The Power of a Story: Guest Post by Katy Kauffman

Five years ago, I attended a writing conference for the first time. I was sixteen. My mom was with me, and we hadn't a clue of how the conference worked. 
But thankfully, we met the Kauffmans--a really sweet family who took us under their wings that week. The daughter, Katy, and I have remained writing friends ever since. 
In 2013, our first books were even released within a month of each other:

Katy and me last year at the Blue Ridge conference holding our first books. =) 

Today, I've invited Katy over to share how the power of storytelling is used throughout the Bible. Be sure to check out her latest Bible study at the end of this post! ~ ~ ~ 

Their stories shape us.

Nine unlikely friends embark on a mission to destroy the one ring of power and save middle earth. Their courage, endurance, and humor are forever etched into our memories.

Four siblings step into a wardrobe and step out into a magical world of talking animals and dangerous adventures. The symbolism they encounter reminds us that a great King loves us and was willing to give His life for us.

Countless tales have been passed down through time in the form of legends, books, and movies. At times the storytelling is so gripping, we feel like we’re living in the stories ourselves. We sit with King Arthur’s knights at the Round Table, fight swashbuckling pirates in the Caribbean, and race through the Death Star at breakneck speed.

The characters we meet often inspire us in our own adventures and bid us to become like them. What heroes and heroines have you admired the most? What caused you to like them? Did you ever want to have their courage, wit, or strength?

When I was 28, I desperately needed one particular story. Tim Burton’s movie Alice in Wonderland, a more grown-up version of the classic story, showed me what courage looks like, as embodied in the main character, Alice. She had a choice to make: to believe that she could face the most wicked, powerful creature in the land—the jabberwocky—and conquer him, or to be held back by her own fear and doubt. It had been foretold that she would slay the jabberwocky on the Frabjous Day, but she didn’t believe she could do it. Fear and doubt were keeping me from facing my own “jabberwocky” at the time. But when I saw Alice’s courage, I realized that I could depend on God to slay my dragon.  

As writers, we can harness the power of story and use it for good. God did.

The stories in the Bible aren’t made up, but are the real-life tales of people who faced fears and

formidable enemies, and had the choice to depend on God for victory. Their stories “were written for our learning” (Romans 15:4 NKJV). So we could have hope. So we would know how to win victory in our own lives.

Their stories shape us. If we let them.

When we need courage to go against the cultural norm and stay faithful to God, we can read about Daniel, whose quiet courage enabled him to remain faithful to God in a foreign land. His determination to follow God can strengthen our own.

When we need to overcome fear, we can read about Esther, whose love for her people caused her to petition the king to spare them from annihilation. The same kind of love can move us to do good to others even when we are afraid.

When Satan tries to discourage us and make us afraid, we can refuse his schemes as Nehemiah did. We can learn from Nehemiah’s strategies for winning victory, and make our own spiritual battle plans.

In the pages of His Word, God has harnessed the power of story, and captured for all time real-life adventures of love and struggle, courage and faith. The stories in the Bible show us who God is, who we can be as we depend on Him, and how to handle life’s adventures and problems. I’ve needed those stories again and again.

As we allow the principles of God’s Word to shape our lives, we will know how to live life with God to the fullest. We will also know how to help other people to know God. The words we write and the lives we live can show the amazing love of God and the strength, fellowship, and hope that He gives.

So as you write, remember the good stories that have shaped you, especially the stories found in the Bible. Learn from them to grow as a person and as a writer. Let the principles of God’s Word shape your character and courage, and build up your faith and relationship with God. Incorporate into your writing the principles God has taught you, and may He use your writing to change hearts and rescue lives.  

© Copyright 2015 by Katy Kauffman

About the Author:

Katy’s new book, Faith, Courage, and Victory, captures the adventures of 24 people in the Bible and gives application for everyday life. Take a walk through the pages of Scripture and see how real people struggled with faith and courage and won the victory over doubts, fears, and enemies.

Katy is a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies and an award-winning writer. Her passion is for people to know and love God, understand the richness of His Word, and fulfill His plan for their lives. She makes her home near Atlanta, Georgia. 

