the passion for your story like you do. It's your story and only you can write it.

What I've Learned From Other Authors

2011-08-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

I had a thought the other day about how other writers have affected me and what made me start writing. I can remember when I read my first series; it was, Narnia, of course. Because I enjoyed that series so much my father suggested that I read one of Stephen Lawhead’s books. Steve was in my dad’s Bible study group so he told me to come down after class and Steve would bring me an autographed copy of his book, The Dragon King (which I didn’t understand, why would he be writing HIS name in MY book?) I could have cared less. I wanted a lion not a dragon. Needless to say I ended up reading the entire series and loved it! Since then I have always had a book close by, or I’m writing one. My taste for books has widened. I can’t pick just one genre but I can tell you what a few authors have taught me about writing.

Along the lines of Lawhead, Lewis and Tolkien, I enjoy the allegory that makes you think beyond the obvious and dig deeper. John Jakes made me appreciate historicals, which was a major feat after having the most boring history teacher ever. And although I didn’t used to enjoy romances, the book, Mrs. Mike, showed me that a realistic story about relationships could be done tastefully. Janet Evanovich taught me how to add humor into my stories. Even the darkest or most serious of books can use a little comic relief to bring out another side of a character. The classics made me realize the changes in the literary industry and to learn from the ‘greats’.

I’m not a big horror fan but reading Stephen King’s, The Stand, was powerful and filled with symbolism. My dad has read all of the Louis L’Amour books at least twice. Louis may as well have lived at our house as often as he was there in thought. My dad taught me to look for the ‘take away’ in his books which gave the story more meaning. Francine Rivers took a giant leap when she wrote one of the first ‘edgy’ Christian fiction stories. Her, Mark of the Lion, series is still my favorite. Francis Chan wrote a non-fiction book that was so incredible I started reading non-fiction again.

Last but definitely not least is, The Way, my first Bible, you know the author. I wouldn’t have chosen to write in the Christian market if I hadn’t studied the Book when I was a teenager and on into adulthood. Because my faith is as much a part of me as taking a breath, the Christian undertone that is weaved into my stories is not forced. Its how I think and how I feel, not a sermon, just a way of thinking about life when you’re a Christian, and if you’re not a believer, how to get there. I don’t ever want to write preachy. I want readers to tell me if I do, but if my story doesn’t show that Way of living I’m being a hypocrite. I hope I’m finding that balance in my writing and in life.

Questions: What authors inspired you to write?
What authors and in what genres do you like to read?

Bedlam/Bethlehem Hospital

2011-08-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have always been drawn to the way our minds work. I'm fascinated with movies and/or books like A Beautiful Mind, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Inception, Shutter Island, Ordinary People and even the humorous side of mental illness in What About Bob? rings true to life for patients when their therapists or psychiatrists leave for vacation. If you've never seen the movie K-PAX it's very interesting, and Jack Nicholson in, As Good As It Gets, can teach us all a little bit about the difficulties of mental illness for the person with the illness and for those around them.

My first historical romance, Secrets of the Heart, Book One in the Ravensmoore Chronicles, released in May 2011 and will take you on a journey where some of the aspects of mental health and mental illness are explored in England during 1817. The more I researched for this book and my next, with the current working title of Chameleon, the more fascinated I became. Of course the treatment of mental illness was in its infancy in those days and the days prior to that. Many thought mental illness was due to demon possession. The archaic methods of treatment were barbaric for centuries.

Originally the priory of St. Mary Bethlehem, Bethlem Royal Hospital, also known as Bedlam began admitting patients who were considered unbalanced or mentally ill in 1357. Unlike the United States Bethlem was admitting patients when we were keeping patients in jails and alms houses.This hospital originally stood at Bishopsgate and then moved to Moorfields and eventually to St George’s Fields, Southwark. http://www.bethlemheritage.org.uk/aboutus.asp

If you would like to explore more about the fascinating facts of this institution please follow this link. http://www.bethlemheritage.org.uk/VisitingBethlem/

What book or movie influenced the way you think about mental illness?

Under Pressure.

2011-08-12T09:21:00.001-07:00

A little over a week I did one of the dumbest things of my life. And now I know just how truly stupid I am.

I was driving to Denver to see a very good editor friend when my car began to overheat. Badly. Like, losing power to the engine. So I pulled over and popped the hood.

At this point my automotive knowledge was completely exhausted.

So, I just stared at the engine, and the radiator cap—roasting-hot anti-freeze bubbling out from around the radiator cap. Puffs of steam shrieked out the sides, and the whole thing was shaking from the pent-up energy threatening to explode outward in a scalding geyser. Thus, I continued practicing my knowledge of car repair, and stared at the thing like an idiot, trying to figure out what to do next.

