Category Archives: Writers and Books

Our Changing Language

Most Sunday mornings find me in church. Sometimes as we sing hymns and choruses or as people pray or speak, I look around for newcomers. If I see any, I wonder: do they understand the words they’re hearing, or does it sound like a secret code… or insider jargon?

There’s the Shakespearean or King James English of the classic hymns. And old or new music can rely on references that the well-churched understand but that could mystify a stranger.

“Christian-ese” is based on the assumption that all hearers have the same knowledge base to supply meaning to the references given. With fewer and fewer people growing up in church, that’s not the case anymore.

And while we want the long-time members of our congregations to be comfortable and able to worship in ways meaningful to them, it can’t be at the cost of excluding the uninitiated visitor.

Sometimes after a particular song I feel like the leader should explain its obscure references: especially lines about the blood, the Lamb, or marching to Zion. Beautiful, poetic imagery. But it’s figurative, symbolic. And if you don’t know the symbols, you may not have time or inclination to figure it out. You sure won’t ask the stranger in the next seat, who’s nodding and smiling in agreement.

Dorene Meyer wrote an interesting post at the Canadian Writers Who Are Christian blog, called “A Clear Message”. (Follow the link to read the whole post) In part she says:

I was sitting in church today, singing songs that were written 200 or even 400+ years ago, mouthing words like, “hark, thine, oxen, ass, whither, leadeth” and wondering how much our choice of songs has hindered the spread of the Gospel in our century….Why do we as followers of Jesus, hold so tightly to words and phrases and songs that create misunderstanding, confusion and lack of comprehension of the simple Gospel truth that Jesus taught?

Dorene’s suggestion is to make better use of the contemporary-language worship music available. I agree.

But I look at the lyrics of classic hymns from John Newton, John Wesley, and others not named John, and I’d like to add this hope too: can’t we find skilled song-smiths to update the language without marring the meaning? Some of these hymns pack a serious theological punch. Getting the message into our heads and hearts through song is as valid now as in the 1600’s.

Before anyone starts throwing things, let me point out that we’ve embraced carefully, prayerfully-done translations of the Bible into the English language of our times, with greater frequency as language continues to change. The New International Version, not a particularly ancient text, has just released a fresh update under a 2010 copyright date. If you compare verses at Biblegateway.com with your home NIV, you’ll find subtle differences.

And the Book of Common Prayer has been replaced in many Anglican churches with the Book of Alternative Service… including an updated rendition of the Lord’s Prayer. (While there may be other issues with these changes, my point is that there’s a felt need to make the language understandable to the average pray-er in the church.)

Then there are updated versions of classic Christian books like Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost For His Highest and many of George MacDonald’s novels. Our language is evolving so rapidly that even the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis feel old-fashioned and a bit awkward. Ten years ago when I read them aloud to my kids, I translated as I went.

I don’t want to let these treasures slip from our contemporary experience, but neither do I enjoy falling back into archaic language. And I’m old enough to understand it! What will the younger generations—and those to come—miss because it’s encrusted in thees and thous and wherefores? (Did you know, “wherefore” means “why” or “therefore”, and not “where”?)

It’s fine for us to say listeners and readers should recognize the value of the message and embrace it anyway. It may be difficult to understand, but it’s not impossible. A little work never hurt anyone.

But it looks… sounds… feels… old-fashioned. Out of date. Irrelevant. And especially in an age where everything is instant, the value has to be clearly visible on the surface. Old English, even early/mid-20^th Century English, may not be a foreign language but it’s at least an obscure dialect.

Do we want people looking at the liberating message of Jesus, be it in song, in article or in fiction, as some out-dated tradition? Don’t we want to show it’s as fresh and relevant today as ever? Then we need to speak the language of the time.

Friday Friends: Elaine Ingalls Hogg

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Elaine Ingalls Hogg is the author of Meditations from Heaven and Earth, Historic Sussex, Historic Grand Manan, When Canada Joined Cape Breton, and editor of the first Christmas in the Maritimes anthology.

For the past seven years she wrote an inspirational column for the Kings County Record and has had stories included in nearly two dozen anthologies, as well as in various magazines and newspapers, and on CBC radio. Elaine’s most recent awards include recognition in the 2009 New Brunswick Literary Competition and the Barnabas Fellowship Award from InScribe Christian Writers in 2008. Elaine and her husband, Hugh, live in New Brunswick, Canada, and share their home with two adopted rag-doll cats, Angus and Alex.

Janet: Welcome, Elaine, and thanks for taking time to join us. That’s an impressive list of accomplishments! Tell us a bit about how you got started writing.

Elaine: During my early adult years I often thought about my childhood dream—to be an author. At night, alone with my thoughts, I’d think about the kind of story I’d write someday but when morning came, the duties of the day pushed aside those thoughts and nothing appeared on paper.

One morning I was visiting a friend who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. As we talked, she shared that the hardest thing for her to face when she learned her diagnosis was the thought of dying without ever being able to tell her grandchildren that she loved them. That day, I wrote a love letter to my grandchildren, Grandma Loves You, which I later self-published.

