Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Why do you write?

My motivation to write is simple---it's something I've dreamed about for many years. It's a desire of my heart. When I get discouraged (and don't we all), I try to remember what first got me started. I believe God puts good desires in our hearts for a reason. Often we might not know how they will come about, or even why they are there, but they are there for a purpose.

I was just thinking about this the other day, actually. I questioned why I'm fascinated with the American West---especially cattle ranching. It's not like I've ever had anything to do with it (though I did take riding lessons as a kid). I asked myself, "Why in the world would I want to write about this?" The answer came back softly: I could have this desire to reach one person. What if all I ever wrote was to bring one person to Christ? What if my desires are there for the purpose of reaching someone who can only be reached reading about a rancher?

It's something to consider about all of our writing desires. Could I offer a word of encouragement? Don't discount your heart's desires just because the market doesn't seem to have a place for it. Yes, research markets. Yes, know your audience. But there are also times when we have to completely discount what everyone else says and listen to our hearts. God might be speaking to you.

What motivates you to write? Feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

Monday, October 02, 2006

FIRST Day, October 1st - Dark Hour by Ginger Garrett


It is October 1st, time for the FIRST Day Blog Tour! (Join our alliance. Click the button.) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and their latest book's FIRST chapter.

This month's feature author is:

GINGER GARRETT


Ginger Garrett is an acclaimed novelist and expert in ancient women's history.

Her first novel, Chosen, was recognized as one of the best five novels of the year by the Christian publishing industry. Ginger enjoys a diverse reader base and creates conversation between cultures.

In addition to her 2006 and 2007 novels about the most evil women in biblical history, she will release Beauty Secrets of the Bible (published by Thomas Nelson) in Summer 2007.

Ginger Garrett's Dark Hour delves into the biblical account of Jezebel's daughter and her attempt to end the line of David.

For space issues, you can now read the first chapter of Dark Hour in the TitleTrakk.com Reading Room. Click here.