Inspired Writing, Food for the Soul

By Jono Hale on CreationSwap

I looked important, with my satchel filled with books and manuscripts, and my nifty note-cards outlining my speech. And in a classroom filled with fifth graders, I might have seemed pretty important. My first talk as an “author” (without the publishing contract...yet), was a couple of weeks ago. I was told to bring along what I read as a child, explain how reading inspires writing, and what goes into writing a good story.

It wasn't long before this engagement, that I had visited my oldest son's middle school book fair. Let me tell you, I was a little shocked at the novels that seemed to replace the content of my own middle school reads. Yeah, you aren't suppose to judge a book by its cover, and that is exactly what I was doing. But let's face it, how many eleven year-olds don't?

What was displayed was dark and depressing individuals who might have come out of a Bram Stoker novel. Now, I am the first to say I love good drama. Tragedy? You bet! Heck, I played a couple of Shakespearean heroines in my time. But I think I might have had nightmares if I walked into that book fair a couple decades ago.

By Kyle Reed on CreationSwap

So back to the fifth grade classroom. With that book fair experience fresh in my mind, what should I say?

I decided to encourage the kids to seek out books that lift them up, not bring them down. In these uneasy times, it seems kids need that more than ever. I think as writers sharing the gospel, we should consider this not only for young impressionable minds, but to share the love of Christ to all our audiences. After all, His story is one of Victory and Light. Even in a tumultuous tale with depraved characters and deplorable circumstances, shouldn't we sew in a thread of Light?

As inspirational writers, there are a couple of things we should consider with each tale we weave:

Good vs. Evil. We all know that even fiction can shape how a reader views the world and possibly affect what choices they make. That might be the main reason most of us write it! Whether it is a contemporary  novel with a materialistic antagonist botching a selfless protagonist's plan for a charity event, or an historical romance with a ruthless slave owner and a battered wife running for her life, Good vs. Evil is a universal theme that always works. Story conflict, black moments, and character lies/development win big with Good vs. Evil in mind. And in my own opinion, there is nothing wrong with writing a book where Good wins. After all, it is true...or at least it will be. ;)

By Rich Aguilar on CreationSwap

What Goes In, Will Come Out. If you feed your reader's heart junk, then it will eventually show in their actions and their words. Write what lifts them up, what sheds Truth, even in fiction, so their soul is continuously fed veggies and fruits...no trans fat allowed! For us discerning adults, this is certainly a matter of opinion. When I considered the age group of readers I spoke to, I emphasized this in the books they chose to read. It reminded me of myself at their age. After I had read a certain series on pre-teens who cared more about their clothes than their friends, I walked away with a lens of materialism, even if it eventually wore off. Grown-up novels minus the soul veggies might do the same to an adult reader. We see how impressionable viewers of movies and t.v. shows have become in today's culture, be certain that our writing might change a reader's perception too. As writers, let us feel responsible to feed our readers the best soul food we can cook up!

By Marian Trinidad on CreationSwap

When I left the classroom, the teacher gave me a mug which stated, “Dreams Come True”. Ah, I so hoped it would be a sign that a publishing contract is waiting just around the corner. But as I sit here and think about it, part of my dream really did come true that day in the classroom. I had the chance to inspire young readers to seek out the Good...and eventually, open a book inspired by the Perfect Author of our lives. What better dream come true is that?

When you write a story, do you consider Good vs. Evil in the initial plotting? Have you read any fiction lately that provides good soul food? Please share with us!

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Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous, mothering days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across historical cultures and social boundaries. Angie is an ACFW member and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Interview with the fabulous Candace Calvert!

I am ecstatic to have author Candace Calvert as my guest on the Alley today! Not only are her books some of my personal favorites, but she is just so sweet and lovable. Read a little further and you'll soon see why you absolutely must pick up one of her fabulous books STAT!

The lovely and uber-talented Candace Calvert....

Often called the author of "medical hope opera," Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter--and faith--are the very best medicines of all.

Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical) offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense--and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think "Grey's Anatomy finds its soul"!

A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to seven, Candace is a passionate "foodie," equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes, funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: www.candacecalvert.com.

So Candace, what is your favorite thing about writing?

Oh, good question! Though for most writers it’s a bit like asking (smile), “What’s your favorite thing about breathing?”

We. Must. Write.