When my friend heard it, she asked me to share it with her family. That was probably the first story I wrote after more than thirty years of a writer’s block.

Janet: And once you got started, it just kept coming! You write for all ages, both mainstream and Christian material, from newspaper columns to online devotionals to full-length books. I’m sure you enjoy aspects of each, but is there one in particular that’s most rewarding?

Elaine: It is difficult for me to pick which project is most rewarding. However, If I had to pick just one, I think Remembering Honey, the award winning children’s picture book, will always hold a special place in my heart.

When I wrote that story (Nimbus Publishing, 2000) I wasn’t planning on becoming an author, I was a homemaker, a music teacher and a volunteer at our local hospital. While speaking at a Palliative Care Workshop to train new volunteers, I shared the story of how I wrote Grandma Loves You for my grandchildren.

A woman I had never met before came up to me after the workshop and said, “You should write a story to help children understand death!” I thanked her but added that I didn’t think I was the right person for the task for I didn’t know how to undertake such a project.

“Oh, but I think you are just the one who should do it,” she said. “And I’m going to pray for you every night until you do.”

I wasn’t able to win the argument against a sweet little old lady and God, so I wrote Remembering Honey and I’ve been writing ever since. A valuable lesson came out of that encounter, no project is worth doing unless it has prayer behind it.

Janet: Amen! Except for Remembering Honey, most of your projects have been nonfiction. I know you’ve been working at fiction for a while now—and you won an award for one of your children’s novels in the 2009 New Brunswick Literary Competition. Now this year your manuscript, The Exile, was short-listed in the Word Alive Press 2010 publishing contest. Congratulations!

Elaine: Thank you! A couple of years ago, author Connie Brummel Crook, read a chapter or two of my children’s novel, Willa, the Diary of a Maritime Girl, 1914, and she encouraged me to continue.

That fall I finished the manuscript and sent it in to the New Brunswick Literary Competition. Last May I was pleased to learn that the judge, Glenn Murray, author of Walter the Farting Dog, felt my work merited second place.

Now this year I submitted portions of my first adult novel to a contest hosted by Word Alive Press and it was shortlisted. These two events have encouraged me to continue writing fiction. Perhaps one day I’ll have a fiction book to add to my nonfiction collection.

Janet: I certainly hope so! What are you working on now, or are you between projects?

Elaine: Lately, I’ve had little time to write on a regular basis due to vacations, speaking engagements and family commitments. However, this week I’m back at my desk and presently I’m working on adding colour to my adult novel, The Exile. Once that is finished, I’ll probably go back to writing another nonfiction book as I’ve had three or four people approach me with some interesting ideas for future projects.

Janet: Let’s talk a bit about some of your nonfiction books. Historic Grand Manan introduces readers to the island where you grew up. I think that’s a great privilege and tribute, to document your own home town’s history. Was it harder writing Historic Sussex without the personal connections and family memories?

Elaine: Yes, it was easy to find the passion and interest I needed to keep me writing while I worked on Historic Grand Manan. The island was the place of my birth and long before I was asked to write the book, I’d been collecting stories to share with my children and nephews. However, by the time I was approached to write Historic Sussex I was ready for a new project and seeing I enjoy research and history, I had little trouble getting interested in the story of my adopted town.

Janet: In researching your historical writing, what’s the weirdest bit of trivia you’ve picked up?

Elaine: When I wrote When Canada Joined Cape Breton, I learned a ship sailed right into the causeway just weeks before it was opened. Apparently the captain was using old navigational charts and was unaware that the causeway was nearing completion.

When I wrote Historic Grand Manan, I learned of one of the most unusual grubstakes in Canadian history. A Dr. Faxon moved to Grand Manan in the early 1800s and sold lots to interested Americans who came to the Island to settle. He used one of the most interesting bonuses to entice Jacob Lavenseller, a farmer born to German parents in 1773, to stay.

Lavenseller came to the Island in the fall of 1804 and shortly after his arrival he made an agreement with Dr. Faxon to settle Bradford’s Cove. The agreement stated that Faxon would give Jacob and his neighbour, John Hall, one barrel of pork, one barrel of rum and two barrels of flour and help build a house as his grubstake.

While writing Historic Sussex, I learned the annual slave auction at Sussex continued to take place until December 31, 1898. Eleven years prior to this date, in 1887 an American, George Francis Train was in New Brunswick on business. When he heard Sussex held public pauper auctions, he made an arrangement to join the staff of the local newspaper, The Weekly Record.

Train used his position to expose the injustices of this system that to him differed little from how slaves were treated in the southern United States. After only a few months, Train found public opinion had reached such a fever pitch that he was forced out of New Brunswick. Finally, in 1899, Kings County opened a municipal home for its poor in the nearby community of Norton and the auctions stopped.

Janet: Those could all be fodder for more writing! Along with book-length projects, you have regular deadlines for your column and devotionals. What do you do when the muse is uncooperative?

