I’m thrilled to be part of this Christian fiction and nonfiction giveaway with my newest romantic suspense, The Dark Guest. The contest runs today through May 23.
(2) Winners of eBook “Gift Baskets” of ALL ebooks
Other Winners of individual ebooks or paperbacks (randomly selected)
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Contemporary Romance:
Anchored Hearts by Julie Arduini — Can two go-getters surrender their need to control and find a happily-ever-after? Jordyn Bell Hart succeeds in everything she does. Her promotion to morning show co-anchor blossoms her career in the same way her mother’s work had. Jordyn keeps tabs on her family and enjoys helping them grow. When life around her starts to change, can she surrender her desire to control? Spencer Collins knows how to balance a busy life. He has his work as a reporter, his time caregiving for his grieving father, and looking out for his little brother. When he learns he’s the new co-anchor of a morning show with Jordyn Hart, can he handle working with a celebrity who brings a lot of challenges to life on and off the set? (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)
Finding Love in San Antonio by Miralee Ferrell and Kimberley Rose Johnson — For TV chef Adela Romero, the lights of LA have lost their luster. The grief of her husband’s death three years ago still hangs heavy over her and her daughter, Fabi. When Adela returns to San Antonio for a summer break with her daughter, she learns her mother-in-law’s Mexican diner is struggling. Adela wants to help, but her career is tugging her in another direction.Local food critic David Agraponte has a history with Adela. A history he’d like to rekindle. When he interviews Adela, sparks fly—both good and bad. In Adela’s struggle to put her past behind her, she’s tentative about a new relationship, but David hopes she’ll stay at Romero’s long enough to give him a chance. (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)
From Shore to Shore by Tabitha Bouldin — Bree Jamison comes to Sparrow Island for one reason: to study coral reefs. She’s not interested in happily-ever-after and certainly won’t allow her handsome boat captain to sway her into believing these islands are different from any others. But when she finds an old shipwreck and learns the history of pirates and treasure, Bree finds herself searching for something that always feels just out of reach. Cooper Carmichael takes the job as boat captain for the enigmatic Bree to further his career. He never expected her to be so driven—or so painfully opposed to God. All Cooper wants is his happy island life. He wants for nothing. In fact, he’s made it his mission to be content. In every aspect of his life. Bree throws a wrench in his plan as her presence pushes Cooper to want for things he deems unnecessary. A man striving for contentment. A woman who believes God is picking on her. (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit Publishing)
Home Where She Belongs by Penny Frost McGinnis — Small-town romance with a dash of mystery and the promise of hope. Tired of being a pawn for her father and an emotional punching bag for her ex-boyfriend, Sadie Stewart escapes to Abbott Island where she spent summers with her grandparents. Would the love and faith she learned from them be enough to fuel her new life? She wants to believe God’s promises, yet broken trust holds her back. Joel Grayson left the island long enough to train at the Police Academy. The community trusts him, even though he’s failed. When he finds Sadie at her grandparents’ cottages, his heart skips a beat. He’d love to get to know her again, but no one needs to share the hurt he harbors. When Sadie discovers someone is sabotaging her future, she seeks Joel’s help. As they are drawn together, will Joel let down his guard and let her in? Will Sadie trust the man who loves her and the Father Who cares? (Contemporary Romance from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)
If You Rescue Me by Jerusha Agen — Can his love set her free? Not all prisons have bars. Charlotte Davis should know—she’s lived in a prison of abuse for years. When her abuser goes too far and threatens her ten-year-old daughter, Charlotte runs to the stranger her mother believed would save her. She hopes to find answers and escape, but she doesn’t expect to meet a man who’s everything she fears yet everything she could love. Police Sergeant Gabe Kelly can tell Charlotte’s hiding something and doesn’t trust cops. But despite his better judgment, his heart is drawn toward Charlotte and her little girl. What begins as kindness threatens to turn into something riskier if Gabe doesn’t get ahold of his feelings. When Charlotte’s secrets catch up with her, Gabe’s badge puts them on opposite sides of the bars between them. Will God’s redemption be enough to set them free to love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Love in Second Bloom by Sandra Ardoin — She’s searching for direction. He’s trying to change his.
