Are You Fervent About Your Writing? by JoAnn Durgin

Are you fervent about your writing?

In my ladies’ Bible study, we’re currently working through the book, Fervent, written by Priscilla Shirer. “Fervent” is an intriguing word, isn’t it? It’s not a word we’re used to hearing in everyday conversation. Most of the ladies in our group hadn’t heard of the word at all. Here’s the basic definition of fervent: “having or displaying a passionate intensity about something.”

Finding Inspiration by JoAnn Durgin

Mark Twain Riverboat

Finding Inspiration 

Some of the world’s most notable authors have found inspiration for their literary success in interesting (and sometimes peculiar) ways. Here are a few examples. 

Who Am I? by JoAnn Durgin

Who Am I? 

Our family—my husband, our three children, and our five-year-old granddaughter—all flew to the Phoenix, Arizona, area for a family wedding earlier this month. After a weekend of reunions and celebrations, we then drove to Sedona and Flagstaff. What a thrill to view the fascinating red rocks of Sedona and the mighty Grand Canyon with our loved ones!

As we stood at the base of a hill in Sedona—the Chapel of the Holy Cross above us—and then as we overlooked the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, I was filled with a sense of wonder and extreme gratefulness. The incomparable glory of the Lord’s creation was in full display in those places. Words like “majestic” and “awe-inspiring” come to mind. In the face of such grandeur, it’s tempting as an author to ponder, “Who am I?” How can I, through my words, help others “see” the magnificence of almighty God?

There's No Place Like Home by JoAnn Durgin

There’s No Place Like Home

Who can forget the classic scene in The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy clicks the heels of her ruby red shoes and says, “There’s no place like home”? Although Dorothy’s incantation was popularized by the 1939 film, the sentiment originated in the song, “Home, Sweet Home” (1823) in the opera Clari and introduced at London’s Covent Garden. Performed at the end of the first act, the text of the song goes like this:

“Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.”

While the lyrics allegedly alluded to the lyricist’s homesickness, the song became an instant hit, and its popularity quickly spread throughout the English-speaking world.

Have you ever been homesick? At age twelve, I went to summer camp for the first time and was desperately homesick. In my defense, the campground was rustic and bare-bones (the name Gnawbone should give you a clue what it was like). During my first semester in college, my mom said if she’d given me a dime (the price of a phone call in those days), I’d have begged her to come “rescue” me and take me home.

In my sophomore year, I spent a semester abroad. When I turned on the news on the first Saturday in May, I burst into tears when I heard the first few notes played by a trumpeter. You see, I’d forgotten it was the day for the Kentucky Derby. Although I’ve never attended, the event takes place close to my hometown in southern Indiana. Our family moved back to the area in 2005 after living in a number of states coast-to-coast. However, I will probably always grow teary-eyed when I’m traveling by air, and the pilot announces the plane’s approach into Louisville. The region known as “Kentuckiana” has always been “home” in my heart, although it admittedly took me a few years to reach that conclusion.

Do your favorite authors give you a sense of “home” in their writing? I’m not talking about sappy and sentimental writing, although you might feel a strong tug on your emotions. Neither am I necessarily talking about making you feel immediately “comfortable” with the characters and setting (although that can be part of it). It’s possible to write any genre in an exciting, involving way that makes readers feel like they’re “home.” I’d challenge you to study the author’s style and examine how he/she combines the pivotal and necessary elements of writing—a unique writing voice, well-developed characters, a vivid setting you can feel and see (using all the senses), a great plot, and steady pacing. But there’s more.

Our favorite novels appeal to our sense of belonging. When we identify with and relate to someone or something in the novel, it draws upon our memories, sensibilities, and reaffirms our humanity and place in the world. Ideally, Christian novels glorify God and offer hope to the reader. The characters and their story touch something deep inside us that reassures us we’re not alone. And reminds us that we’re saved by grace and redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb.

It’s a high honor and privilege to write books which reflect His love for us. Let’s do our best before He calls us to our heavenly, eternal home.

