I’ve always loved books. And loving books means being aware of some amazing authors and writers. Now that I am a part of the writing community (and its a big one!) I’ve had the privelage of getting to know so many writers on a more personal level. They become more than names on books and blogs. They become friends. I’m excited to spotlight a few today!
I met Janet Thompson while at a writer’s event in my hometown, Idyllwild. Janet and I got to talking and she was such an encouragement. She recommended I attend the Mount Hermon Writer’s Conference and the following year I did. I’m so glad I met Janet during a time when I was just beginning to find my feet as a writer and an author. Her kindness and smile left an impression on me that day and I am honored to count her among my writing friends!
Janet shares a little about her newest bible study series: Face-to-Face with Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah: Pleading With God
Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah, each pleaded with God for a baby, but I wanted to include other life circumstances where women might plead with God, so I sent out a request for stories. I was amazed at the response and the variety of stories I received. Women were graciously willing to share their vulnerable experiences to let other women know they were not alone. That’s the heart of mentoring: sharing those-been-there-done-that experiences and with God’s help I made it through and you will too.
Click to Buy!
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Visit Keli’s Website
Another author I’ve had the privilege of getting to know is a sweet-as-can-be lady by the name of Keli Gwyn. She’s a born encourager and a bright light in the writing world. I am so thankful that I “bumped” into her in cyber space and have gotten to know her better through blogs and emails. I’m looking forward to meeting Keli one day at a writer’s conference. She writes sweet inspirational romances and to give you a sneak peek into her debut novel, I asked Keli what she hopes readers will take away from A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado California and what aspects of the story might encourage readers to reflect on their own lives or the world today:
Having had a controlling father she could never please, Elenora feels the need to prove herself in every area of life, driving herself hard and missing out on happiness in the process. I like to think readers will come to see, as Ellie does, that we’re loved not as much for what we do, as for who we are. Our Heavenly Father looks at our hearts, not our lists of accomplishments and awards. Ellie feels distant from God and doesn’t experience His comforting presence. Much of the time she’s too busy following her own agenda to hear His still small voice, as she longs to do. What she discovers, as I hope readers do, too, is that when we relinquish control to our loving Father and follow His leading, our lives will be more fulfilling and more enjoyable.
Click to Buy!
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Visit Karen’s Website
Last, but definitely not least is Karen Barnett. I was at the Mount Hermon Writer’s Conference orientation and the speaker decided to do an ice breaker that involved writing a bit about yourself, turning it into a paper airplane, and flying it across the room. Turns out I can’t throw a plane to save my life and it landed on the ground next to Karen who was practically standing beside me. We got to talking and had so much in common. She’s been a great encourager both at the conference and ever since. We’ve kept in touch and I’ve enjoyed following her journey towards publication and always watch for her latest blog posts. Karen’s historical fiction is set in the early 1900’s. Here’s what Karen hopes readers will take away from her stories:
My favorite part of writing God-stories is that He never changes. As Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Whether my characters are stumbling through earthquake-damaged streets in 1906 or sneaking out of the house to meet rum-runners during Prohibition, their faith journey is not so different than our own. I hope my readers will identify with the character’s inner struggles—whether it be grief, insecurity, doubt, or fear—and realize that we have a loving Father who is willing to walk beside us through all the dark valleys of our lives (Ps. 23:4)
More About Karen’s Books!
I’m so glad to get to spotlight these three awesome ladies. I hope you’ll visit their websites and check out their books. I’m so thankful for the authors and bloggers I’ve gotten to know over the past few years, both in person and online. This list could seriously go on and on. I have met so many amazing and talented writers and truly count it a blessing to be among this community.
When I first discovered the wonderful world of writers online, I felt as though I’d discovered the Mother Lode. While it was reassuring to learn that I’m not the only one who hears characters chattering away in my head, what struck me most was the generosity and mutual support of writers. I’ve been blessed by the wealth of knowledge writers share so freely and the endless supply of encouragement. I’m enriched by the many friendships I’ve formed with awesome people like you, Joanne.
Thanks for featuring me in your post today. I’m honored to be in such esteemed company.
Well said, Keli. The community of Christian writers is so full of support. It’s never about one book or another, but a group of believers using the craft of storytelling to bring glory to God. It’s truly amazing.