Are they beyond renewing the dream of a future they once believed in? At a crossroads in her career, Erin Ward works as a groundskeeper in a small town filled with precious, romantic memories. With Shaun Hadley’s surprise arrival, Erin dreams of a second chance at romance with the guy she broke up with in college. But Shaun isn’t the same man she once loved, and she blames herself. As an easygoing college computer geek, Shaun let Erin’s rejection light a determined fire under him. Today, he’s a successful businessman seeking to relax. Letting go of his workaholic ways is harder than he’d imagined, even when it threatens both his health and a renewed relationship with the love of his life. What hope do they have when Shaun can’t slow down, and Erin refuses to stand up for herself and their future…again? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
A Mother for His Son by Betty Woods — Back in the little town of Sunrise, Texas, to help her grandmother, Dallas chef Rachel Landry plans to use the time to heal her broken heart. She has no need to help handsome neighbor Mac Greer with his guest ranch. But her growing affection for his little boy could be just the push she needs to once again see the possibility of something more. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))
Not Since You by Dulcie Dameron — When Claudia Clark was involved in a tragic accident in high school, it set her on a devastating path toward heartbreak. For the past eight years, she’s carefully guarded her heart. With her business now thriving, she doesn’t have time for any unwanted distractions. She’s learned from her mistakes. But when the biggest one of all comes face to face with her again, she starts to question the belief she’s desperately clung to for so long. Dorian Vance can’t get over his past—or the girl that it’s wrapped up in. So when a family emergency brings him back to the small town of River Hollow, he decides it’s time to accept the truth and confront the girl he left behind. Unfortunately for him, she’s dead set on making him pay for his sins. As sparks start flying and well-meaning townsfolk meddle in their affairs, Dorian and Claudia are forced to resurrect old ghosts that lay buried in a mire of guilt and shame. But as they find themselves in the center of a vengeful scheme, the hope and forgiveness they seek seem impossible to obtain. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Royally Married by Jill Boyce — Dr. Claire Thomson, queen of Amorley, has banished all the dragons in her life—or so she hopes. Her wedding to Ethan Kane, the love of her life, looms on the horizon, yet unwelcome houseguests of her stepmother, Lord Chicanery of Maltenstein and his son, Hans, threaten her upcoming wedding with new obstacles. New questions abound about the integrity of the crown and the necessity of its future. If Claire cannot prove her loyalty to Amorley and disavow her involvement in a nefarious plot to defraud the country’s coffers for personal gain, then she may have to postpone more than just her wedding. She may have to leave the life she’s come to love in her father’s homeland as Parliament calls the monarchy into question. Dangers lurk in the castle, and if Claire’s not careful, she will lose more than her crown; she will lose her life. If she survives, will Claire and Ethan finally make it to the altar and solidify her position as queen? Can she protect the monarchy and those she loves from the evil plans of her enemies? Has time finally run out for Claire on her quest for her happily ever after? (Contemporary Romance from Winged Publications)
Short and Sweet: 13 Sweet, Romantic Stories by Susan Page Davis — This collection of short stories is perfect for quick reads. Fall in love with a firefighter, a florist, a soldier, or a church usher. Join Kelly at a wedding, Sam at a charity box social, and Kara at a date she’s looked forward to for ten years. Whether it’s an office romance or a chance meeting on a railroad platform, join the fun and soak up the romance. (Contemporary Romance from Tea Tin Press)
The Road Home by Cathe Swanson — Christopher Wright came home from Afghanistan a changed man. He’s found peace as an over-the-road trucker, but he’s never forgotten the woman he grew close to overseas – or the promises they made to each other. But when a newspaper article leads him to the Unity Plenkiss Community Center, the elusive Tally isn’t happy to be found – and she’s definitely not interested in picking up where they left off.