Until His Nets Are Full,

 ~JoAnn 

Matthew 5:16

Do your favorite authors give you a sense of "home" in their writing? #seriouslywrite #tipsforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Our favorite novels appeal to our sense of belonging. #seriouslywrite #tipsforwriters via @Gr8tReads

When we identify with and relate to someone or something in the novel, it draws upon our memories, our sensibilities, and reaffirms our humanity and place in the world. #seriouslywrite #tipsforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Only a Breath Away

As the daughter of a lighting technician and a costumer, Madalina (“Madi”) Pavel grew up in the shadows of the famed Metropolitan Opera House in New York. Now 26, Madalina is the coloratura soprano understudy for the Met Opera who seeks the breakout role of a lifetime.

Julian Rhodes is the owner/manager of Harmonia, a popular Manhattan breakfast bistro frequented by the Met staff and performers. He devotes all his energies into making his restaurant a success, but when he meets the beautiful coloratura soprano, Julian begins to rethink his priorities.

Can a romantic relationship survive between a workaholic business owner and a promising opera singer? When Madalina is offered a fabulous career opportunity, their love is put to the test. Come backstage for a firsthand look into the fascinating world of the opera where stories are beautifully and passionately told through drama and song. 

Julianna Desmond is the pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author JoAnn Durgin. Her books in release include the following three novels (with more to come!)—Only A Heartbeat Away, Only A Breath Away, and Only A Whisper Away. Each standalone story features a heroine with an unusual occupation and the faithful hero who can’t help but fall in love with her. Overflowing with faith, humor, and romance, the novels are a lively escape for those seeking an uplifting and lively read!

A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana.

Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.

Formula and Familiarity vs. the Brilliance of Something New by JoAnn Durgin

Formula and Familiarity 

vs. the Brilliance of Something New 

Allen Arnold is a well-respected speaker and the author of The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, and Create, a brilliant blend of storytelling and teaching. Allen spent more than twenty years in the publishing industry, so he knows his stuff about writing, promoting, and selling books. It was a privilege to hear Allen speak and teach at a writers’ conference in southern California a few years ago. I follow him on Twitter, and this recent observation caught my attention:

Adverbs - Friend or Foe? by JoAnn Durgin

Adverbs - Friend or Foe? 

Warning: This post contains adverbs!

When I attended my first ACFW writing conference nearly a decade ago, I was surprised by the writing “rules” for authors. One of the key rules? No adverbs! We were advised that if we positively must have them, then we should use them sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. Granted, I could eliminate the adverbs in that last sentence and its meaning would be clear, but I like adverbs. I mean, I really like them! Perhaps because of that “rule,” and because my early draft manuscripts were peppered with adverbs, I’ve always held an affinity for them.

Packing Our Story “Suitcase” by JoAnn Durgin

Packing Our Story “Suitcase”

Whether happy, sad, or anything in-between, real life-based stories make good fiction. One of the funniest things that ever happened in my life wasn’t the bit least amusing at the time and hasn’t made it into one of my books—yet.

Finding Our Funny Bone by JoAnn Durgin

Finding Our Funny Bone

I’ve often heard that humor is one of the most difficult types of writing to conquer, but that hasn’t stopped me—and it shouldn’t stop you (if you’re so inclined)! My philosophy is that we need humor in our lives. Life is tough enough. Whether it’s subtle (eliciting a smile or a low chuckle) or overt (prompting robust laughter), even the slightest touch of humor can be cathartic for both the author and the reader. Sure, we need pathos and drama in our writing to create conflict and reflect real life, but humor can likewise reach hearts and impact lives—yes, for Christ! I’m convinced our Lord has a wonderful sense of humor.

The funny bits I insert into my fiction tend to be more of the “everyday” variety, derived from situations familiar to everyone. Remember the TV sitcom, Seinfeld? The show became wildly popular and won multiple awards for being “a show about nothing.” Every episode focused on the humor to be found in the daily lives of the characters. In the process, the show created a sense of fellowship, happiness, and well-being.

If you’ve never attempted to write humor, where do you begin? Well, let’s start with the basics.

What is humor? By definition, humor is “that quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous” or “a funny or amusing quality.”

What is the value of humor in our writing? Any genre can benefit from humor. Adding humor to your work can stretch you as an author in the following ways:

*Forces you to step outside your comfort zone.
*Helps to avoid monotony in your writing.
*Helps you to develop pacing, word choice, characters.
*Ramps up the tension in the novel or provides needed relief.
*Lightens/balances the mood when underlying themes are serious.
*Transforms the way a reader views your novel.