Elaine: I keep a ‘pigpen’ a little notebook where I jot down ideas, character descriptions, favourite sayings, quotes and scripture verses. So far, when I’m struggling with the writer’s muse, I’ve been able to find a suitable topic by poring over past notes and ideas.

Janet: You’re also a speaker, to women through Stonecroft Ministries, and to children through Writers in the Schools. How is it to see your listeners’ reaction to your talk, instead of sending your written words out to be read at a distance?

Elaine: True, having the listener right in front of me can be scary, but so far, I’ve had great audiences so I’ve really enjoyed seeing their reaction when I speak. Perhaps this comes from the fact I was a storyteller long before I decided to write things down. I can remember telling my brother stories as we walked back and forth to school. When I was twelve years old I had a Sunday School class of children from a less privileged section of town and for the most part they listened to my stories.

Later, when I was in high school, it was not unusual for several neighbourhood children to be waiting for me when I arrived home after school. On a number of occasions they insisted I tell them a story before they would let me go inside.

Janet: Sounds like you have a lifelong gift with words. Is there a particular song or Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Elaine: When you are working on your own as most writers are, it is easy to get discouraged or wonder if this is the best way to spend your time. A few years ago I wasn’t sure if I should continue writing and I made my decision a matter of prayer for several weeks.

One day I was flipping through my Bible when the words “The Lord’s Answer” caught my attention. I stopped to read what the Lord was answering and imagine my surprise when I read: Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” (Habakkuk 2:2 NIV)

Since reading this I’ve continued writing as I feel the verse was confirmation of what God would have me do. (Recently I re-read this verse and couldn’t help but smile over the word ‘tablet’. It started me wondering if I now had the perfect reason to buy a tablet computer. LOL)

Janet: Tablet… or an iPad…. Good luck with that! Faith is clearly a vital part of your life, whether you’re writing for the Christian or for the mainstream market. One of your editing projects was Christmas in the Maritimes, and you have a Christmas miracle story concerning the book that’s included in the new Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic book that released this October. Can you give us the super-short version of what happened?

Elaine: “Just Tell Us You Love Us” p. 183 in Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Magic is a story of how God answered prayer and supplied funds at a precise deadline that enabled me to show 140 Canadian soldiers that they were remembered at Christmas four years ago.

Janet: Writers are told to read widely and voraciously. I think that’s one of the perks of the deal. What are you reading these days?

Elaine: I was at a book fair recently and brought home about twenty books for my winter reading.

My most recent reading for pleasure was two novels, one by Maeve Binchy and another by Michael Crummey. Presently I’m reading Clipper Ship Captain: Daniel McLaughlin and the Glory of the Seas (Pacific Maritime History Series) by Michael Jay Mielde and The Master Mariner, Running Proud by Nicholas Monsarrat to help me understand some of the nautical terms and experiences I want to use when adding colour to my novel, The Exile.

Janet: About Angus and Alex (good Scottish names!) the adopted rag-doll cats: is there a story here? And can you share a photo? I have this picture of a cat with Raggedy-Ann hair and I know it’s out of line.

Elaine: Oh how I wish they had Raggedy Ann hair! Instead, in the months they have lived with me they’ve shed enough fur to make me a winter coat! Angus and Alex , formerly Smith and Wesson, came to our house to stay for a few weeks while our daughter moved. Their stay has been extended and now, nearly two years later, they consider my office and more particularly my desk their permanent home.
(][[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[) I was called away from my computer so Angus [the brown one] took the opportunity to add his two cents worth!

Janet: I’m guessing Angus and Alex are more peaceful now that they’ve laid down their weapons☺. And they’re gorgeous! Well worth cleaning up the stray hair. Thanks so much for taking time to let us get to know you a bit, Elaine. May the LORD continue to bless you and make you a blessing to others—in every area of your life.

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You can visit the Elaine Ingalls Hogg website for more about her writing as well as upcoming speaking engagements (and to see a photo of Elaine with Clifford the Big Red Dog). Check out her “Did You Know” page to learn more about Elaine.

Friday Friends: Cynthia d’Entremont

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Cynthia d’Entremont is the author of the young adult speculative novel, Unlocked, winner of the 2009 Word Alive Writing contest for fiction. The prize was a full publishing package from Word Alive, and Unlocked was released in April, 2010.

Janet: Welcome, Cynthia, and thanks for taking time to join us. You have a family, a job, you’re working on a Masters’ degree… and it sounds like there are multiple story plots jostling in your mind. How do you do it?

Cynthia: This past year has been unusually busy for me. Generally I can juggle two major commitments such as teaching and writing, but the addition of taking another university degree has been challenging. I have a good support system and continually remind myself that the university commitment is only for two years. At the moment I am halfway through! I try to find stolen moments to work on stories but I have to admit that it’s not as much as I would like.

Janet: What got you started writing?

Cynthia: I have always loved reading. However, a passion for writing has developed over the last ten to twelve years. I began taking courses and participating in writing groups…I was hooked! I believe that it’s never too late to try something new.

