When Lonely is Your Only Best Friend

photo credit: zenonline via photopin cc

I'm sure we have all felt that cold, dark feeling of loneliness at least one point in our lives. It's the feeling that you can get in a quiet room by yourself, or even in a crowd full of people. It's the feeling that can come along from being different than others, from feeling as if you have no one. 

There has been many times in my life when I have felt this way. Since I am more of an introvert, I'd rather have a few close friends than several friends. I'd rather stay at home and write rather than hang out with my friends all weekend. But because of this, and because of the fact that I am different from others my age, there has been several times when I have felt as if I have no one. (Continue reading)

Can Christian Fiction Really Be "Life-Changing"?

Over the past few years, I have heard several different opinions on the genre of Christian fiction. There are those who stay clear of these books because they view this genre as being "too preachy", while others see these books as clean, cheesy stories that only mention God every now and then. There are also Christians who believe that Christian fiction is "preaching to the choir", and that if authors want to minister through their stories, they should write for the Mainstream fiction.

However, I believe that it is possible to find a line between coming across as too religious in our stories, while staying within the Christian market. But can Christian fiction really be considered "life-changing", even for non-believers?

Recently I've started venturing out of YA fiction and have been reading books from several different authors, including Karen Kingsbury, who is known as "the queen of Christian fiction". I'm already in love with her writing, the way that she uses real-life issues to create authentic, heart-wrenching novels. Her books have proven that Christian fiction doesn't have to be just "preaching to the choir", and that people can be ministered to through Christian fiction. There really is power in story. And yes, this genre really can be life-changing. In fact, since Kingsbury has received so many emails from readers who have told her that her stories have brought "tremendous changes into their lives", she has branded her books as "Life-Changing Fiction". 

In an interview with the 700 Club, Karen Kingsbury discusses how she goes about writing deep stories rather than just "clean" stories. She talks about how God uses the power of story for His purpose, for His glory--exactly the way that Jesus did when He was on earth.

Another point that Kingsbury mentions in an interview is how Mainstream fiction can only deal with the physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of people--while Christian fiction can deal with all three of these, plus the spiritual.* 

The world can write about the physical, intellectual,

and emotional aspects of people. So can we.

Ah, but we also can tell about the spiritual--

and the story is nothing without that piece."

~Karen Kingsbury

I'm thankful to have found an author who uses the power of a story the way that Jesus did--not just for entertainment, but to teach. And to present the truth in a way that can relate to people.

What's your purpose behind writing Christian fiction? Do you write to offer a clean alternative, or to craft deep, life-changing fiction? As a Christian fiction author, we should pray that God would be glorified through our writing, and that our books would bless readers and ultimately point them to Christ.

"You hold the pen of hope and healing,you who tell of fear and feeling.Power to touch the jaded soul;power to make the broken whole.To entertain, to intertwine,to take us back in tests and time.Write you must--now go from here;write and keep the Savior near.Now, Spirit, lead us every page;through our words, be center stage.Give us love for those who read;give us words so they might see.Author God, now through your powerguide us from this very hour.Let us tell of love and lightand grant us strength so we might write."~Karen Kingsbury

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Have you ever read and been touched by Karen Kingsbury's books? Do you think Christian fiction can really be "life-changing"?

*However, there are Christians who have the gift for weaving a spiritual theme into a Mainstream fiction novel as well. I'm not at all against this at all. In fact, I believe there should be more Christians writing for the Mainstream market. 

Bearing Fruit in Our Writing: John 15

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God has put us in the world to bear fruit (John 15:16). We're only branches, connected to the Vine. This means that our entire life should produce fruit of God: through our actions, our obedience towards Him, our mouth, as well as the gifts God has given us.

John 15 has always been one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Just recently I've realized how well it can be applied not only to our day-to-day life, but to the gift of writing as well. 

 "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me."

~John 15:4

The best cure for writer's block is simply to spend time with the Creator. He is, however, the Giver of our gift. 

 "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire."

~John 15:5-7

We can't ultimately bear fruit in our writing if we aren't connected to the Source. We're called to stay joined with God, especially if we want Him to be reflected in our writing. This verse says that when we are joined with God, our relation with Him is intimate and organic, and the harvest will be abundant. If we stay connected to the Source, He will ultimately flow through our writing.

Sometimes writing can start to become more of a dreadful task. This is why we often come across writer's block. However, when this happens, connect yourself back to the Source. Bear fruit through your writing. As you do, as this passage says, the result is sure to be abundant.

Currently...

Currently Reading...

• The Truth about Faking by Leigh T. Moore

Currently Watching...

• October Baby (best movie ever)
• Just For Laughs YouTube channel

Currently Listening To...