A dear friend sent me a card once, with a photo of an old typewriter and this quote by Anais Nin:

“We write to taste life twice.”

I know that’s true for me. If I visit an intriguing place, eat an amazing food, see a sunset, hear a unique sound, inhale a heady scent, sink my feet into warm sand, or touch a baby’s skin—I almost ache to re-create the experience with words, savor it all again. And then I long to share it with others. My feelings too: belly laughs, joy, heartbreak, passion, frustration, pain . . . and the incredible awe of feeling connected with our great God himself. I want to write it so my readers can feel it too. And be encouraged by that.

When it works, that’s my favorite thing about writing.

Tell me something about yourself that might surprise your readers. Good, bad, or quirky—we can take it J

(Laughing) Quirky is my middle name. But we’ll spell it with a C to make a perfect alliteration: Candace Cuirky Calvert.

-Chewing gum makes me feel claustrophobic.

-Intellectually, I’m awed by whales. Personally, I have a serious phobia about them. I think I may have been scarred by the movie Pinocchio.

-More seriously: In a former life, I was married to a police officer. I carried his gun in my purse when we went to the beach and he wanted to take his shirt off.  In my novel Code Triage, I wrote the happier ending to that ill-fated love story.

What has been your favorite story you’ve written so far?

That’s a hard question! Each story was personal in many ways—it’s like picking a favorite child.

I’d probably say it’s a tie between Code Triage and Trauma Plan. Both feature nurse-chaplain Riley Hale.  Her story (from injury to happiness) is one that speaks to me.

What character is most like you and why?

My DNA can likely be found in all of my heroines—and a few secondary characters. But I’d say I’m probably most like nurse Erin Quinn of Disaster Status. It took me a long time to stop trying to be a “strong woman,” and learn to become a “woman of strength.” The difference is faith.

What was the best book you’ve read in the last 12 months?

I’ve had the great privilege of having been (historical fiction author) Nancy Herriman’s critique partner for more than a decade. Mind you, I normally read contemporary fiction. But Nancy’s work is (for me) like overdosing on “Downton Abbey” with a chaser of pure poetry. Her imagery, dialogue, subtle humor, story “texture” amazes me. If I didn’t love her, I’d be pea-green with envy. 

Josiah’s Treasure is her latest. Loved it.

Do you miss nursing? Or do your medical dramas keep you feeling connected to the field?

When I hear sirens, part of me still wants to leap up and join in. When I remember how rugged the last few years in ER were (short staffing, high census, heightening acuity of cases), I’m grateful to hang up my scrubs. I do very much miss the camaraderie of the medical team and the beautiful moments of connection with patients, when “being there”  meant so very much. YES, writing medical fiction does mimic all the best things about being a nurse. The connection with fellow writers feels very much a “team,” and sharing a story with readers (all over the world!)—hearing how they are touched by my story—is much like those special moments with  my patients. A blessing, indeed.

What’s your favorite TV show?

I admit to having too many lately. Superb, tight writing is what grabs me most. Right now, it’s probably “Downton Abbey”, followed (so contemporarily) by “Castle,” “Rizzoli and Isles,” “The Good Wife,” and “Scandal.” British gentry, police procedurals, law and politics—how’s that for eclectic?

How much of what you’ve written in your books has happened to you in real life?

A fair amount. Right down to a marriage in jeopardy, sick horse, paralyzed arm, reconciliation with my father, and . . . skydiving. 13,000 feet.  Seriously. My life in fiction.

What’s next?

The third and final book in my Grace Medical series, (working title) First Responder, is scheduled for release in spring of 2014. I’m currently working on a proposal for another inspirational medical fiction series. Have stethoscope, will write.

Thank you, Amy, for letting me connect with your readers! An honor, indeed.

Didn't I tell you? Yep, she's amazing! 

Don't miss out on Candace's upcoming release Rescue Team! Due out in May and comes highly recommended by this Alley Cat!

 Your turn: What's your favorite Candace Calvert novel? 

-----Mine? Trauma Plan followed very closely by Disaster Status. 

But honestly, you really can't go wrong!

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Are You Lighting the World? How About Your Stories?

photo by sommai
freedigitalphotos.net

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -Jesus (John 8:12)

This is the second "I AM" statement by Jesus and it is one that we have all heard before. It is one that we gloss over, because we know it and believe it. But have we really looked at it for what it is?