Janet: Tell us a bit about Unlocked.

Cynthia: The moment I finished the first draft for Unlocked I felt as if I had experienced the birth of another child. I printed off the manuscript, tucked in a binder and carried it around in my arms—and there might have been a few tears!

The reader first meets the protagonist, Jaron, scratching out an existence in the dystopian world of Leviathon. As I often say, “Jaron starts out living in a garbage dump and it goes downhill for him from there!”

Janet: Where did the story idea come from?

Cynthia: It literally hit in 2005 while staring at a figurine that I had bought in Old Warsaw, Poland fourteen years earlier. This father and child statue compelled me to write about characters that were homeless and desperate. I started out with the intent that the story would be a picture book. Boy, was I wrong!

Janet: How would you define the age range for readers? I suspect there may not be an upper limit, as long as the adult in question likes fantasy and speculative fiction.

Cynthia: I wrote the story with a young adult audience (15+) in mind. I kept the dialogue and action fast-paced and tried to keep the tension high throughout the story. Even so, there have been many adult reader they tell me that they can’t stop thinking about the characters once the book has been read.

Janet: And although the novel comes from a Christian publisher, the faith element is low-key and allegorical enough that readers from another faith—or from none at all—should enjoy it too, right?

Cynthia: Definitely! I think that because I am a person of faith, my storytelling reflects who I am. That said, individual readers may have their own interpretations of the story according to their world view.

Janet: Okay, I’m going to ask a question I personally hate answering. Feel free to pass. What’s the novel’s theme? Or what one key thing do you want readers to take away when they’re done?

Cynthia: I don’t know if there is one thing that I would like the reader to take away, per say. However, when I look at the totality of the novel I am struck with the power of making choices even in the midst of feeling that one has no choice. Living with hope might also be another theme.

Janet: These children starting out in a garbage heap certainly don’t seem to have many choices open to them, and readers may feel that way about their own circumstances, but even small choices can make a difference. Your characters prove that. I can see how realizing we have even a bit of power to choose can give hope.

Unlocked is essentially Jaron’s story, right? I’m hoping there’ll be a sequel and perhaps more after that. Would you stick with Jaron or switch to a different character?

Cynthia: The sequel is underway. In the first novel Jaron was the main character but there were also two other characters’ points of view (Devora and Freesia). The second book is mainly Devora’s story—she also started out in the Garbage Heaps with Jaron.

Multiple viewpoints are also included and the identities of these characters might surprise you. Okay, I’ll share one secret…we finally get to know Benjamin’s thoughts.

Janet: Remembering some of the surprises from Unlocked, I suspect knowing Benjamin’s thoughts will change my opinion of him from book one.

What has reader response been like for this book?

Cynthia: The most frequent thing I hear is that once people start reading it’s hard to put the book down. I consider that high praise. The next comment is usually, “When is the sequel coming out?”

Janet: Guilty of making both comments!

You’re a new novelist, so to help people who don’t know your style, fill in the blank: If someone likes__________________, they’ll like Unlocked.

Cynthia: Okay, this is a tough one! I like to think of it as a grittier, darker version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe but that might be thinking too highly of myself and may not fully convey some of the more mature issues found in the book. There is good versus evil, kindness versus deceit, life verses death, and hope versus despair.

Janet: I know you have other plot irons in the fire. Anything else you’d like to tell us about?

Cynthia: First, I have to say that my favourite thing to read is a mystery. For that reason, I never thought I would write one. When I’m working on a genre like fantasy, I often avoid reading other fantasy novels—I want to keep the world in my own story intact.

Well, in 2009, to my surprise, I wrote a mystery that I titled Oak Island Revenge. This young adult novel was recently accepted for publication and will be released next year by Nimbus Publishing. Set in 1958, this story has no shortage of small town scandal, treasure hunting, and a certain kind of justice.

Janet: Sounds intriguing! How can people find out when it releases (and about a sequel to Unlocked)? Do you have a mailing list?

Cynthia: I regularly update my website with news and events. Oak Island Revenge will likely be released late 2011 or early 2012. As well, details for the release date of the sequel to Unlocked will be posted as soon as they become available.

Janet: What do you like best about the writing life?

Cynthia: I love the creative nature of bringing a character to life—someone that has never existed before, now has a voice.

Janet: What do you like least?

Cynthia: Waiting to hear from publishers. Rejection. Self-doubt. Sitting while typing.

Janet: What do your family think of your writing?

Cynthia: They are supportive. I’m sure at times they would like me to pry myself away from the computer and I try to keep that in mind and book regular family time with my children and husband. Sometimes I feel like a hermit, especially with a deadline looming.

Janet: Writers are told to read widely and voraciously. I think that’s one of the perks of the deal. What are you reading these days?

Cynthia: I wish I had something brilliant to say—like I just finished War and Peace. Instead, I’ve been reading a lot of manuscripts from writers in my writing group. Other than that, the last year has mostly been reading textbooks, editing my own work, and reading picture books—I teach grade primary (kindergarten).

Janet: What are you listening to?

