By Tanara McCauley We live in an unprecedented time. While there’s nothing new about the circumstances—pandemics, political tension, racial division, economic crises and the like have existed throughout history—this age of social media and varying degrees of quarantine makes ours a unique experience. For example, I bid farewell to my junior and senior students in a Zoom meeting weeks after …
Three Aids to Successful Writing
By Stephanie Prichard Ten years ago, my husband asked if I’d like to write a novel with him. Mind you, this is a man who rarely reads anything other than the Bible. Don’t get me wrong, he loves fiction—but only in the format of movies. What did he know about writing books? I snorted and told him to go ahead …
God in the Detours
by Suzanne J. Bratcher, PhD We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28, RSV] My writing road began in a bookmobile on McCollough Drive in Austin, Texas in 1957. I was eight, and I was waiting for Brighty of the Grand Canyon, a book that …
My Research Introduced Me to New Long-Lost Friends
By Kathryn Haueisen I wrote Mayflower Chronicles: The Tale of Two Cultures as historical fiction so I could create conversations. However, I still wanted it make it as historically accurate as possible. I especially wanted to be faithful to the details of this famous 1620 voyage from the Natives’ perspective. Researching that perspective proved to be much harder than I …
Christian and Faith-Based Fiction…Aren’t They the Same Thing?
by Susan Wingate My writing within the Christian fiction genre began around seven years ago. I had never considered writing within the genre before. Not until I met Joshua Graham who wrote Beyond Justice, a faith-based thriller. Joshua Graham and I chatted regularly by phone. During our talks, we spoke about faith and how Christianity funneled into our writing. Mine, …
The Role of Christian Fiction in a Hostile World
By Norma Gail What is the role of Christian fiction as our world grows increasingly hostile? Those who would change our culture want all references to faith in God removed from anything public. However, the written word is personal with a reach far beyond an individual author’s circle. We possess a tool to change individual hearts. God gave us an …
Have You Failed Enough to Be a Success?
By Susan A.J. Lyttek 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT: So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. If you look at my writing career through one set of glasses, I have been amazingly successful. I have had three magazine columns, …
Permission Granted
By Melissa Bennett I’m going to say something that goes against the grain. Something that is deeply contrary to our Western culture. It might feel more than a little uncomfortable and some may even take offense. But I’m going to say it anyway. It’s okay if you are not able to write right now. One more time for those in …
Mama’s Secret
By Renee Hodges Enough. I’ve said it to the server at our favorite Italian place as she grated a gracious amount of Parmesan cheese on my meal. I’ve growled it through gritted teeth at a child testing my patience. I’ve asked it of a friend to find out if I’ve given advice that helps her with a difficult decision. I’ve …
ACFW New Releases: July 2020
July 2020 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: How Sweet It Is by Robin Lee Hatcher — A businessman trying to reconnect with his brother returns to his hometown and rents the apartment where his great-great-grandparents lived during the late 1920s. He never suspects his attractive landlady, …