Into the Fire

I mean, think about it. If you had to describe yourself without a tagline, what would you say? Be reasonably brief. Don’t just tell me what kind of genre you write. Tell me what’s in your gut. Who are you as a writer?

Those of you who’ve been with me awhile know my tagline is Relationship . . . Romance . . . Redemption. And of the novels I’ve written thus far, those words capture the content of my stories. Recently I added this phrase as a kind of “branding” statement: Bringing passion to life. These really do describe my work.

But who I am as a writer? Not so much. I write real. From my point of view, from my life experiences, from the kinds of places I’ve been, from the people I’ve known: I write real. Not fancy is it? I will concede my “real” is not everyone’s real. But it is real from where I live, where I have been, and what I’ve seen and learned in my life’s journey.

I do write passion. And I do write passionately. That’s me. No holds barred, but no graphics either.

But who I truly am is a writer who is compelled to include Jesus in my writing. He must be in the story somewhere; real, an integral, organic “person” within the framework of the story. Not a religious figure. Not a distant holy name. But as much a part of the story as any of the characters. Somewhere He will be there.

So, tell me: what kind of writer are you anyway?

Father, you make us all unique but with so many similarities. We shine with your light in our souls. We desire to honor you with what you’ve given us to do. We take no credit for any good thing. You are the source. Thank you for allowing us to participate in your plans. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.