Cynthia: I love the song from the Prince Caspian soundtrack “This is Home” by Switchfoot. I’m a little disappointed it was already used in a movie—it would be perfect for Unlocked, the motion picture (a girl can dream, right?)

Janet: Dream big! I can see Unlocked working as a movie. Dark, impossible odds, and a journey with lots of action. Definitely movie material. And in the mean time, I’ve heard of authors recommending selected songs as a soundtrack to their novel. “This is Home” could be Unlocked’s unofficial theme song.

Is there a particular Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Cynthia: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” Isaiah 54:9 (NIV)

Being a wife, a mother, a writer, a teacher, and a student gives ample opportunity to feel “shaken”. I am blessed and thankful to have a full life but often need to remember God’s unfailing love and covenant of peace when I face challenging days.

Janet: That verse means a lot to me these days, because it’s part of one of my favourite songs on the newsboys’ Born Again CD: “Build Us Back.” There’s a whole lot of shakin’ going on these days!

Cynthia, thanks so much for taking time to let us get to know you a bit. May the LORD continue to strengthen and bless you and make you a blessing to others—in every area of your life.

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Visit Cynthia d’Entremont’s website to learn more about the author and her books. Or follow this link to read my review of Unlocked.

Friday Findings 3: Chosen for 2010 One Book/One Conference

Friday Friends: Janice Keats

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Janice Keats is a Canadian author and poet. She’s also a photographer, blogger and a full-time worker with the Salvation Army.

Janet: Welcome, Janice, and thanks for stopping by. You self-published Poems of Inspiration and Occasion as well as your Bible study, Covering The Bases, then chose to go the traditional publishing route with your third, A Journey to the Heart of Evangelism. What prompted the change?

Janice: With my first two books I was eager to see them printed and I knew that the traditional publishing route takes time. I really wanted to seek a publisher for this book, firstly because of the satisfaction and accomplishment that is associated with it.

It’s a good feeling knowing that I have accomplished what I have set out to do. (Although it had taken 3 major attempts of searching the right publisher and then sending out queries and waiting for their responses.) So in this case it was a period of 4 years.

Secondly, I was ready and prepared for the task, I guess I could say that I have matured and have grown as a writer in recent years.

Thirdly, a writer has a far greater advantage of promotion with traditional route than the self-publishing method. Meaning it would be found on numerous websites etc.

I’ve learned a lot about promotion however, with my self-published books. In fact, I have applied those skills with my latest book.

Janet: Tell us a bit about A Journey to the Heart of Evangelism. Why did you write this book?

Janice: It really is because of my personal faith experience. I struggled so much with the need to make a decision for Christ that my heart literally ached. I didn’t have a church background.

When I became a Christian, I experienced a complete transformation. I was so overjoyed of the genuine peace and I knew that Jesus was real so I had to share it with people. It wasn’t the direct approach as some may think, it was a simple explanation of how Jesus changed my life. (My personal faith story is detailed on my blog).

I became involved in Bible studies and later facilitated many groups. As a result, I developed my own material. In the book, I have detailed how to create a personal faith story by following a few easy steps and writing it out. Also, I have included charts for the reader to keep progress of his/her faith as well as outreach suggestions.

Janet: The word ‘evangelism’ has picked up a taint from some of the methods people have used, but the need to tell others what Jesus has done for us—and how much He loves them—is key to the Christian life. How would you define it in terms people would understand today?

Janice: Sometimes I wonder if I should have used the word ‘evangelism’ because I had already encountered an obstacle. I contacted one particular magazine in hopes of submitting a piece from my book and was told that evangelism doesn’t sell. Wow, I was floored. How can someone make a judgement like that without knowing what the book is about?

It’s true, the word evangelism may be tainted but since God’s Word doesn’t change that doesn’t mean we can’t try different methods. We have to keep trying new methods of exposing the Gospel message.

Perhaps back in the day, there may have been more of a force of persuasion among the body of Christ but just as technology changes, so too, the church makes adjustments.

What the world needs to know is how much God loves them. Who will share the message? Who will go? And…who will teach? I will go Lord. I gave Him my life and I will listen to God’s direction as far as I am able.

This subject is my passion. I don’t necessarily need to use the word, ‘evangelism’ as long as I am willing to share my faith. The journey is with Jesus to His heart – the heart of evangelism.

Janet: I’m sure you have many chances to share your faith in your work with the Salvation Army. You have a helpful page on your blog for people who want to learn how to tell their own faith story. What would you say to someone who freezes at the thought of sharing their faith?

Janice: I would tell them that they have a faith story to share. They don’t have to prepare a mental script at all. I could freeze at the thought of that.

In my experience, I’ve been challenged with, “How did Jesus change your life? or What difference does Jesus make?”

I always begin with the old me, what my life was like before, and then share the new me, my new-found joy! There has to be a difference. It is possible that a person may not know exactly where they are in their faith. Sometimes Christians grow cold and weak in their walk with God. In my book, there is a chart which helps the reader understand where he/she stands in his/her faith.