After two years on the streets, Tally Zemmer has found a home and begun to heal, building a new life for herself. Christopher’s reappearance is a reminder of her scars and the ghosts that followed her home from Afghanistan. But he’s the one man who knows her secrets and still cares for her. They have a special connection, shared faith, and experiences no one else can claim. Can they find a new road home together? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
What Remains True by Nancy Naigle — Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek? (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House))
Historical Romance:
A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma — Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years? Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love? Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
When the Meadow Blooms by Ann H. Gabhart — If any place on God’s earth was designed to help one heal, it is Meadowland. Surely here, at her brother-in-law’s Kentucky farm, Rose and her daughters can recover from the events of the recent past—the loss of her husband during the 1918 influenza epidemic, her struggle with tuberculosis that required a stay at a sanatorium, and her girls’ experience in an orphanage during her illness. At Meadowland, past troubles become rich soil in which faith can grow. Dirk Meadows may have opened his home to his late brother’s widow and her girls, but he keeps his heart tightly closed. The roots of his pain run deep, and the evidence of it is written across his face. Badly scarred by a fire and abandoned by the woman he loved, Dirk fiercely guards his heart from being hurt again. But it may be that his visitors will bring light back into his world and unlock the secret to true healing. (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Speculative Fiction:
Celestial by Hannah Mae — For millenniums, angels like Captain Jediah had waged war against their former brethren: the demons. As Keeper of the Abyss, it’s his duty to ensure Appolyon’s army remains imprisoned until the end of the age. Unfortunately, despite all that God had entrusted him with, Jediah is plagued by an unceasing guilt. It drives him to thirst for Christ’s redemptive power, but there’s one glaring problem. He’s not human. God’s gift of salvation is meant for mankind alone. When God appoints him to lead a task force of five wildly different angels to capture two dangerous demons, Jediah ponders if his return to earth might be his only chance to learn what the core of human salvation truly is. however, one of Jediah’s angels hides a secret agenda, and Jediah’s dark past is hellbent on hunting him down too. Can Jediah risk everything for the relief he’s desperate for? Or should he even bother chasing what he cannot have at all? What does living redeemed mean? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)
This Dreamer by Sara Watterson — When Evie, an immortal Watcher turned reluctant assassin, finds herself captivated by her intended target, Adan the Dreamer, is it worth the cost to prevent his untimely end? Evie grows restless observing mortals from the safety of her desk in the Control Room. When the promotion for the only job she’s ever wanted—Guardian among humans in Sector Five—is canceled, a friend offers to smuggle her by portal into a booming metropolis called Shura. Evie jumps at the chance to see the world with mortal eyes. Secretly, though, she also hopes to observe Adan, a human Dreamer, in his natural habitat. Only a glimpse, she promises herself. All seems well until she returns to the Control Room, where she has landed in a heap of trouble. Not only did she take an unsanctioned trip to the ground, but the boy, the Dreamer, is missing. And all blame is placed squarely at Evie’s feet. This Dreamer is a clean fantasy romance adventure inspired by Joseph and the coat of many colors. (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Saving Grace by Candee Fick, Not all heroes wear a uniform. (Contemporary Romance)
Magi Journey: Babylonia by Terry Phillip Garner, Magi Journey – Babylonia – continues the sweeping saga as the Magi continue their journey from Assyria in 734 BC to Bethlehem in the year -0-. (General Historical)
Brides of Seattle by Kimberly Rose Johnson, Three strong women discover love where they least expect it. (Contemporary Romance)
Puppy Ciao: Novel Companion and Study Guide by Annette Ohare, An All in One Devotional and Inspirational Novel Study Guide. (Children’s)
The Bookseller’s Promise by Beth Wiseman, The book leads the trio deep into mysterious questions about life and death, love and loss, and the impenetrable purposes of God. (General Contemporary)
Award-winning author Virginia Vaughn recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life and her most recent romantic suspense, Texas Killer Connection.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
I feel very blessed to be able to write romantic suspense because that is the genre I love to read.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
That’s easy. Figuring out who the bad guy is, lol. I love writing stories where the villain isn’t known until the very end; however, it is hard to write that way. Most people are killed by someone they know, so writing believable suspense where the hero or heroine don’t know who is after them can get tricky. It’s worth it though for that surprise ending.
