Since writing two books, Love Never Fails and Relentless Faith, the most common question I get is, “What’s your book about?” If you’ve asked me this question you can confirm that I usually tense up, stumble on some of my words as I try to figure out how best to explain what my book is about.
See the moment I mention anything about romance, I usually get some eyes rolling because of course, if you know me, I’m a hopeless romantic who loves Hallmark movies. And there are those who simply don’t like that genre…and I’m here to tell you…that’s OK!
So I tried going a different route because I don’t just write romance. I explain that it’s a Christian book based on….and I don’t even have to continue as I know I’ve lost interest from many people. I don’t know why the second you mention “Christianity” people tense up…kind of like I do when I’m asked the question, “What is your book about?” People have responded things like, “Oh, it’s that kind of book,” or, “Oh, it’s a religious book.” I’m not quite sure what that means but it doesn’t matter. The truth is, I don’t write my novels to please people which might sound strange to most because after all, the whole point of being an author is selling books, and people only buy books they like. But I write to please God. God has given me this passion and so before pleasing anyone, I want to make sure God would be proud. So yes, there will be mention of God in my novels. There will be some scripture verses and someone’s faith is bound to be tested. I can’t and won’t apologize for that.
I’ve also tried going down the route by explaining that it’s a book about friendship and I can already hear people snoozing. I guess that’s not very interesting?
In my trial and error, I’ve finally figured out how to respond to the questions! My novels are about life! There is some drama. There is some romance. There are some challenges and sometimes hurting. There are moments of misunderstandings and overreactions. There are some sad moments too. But aren’t all of these things part of life? I may write fiction, but I write about people. I write about things I feel people can relate to in hopes that they will be encouraged to know that God is ever present. He is always there. He is supernatural and loving and caring. My greatest desire is to encourage people to know who God is and know who they are in Christ. A big task for a fiction book, I know, but in the midst of reading about life, I pray God reveals Himself in a personal way, whether it’s as Healer, as Forgiver, as the God of second chances. God is so much bigger than my novels, but I pray He uses my novels to do something amazing for His glory.
Writing is one of my many passions and I’ll keep writing as long as He gives me stories to tell. What’s your passion? What is that thing God has placed on your heart and given you a gifting in? Don’t ever give up because of discouragement or because the path got a little more winding. Keep trusting God. He will take you to places you have never been before. Don’t fear the unknown. Be confident in who you are and all that God has called you to. I’m learning to be more confident because I know it’s who God wants me to be. It doesn’t matter what people might think or even what people might say. All that matters is that you know you are walking with the Lord and as you obey His call, He will never leave you nor forsake you.
XOXO
Leanna