How can humor be incorporated into your manuscript? Humorous dialogue, funny plot lines, literary devices, wordplay, and silly scenarios can all add creativity and interest. These can all be accomplished through the use of:

Satire: The purposeful use of mockery that exposes individuals or society to their foolishness, corruption, or inappropriate behavior. This is often done in a lighthearted manner so as not to offend readers. Satire can magnify or distort behavior so that it seems outlandish.

Irony: The use of words to express the opposite of their literal meaning (can be associated with both tragedy and humor).

Similes/Metaphors: Crazy/absurd comparisons that support important messages and themes. You can parallel two objects, ideas, or characters in unusual and amusing ways that appeal to the reader’s emotions.

Unexpected Twists: Humorous/ridiculous and unexpected plot twists provide mystery and suspense while retaining an overall lighthearted tone/mood. They give readers an opportunity to laugh at circumstances and situations that might otherwise seem sad or overwhelming.


Here are some nuggets of wisdom for writing humor I’ve picked up along my writing journey:

Know your genre. Study the conventions, clichés, and tropes. Then turn at least one of them on its head in a humorous way. But it still has to feel real. Think through the details of the world you’ve created and how your characters relate to each other. That’s where you’ll find the humor.

Surprise your readers. Throw in something completely unexpected—it can be an action, a sentence, a scene/chapter ending, or even a single word or phrase.

Make your humor meaningful. Suggest a deeper meaning to make your work entertaining but also relevant and valuable.

Write to make yourself laugh. Comedy is subjective. There’s no formula or surefire way to predict what readers will find funny. Hint: if you write something and laugh every time you read it, then readers probably will, too. But you still might want to test it out on a few beta readers!

If you don’t normally inject humor into your writing, why not give it a try? You might discover a hidden talent!

Until His Nets Are Full,
JoAnn

Adding humor to your work can stretch you as an author. #seriouslywrite #tipsforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Author JoAnn Durgin shares tips on how to incorporate humor into your manuscript. #seriouslywrite #tipsforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Only a Heartbeat Away

Only a Heartbeat Away

Before the release of Georgia Adler’s debut novel, a top literary critic reviews it as a “contemporary masterpiece of epic proportions.” When her agent sends out a press kit, magazine editors and talk show promoters across the country clamor for her attention. Why did things have to get so complicated?

Grayson Chambers walks into a tempest when he visits his friend Nick in Manhattan. He’d only planned on lunch, but a new female novelist who’s taking the literary world by storm is being interviewed, and Nick’s in desperate need of an immediate replacement for the ailing male model. Swallowing his misgivings, he agrees to work with a demanding, beautiful diva for a few hours since it’ll give him the opportunity to publicize his foundation.

After Georgia meets Grayson, she begins to question the very crux of her novel, and Grayson wonders if the basis for his foundation is misguided. Is this a “chance” meeting between them or a way for God to reveal His plans for their lives?

JoAnn Durgin (Julianna Desmond)

Only A Heartbeat Away was the first release from author Julianna Desmond, the pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author JoAnn Durgin. Since then, other releases have included Only A Breath Away and Only A Whisper Away. Stay tuned for more! Each standalone story features a heroine with an unusual or interesting occupation and a faithful hero who can’t help falling in love with her. Overflowing with faith, humor, hope, and romance, these novels are a lively escape for those seeking an uplifting and lively read!

JoAnn Durgin is the author of more than thirty novels, including the Lewis Legacy Series, Prelude, the Starlight Christmas Series, Catching Serenity, Hearts Design, Gentle Like the Rain, Whisper to My Heart, the Serendipity Christmas Series, the Treasured Vow Series, the Wondrous Love Series, If You Believe, Echoes of Edinburgh, Portrait, and The Valentine Verse. Her most recent release is Love on Assignment in Millcreek, Book 1 of The Millcreek Christmas Series.

A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana.

Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.

Encouragement in the Midst of Disappointment by JoAnn Durgin

Encouragement in the Midst of Disappointment 

In the midst of these uncertain times in dealing with the unknowns of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s quite easy to grow discouraged. This isn’t like the Nor’easter snowstorms in Boston when our family was forced to stay inside. They only lasted a day or two. This is more like when school was canceled the entire month of January when I was a senior in high school due to ice-covered roads. At least we can get out and about—for now. However, if even one of us contracts the virus, that can all change in a heartbeat.