• Taylor Swift's new music for her new album Red
• Lecrae's new album
• My Anthem Lights station on Pandora

Currently Working On...

• Purple Moon revisions and promotion
• Writing articles and devotions for several Christian teen magazines/websites

Currently Sipping On...

• Pumpkin spice lattes 
• Pumpkin pie mochas

Currently Looking Forward To...

• Pumpkin carving
• Thanksgiving
• My birthday

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What is it that you're currently reading, listening to, watching, 

working on, etc.?

Being Different From the Rest of Them

One of the hardest things about being a teenager is the pressure to fit in. To pretend to be someone you’re not. I came to this realization when I reached sixth grade, watching all of my former friends separate into cliques and obsess over makeup, boys, and drama. They became someone they weren't and only because it seemed like the thing to do since they were no longer considered a little kid anymore. 

 It was also at this time when I came to the realization that I wasn't like the rest of them. After a while, I started to not feel right about this. I mean, shouldn't I have been like the rest of the girls? There had to have been something wrong with me.

(continue reading)

Book Review: "Leaving" by Karen Kingsbury

Having to let go of the life you once knew to move onto the next season of your life is always a bittersweet moment. This is exactly what Bailey experienced in Leaving as she had to say goodbye to her family, let go of her past, and move on from her relationship with Cody Coleman in order to chase her Broadway dreams.

Leaving is first book in the Bailey Flanigan series, however the characters were already introduced in Kingsbury’s previous series. I think I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more if I would have read the previous series so I could’ve already been familiar with the characters. They seemed almost a little too perfect and flawless at times: living a dream life by being invited to audition for Broadway, having the perfect Christian family, starring in a movie, and befriending a celebrity. It also frustrated me that Kingsbury showed the point of views from a couple who were from her past series, even though their story didn’t contribute anything to the main plot.

However, although I couldn’t connect well with Bailey, she is someone I can look up to in the way that she relied on her faith to guide her. It was inspiring to see her strive to live for God by seeking Him through every situation she faced.

I seemed to have read Leaving at a convenient time in my life, having just graduated high school and entering into a new season in my life. I think teenagers will also be able to relate in the way that this book is all about changes, growing up, and moving out. There were many things I could take away from Leaving, such as how I should cherish every moment and spend time with those I love. To live each day like it’s my last.

Leaving by Karen Kingsbury is a very clean read, one that could be enjoyed by teenagers, young adults, as well as adults. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series and continuing Bailey’s journey as she lives out her dreams on Broadway.

When the Path to Publication Seems Never-Ending

One thing I've learned the past few years along my writing journey is how long it actually takes to see your name in print. For some it can take up to ten years, if not longer. Sometimes it may seem as if the path to publication is never-ending. There may even be times when you start to wonder if this is really what you're supposed to be doing with your life.

However, I believe that the waiting season is very necessary, as mentioned in last week's post.  Reaching our dreams isn't supposed to be easy.

But why does God allow us to go through waiting seasons, especially when it seems as if we'll never reach the destination?

• To  see  if  we  will  persevere  and  not  give  up.  So  we  can  learn  to  have  patience  and  trust  in Him.

Things aren't supposed to come easily in life, including the desires God has placed on our hearts. But He wants to use those who persevere no matter what. If you know God has given you a gift, you must do whatever it takes in order to have the opportunity to use it.

God uses these waiting seasons to shape us. They're supposed to prepare us for what comes next, not make us give up. The Israelites didn't reach the Promise Land because it ceased to exist, but because they chose to give up. 

• To  develop  our  craft. 

Just because God has given you a talent doesn't mean it's ready to be used. Someone who tries to rush God's timing in this area could be compared to a mother trying to force herself into labor weeks before her actual due date. There must be time to completely grow and develop, and yes, it may get harder over time. But just like in pregnancy--if it has become more painful over time, that may just be a sign that the due date is right around the corner.

"That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy."

~Romans 8:24-25

• To  be  shaped  into  the  person  that  God  wants  us  to  be.  To  have  time  for  our  faith  to  be  strengthened.

This goes back to the whole pregnancy analogy  It takes time to grow into the person God wants us to be in order to do the things he's given us to do for his Kingdom. Rushing this process will be just like a baby being born prematurely, before it's fully developed. 

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

~James 1:3-4

• It's  simply  not  His  timing.

It bothers me when I see people throwing away their talent, all because they don't have enough patience to wait for God's timing. They wanted their dream to be achieved immediately, and they thought the road to achieving it was easier.

Last night I was reminded once again that my timing is not always God's timing. I was told that the release date for Purple Moon has been pushed back to the spring. To be honest, I was a little disappointed at first, but then God showed me all the reasons why this is actually best. If I could, I'd have the copies of my book in stores tomorrow. However, tomorrow is not the day God had in mind. It's too early.