Janet: What has reader response been like for A Journey to the Heart of Evangelism?

Janice: It’s been great so far. I have heard from a Bible study group who has purchased my latest book and I received a testimonial from the leader saying that they are growing spiritually. They originally had a timeline of studying one chapter each week but they decided not to rush it because the group was opening up and sharing with one another. One lady said that she could now share her faith without being fearful. Another reader said that she now has a heart for the lost and this book was stirring something within her. That’s great news! I was so excited to hear those comments.

I was most excited when I saw my book in a retail store recently. I was browsing around a Christian store while on vacation this summer and looked up to see my book on the top shelf. It’s the only one my eyes were fixed on: my book. It was as if all the other books became shadows. A friend took some photos of me with the book. It was meant for me to see it, I’m sure. Out of courtesy, I wrote a thank you note to the manager for stocking my book.

Janet: Even one encouraging response can mean so much. And how cool to be surprised by your book on a store shelf! What got you started writing?

Janice: The first piece I wrote was a poem entitled, Where is He? It was my personal thoughts on God as I was searching for Him. Believe it or not I hadn’t written or had any interest in writing before that time. I was at the age of 30.

My poetry writing took off and as a result I published my poetry book. From there it was my Bible study material. As my writing career began to take shape I decided to study Creative Writing, which was a two-year program.

It’s hard to believe that all this was taking place after my decision to follow God. It goes to prove that His plan for my life was playing out.

Janet: It’s amazing to see His plans unfold as we grow in Him! Is there a particular song or Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Janice: My favourite Scripture verse is Psalm 20:4, which says, “May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” That Scripture verse stood out to me in church one morning and I thought about all my desires that I wanted to achieve.

I love the songs, “Worthy is the Lamb” and “Rescue the Perishing”. I have a different version of “Rescue the Perishing” than the traditional one you see in hymnbooks. It’s on a praise and worship CD that has a contemporary slant.

Janet: I’m sure you have a few more book projects in the works. Any you’d like to tell us about?

Janice: I’m working on a devotional book as well as another Bible study book on the subject of church wounds, which is sensitive, but I’m going to do it. Also, I am half way through recording an audio book of my poetry and half way through another book I am co-writing.

Janet: Church wounds… that’s a touchy one indeed, but where there are wounds, there’s the need of healing. Too many times we ignore church wounds and hope they’ll go away. With all this on your plate, what’s your favourite creative outlet for renewing your mental energy? And what do you like to do to get away from it all?

Janice: I love to create things. When I know I need a break, I will deliberately take time out to make various crafts. I enjoy creating photo stationery and sewing and country crafts. I also make bookmarks using my poetry. I had better get those craft containers out.

As a getaway, I love to walk along a shoreline or just sit beside the water’s edge and listen to the sound of waves rolling in and splashing. There’s nothing like nature. My husband and I have done a lot of traveling on motorcycle around Nova Scotia and we have seen many beautiful shorelines. I also listen to my nature CD’s and the nature radio station.

Janet: What do you like best about the writing life?

Janice: When a piece comes together easily it excites me. When I prepare a devotional, God always provides me with the needed Scripture, and I sometimes say aloud, “that’s amazing, God!”

I enjoy getting ideas from everyday life. Many people give me devotional and story ideas. Oh no, I just had another idea!

Janet: What do you like least?

Janice: Editing and polishing, and trying very diligently to reduce a piece of writing to fit a publisher’s guideline of word counts. I dislike cutting out good sentences. I’m so glad there are editors out there who know their craft.

Janet: What do your family think of your writing?

Janice: My husband and children are very supportive and encouraging. I send many of my articles to my daughters for critiquing. My husband created the layout for my poetry book. Oddly enough, he doesn’t read much of my work, perhaps because we have separate computers. I have a cousin who is a professional scriptwriter; her name is Gail Collins, just for the record. When we get together the majority of the conversation is about writing.

The writing life can be somewhat lonely, as you know. Very few of my family members knew of my writing stint when I was employed with a newspaper. I’m so glad I am a member of a writer’s group and an online group.

Janet: Connecting with other writers can make all the difference. Another thing we’re told to do is to read widely and voraciously. I think that’s one of the perks of the deal. What are you reading these days?

Janice: I am finally getting to read The Shack. I am about one quarter way through so far. Don’t tell me about it! I may be the only person who hasn’t read it yet. The writing is superb.

I have several books on the subject of Revival. I want to know about how God works in that way. I have a favourite new author, Mark Hitchcock. I have read What on Earth is Going On? and Seven Signs of the End Times. There are a few more of his books I would like to purchase.

Janet: I know there’s controversy over The Shack, but all I can say is it blessed me more than most books do.What are you listening to?

Janice: During my 45-minute commute to work I listen to praise and worship music and the Christian radio station. Of course I enjoy all types of music but I don’t really have a favourite Christian artist, I usually purchase any praise and worship compilation CD. I also enjoy iWorship DVDs.