Connect with Katy at her blog and on social media:

• Life With God at http://lighthousebiblestudies.com/katy-kauffman-blog
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyKauffmanAuthor
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatyKauffman28
• Check out her book: Faith, Courage, and Victory

   

Receive a Free YA Novel!: Read-Pass-Repeat

One of my favorite aspects of reading a book is that sense of escape. Of getting lost in a story as reality fades. Of identifying with the main character and realizing that I am not alone in my struggles.

This just happens to be one of my favorite aspects of writing as well. Because not only does writing offer that same sense of escape, but it allows me to offer this to my readers as well.

  Which is why I have decided to give this opportunity to three of my blog readers. At no cost.
 

I want to give you the gift of my YA inspirational novel, PURPLE MOON. Why?

I know how special a book can be. I'm not saying that everyone is going to love my book; however, I want to at least give you the chance to read it. Because personally, I believe that there is no better physical gift than the gift of a book. Isn't it crazy how something so simple as words printed on a page can become such an important part of our lives? Our growth, even?

Stories leave an impact. They stay with us forever, etched on our hearts, long after their physical copy has worn and the pages have become torn. 

So for those who are interested in receiving my novel (for free), send me an email answering this question: What do you love most about reading and why? Keep in mind that only the first 3 people who email me will receive a book at this time.
 

The only thing I ask is that you don't keep this book to yourself. Instead, when you are finished reading, pass it to someone else. Give them the gift of a story. 

For every person that receives my book, I will include a small treat: A tea bag. Or Hershey kisses. Or a special bookmark. Instant coffee, etc. Then, when it's your turn to pass the book, you can include a small treat as well. 

There will also be a log of names listed in the back of the book. When you receive this, write down your first name (or user name), as well as the dates that you read the book. And then you could maybe even include a short comment as to what you thought of the book.

Once you have passed it along to the next person (which may be a friend, family member, or even a stranger), send me an email. Let me know what you thought of the book and who you passed the book to. I will then put your name in a drawing to receive a Purple Moon Prize Pack, and a new winner will be chosen per every 5 readers. 

Will there be other chances to win PURPLE MOON? Yes. I will soon have a page on my blog that tracks the path of every Read-Pass-Repeat book, with the list of locations that PURPLE MOON visited, etc. You will also have the opportunity to win one of these books or begin your own Read-Pass-Repeat path as well. 
In the meantime, don't forget to send me an email for your chance to win! =)

Books brought people together and gave them a path to worlds they would not otherwise experience.   

- Karen Kingsbury, The Bridge

 

(PS: You can still enter even if you have already read Purple Moon.)

Giving the Gift of a Story {Giveaways!}

Pin it!

In my last post--in which I discussed my recent experience in being diagnosed with Diabetes--I shared that God has recently been teaching me the importance of living selflessly. Greater than my desire to write is a desire to minister, and the two combined is what I believe God has called me to do. 

That is why I have chosen to celebrate my book's one-year anniversary month by offering three giveaways below. However, these giveaways are a bit different than ones in the past.

Have you ever experienced the power of a story? Often God will provide us with a book at just the right time, and through it He may speak to us and even mend our broken hearts. 

The right story given to the right person at just the right time can make a huge difference in their life.

I have received several emails over the past year from girls telling me how God has used PURPLE MOON to speak healing into their lives. A few of them even said that they became saved while reading it! 

As a Christian, it is our job to do everything we can to present the gospel in the lives of others. And as a Christian, we are called to live selflessly and do everything we can to show Christ's love to those in need.

That is why I am offering these giveaways. There are so many hurting and broken people in the world--and if we all contribute, then perhaps PURPLE MOON will be placed in the hands of just the right person. And perhaps that person will find God's love for the very first time. 

Do you want to give the gift of a story? If so, there are three ways below in which you can do this (and it doesn't cost a thing!):

GIVING THE GIFT OF A STORY: 

➙ Contest

PRIZES:

1. Autographed copy of PURPLE MOON (bookmark included!) 
2. GIRL TALK by Nicole O'Dell (or JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young if the recipient is 17+)
3. Starbucks mocha instant coffee
4. PURPLE MOON mug
5. PURPLE MOON sleeping mask

Tell me about someone you know who could use the gift of a story by filling out this form here. (For ideas on who to nominate and how old they should be, see the end of this post.)  

I will choose one winner per every five entries received. (And yes, you can nominate more than one person!) Every copy of PURPLE MOON will be autographed and include a personalized message for your friend.