At this point a very nice man pulled up in a minivan with a half a dozen children and a pregnant wife aboard. Approaching, he said: “I’ve got some water in the car you could use to put in the radiator. You’ll just need to take off the cap and pour it in there.”

Eyeing the radiator—coiled like a muscled viper, and chugging steam like a locomotive—I replied: “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“You can just crack it open,” the guy said, “It’ll cool faster that way.”

This seemed incorrect to me. But, as his sweet, innocent, and very bored children looked out the back window at me, hoping to get back on the road asap, I felt a twinge of guilt. Here was a guy who had had the goodness to stop and help a total stranger when no one else had. He was the Good Samaritan. But there was that nasty-looking radiator, like a massive jungle cat, rippling with power, ready to pounce with razor-sharp talons of anti-freeze, as hot as the surface of the sun. But I owed it to the poor guy to try, right?

“It still looks pretty hot,” I replied, stalling for time, trying to think of a better solution.

Without missing a beat he said: “No problem. I’ve got a rag!” And returning to his van for a moment, he returned with precisely that.

I had officially run out of all the objections I could think of. So, I used the rag and cracked open the radiator. Steam escaped in a violent hiss from the sides—but other than that all seemed well. In fact, the shuddering of the radiator itself seemed to mellow. If this simple action could tame the beast, then if was worth it. Right?

“See?” he said, urging me to continue. And I gave the radiator cap another twist.

The sensation of a radiator exploding against my forearm and wrist was perhaps the most painful experience of my life. I don’t say this to brag, but I have a very high pain tolerance; I once had a root canal in which they failed to get me numb, and did the whole thing without pain killers. It hurt, but I didn’t want to get stuck with yet another needle (of which I am deathly phobic) that wouldn’t work. They were almost done when they accidently nicked the inside of my cheek with the spinning drill, and I winced—that was the first anyone knew that I was in any kind of pain. After several more failed injections I finished the procedure without any pain killer, and the oral surgeon never knew. I tell this story to let you know: I can tough it out through pain. But this? This scalding sensation of having my hand plunged into a roiling basin of boiling water and held there? I screamed, and EVERYONE knew I was in pain.

Long story short—cracking that radiator cap was a stupid thing to do. But the true extent of my idiocy hit me later. I got second degree burns which promptly infected. My hand was wrapped, and I was given the express orders by my doctor not to use my hand. And this included writing.

So, for the last week I have been completely unable to write. And I thought I was going to die. Which is why I’m a bit of an idiot.

I have a writer friend who tells discouraged writers they should quit. If they really can walk away from writing, then they never really were writers to begin with. It’s harsh, but true. This last week I was forced to quit writing for a while. And I did. But it made me realize that I simply will never kick the will to write. Ever. Even if I never get a paying contract again. I will always write, because I will never get over the desire to tell stories. But with mounting doctor’s bills, a new car to pay for (the engine on the old one is trashed now), the inability to work my day job for the last week, and the little-known fact that it’s virtually impossible to make a living writing, I had to ask myself one simple question: Why couldn’t I have just become an accountant? And at that moment you feel even more stupid than when you knowingly take the cap off an explosive pressure-cooker.

But the answer is simple: this is what God called me to.

All is right in the universe.

Switching Up My POV

2011-08-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

~Andrea Boeshaar

After months of much anticipation, I’m finally here in North Carolina at the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival (see http://www.gideonfilmfestival.com/Home/index.cfm) and the Summer In The Mountains Novel Retreat. Normally Gideon is held here at the Lifeway/Ridgecrest Conference Center without the fiction portion; however, this year the directors, Lori Marett and her husband Rodney, decided to add the Novel Retreat program. It’s been great and yesterday about 10 of us published novelists were able to “speed date” with film producers. I dream BIG, I know it, but I can so see one of my stories, including my latest Realms/Charisma House novels, playing out on the Hallmark Channel!

With a few nervous flutters in my stomach, I gave my pitch 8 times to the 8 producers within the given 7 minute timeframe, and 2 of them encouraged me as far as my big dream.

It was fun to meet Brian Bird. He’s produced several movies and was co-executive producer of the TV series Touched by an Angel (one of my favorites). Brian also wrote some of the episodes for the hit show. More recently, he’s produced the movie The Shunning. He also wrote the screenplay, which was adapted from Beverly Lewis’ best-selling novel. Brian’s advice to me was to find a screenwriter with whom I can work – you know, one who gets contemporary and historical romance. Not everyone does, readers and screenwriters included.

I had another great conversation with Isaac Hernandez. He worked for TBN and is now with Parables (that’s television, not bookstore chain). Christian cable television is an up-and-coming trend (FINALLY!). Now what’s need are good, clean, wholesome, Christian stories. YAY!

Well, I’ve got plenty of those!