When do you find time to write?
I am homeschooling two boys, so my days are full. I often don’t even sit down at my desk until the afternoon. Thankfully, I’m a night owl, so I get most of my writing done in the evenings and into the night.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing?
If I’m stuck on something, I’ll usually read. That helps get my muse going. I also like to go for a drive. I often work out scene or character problems while I’m driving.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
I read a lot and listen to true crime podcasts. I also love to watch crime procedurals to get new and interesting ideas I can turn into my own stories.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)?
My childhood dream was to be a gymnast, but I was too scared to do a back flip so I knew I wasn’t going to make a career out of that. I read a lot and dreamed of being a writer but that dream also seemed out of reach for a long time. Ultimately, I decided to pursue writing and publishing—now I’m a full-time writer living my dream.
What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense?
I’m sure they think I’m a little bit weird, but I’ve been doing it now for a while and they’ve all be encouraging. My mom has even started scoping out places for me to hide the bodies, lol.
About Virginia Vaughn
Virginia is a multi-published author of inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love of writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger. Texas Killer Connection is her sixteenth novel with Love Inspired Suspense.
Connect w/Virginia
Website: https://virginiavaughanonline.com/
To catch a killer, they’ll need to find the evidence.
When the investigation into her look-alike cousin’s death stalls, former army intelligence officer Brooke Moore arrives in Texas searching for justice—and is thrust into the middle of a deadly conspiracy. Now she must turn to her cousin’s ex, FBI agent Colby Avery, for help. But with every clue leading them deeper into danger, they must uncover the truth…before they are buried with it.
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Every Day Filled with Hope by Shelia W. Stovall — Nineteen years ago, a powerful and influential man assaulted former runway model Casey Bledsoe, resulting in an unwanted pregnancy. Casey’s biggest regret is allowing fear to influence her to give up her baby for adoption. (General Contemporary from Elk Lake Publishing)
If You Light My Way by Jerusha Agen — Can she light up his life when hers goes dark? Oriana Sanders shouldn’t be drawn to Nicanor Pessoa. The handsome, brooding tango dancer couldn’t ever be interested in an elementary school teacher. He reminds her of her inner-city students—troubled but full of potential, if only she can point him to the joy of the Lord. Nicanor has known many beautiful women, but none with the vibrant zest for life that emanates from Oriana. She attracts him like a moth to a flame, making him want to forget the secrets and guilt that have burdened him for years. But how can he forget, when the worst secret of all is the one Oriana won’t be able to forgive? Their growing feelings for each other seem unstoppable until they face a darkness that threatens to tear them apart. Can God help them forgive the unforgivable and bring them through the shadows into the light? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
The Heart of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis — Rusty’s career as a bronc rider is over. Figuring out his next steps in life is more challenging than riding a bull for eight seconds. Surely there were better people more deserving of the new heart he received, people who had more to give back to society than a washed-up rodeo cowboy. Courtney is already struggling with the death of her husband, and the “temporarily relieved of duty” decree from her assistant chef position is too much to handle on her own. The decision to move home is not an easy one, but she doesn’t have much choice. At least not until the insurance company quits balking at paying out on the life insurance policy. When her truck breaks down just outside of Crossroads Creek, it’s Rusty to the rescue. Fate has brought them together, but the truth may not be something either one can handle. Will they rely on faith and trust their own hearts for the answers, or will they run from the past and destroy any chance at a future of happiness together? (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)
The Bookseller’s Promise by Beth Wiseman — Yvonne Wilson makes the trek from Texas to Indiana with just one goal in mind: to convince Amishman Jake Lantz to sell her client a rare book from his collection. But Jake is as strong-willed as Yvonne. On the eve of his grandfather’s death, Jake vowed never to sell the book, and he intends to keep that promise. But he can’t say more than that, having never read it and not knowing why it was so dear to his grossdaadi. (General Contemporary from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))
The Marquis’s Pursuit by Lorri Dudley — She’s desperate to keep her secret hidden, but he’s a determined Marquis.