Be sure to read the rules at the end of this post before entering!

LEND-A-BOOK: 

➙ Giveaway

PRIZES:

1. Autographed copy of PURPLE MOON (bookmark included!) 
2. GIRL TALK by Nicole O'Dell
3. Starbucks mocha instant coffee
4. PURPLE MOON mug
5. PURPLE MOON sleeping mask

Do you own a print copy of PURPLE MOON? If so, lend your copy to a friend, then email me at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com with the name of your friend and why you chose to share the book with them. You will then be entered into a drawing to receive the above prizes!

One winner will be selected per every five entries received.

Be sure to read the rules at the end of this post before entering!

SPREAD THE WORD: 

➙ Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Only one winner will be selected. 

Be sure to read the rules at the end of this post before entering!

♡ ♡ ♡

If you aren't sure who you could  give PURPLE MOON to, ask yourself:

Do I know someone who is . . .

• in the hospital?
• struggling in their faith (or doesn't know Christ at all)?
• going through a tough family situation?
• has a birthday coming up?
• or could simply use a reminder of God's love for them?

Keep in mind that while PURPLE MOON is written for teenagers, many adults have enjoyed it as well. The book is recommended for ages 13+.

➙ RULES:

1. These giveaways are open to the US only.
2. You may enter more than one of the above giveaways. 
3. The only thing I ask of you is to follow at least one of my accounts below (an exception will be made if you do not have any of these accounts):

• My blog through Google Friend Connect (located in the sidebar)
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• Author fan page on Facebook
• PURPLE MOON fan page on Facebook
• YouTube

The last day to enter the giveaways is 9/23/14. Winners will be announced on my blog and notified via email on 9/24/14 (the one-year anniversary of PURPLE MOON's release!). 

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

~Mother Teresa

♡ ♡ ♡

Has God ever spoken to you through a fiction novel? Have you ever had had a healing experience while reading a book? Feel free to share in the comments below!

The Significance Of A Story

Have you ever wondered what it is about reading that captures the heart of people? Why is it that we fall in love with printed words on a page that creates a story in our imagination?

Recently I've had to think about "future decisions"... where I'm going to college, what I'm going to study. Of course, the last one has never been a complicated decision for me. I've pretty much known that I've wanted to be an author ever since I was about seven years old. There isn't any other career I'd be more interested in pursuing for the rest of my life.

Why is this, though? Of course, I could go on and on explaining all the reasons why I love writing so much. I love the feeling of getting swept away in a story - either through writing or reading, fiction or nonfiction.

It's because everyone has a story. And everyone's story is written by the hands of God... He's the author of life in general, the Creator of every person and the writer of each of our individual stories.

This is why I love listening to music, not only Christian. This is why I love reading, both fiction and nonfiction. And the reason I love watching movies so much. It's because of the beauty that comes from a story... written either by a human or God himself.

Each of our own lives' is a story written by Him. And I love it. That sounds crazy, but every chapter is significant and has a purpose that contributes to the entire story. It's interesting watching where God leads me, watching how he takes the brokenness and ends up turning it into something beautiful. It's amazing to see how much He's matured me throughout everything, how all that's happened has happened for a reason. Yes, including the pain. Because every story has to have some kind of conflict. Without it, there'd be no lessons to be learned... no reason to grow and draw closer to God.