Honestly, it's been fabulous to meet people and converse with fiction authors Ann Tatlock, Lynette Eason, Yvonne Lehman, Rene Gutteridge , and Deb Raney. I’m so glad for the chance to introduce myself to film-makers (oh, and did I tell you Vanessa Ore who costars in the movie, Pendulum Swings sat at the same dinner table as my hubby and I one night? It’s true. And now that I know who she is *face pink* I’m totally impressed!!)

Yes, this conference has really been amazing so far. Workshops during the day and Christian movies shown each night. I’d recommend this conference to anyone in Christian arts and entertainment. I’m learning a lot – about the industry and about myself as a writer. I’ll admit, there have times during this conference when I’ve felt inadequate among the bounty of talent here. What a blessing it’s been to have my husband here to tell me how wonderful I am. *smiles*

But no matter how I might feel – how insecure or how confident, for that matter – it’s God’s view of me that’s important. What does He see when He peers into my heart? Does He view ambition over-riding my love for Him?

God forbid!

This retreat in the Smoky Mountains has helped my view in a great many ways. I hope I see Christ more clearly.

Was there a recent time in your life when God adjusted your viewpoint?

Making Music with Revision

2011-08-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

We are having a discussion on the ACFW loop about revision and rewriting. To me, this is one of my favorite parts of writing. Once I get the story down, I love to go back and find ways to make it stronger. More research may be needed or stronger words, descriptions, emotions which will make the story resonate.
My first draft is like the orchestra warming up. All the parts are there, but there may not be any harmony at all. Then I begin to rewrite and each instrument does it part and a beautiful symphony, concerto, or rhapsody emerges, but there may still be places where things don’t quite fit. These are the rehearsals that correct tempo or timing.
Then my editor gets it and she goes over it with her “editor eyes” and finds the places where a sour note crept in, or a one instrument is trying to take over and the story slogs along. Her suggestions pull everything together to make the finished product ready for the performance.
Even when I get the galleys, I may find a place or two where I think of a better word or find little mistakes that will mar the finished piece. Wish I could say I always find them and correct them before the final, but things do slip by.
Going back and adding sensory detail, emotions, snippets of setting, more beats than tags, and maybe going deeper into POV is fun for me. Maybe there are others like me who just want the story to come out then go back and fill in the notes to make music that will take people away to another time and another place.
What say you? What are your feelings about the revision/rewriting part of your writing?

Nothing Special?

2011-08-03T03:01:00.000-07:00

Recently a short story of mine was rejected from an anthology for having “too cliché” of a hero. The story centers around a monster hunter who blows into town wearing a black trenchcoat and fedora. Sure, not too terribly “original”. It’s a classic image:

Which is precisely why I wanted to write it.

I don’t fault the anthology for turning me down. We had a great talk about it and parted in perfect agreement that this wasn’t meant to be. But, as I look at more and more anthology submissions, I see a lot of “We want something that no one has ever, ever seen before” or “We want so out-of-the-box, that the out-of-the-box people are blown away!” I’m not going to sit and quote the whole “Nothing new under the sun” argument, because that’s been done (irony? :p). I understand uniqueness. I understand the aim to write something original and not just derivative of every book you’ve ever read. You don’t want to be a copycat. That’s bad writing.

But, at the same time, we’re a sum total of our experiences. I grew up reading stories and watching movies about small backwater towns taken over by monsters. Those tales really resonated with me because I lived in a small backwater town. It was personal. Growing up, I looked forward to the day that I could write my own “backwater town versus evil” story. Is it an original concept? No. A billion writers have used it—a lot of them better than I could. In fact, Stephen King uses it for nearly every single novel he’s ever written. But I’ve been chomping at the bit to do a story like that all my life—to put my own spin on it—and I don’t feel like I should not write it, just because it’s been done.

I suppose I could spend my career chasing after that one idea that no one has ever, ever thought of. Ever. In the history of humankind. Ever. But, if I did that, I'd probably never get started writing because it's all been done, to some degree. I'm not saying I'm not looking to chart the uncharted--but I imagine, should I ever find that corner of the imagination that no human mind has ever tapped, it'll be by dumb accident. In the meantime, I want to write the stories that I wanted to read growing up. I like the classic “guy in a fedora hunts monsters” from time to time. I like alien invasion stories. Those stories meant something to me and that’s what I want to write. There’s a reason those stories have been told and re-told. There’s a potency to those concepts that speak to something deep inside us. And, while those stories have been around forever, they’ve never been told by me. Never with my own experiences thrown in; my own unique way of looking at things. In concept, they may sound tired, but I encourage you to look beneath the surface and find what’s unique about it.

What’s unique is me.

So, where do you find the balance between originality and treading the well-traveled paths of previous stories?