As we’re all aware, when events we’ve anticipated for weeks or months (even years!) are canceled, it’s a huge disappointment. Sports matches and tournaments at all levels are being postponed indefinitely or canceled. Most schools across the nation are going online with students studying at home. Personally, we’re rescheduling our son’s graduation trip to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia (I’m praying there’ll be a graduation ceremony!). My husband and I have tickets to the Downton Abbey exhibition at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, next week, but I fully expect to hear it’s been closed. Two concerts I expected to attend later this month have been rescheduled. I’m sure you have a rapidly growing list of your own…

Something important to keep in mind: you are not alone. We’re all facing this crisis together, and I mean all of us—every single person in the world. No one is immune. When you think about it, that’s quite astounding, isn’t it? The expression, “This, too, shall pass” immediately comes to mind. I pray by this time next year, an effective vaccine for COVID-19 will have been widely distributed and this worldwide pandemic will be a memory.

As authors, none of us are immune to occasional setbacks and disappointments in our writing career—rejection letters, weak sales, a negative or unfair review, failure to place or final for an award. You could be suffering from lethargy—emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually. You might lack inspiration. Perhaps a manuscript isn’t coming together the way you’d hoped.

We can’t avoid discouragement, but we can handle disappointments more effectively if we maintain a positive mindset. I realize that can be a difficult proposition, even for believers. A No could actually be God telling us It’s not the right time. Or Try again later. Although our plans may be canceled, postponed, or disrupted, that doesn’t mean God’s not in control. The Almighty is always on His throne. As Matthew West sings, “He’s the God who stays.” Amen! We have no reason to fear and no reason to panic because we have His promises and assurances. And when we can switch the focus from our earthly desires and disappointments to accepting the will of God, then we can experience His glorious peace, a peace like none other.

One verse I’m reminded of frequently is John 16:33, especially appropriate now: “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The best way to overcome discouragement? Pray and then surrender your burdens at His feet.

In closing, what we might interpret as a disappointment may actually be a blessing in the long-term. When I was laid off from a job in late 2009, I used the time off to submit my debut novel to publishers, which led to its publication a year later. If you find yourself at home during these uncertain times, try and use your time productively—reconnect with your family, be more faithful in devotions and Bible reading, exercise more, catch up on your rest, try a new recipe, and indulge in those things you never seemed to find the time to do before. And as writers, I’d suggest spending more time writing. And I’m going to pray the Lord will use our current circumstances to draw more souls to Him. Won’t you join me in that prayer?

Until His Nets Are Full,
JoAnn

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. ~Romans 8:28

Facing Disappointment with a Godly Perspective #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Disappointments can be a blessing long-term! #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

We have no reason to fear or panic because we have HIS promises and assurances! #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Catching Serenity

Catching Serenity

A woman torn apart by secrets. A man held prisoner by the truth. Can the greatest love of all set them both free?

Serenity McClaren had it all before her life crumbled around her like the sandcastles on her beloved beach, causing her to flee Croisette Shores and the only home she’d ever known. Nearly five years later and living in Atlanta, she receives a mysterious, unsigned note: “Come home, Serenity. Things aren’t as they seem. Time to find your answers.” Returning to South Carolina, she prepares to face her demons and the ailing father she left behind, hoping to make peace with both.

Child psychologist Jackson Ross is a man with a surprising past. He’s ready for the quiet life and eager to establish his practice in the quaint, coastal village. After he hires Serenity to decorate his new office, he’s drawn to the beautiful and enigmatic woman yet sees she’s haunted by a past she can’t escape. Wanting to help her, he begins to suspect one of his young patients may hold the key to unlocking Serenity’s secrets. Jackson follows his instincts and discovers the shocking truth, but how can he tell the woman he’s grown to love what he knows—and set her free—without compromising his professional ethics and losing her forever?

Catching Serenity, a poignant story of faith, hope and love, and discovering the everyday miracles from an all-powerful God.

