Hi! Lindi here.
Sometimes, we have to go back to the beginning. I believe writing is a passion. At least it is for me. There are many writers, readers, conferences, teachers, books and critiques that made me the writer I am today.
I came across this picture on FB.
From left to right, Missy Tippens, Christy Lashea, Angela Breidenbach, me, Mindy Obenhaus, and Jennifer Hudson Taylor. We were on a blog together called the F.A.I.T.H. Girls. We were all unpublished, I think, when we started the blog. We met at conferences, writing groups and bonded. We had a great time while we had the blog. As of today, all of us are published authors. We all write contemporary romance, except Jennifer who writers Historical romances.
All these ladies are so talented. It made me realize how thankful I am for the people who’ve influenced me on this journey of writing. These ladies, along with many others, were there at the start.
At the beginning.
I started writing in 1998. Yikes! That’s twenty years ago. I’ve learned so much, and have many God stories of His faithfulness to me while I navigated this wonderful, yet crazy world. I met with a group of 4 ladies weekly critiquing chapters, having my chapters critiqued. All of us on the same journey, some of us even targeting the same editors, yet trying to build each other up and make us the best writers we could be.
Here’s 3 of the 4. Missy Tippens, me, and Maureen Hardegree. (Margaret Moseley isn’t pictured) I learned so much about writing, life, and friendship from these ladies as well.
My reason for going down memory lane this month is two-fold. One, it’s November, kind of the month know for being a thankful month. And I am thankful for all the love and support I’ve had over the years while writing novels and novellas. It’s a good time to reflect, and remember.
Second–writing is hard.
Even when you have characters, and ideas, and conflict, it still takes execution to put it all on paper and have it turn out right. When writing a story you want to change people’s lives. We want to make an impact, whether it’s to take the reader’s mind off real life for a while, tug at their emotions, all while showing God’s glory through our stories. Sometimes, and now is one of them for me, I have to take a breath and think about the beginning. The beginning of this journey for me. Why did I start writing?
The love of the story. I didn’t start out writing Inspirational fiction. But when Jesus found me, I couldn’t help but tell of the real love found in God. I write from the perspective of “If we know we’re loved well, we’ll love well.” It’ been my mantra for almost twenty years.
Thank you to all the readers who’ve said kind words about my books. Readers are what make this author’s world go round. :) I love being a writer, but I so love being a reader as well. So, what about you? Do you remember what made you want to be a reader? I know we’ve talked about favorite books before and favorite authors, so today, let’s talk about why we like to read? Escape? Certain story lines? Or maybe an unexpected book that hooked you in?
Leave a comment to be in the drawing for an e copy of the book that I read, that made me change my genre of writing which led to my first novel being published. One of my all time favorite reads, What a Girl Wants.
USA Today featured author Lindi Peterson lives in north Georgia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with her husband and a lively array of cats, dogs and birds. She loves sharing life with her family and friends. Her passion for reading led her to writing, and then God spoke words of love into her heart and changed her life forever.
Hi Lindi, thanks for sharing your memories and your journey. It is so important to take time out to reflect and be thankful and see how God has led us on our life path.
Blessings:)
What a lovely trip down memory lane, thank you for sharing!❤️
Yes, it is good to reflect. Also, gratitude will keep the mind in a good way. :)
Paula–Thank you! I love this community of readers and writers. What great commonality we have and there is always topics of discussion. Readers can never be bored in a room together, right?
Hi Lindi. I’ve always loved reading, I like experiencing different times and life stories through books. Stories can grow us so much if we let them.
Megan—so agree! I love history and reading historical stories.
Megan—so agree! I love history and reading historical stories.
Lindi, thanks for sharing your memories. They make me think of my own writing journey. I loved reading romances because I could always count on a happy ending. I also didn’t start writing Christian fiction because there wasn’t much of that around when I first began writing romances. When Harlequin started their line of Christian romances, I knew that’s where I wanted my stories to find a home, and I’m grateful for my career as a published author with them. Now I’m enjoying a journey of indie publishing.
I’ve always read voraciously, even when I had to walk two miles to get to a book mobile once a month. I read to relax, learn, and be inspired. I’m extremely grateful for authors writing for the Lord! Thank you for sharing your gift with us. Lord continue to bless you and your writing.
Merrillee—Oh, happy endings are my kind of read as well. :) Love Inspired is a great line.
Thank you, Diana. I know I used to wait for the flyer from Scholastic for the books. I loved choosing them, and when they arrived at the school, and we went to pick them up, was my favorite day!
For me, I was read to before I can remember and asked my mom to teach me to read before I even started kindergarten. I loved using my imagination, being able to experience new places and have risky adventures without ever having to leave my home. Then reading became a way to escape the hurt of being bullied and the mundane fair of everyday life in a small town. Then it became an inspiration to my budding writing dreams.
Lila–What a courageous story! Thank you for sharing. I moved around a lot when I was young–went to so many different schools. I loved reading to escape the world, too.
So glad you’re using your experience to write–and inspire others. :)
I’ve been reading since I was about 4. I got my first library card between 4 and 5. I didn’t want my own card, at first, because the sign said you could only check out 2 books. I already had more than that to check out! The librarian told me I could still check out all of the books I had, that the limit was for people they didn’t know, and they knew me. So, I got my own card!! I just love to read, and don’t have a favorite genre, really, as I read just about any and all, as long as Christian, or some sweet/clean.
I always joke and say I had my love for reading while in my mother’s womb…lol! Seriously, I can really remember a time when I DIDN’T love to read.
The WHY I like to read is a longer answer :-) Mainly because it’s an escape from the real world for a while. I always have a book with me no matter where I go, whether it be in real book form or on my Kindle or phone (reading a quick page or two in the car). Any time I have a free minute or two, you’ll find my nose in the pages. Really, it’s my only hobby at the moment so having a book in hand is comforting. I can also use it to escape the rare social occasions I attend with my husband. Isn’t that a terrible thing to say? My phone is perfect to read on in that situation, lol! I also love Christian fiction for the fact that I will find God in the middle of the story and characters who rely on Him…even if they are struggling. I love the reminders of how He’s worked in my own life or shown me His love in some way or another. Authors who let the light of Christ shine are among my favorite :-) And lastly, I like it for the entertainment factor. I love laughing, crying, rooting for characters, seeing the antics of kids or pets, or just imagining a good “movie” playing in my head.
My favorite genre is historical followed by suspense….but the last year I’ve found quite a few contemporary I’ve enjoyed. And since I’m a hopeless romantic, I love romance God’s way…so my stories must contain love & end with the happily-ever-after!
Thanks for all the fun book talk! It’s one of my favorite subjects :-)