One of my big “whys” for writing is to impact readers’ lives. When I tried to put this into words, I decided I couldn’t express my thoughts more eloquently than fellow InspyRomance author Valerie M. Bodden has, so here is a direct quote (used with permission):
There are a lot of things I love about being an author—but one of the most gratifying is knowing my books are touching people’s lives. Every time I get an email from someone who says one of my books reminded them of a truth from Scripture they needed to hear or read a review that says my book was just what they needed to read, I get that feeling of, wow—who am I that God would choose to entrust me with this privilege of sharing his love in this way?
I began reading “Christian” or inspirational fiction in the mid-1980s. Many books gave me inspiration when a character exercised her faith muscles in a particular way, or a verse of Scripture was applied to a situation. In one of the darkest periods of my life, a book about a mail-order bride (again, the title escapes me) gave me hope and strength that I remember to this day.
My favorite book of all time (besides the Bible) is one that I cannot remember the title. It was a contemporary Christian romance I read more than thirty years ago. The author was one of my favorites, Lauraine Snelling, and the main character underwent an elective surgical procedure that I had never heard of, and it completely changed her life.
I had the courage to approach my doctor, discuss and research the procedure, and made the choice to have it done a few months later. The results were completely successful and still impact me daily. I cannot wait to meet Lauraine in heaven, hug her fiercely, and tell her how powerfully the story God put in her heart blessed me.
I would not be where I am today—in so many ways—without that fictional story.
Now, as a writer, I pray my words will be as seeds planted in a reader’s heart, that the Holy Spirit will nourish them with life-giving water, and that God will bring the harvest—a life changed, or a step in the Heavenward journey made smooth.
Is there a fictional CCR book that has impacted your walk with Christ? I’d love to hear about it—even if you can’t remember the title!
Erin has been writing faith-based romance novels for almost a decade. She is published in multiple formats and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), where she has served as a judge, category coordinator, and was a 2021 Carol Award finalist. Grounding her novels in reality, Erin crafts characters who encounter events and hardships familiar to everyone. Her inspirational writing will take the reader down paths of both joy and pain, but always highlighting God’s faithfulness.
I do have a favourite author who constantly challenges me in my Christian walk… Every book Jessie Gussman writes deals with an aspect of practical day to day Christian living, putting others first, living with integrity…. I never realised how selfishly I lived until I started reading her books.
As an obsessive writer, I loved the epistolary genre of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. “How many of us begin a new record with each day of our lives?” Journaling “is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time…As I must do something or go mad, I write this diary…All, big and little, must go down. Perhaps at the end the little things may teach us most…it is in trouble and trial that our faith is tested. That we must keep on trusting, and that God will lead us up to the end…For life be, after all, only a waitin’ for somethin’ else than what we’re doin,’ and death be all that we can rightly depend on…For each sunrise and sunset opens up some new danger–some new pain, which however, may in God’s will be means to a good end.” Now I’m ready for a Christmas themed epistolary, and I can’t think of a more perfect choice that We Three Kings!
I keep hearing good things about Jessie’s books. I will need to check them out! Thanks for commenting.
There hasn’t been a contemporary one that’s resonated for me, though there are many of them that I love!! One that really resonated with me was a historical by Heather Blanton, the first one in her Burning Dress series, A Distant Heart. My situation was not the same as hers; however, there are similarities, and what resonated with me was that just because she (and I) could not have children, didn’t mean we weren’t worthy of love.
These are eloquent words, Jennifer. I love that we can begin each day with a clean slate. His mercies are new every morning.
What true words, Trudy. I’m glad you drew strength from that character. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for sharing today. I have had a few books that have impacted my life . Two that I remember are: Redeeming Love and The Last Sin Eater both by Francine Rivers. Many others have left their marks on my life is smaller ways.
Francine Rivers’ books have left an impression on many, Lori. Thank you for commenting!
Valerie Bodden. I love her weekly newsletter. She shares her heart. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
I enjoy Valerie’s newsletter as well, Debra. Thanks for stopping by.
“Lies We Tell Ourselves” by Amy Matayo, I read it at a time when I was beginning to feel a strong attraction for a boy who did not suit me spiritually or emotionally. This book told me something contrary to what the world says: “if you feel it, there is no escape.” It told me “even if you feel it.” “That’s so intense, it will happen if you make the right decision, this is more important than what you feel. You are free to choose what is right for you and God will do the rest.”
“Authentically Izzy” and “Positively Penelope” assure me that God can have great things in store for you if you follow Him and don’t settle for “good enough…just settle.”
“The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma” by Patricia Johns, It changed my perception of boys who have few words or who cannot express themselves so well until then, one of my unavoidable requirements was that I could make witty jokes with my future husband by talking, but I realized that sometimes a good heart is more important, and the sense of humor and conversation will come It made me realize that I should also consider the quiet boys too.
You’ve given some lovely examples, Lilly. I’m glad these CCR books were a blessing to you.