Thanks, Joanne, for sharing more about these fabulous authors! It was a blast to meet Keli in person last year at ACFW and I hope to meet the other ladies one day, as well.
Blessings!
Thanks for stopping by, Cynthia 🙂 It sounds like you had a great time. I’m hoping to go to ACFW in the next year or two and am looking forward to meeting so many great writers in person.
Thanks for sharing about these three ladies. Enjoyed the blog and will look forward to checking out these author’s books.
I hope you do, Nettie!
“A born encourager” is the perfect way to describe Keli. As she has shared about her debut novel experience through her blog and others like this one, it has provided a clear path through the publishing forest and calmed the storm for other writers. Thanks so much for hosting Keli and Karen today! I have yet to meet either in person, but eagerly look forward to the day I will.
I completely agree, Dona. I’ve followed several blogs over the last year and as writer’s have shared their experiences, it truly has calmed the storm. Very well said 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve only really interacted with Keli (and you’re right…she’s amazing!), but Janet and Karen seem wonderful as well. I totally agree that becoming part of the online writing world has been so encouraging and amazing. I’ve met so many wonderful, wonderful people who are talented and encouraging. Isn’t it strange, when we’re really all “competition”? But most people I’ve met don’t see it that way; we rejoice when someone else gets a contract, and that’s something that is totally rare in the world at large.
So glad to have met you too, Joanne. 😉
I completely agree, Lindsay. It’s a rarity and a huge blessing. This is a great community. And I’m so glad to have met you, too!
So true, Joanne, after all, it’s about community. Lifting each other up embellishes, never diminishes, the Kingdom. I recall Jack Cavanaugh’s devotion to us at San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild when he said how important each writer is to the complete the tapestry, and we hold each other together. Knots and all. Sometimes I feel tangled up, but someday He’ll weave the final picture!
You described it so beautifully! I remember Jack Cavanaugh’s devotion that day and it has stuck with me ever since, too 🙂
This was wonderful! I loved what each of you had to say! 🙂
I agree, Jessica. I had fun getting the responses!
I sometimes think of our writing community as those two fellows who held up Moses’s hands while he prayed for Joshua fighting in the valley below. We all need those extra hands, and prayers, and I’ve found nothing but willingness in the writing community when it comes to lifting each other up. I wouldn’t want to feel isolated and cut off from the wonderful writer friends (and editor friends too) that I’ve made over the past twenty years of writing Christian fiction.
Great post, Joanne. Always love to hear what my fellow writers are working on, and have to say about their journeys.
The support really is amazing. There are writers in all stages of the journey and getting to experience it is truly encouraging and inspiring. Thanks for dropping in, Lori. It’s nice to meet you!
Great to meet you too!
I love the writer community. I got to go to a confrence a few weekends ago and meet some great people. I’m so glad you got to spotlight these writers!
Thanks, Miriam! I’m glad you had a great time at your conference!
Thanks for including me, Joanne. I enjoyed pondering your question and am excited to be part of the discussion. I love our writing community! I’m so thankful for that silly paper airplane moment.
I’m so glad you carved out some time to respond! I love learning more about the heart and purpose behind the stories. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen next for you.
Hi Joanne,
What a nice surprise to turn on my computer tonight and see that you included me in your blog post!! Thank you.
BTW I’m getting ready to venture into your world of fiction. My Idyllwild neighbor has a great story from her family heritage and I hope to turn it into a trilogy. I have a stack of books to read about writing fiction once I finish my WIP “Dear God, He’s Home!” Having allot of fun with that one.
I’ll be in Idy in Oct. Maybe we can get together for a chat in person again!! Blessing on your ministry and your writing.
I’m so glad! It was my absolute pleasure 🙂 I hope you’re enjoying the wonderful world of fiction! It’s clear you’re gifted in encouraging readers through non-fiction and I’m looking forward to seeing that pass through into storytelling.
Well, Joanne, we must truly be kindred spirits, because Karen and Keli are two of my favorite people too 🙂 I’ve been blessed by both of them IMMENSELY!
That is so wonderful. This really is a special group of ladies. And you have been an encouragement to me! Thanks for stopping in 🙂