To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling [falling] and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 24-25 (NIV)
I’ve dabbled in writing lyrics for songs. This was written in 2010, I think. So, something a little different for this Friday . . .
BACK AND FORTH
Cold, hard day. Far, far away.
I’ve been so far away.
How did it get so dark?
When did the light go out?
All I see is gray.
And what I know is stark.
I can hear His voice.
Somewhere in my dreams.
He’s callin’ me, it’s my choice.
He is everything He seems.
But the other one taunts me.
His voice chills my soul.
How can I ever be
Anything but the fool I’ve become?
All I see is gray.
I don’t want to be this way.
I can hear His voice.
Somewhere in my dreams.
He’s callin’ me, it’s my choice.
He is everything He seems.
I’m tired of the heavy load.
Can’t carry it no more.
How did it get so dark?
When did the light grow dim?
All I see is gray.
I’m stuck inside this sin.
Let me hear you now, O Lord.
Sing to me once again.
I hear your sweet, sweet voice,
And now you are my only choice.
Set me free again.
(Lyrics by Nicole Petrino-Salter)
What’s it worth?
From the moment you make the decision to write a novel to the time you work through each page of the story, chances are you’ve entertained some psychological exercises ranging from huge dreams to fear of failure and everything in between. At some point during the process, you are forced to decide what it’s all worth to you and exactly what you hope to achieve by delving into writing a novel.
Those of us who are innately drama queens – and kings – envision fame and fortune, our novels made into blockbuster films, and our names or books claiming a residence in most homes. Those of us who are recluses imagine the goal of being the mysterious and unidentified author of bestselling literary novels or hotly pursued (pun intended) romance novels. Our imaginations gone wild can produce all kinds of fabricated success stories before “The End” is typed on a final page.
Although success stories for novelists vary as much as our prospective ponderings, what happens to our finished work is unpredictable. It’s been said more than once by different professionals in publishing – from authors to editors – that perseverance and persistence outweigh talent in this industry. In fact we’ve all read books that attest to this.
So what’s it worth to you to get that traditional publishing contract? Will you jump through every hoop presented to you? If that means changing the heart of your story to satisfy an editor, will you do it? How long will you persist until an agent or an editor takes an interest in your work? How many conferences will you attend to gain connections? How many dollars will you invest to promote your story?
The reality of writing and finishing a novel comes down to questions and answers that aren’t always easy to assess until you’re in the middle of the journey. The question will eventually present itself to you: What’s it worth to you?
It does. Love this song.
One of my top all-time favorite authors, the brilliant Frank Peretti has written some of the best and most poignant novels in Christian Fiction. [Side Note: While the link above to information about him is from Wikipedia, Frank’s critics in the article are typical and demonstrate their lack of real knowledge on the subject of spiritual warfare, the New Age moniker, and anything Christian.]
Most famous among his work are the novels This Present Darkness and the sequel Piercing the Darkness, but there are so many thoroughly worthwhile books in his collection both in adult reading and for children and young adults. Truly a masterful author.
If you’ve never had the privilege or pleasure of reading Frank Peretti, you should.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
This is one of my ultimate favorite novels:
Father, you know us all from the inside out. I pray you are continuing to shine your face upon Frank and his family, blessing him in ways he’s never expected. Keep him safe from all harm and may he continue to follow your lead. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 (NIV)
Once again this author writes in multi-genres, occasionally partnering with other authors in successful endeavors. The lovely Tosca Lee is one of those masters of prose and creativity that stretches the imagination as well as touching the heart. Dabbling in everything from speculative to historical to biblical fiction, Tosca gives the reader a superb experience with beautiful writing in each genre.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
There are multiple books from which to choose, but this one below is still my favorite. So very well done.
Father, you see all of Tosca’s efforts in every area of her life, but you’ve especially gifted her writing. Please continue to pour out your Spirit in her life and encourage her all along the way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Some authors are true writers. By that I mean they can play with the language and make it stark or beautiful, or daring, and/or imaginative. They have a knack for real “creative writing” and it’s a pleasure to read in book form.
Sibella Giorello started out as a reporter and built a sterling career before she made the changes in her life that gave us her novels.
Sibella’s heroine Raleigh Harmon is my all-time favorite. Others have come close, but Raleigh remains at the top. Her series begins with The Stones Cry Out, and it’s a great place to start Book 1 of the Raleigh Harmon Mystery Series which continues with other novels reflecting Raleigh’s changing career choices. (She also wrote four excellent prequels covering the young life of Raleigh Harmon.)
You won’t forget Sibella’s work.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
One of my absolute favorites in the series:
“One of the best heroines in modern literature is Sibella Giorello’s Raleigh Harmon…She’s a perfect endearing heroine because I understand her snark when it happens and she brings me to tears when she’s on the verge of them.” Nicole Petrino-Salter (Into the Fire – Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God)
Father, you’ve given Sibella her wonderful talents, her compelling prose, and her radiant sense of humor. Please bless her in every way and keep her writing the stories you have just for her to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Remember this one? One of the greats by Bob Dylan.
Francine Rivers is one of the most influential Christian Fiction authors in the industry because of her amazing bestsellers in the genres of contemporary and biblical historical literature.
I confess I haven’t read her biblical historical fiction, but I’ve read almost all of her contemporary work. (I have reader friends who also rave about her biblical fiction.)
Two of my all-time favorite novels are Redeeming Love and The Masterpiece. While Redeeming Love is a bit historical time-wise, its underlying theme of redemption is certainly time-less. The Masterpiece is truly a masterpiece of a story. It touched me so deeply, the moment I finished it, I opened it up and started it again. (I won’t tell you how many times I did exactly that, and I don’t read novels twice. This one shattered that record.)
There are so many others of her contemporary selection that I truly loved. Always giving a real picture of the world and the way life changes when Jesus enters that world. Characters are superbly written, plots always meaningful and heart-rending. You want to read real Christian Fiction, read Francine Rivers.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Father, you know Francine’s life from the inside out, the things she loves, the things she needs, her devotion to her husband and family. Please minister your divine light over the entirety of her life and loves and keep the blessings coming to her in ways she never expects. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 