It's a reflection of life, that's why I think we fall so in love with writing and reading. A reflection of the whole purpose why God put us on this earth to begin with. Not to mention, I won't ever have to worry how my story will end. Because as long as the pen of my life remains in God's hands only, I'm basically guaranteed a happy ending.

~~~

Why do you think people fall

in love with writing and reading so much?

What's your favorite thing about these two?

Why A Teen Should Read More Than Just Text Messages, Twitter Updates & Facebook Statuses

Reading isn’t a very popular “hobby” in our youth culture. In fact, it's considered “uncool” among most teens. Reading doesn't have a very good reputation anymore, unless it involves texting, Facebooking, or some other social media. Why would you want to read, anyway? Here are four common excuses a teen may use for not having the desire to read:

1. I’m not much of a reader. I’d rather watch the movie instead. Reading doesn’t have to be so much of a task. It really isn’t. Perhaps you should start by watching the movie, then buying the book and comparing the two.
2. I just don’t have the patience to read. If you’re one of those ADD people who can’t sit in the same spot for longer than five minutes – unless you’re on the computer or watching TV, of course – then maybe you’d like to buy a book on tape and listen to you as you’re working out or cleaning your room.
3. I just don’t have time between school, sports, chores, my job, etc. This excuse is understandable. However, it’s also ridiculous. You do have time to read. You just have to find it. Carry a book in your purse with you throughout the day. Read chapters (or just a few sentences) here and there, whenever you have any free time on the way home from school or right before you going to bed at night. Maybe replace your evening Facebook time with reading. Or just read on the weekends when your time is more flexible.
4. I don’t like reading because the books school assigns us to read are so boring. This is an excuse that I can agree with. I used to also be sort of a non-reader in middle school, only because the books that we were forced to read didn't exactly grab my attention because of the flowery writing styles and pace of the story. Therefore, I never had the patience to read, much less actually know what was going on. Realize, though, that these kind of books are from different eras. Those kind of books aren't the only books in the bookstores. Writing styles have changed. Not to mention, young adult fiction is not half as dreadful. YA fiction is just like watching a chick flick in most cases - except it's in print. On paper. In your hands rather than on the television screen. And instead of killing brain cells it actually increases them.

Now that you don’t have anymore excuses not to read, back to the question. Why should a teen read more than text messages, Twitter updates, and Facebook statuses?

• Reading provides a sense of escape from the real world and is an invitation into a fiction world. Of course, this may not always be healthy – but we all need a little escape at times.
• You can learn a lot of knowledge and wisdom from reading Christian fiction.
• By reading, you may learn how to deal with a certain situation in your life when those issues are presented in the novels. This is mostly why I love Christian fiction, because you learn how to handle situations in a Christian view.
• Reading gives you the ability to pause and think. You can pause a movie, of course. But who pauses a movie just to reflect on what just happened?
• Reading helps you to see from all different point of views. Books have various perspectives – the underdog. The popular cheerleader. The emo kid. Instead of seeing people and judging them based on the surface, books give you the ability to dig deeper into their lives and give you a sense of understanding and sympathy towards them rather than judgment. I love having a window into characters lives - characters with all different personalities who have gone through situations I've never been through.
• Unlike watching a movie, reading allows you to get inside a character's head. Hear their thoughts and feel what they feel. People become more connected to the characters on pages than they do to characters on screens.
• Reading helps improve writing, whether or not you're considering pursuing writing as a career. Many schools don't teach writing as much as they should, and it's something that we'll continue having to do throughout our lives. Writing texts to your friends doesn't help improve your writing – if anything it worsens your writing. Read more, so that you can learn the correct way to write.
• You’ll feel better about reading a book instead of watching a movie. At least I do. Watching a movie is effortless. All you have to do is sit down on the couch, pop in a DVD and bring out the popcorn – only to fall asleep by the end of it. When you're reading, you're not only enjoying a story, but you're also helping your reading comprehension skills which will help you in your school work and on tests.
• Stories you read stay with you for a long time. You have more time to fall in love with the characters and the setting. You get to stay longer instead of having to be rushed through the story and eventually forget what the whole thing was about.
• You can bring a book and read anywhere. You can’t exactly do that with a movie, unless you’re planning on carrying around a television with you as well.
• And the most obvious - reading helps to stretch the imagination, which is always a good thing.
  

Yes, reading can be even more enjoyable than watching a movie: cuddling up with a book in hand and hot coffee to sip. In silence. Only you and your imagination, and the words on the page.

The next time you’re tempted to buy a chick flick, I dare you to go to a bookstore instead. Read a novel rather than watch a movie. Find the type of genre that seems more appealing to you, which will probably be YA fiction if you're a teen. You’ll become so lost in the book that you’ll forget that you’re actually reading instead of watching a movie. You won’t even realize that you’re sitting in your quiet bedroom.

That’s the magic of reading. It can take you to some other place, all because of words. Not film. Not actors. But words.

~~~

Are you a teen reader, or a teen non-reader? Why or why not?

What are some other advantages someone could gain from reading a book rather than watching a movie?

Do you think YA fiction is becoming less and less popular since it seems there aren't many teenagers who read anymore?