Light was the first thing God created. It was necessary not because God needed to see, but because the earth and all that was created on it needed the light for life. It gave warmth. It gave the plants needed nutrients. It even gives humans needed vitamins to keep us healthy (Vitamin D!)

And what is darkness? It is the absence of light. When we follow the light of the world, Jesus, we don't walk in the darkness, because His light dispels the darkness.

When exposed to the light, we see ourselves for who we are and the darkness in us flees. We see the life of His light and become lanterns for His light to shine through. Or you can look at it like we are mirrors, reflecting the light of Jesus for others to see. Whether we are vessels or mirrors to His light, we are to shine for Jesus in this world.

A Note To Writers:

As a writer in the CBA market, we write to glorify God. The words we put on the page should ultimately let the light of Jesus shine through. Whether it is through redeeming a rogue, softening a hardened heart, or saving the life of a sinner, your stories should always reflect the grace and mercy of God through Jesus. 

How are you letting the light of the world shine through your manuscripts? How are you weaving the light of life throughout your stories?  

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This post is brought to you by

 Sherrinda Ketchersid

Sherrinda is a minister's wife and mother to three giant sons and one gorgeous daughter. A born and bred Texan, she writes historical romance filled with fun, faith, and forever love.

A Reader Shares: The Impact of Fiction

In every season of my life, God places a person who makes a difference in my perspective, or challenges me to search my heart deeper than most. After living in this town for over a year now, I can confidently say that my friend, Alice, is one of those people. She is my church's Women's minister, a spunky pastor's wife, and a faithful, loving friend. We've discussed many things, but when Fiction became a topic of conversation, I was blessed by her words.

When Alice told me that she recently finished reading her first Christian fiction book ...EVER... and that it was LIFE CHANGING...I had to bring her to the Alley. If any of you are like me at all, the question **does fiction really has impacts on lives?** has crossed your mind at least once on this journey. Alice's perspective as a new reader of fiction, secured my confidence that, without a doubt, the impact of fiction is HUGE. Notice the underlined parts below...these are wonderful nuggets from my friend!
 
ME: What types of books do you usually read? 

 Alice:  Christian self-help/psychology

ME:  How did a fiction account impress on your heart unlike a non-fiction book? 

Alice: I was able to enter into the character's role. At times, I was able to step into not just one character's role, but other characters roles as well. Through fiction life stories I experience a life situational experience that I may have also experienced to some degree. In that, I may be able to walk through the situation with the healing that the character had the courage to take which I may not have been able to do in my own life. Fiction gave me the chance to do that. This happened to me while reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, in the same way it happens while watching inspiring movies. Just as the character shows ability to tap into certain emotions, the reader gets the chance to take on the same courage, strength or the forgiveness, grace, love and acceptance.

ME: What spurred you on to consider the story as application in your life?

 Alice: My mentor suggested the book to me. I was hesitant as I felt fiction was not as effective as Christian psychology, but now I believe, it actually can be more effective, because your heart and mind are engaged in it to a greater degree then Christian self-help.

Psychologists claim that a person cannot change with mind or intellect alone, but that there has to be a heart or an emotional experience as well, to create that heart change. Psychologists say there has to be an emotional experience and intellectual knowledge to truly be able to change a person's way of thinking or behavior. That is why the book is always better then the movie, because the reader has to put their creative mind to use while reading, (which comes from the heart), to imagine the situation. Thus the reader feels the book more so then the viewer feels the movie. The book takes the reader to a deeper level, to their creative and/or personal heart level, not just the intellectual level. Therefore, I believe fictional writing can be a powerful tool or may I say, more powerful tool.

ME: What overall truths resonated with you as you read?

Alice: Forgiveness. The character was able to go to a level of unforgiveness that I have not been able to do for a decade. While reading Redeeming Love, a scene that I entered into as a reader, opened my heart and mind to my own hard- heartedness. It was so ugly, it made me want to change. I cried my eyes out and wept aloud and released it up to Christ.

ME: Can you share another personal change this made on your life? 

Alice: It has healed a very huge part of my life. It has healed my anger issue, and changed me as a wife and mother. More grace abounds in me now as a person and to others, my family, and mostly to myself. I am acting differently, my expectations are no longer too high, and I am living more from my heart. 