When I attend a live performance I love to hear vocal groups, or at least a singer who has back up vocalists. I just love harmonies. Of course, I enjoy listening to my daughters’ singing and my son’s band. On my 45-minute journey home from my work place I listen to the 70’s music. What a contrast, but you know, I am an avid music lover and listener. I usually win at guessing the songs that are played on the radio.

Janet:Your daughters’ singing and your son’s band… tell us more!

Janice: My son, Troy, is the drummer for Grounded. They are a Christian rock band and quite powerful for only a 3-piece band. They have been performing for a few years and is gradually getting a number of bookings. My son-in-law, Kurtis, is the lead singer and Matt is the bass player.

As a matter of fact the band is the backup band for my daughters. The Keats (my daughters, Sharlene and Jolene) have been performing for several years and have been working really hard professionally as country performers. They are on the way, I believe. They have recently been selected to perform at the Rising Star Showcase during Canadian Country Music Week in Edmonton on September 9th. My husband and I will be attending the events.

Janet: There’s a lot of talent in your family! I hope The Keats get a great reception in Edmonton. One last question, just for fun: what’s the most surprising thing you’ve ever done?

Janice: I attended a morning church service with my daughters in Moncton a few years ago. We went early because they had to practise their duet. The choir director came out from her office carrying choir gowns. She gave each of us one. She asked what part I sang, I didn’t know so I secretly asked my daughter and she replied, “alto”.

The director slid me in the line with the rest of the altos and before I knew it I marched out with the choir and took my place. It all happened so fast I didn’t have time to protest. I enjoy singing but I’m not exactly in the public eye. With no practise or preparation I sang along, sometimes mouthing the words. I have never been invited back to sing. Is that a surprise?

Janet: At least they didn’t put you on the spot for a solo! Thanks so much for taking time to let us get to know you a bit, Janice. May the LORD continue to bless you and make you a blessing to others—in every area of your life.

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To learn more or for information on ordering her books, visit Janice Keats’ website. A Journey to the Heart of Evangelism is also available through your local bookstore as well as the usual online ones. Janice’s blog is The Master’s Path, and she also posts monthly at InScribe Writers Online. You can read my review of A Journey to the Heart of Evangelism here.

A Classic Canadian Story

The INSPY Awards: fiction and creative non-fiction

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Do you have a favourite novel or creative non-fiction book published in the United States between July 1st, 2009 and June 30th, 2010? Hardcovers and paperbacks only, no eBooks.

The INSPYs are “the Bloggers’ Award for Excellent Faith-Driven Literature.”

From the INSPY website:

The innovative award is designed to help readers in their search for the preeminent faith-inspired literature of today. The INSPYs were created to select and showcase books with the highest literary standards that grapple with the Christian faith. To find these works, the INSPYs net is cast wide, accepting nominations of books aimed at the Christian bookstore market as well as those from the general market.

Award organizers are seeking book nominations in the following genres: Historical Fiction; Amish Fiction; Thriller, Suspense, Crime Fiction; General and Literary Fiction; Romance and Romantic Suspense; Speculative Fiction; Creative nonfiction; and Young Adult Fiction. The deadline to nominate a book is July 31.

Now I just have to remember which books I’ve read and loved fall into this publishing-date window.

2010 Canadian Christian Writing Awards

Interview with suspense author Lynette Eason

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Lynette Eason’s website offers “Suspense with a twist. Welcome… to the edge of your seat.” With an invitation like that, who wouldn’t want to read more?

Lynette is the author of a string of romantic suspense novels from Steeple Hill, most recently A Silent Terror, A Silent Fury and A Silent Pursuit. Her new novel, Too Close to Home, is releasing April 2010 from Revell. (I posted a review of Too Close to Home recently.)

Janet: Welcome, Lynette, and thanks for taking time to stop by. I’m glad to get to know you a bit. Your name is familiar through American Christian Fiction Writers but before Too Close to Home I’d only read one of your books, Lethal Deception. That’s going to change!

Lynette: Thanks SO much for having me here!

Janet: Your new series is called “Women of Justice.” Samantha from is an FBI agent. Can you tell us what occupations the next women in the series will have?

Lynette: The next woman in the series is Samantha’s sister, Jamie. She’s a Forensic Anthropologist who does contract work for the local police department. Kit Kenyon is a detective with the local police force, but she’s also on the emergency response team as a hostage negotiator.

Janet: I see the second book in the series, Don’t Look Back, is scheduled to release this September. Are you in the middle of revisions for it, or are you already working on the story after that?

Lynette: I am finished with that one as well as the third book that’s yet to be titled. I just received my revisions for the third book and hope to be done with those in a few days.

Janet: Sounds like some celebratory chocolate is in order! With all the novels you’ve written so far, do you have a favourite character or story?

Lynette: I think my favorite is Don’t Look Back. That story was the easiest one to write as far as the words just flowing. Jamie is a great character and the story just surprised me with all of the twists and turns it ended up taking. I hope it does really well and that readers enjoy it.

Janet: Sounds like it’ll be a good read. When the story flows like that, it’s great. Speaking of readers, what has their response been like for your books?