As the son of a duke, Maxwell Oliver Weld, Marquis of Daventry, is allowed entry into the finest of London’s ballrooms, access to political figures, and advice from the best physicians. Yet, his wealth and contacts won’t heal his friend, Charlie, who’s dying from consumption. Hopeful for a miracle, Max persuades Charlie to sail across the Atlantic to stay in the Artesian Hotel on the island of Nevis and bathe in its famous healing springs. Max’s optimism is washed in doubt as the truth unravels about the hotel, its hot springs, and the beautiful caretaker. The blaze of Evelyn Mairi Sheraton’s fiery side has long since been snuffed out. Hunted by a vengeful man from her past, only fortitude and the island’s sanctuary have kept Evelyn alive. She will do whatever it takes to keep her precious secret safe, even work for the demeaning Artesian Hotel owner, Edward Rousseau. However, when a jaunty marquis and his ailing friend arrive, sparks ignite, but Evelyn fears the revealing of her secrets will burn her to ash. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright — To save the innocent, they must face an insidious evil. Wren Blythe has long enjoyed living in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, helping her father with ministry at a youth camp. But when a little girl in the area goes missing, an all-out search ensues, reviving the decades-old campfire story of Ava Coons, the murderess who is believed to still roam the forest. Joining the search, Wren stumbles upon the Coonses’ cabin ruins and a sinister mystery she is determined to unearth. In 1930, Ava Coons has spent the last several years carrying the mantle of mystery since the day she emerged from the woods as a thirteen-year-old girl, spattered with blood, dragging a logger’s ax. She has accepted she will never remember what happened to her family, whose bodies were never found, and that the people of Tempter’s Creek will always blame her for their violent deaths. And after a member of the town is murdered, and another goes missing, rumors spread that Ava’s secret is perhaps more malicious than previously imagined. (Mystery from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
By the Sweet Gum by Ane Mulligan, She’s bound by duty. He’s tethered to a dream. (Historical Romance)
The Do-Over by Bethany Turner, Sometimes dreams come true. Other times, the best outcome begins with an epic fail. (Contemporary Romance)
Wounded Soul by Sheridan Lee, Life often derails well-laid plans. Can she achieve her dreams after everything crumbles? (General Contemporary)
By Sarah Hamaker
Writing is hard. Whether you’re a seasoned author or an aspiring writer, putting words down on paper can be discouraging. How can we continue to write when disappointment, impediments or obstacles get in our way? Here are 9 ways to keep on writing when it gets difficult.
Remember Who you’re writing for. I think because writing is so very personal, we feel so keenly the roadblocks life throws in our writing path. The rejection by an editor or agent. Dismal book sales. Writer’s block. The long journey toward publication. When we keep in mind that we’re really all writing for an audience of One, it’s much easier to hang on during times of discouragement.
“What encourages me most is God’s faithfulness,” says Rebecca Barlow Jordan. “His Word is so full of precious promises and encouragement, that every day when I spend time with Him and open His Word, He speaks personal words of encouragement that keep me moving forward, even in the most discouraging times.”
“One of my first writing mentors told me that writing a novel is more about what God is teaching me than about learning how to write a story,” adds MaryAnn Diorio. “She was right! I also get very excited when a reader tells me that he or she either came to Christ or drew closer to Christ because of something I wrote.”
Recognize the seasonality of life. Sometimes, writing will be easier than at other times because we all go through busier seasons of life. When those times come, take heart. God has placed you in that circumstance for His glory and your good. I know it’s not easy to go through those times, but God will see you through—and your writing will be all the better for your having gone through that. “I was 73 before my first novel was published, and now I have 60 novels and novellas books,” says Martha Rogers. “At age 85, I still have ideas in my head and summaries on file I still want to write.”