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Wow. This is every author's dream review...right? Alice's words have confirmed my calling one more time, and now I will choose to remember her words whenever I wonder...whenever I forget to look up and give God the reigns on why in the world I am writing "this one"!

Whether you write Romantic Comedy, Historical Fiction, or Young Adult sci-fi, your stories are gateways to a reader's heart. God is creative in His avenues to change hearts, and never forget that this calling to write will not be wasted by His Almighty!


I hope this encouraged you as much as it encouraged me. Alice's first fiction read was Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers...a very popular read, indeed!

Do you have any books that have resonated truth in your life? I would love to see how much variety in genre we can get!
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Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across cultures and social boundaries. Angie is an ACFW member and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Writer's Quench

Photo by Kejadlen (www.flickr.com/photos/kejadlen/222615074/)

There are days and seasons when your creative juices are sucked dry. When you move a family of six to a new city and have to unpack gazillions of boxes, tend to a 7 month old, deal with school transitions, and try to fall in love with a house that might not be your dream home (okay, I am referring to myself at this moment in time). Or there are other times that aren't so drastic-- a bad night's sleep, a visit from the in-laws, a season where you just feel...parched. You might sit and look at the screen, fingers in the a-s-d-f and j-k-l-; position, and read your last sentence twenty times. You attempt to write a new one. It sounds thin and boring and elementary...and you thirst for those creative juices to pour from your finger tips...and they don't.

What do you do with thirsty sentences, writing?

Sometimes, you just shake your head, pound the backspace key, and slam your laptop as hard as you can without doing any damage. And then spiral downward in thoughts of, “I can't do this”, “I am no natural...it shouldn't be this hard”, “maybe I will just throw in the towel.” This is when you need to hit your knees, pray for guidance. Get connected with your writing friends, seek encouragement. Don't give up, just press hold until your emotions have settled and you can think straight. (A good night's sleep is always helpful)!

Other times, you sigh and decide it's that time in your life that you are suppose to be taking in the words of others. Read, read, read. I have four-ish novels that I have started reading, and I pick them up whenever I have the chance...it has slowly quenched my writing thirst...given me inspiration to tackle writing again.

Photo by Christopher Craig (www.flickr.com/photos/kriztofor/3724503239/)

But the most rewarding of times, is when you fight through the thirst, type on, dig deeper, dig, dig, dig. Ignore the distress of those sentences you are struggling to form. Leave them in their moisture-deprived dust! Let them be, for the moment, and keep on!
Suddenly you feel that rush, that beautiful bubbling of creativity springing into your writing. You can always go back and “water” those thirsty sentences with your revived artistry. When you can stick it out and allow bad writing to sit there and move the story forward, you will discover a spring of eloquence in your waiting.

Don't get discouraged...JUST KEEP WRITING!

Do you have any tips you'd like to share to persevere through less-desirable writing times?

Changing the World One Word at a Time

When I first started writing, I wrote what I loved. Sure I was ruled by my passion for story telling and knew nothing about the rules and the fact that beginning a novel with back story and endless description wasn't the best way to go about it. I wrote for the love of writing.

After I became a Christian, that passion for writing only intensified, and I knew I wanted to write inspirational fiction. But, I had it in my mind that if I was going to write stories with this wonderful gift God gave me, then I'd better be doing it to change lives. They'd better be deep, emotional, life-changing stories that would sink deep into the hearts of readers and bring them closer to God.

However...I was inspired by contemporary inspirational novels. Not only that, they were romances. How was I supposed to reconcile that? And worse, how was I supposed to tell people at church that I write romances. Gasp!

So, clearly it took me awhile to settle into this genre and realize that not every book needs to have that huge emotional impact. Not every novel is going to change lives in the same way.

In fact, every novel serves a purpose.

No genre is insignificant! The first Christian fiction I read was romantic suspense. And you know what? It left an impression on me. Not only as a writer but as a believer. Hard to imagine romantic suspense could have that impact, but it did. I have to remind myself of this when I wonder if my writing is making a difference. A book in any genre can make a difference.

Everyone can reach someone with their writing. Readers pick up books for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes they need something deep and moving. Sometimes they crave a mystery to sweep them away and keep them guessing. And others, they want a romance to drag them from a long day and lift them up with a happy ending. Any and all of these genres are important to the reader for a reason.