Lynette: I don’t know yet. LOL. My Steeple Hill books have sold great and I get a lot of emails from readers who really like them, but since this is my first Revell book, I can’t answer that question yet.

Janet: I know I enjoyed Too Close to Home! What got you started writing?

Lynette: Loneliness. Ha.

Janet: Your website says you’re a homeschooling mom by day and a writer by night. Have you picked up some time management secrets to share? Or do we simply have to give up sleep?

Lynette: Well, I can see it’s time to change my website. I no longer homeschool. I just found I couldn’t do it all. The kids are back in school and I now work an outside job. But yeah, giving up sleep is basically how it all gets done. I could crawl in bed every night around 7:00 and sleep till 7:00 the next morning, but I can’t do that and do everything else I want to do so I generally go to bed around 11:00 and get up about 6:30.

Janet: If I write in the evening, I can’t turn off my mind to get to sleep. Any advice?

Lynette: I think everyone is different. I don’t have a bit of trouble turning my mind off. I actually get some good ideas while falling asleep. Sometimes I remember them, sometimes not, but I don’t really ever have problems falling asleep.

Janet: Suspense writing requires its own forms of research. What’s the weirdest bit of trivia you’ve picked up along the way?

Lynette: The people who work in morgues like to do that kind of job mostly because the people they work with don’t talk back.

Janet: I hear they develop interesting senses of humour too. Writers and readers who wonder how you come up with your story elements may want to visit the elements page on your website. I won’t repeat those questions here, but I wonder… what do you like best about the writing life?

Lynette: The words, “The End” LOL. Seriously, I love the creative process. I love it when I get a new idea and the brainstorming starts. I think I’m the rare person that likes to write proposals almost more than the book itself. 🙂

Janet: Liking to write proposals is rare indeed…. What do you like least?

Lynette: Revisions, I suppose, although I don’t really mind them too much.

Janet: What does your family think of your writing?

Lynette: They’re very supportive and proud of me. I have to credit a lot of my success to my family. If not for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Janet: Writers read, but we like music too. What are you listening to these days?

Lynette: LOL! That’s an easy one. My husband and his band, JupiterWind just had a new CD release this month! I’ve been listening to a song on there that keeps playing over and over in my head. It’s called, “Who would ever let a love like this go?” It reminds me of an old 80’s tune by Air Supply or something. I love it.

Janet: That is so cool. Plenty of creativity in your household, then! Readers can learn more about JupiterWind at the band’s website and check out their video, “He’s Alive,” at the 33 Hope Community website. I really like their sound!

Thanks so much for taking time to let us get to know you a bit, Lynette. May the Lord continue to bless you and make you a blessing to others—in every area of your life.

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Too Close to Home, by Lynette Eason (Revell, April 2010)

“Samantha Cash is the FBI’s secret weapon. Her methods are invisible, and she never stops til the case is closed. When missing teens begin turning up dead in a small Southern town, Samantha is assigned to help local Detective Connor Wolfe find the killer. And he has two problems with that. There’s her faith-in God and herself. And then there’s the fact that she looks exactly like his late wife. As they get close to an answer, the case becomes personal. The killer seems to be taking an interest in Connor’s sixteen-year-old daughter, who thinks her dad is getting way too protective. Can’t a girl just have some fun?”

Too Close to Home is available through your local bookstore, or online at chapters.indigo, amazon.ca, amazon.com and ChristianBook.com.

Learn more about Lynette Eason at her website and her blog, Suspense with a Twist. Lynette also blogs at Craftie Ladies of Suspense, and you can find her on Facebook.

Caught Dead: A Dean Constable Mystery, by Jayne Self

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Dean Constable is a Presbyterian minister and a former cop. He lives alone with his dog, Hamlet, but as the story opens he has a house guest: his father, who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

It’s midnight, there’s a freezing rain storm outside, and his father says there’s a car in the cemetery next door.

Caught Dead, by Canadian author Jayne Self, is a cozy mystery and a two-time finalist in the Best New Canadian Christian Author contest. You can read chapter one online at the Presbyterian Record site. The novel will run as an online serial. [Edit: perhaps the easiest way to keep up with these weekly installments is to start at the Caught Dead page, where you can find each chapter’s listing. Note that the newest one will always be at the top.]

Jayne and I have been classmates at numerous Write! Canada sessions, and I admire her work. If you like mysteries, I hope you’ll check this one out. I think we’re in for a good read.

Janet Sketchley

Writing Christian Mysteries & Suspense

Category Archives: Writers and Books

Our Changing Language

Friday Friends: Elaine Ingalls Hogg

Friday Friends: Cynthia d’Entremont

Friday Findings 3: Chosen for 2010 One Book/One Conference

Friday Friends: Janice Keats

A Classic Canadian Story

The INSPY Awards: fiction and creative non-fiction

2010 Canadian Christian Writing Awards

Interview with suspense author Lynette Eason

Caught Dead: A Dean Constable Mystery, by Jayne Self