Monday, June 19, 2017

Embrace The Journey by Marianne Evans


Marianne Evans
In this latest season of my writing life, I’m forcing myself to embrace the truth that not all writing is linear. Sometimes the process of crafting a book isn’t A-B-C-D. Sometimes it’s more like B-D-A-C. Sometimes stories piece themselves into existence like a jigsaw puzzle of sorts, scenes connecting and blending into a smooth and ultimately beautiful whole, but not in any kind of neat and immediate sequence.

It used to be that when I sat down to write, I’d pick up where I left off, re-read to add polish, layers and any needed corrections. From there, I’d continue to create a story in a very straightforward manner. Now, my writing time is more scatter-shot, and I find I can’t force myself to sit and write what simply isn’t “there” for me yet. It took a lot of writer’s block and coaching to get me to realize my writing has had to shift and evolve—yet remain continuous of flow and most of all true to its story/character arc--due to restricted time at the computer.

What have I learned? How can I encourage you if you face the same issue?
Write the scene you’re called to write. Craft the book you’re called to write. Let passion and your writerly joy of creating drive the process of bringing your characters to life. Breathe to life those three key elements by infusing your book with heart, because what you're called to write comes straight fro)m there. For me, whatever scene (or project) I'm called to create, whether it comes to me in any kind of logical sequence or not, is a nudge from God that moves me forward.

As I type this blog post, I’m in a plane, on my way to Italy (future blog posts on this journey, I’m certain!) with my precious sister Mary. She’s in the process of crafting the book of her heart, about the man of her heart, and it motivates me even further to hold on to the passion and the joy writing has always given me. Don’t be afraid to move from D to A to B…the roads we all walk are never straight and tidy, are they? They’re full of ups and downs and thrilling dips--twists and turns as powerful as any rollercoaster ride.

Embrace the journey. That’s been a mantra of mine since I began writing. It’s great, at times like this, to gain an ordained reminder of why that phrase means so much to me. The journey is the goal…not just the destination. Hope that encourages you!
Until next time, friends.

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Nobody's Baby  But Mine
Noah Talbert just lost his twin sister—his closest living relative—to a horrific automobile accident. Her death brings him straight to Angel Falls where he claims guardianship of his five-year-old nephew, Dylan.

Elementary school counselor Charlotte Latherson is focused on Dylan's case for reasons both personal and professional. His mother was Charlotte's best friend, and the loss has transformed the once joyful and engaging little boy into a reticent, downtrodden kindergartner.

Charlotte is well aware of Noah's history. Other than a close relationship with his sister, Noah's life has been solitary; he keeps to himself and builds strong walls of protection around a heart. Can he provide what's best for Dylan?

At times they butt heads over the youngster's life, but as they struggle, God opens a loving pathway in their hearts. While Noah fights for a child he feels is nobody's baby but his, Charlotte wonders if the feelings they share can't create the bridge to a miracle.


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Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.” Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.