I'm glad that I'm not in control of the timing of my life, because I know that only God knows what's best for me. 

Sure, the publishing journey can feel like forever at times. But it's just the journey. We must keep moving forward--if we don't, we're guaranteed to never reach the destination.

And instead of wishing your dream could already be achieved, enjoy the journey. There are also joys in "being pregnant". Remember that God works everything out in His timing. It's not always about the destination anyway.

As soon as I posted last week's post, this song below came on my Pandora. It fits the theme of this post and I encourage you all to listen to it. 

"Worth The Wait" ~33 Miles

"The Lord will work out his plans for my life..."
~Psalm 138:8

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Have you ever felt as if your journey to publication would never end? What are some other reasons you think God has us go through the waiting seasons before reaching the destination of our dream?

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What's On Your Fall Reading List?

It's officially October! You know what that means. Only a few more weeks until Halloween, then Thanksgiving. After that it'll be my birthday, as well as the release day for Purple Moon. Then Christmas will be just around the corner!

Yes, I love this time of the year. Not only are there many holidays and family get-togethers to look forward to, but there's no other season that's more suitable for curling up on the couch with a good book and a hot latte.

Unfortunately, recently I haven't had as much time to read as I'd like, mainly since I've been so busy with the edits for Purple Moon. However, there are a few books I've been trying to read (although it's taking me much longer to finish them than usual):

Learning by Karen Kingsbury

This is the second book in the Bailey Flanigan series. It's much better than the first in my opinion. Karen Kingsbury's stories are brilliant, and I can't wait to finish the series so I can find out what happens! I've never read such page-turning and tear-jerking novels as Kingsbury's. I'm guessing this is why she's known as "the queen of Christian fiction".

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

This book has incredible reviews, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Although I'm still only at the beginning, I can tell it's going to be an interesting story. The voice and writing style are pretty unique also. =)

Shakespeare's Lady by Alexa Schnee

I just started reading this the other day, and so far I love it! I can't believe Alex wrote this at such a young age. She definitely has a gift. The writing is so professional that's it's almost invisible--I feel as if I'm watching a movie rather than reading a book. Can't wait to finish it!

And now for my fall reading list:

Never Gone by Laurel Garver

Back cover blurb:

Days after her father’s death, fifteen-year-old Dani Deane begins seeing him all around New York — wading through discarded sketches in her room, roaming the halls at church, socializing at his post-funeral reception. Is grief making her crazy? Or could her dad really be lingering between this world and the next, trying to contact her?

Dani desperately longs for his help. Without him keeping the peace, Dani’s relationship with her mother is deteriorating fast. Soon Mum ships her off to rural England with Dad’s relatives for a visit that Dani fears will become a permanent stay. But she won’t let her arty, urban life slip away without a fight, especially when daily phone calls with her lab partner Theo become her lifeline.

To find her way home, Dani must somehow reconnect with Mum. But as she seeks advice from relatives and insights from old letters, she uncovers family secrets that shake her to the core. Convinced that Dad’s ghost alone can help her, she sets out on a dangerous journey to contact him one last time.

The Truth About Faking by Leigh T. Moore

Back cover blurb:

Jason just wants a date with Harley. 
Harley just wants a date with Trent. 
Trent's still getting over Stephanie.

When Harley and Jason decide to fake date, they uncover a school of deceptions. Trent's got a secret, but so does Jason. And the more time Harley spends secretly kissing her fake boyfriend, the further she gets from her dreams with Trent. 

Worst of all, Harley's mom is getting cozy with her hot massage therapy student, and even Harley's Reverend Dad can't fake not being bothered by it. But when the masks finally come off, can everyone handle the real truth?

Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley

Back cover blurb:

For Missy Keiser, returning to Anna Maria Island, Florida, means two things: her mother made another poor decision with men, and Missy will have to reenter a world where she’s known as “Messy,” a social pariah who dared to have a crush on Sam King, the most popular boy in school.

But much has changed in the three years she’s been away. Missy’s next-door neighbor is no longer an elderly woman but Josh, an intriguing boy who seems genuinely interested in her. At school, she’s surprised to find few people remember who she once was. And any remaining taunts of Messy are silenced when Sam King gives her his nod of approval.

Just as things seem to be perfect, Josh’s sudden distance, her mother’s latest relationship implosion, and her brother’s strange behavior threaten to ruin it all. Missy is forced to decide between the boy she’s always wanted, a boy who is intent on trying to save her, and the brother she’s known all her life. And her decision could have consequences she can never undo.

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What's on your reading list for this fall?