Believe in what you write! If you know what genre or genres you're passionate about, don't be afraid to pursue them. Don't be afraid to do them well and reach out to the readers who love that genre. Confidence in what you write doesn't just show in your writing, it shows in you, too! It shows to the people you talk to about your writing, and it shows to agents or editors. Writing is a part of who you are and feeling confident about it, and the genre you write in, is empowering.

I had to write this post because it took me so long to finally be proud of my writing. I know many of you don't face this dilemma, but for those of you who do, examine how you feel about what you write. Believe that there's a purpose behind your passion and be proud of what you write.

Any readers out there who've wondered about the genre they write in and if it's what they're supposed to be writing? How about the opposite - who shouts what they write from the rooftops? Feel free to share the genre you write in, too. I'm interested to see which genres we all share.

Inspire me please! Huh?

We've all heard the terms. Inspirational Fiction. Christian Fiction. We've also heard the scorn of each off these at one point and time.

"Inspirational is taking the 'Christ' out of it! How dare they!"

"Christian fiction? Seriously? Why does our fiction need to be labeled as Christian? Do we have to have a label? Do we have Christian toothpaste? No! Christian Sloppy Joes? No! "

Well, first, I'm not going into the debate. Mostly because I think it's just plain silly. (No offense...) It reminds me of the whole "Over or Under" debate! Just rip off the toilet paper, okay?

What I will chime in on is what makes a novel Christian or Inspirational. How much "God" must be in your book? Is there a difference between the terms? What boundaries must we have?

DEFINED

Inspirational novels are just that. They are meant to inspire you. To forgive, to love, to hope, to come back to God. Many times inspirational novels have subtle allegories, like Jesus' parables, that inspire you without you even knowing:-) We inspirational fiction authors are sneaky that way!

Christian fiction is also inspirational fiction, however it focuses on God in a deeper and more obvious level. Whereas an inspiry novel my feature a Christian character, the theme may not always focus on the spiritual. A Christian novel, however, will weave into its plot the character's spiritual journey toward a deeper relationship with God.

The best example I can think of off the top of my head would be comparing Denise Hunter to Colleen Coble. (I use these two out of pure fun since they are such good friends and blog together, AND I love both of their books!)

From the books that I've read of each, I would label Denise's novels as Inspirational and Colleen's as Christian. Denise always inspires and her books always carry an allegorical lesson we can learn from, but Colleen takes that a step farther and features characters who have a faith journey as well.

THE "GOD" TEST

How much God should be in our Christian or Inspirational novels? Is there a test??

Nope. And really, there is no answer to this. This is a question for each author to ask God about, because I'm convinced He calls us each to a different level in our writing. Not one is better than the other. God can/does/will use Denise's novels just as much as He does Colleen's.

BOUNDARIES
All this said, there are boundaries on both sides.

There is a point where an author can get too "preachy" and be out of the bounds of writing good fiction. This isn't because there is too much God in a book, but because God isn't organically (or realistically) woven into the theme. It can get tacked on and eye-rolling-worthy, cliche even, to the point where the message is lost or ineffective.

On the flip side, a lot of non-CBA books have inspirational themes such as love or forgiveness. So what differentiates "Inspirational" fiction from secular novels?

Again, my opinion, but I think it is in the limits we set. Bedroom scenes have a point where the door is discreetly shut. "Potty-mouth" words are left out. Violence can still be there, but there are limits. A Christian world-view is upheld. Bad things can be included, however they are clearly labeled as such. (i.e. characters might, behind doors, have pre-marital sex, however it is not shown as okay or acceptable.)

Within the above limits though, WOW. There are a TON of variables. Just when do you shut the door? What words are "okay"? How much violence is too much? I have distinct opinions on those, and when I'm back from maternity leave, will do a post dedicated just to this. However, my main point is this: You, as an author, are accountable to God. If you are obedient to Him in the content you include, that is what matters. Period.

CONCLUSION
Sorry for the headings. I feel like I'm in high-school writing a research paper (Intro, key points, conclusion... LOL.)

In a nutshell:

Inspirational fiction inspires toward Godly Values.
Christian fiction inspires toward Christ.

How is that for simple?

Any questions? Do you agree with my definitions? Would you define your books as Inspirational or Christian? Or do you write for the secular market (which I did NOT touch on here, but is an option many Christians choose as well!)