Saturday, March 24, 2007

Why Christian Writers Do What They Do

As a writer, it's great to get one of those notes that reminds me of what it's all about. Please allow me to quote from a letter I received today.

"I also need to thank you for saving my life. When I read those books, I was not a Christian, but the power I saw in these books made me want that close relationship with God that Bonnie and Sapphira had. I am happy to write that I am now a Christian, and my faith is stronger than ever. Someday, I hope to be as great a writer as you are and do the same for somebody else."

Wow! As I read the letter, my hand shook and chills covered my body. I must confess that tears filled my eyes.

This is truly what it's all about. There is no greater joy than feeling God's pleasure.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Another Pause

As you might have noticed, I haven't posted in a while. Life is way too busy. With another book to write, going through the editing process on the previous book, and moving in May, I don't foresee any change. I doubt you'll see many posts for quite a while.

I appreciate your patience.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Conference Blessings

I just returned from the Florida Christian Writers' Conference in Bradenton, FL. I taught the Teen Track, and the 16 students and I had a blast. In our "After Hours" session, we did a critique group session that lasted almost four hours. Some of the students were laughing so hard, they cried.

I was very impressed with the writing talent of several of these kids. Based on feedback from magazine editors, I think at least six of them will have articles published within the year. An 18-year-old young man is writing a fantasy novel. His imagination and descriptions are superb. Four young ladies who have become close friends because of the Internet are going to collaborate on an article about Internet friendships. Another young lady had an article on her hero, her little sister, and two editors indicated a strong interest in buying it. This girl also won the conference's poetry award for submitting the best poetry. Although she was only 17-years-old, her poetry demonstrated the insight of someone three times her age.

I pray that these young writers will take the inspiration they gained in our workshops and continue in the writing field. They are wonderfully talented.

The poet I mentioned wrote a note to me before we parted. I trust that she won't mind my sharing it with you. You will see why these young people were such a blessing to me.

I travel the path of faith
Searching for reason I often lose track
Of the footprints from those before me
And when I stumble upon hesitation
I search for a hand to guide me on
And he gives me wonders
Miracles, like you
Brilliant souls which he speaks through
His words are your thoughts
You are the light with his guidance
And with such faith I will not turn back
He reveals to me footprints
And he gives me wonders
Miracles, like you