Remember the successes, no matter how small. In the midst of discouragement, it can be difficult to recall the high points in our writing—but it’s then that we need to remind ourselves of the positives. “When you read a review and the reviewer understands exactly what you were trying to do with that story—that’s a huge encouragement to me,” says Patrick E. Craig. “Over Christmas, my daughter came in my office crying because she had been reading one of my recent books and a short chapter struck her so deeply that she came in to give me a hug. Those are the things that keep you writing.”
Rejoice in the success of others. This can be a hard one, especially if you’ve been struggling to become published or noticed for a while. But I’ve found rejoicing in the success of my fellow writers lightens my own heart—and spurs me to write more myself. I recognize that I’m on a different publication path than you are. While I might be tempted to become jealous or envious of another’s success, in reality, I really don’t want that success because it’s NOT mine.
“It’s so easy to see so-and-so getting a big book deal and wondering why this didn’t happen for you,” says Lenora Worth. “Don’t try to be the next so-in-so. Be the first you. God gives each of us a unique writing style for a reason. We have to write true to our voices and we have to find our voice. When you doubt, remind yourself of your dream and keep working on that dream and celebrate your writing style. This mantra has helped me over some very high hurdles in my writing career.”
Reconnect with other writers. Writing can be a lonely and solitary practice, and if we’re not careful, we’ll insulate ourselves too much and miss out on how encouraging being with other writers is to our souls and our work. “When I’m feeling discouraged about my writing it helps me to talk to other writing friends whom I’ve built trust with,” says Donna Gartshore. “We cheer for each other in the good times and bolster each other in the bad.”
Restart with prayer. As Christian authors, we have direct access to the throne of God through prayer. Praying for our writing isn’t selfish—it’s essential to our calling as Christian writers. “Any time I start to doubt, I simply ask God if it’s time for me to lay writing aside,” says Deborah Rather, who writes as Arlene James. “So far, it’s been like turning on a tap, as if simply asking starts the creative process. Before I know what’s happening, ideas start percolating, and I’m eager to get back to work.”
Resolve to press on. It can be difficult to continue writing when discouragement fills our thoughts. But as those called by God to write, we must. “Since I can’t bring myself to write unless I have every single detail of a scene already planned out, I sometimes put off writing until I know exactly what will happen and how it will conclude,” says Jackie Stef. “Unfortunately that leads to procrastination for me. Sometimes I have to give myself a good kick in the pants and say ‘just do it.’ A book won’t write itself after all, and I have to remind myself of that often.”
Re-evaluate your writing. Sometimes, it’s good to listen to those who like our writing and to read our own writing without such a critical eye. “I am encouraged [to continue writing] by even the slightest compliment about my writing, or even a hint that it shows promise,” says Bill Jenkins. “I’m encouraged when I’m excited about my own writing, when I read back over it and like what I read,” agrees Natalie Walters.
Rest in your writing journey. Be content, my fellow writers, where you are along your writing path. You’re exactly where God wants you to be, so be faithful. Be steady in your writing. Be ready for the future. “It’s always something surprising—a Divine moment—when the Lord pulls back the curtain to show me how someone has been touched by my writing,” says Joan Benson. “My heart is moved to know just one person has been encouraged or enlightened by something I felt God poured into my consciousness and into words. Then I keep going!”
“I am especially encouraged and ready to go back to my writing when someone randomly sends an email or handwritten letter to let me know that they are thankful for my ministry because something I wrote in an article or book impacted them,” points out Cindi McMenamin. “I always feel it’s God’s way of giving me a hug through someone else’s words when He knows I’m tired, discouraged, or just wondering if anyone else is even reading anymore. God’s timing is always perfect when it comes to sending me these pieces of encouragement to help me soar once again.”
When you feel discouraged in your writing, use one of these 9 ways to press on with your writing. If you’d like help, sign up for my free Writing Breakthrough Session to see how coaching with me can get you unstuck in your writing.
June 2026 New Releases in Christian Fiction 
Elle E Kay’s Inspiration Starts With Setting 
May 2026 New Releases in Christian Fiction 