JoAnn Durgin

USA Today Bestselling Author JoAnn Durgin is the author of more than thirty novels, including the Lewis Legacy Series, Prelude, the Starlight Christmas Series, Catching Serenity, Hearts Design, Gentle Like the Rain, Whisper to My Heart, the Serendipity Christmas Series, the Treasured Vow Series, the Wondrous Love Series, If You Believe, Echoes of Edinburgh, Portrait, and The Valentine Verse. Her most recent release is Love on Assignment in Millcreek, Book 1 of The Millcreek Christmas Series. She’s also written three novels under the pen name of Julianna Desmond, her latest being Only A Whisper Away.

A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana.

Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.

The “Good Stuff” by JoAnn Durgin

The “Good Stuff”

The family gathered on a recent Sunday afternoon for a very special celebration—our granddaughter Amelia’s fifth birthday party. My daughter and Amelia’s mother, Chelsea, made a festive cake with three different-colored layers and a design of chocolate candy beads on the top. If I may brag, it tasted as delicious as it looked.

Then it was time to open her presents! Like most children (and some adults), Amelia quickly tears away the wrapping paper in her haste to get to the gift inside. Her facial expressions are comical as she puts her hands over her mouth or lifts her hands in the air to express her delighted surprise with appropriate oohs and aahs.

My favorite moment of her birthday? With one of the first gifts, she ripped open the paper and then exclaimed in a joyful tone, “It’s a box!” You’d think the box itself was the best gift she’d ever received. I loved that moment of sweet innocence before she opened the lid to see the treasure nestled inside. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all be content with something as simple as a box?

My mother was a master gift wrapper, especially for Christmas gifts. She expertly measured, creased, folded, and even used “invisible” double-stick tape. She fashioned gorgeous bows from different types of ribbon, pinecones, bells, and any manner of embellishments. Later in life, she lovingly handcrafted the tags. Mama took great pride in her creations, and without fail, the gifts looked professionally wrapped, worthy of the finest department store. My brother and I each received five gifts for Christmas, and my “special” gift each year (usually the one at the top of my wish list that I opened last) was wrapped in a beautiful gold foil paper with the same beautiful angel adornment every year.

I’ve tried to carry on my mother’s wrapping tradition, but I’m not quite as meticulous (double-stick tape drives me crazy!). When I only need one gift—for a wedding or baby shower, for instance—I love to create a unique design using artificial flowers and ribbons that starts on top and trail down the sides of the box. The most satisfying compliment is when someone says it’s almost “too pretty to unwrap.”

We all like and appreciate lovely things, but one lesson we learn as we grow older is that what’s on the outside is sometimes prettier than what’s on the inside. That lesson applies to people as well as things. First Samuel 16:7 tells us, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NIV)

As a kid, I loved Tootsie Pops (and still enjoy them on occasion), but they can be an exercise in patience. Do you savor the hard, sweet candy on the outside? Or do you chomp through the candy to get straight to the chocolate-flavored, chewy Tootsie Roll inside? If you’re like me, you skip the outer candy entirely and simply buy a bag of miniature Tootsie Rolls! That works splendidly because I only want the “good stuff.”

That theory doesn’t work so well when applied to a novel, however. In the books we write, we can have a stunning cover, but we also need to make sure the story inside does justice to its beautiful exterior. Think of the cover and exterior package as the “wrapping” and the actual book as the “gift” nestled inside—the treasure, if you will. Focus on building a story world readers can immerse themselves in, filled with fascinating characters and a riveting plot.

What’s at the “heart” of your novels? Is the inside as pretty as the outside? Through your words, are you revealing the power of Christ to your reader—His redemption, grace, love, forgiveness, and promise of eternal life in heaven? If you can, that’s truly the “good stuff” that’ll give them something to savor and chew on. And that’s oh so satisfying indeed.

Until His Nets Are Full,

~ JoAnn
Matthew 5:16

What's at the "heart" of your novels? #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Getting to the "good stuff" in what we write! #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Is the inside of your book as pretty as the outside? #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

The Valentine Verse

The Valentine Verse

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for February 14th anymore! Love should be celebrated every day of the year. That’s Thornton Fielding’s philosophy. In spite of a few false starts in the arena of love, he holds out hope he’ll eventually find the woman of his dreams. The problem? He loves his job, and there’s no end in sight to his travels. But when Thornton returns to his tiny hometown of Cherish, Minnesota, he meets a beautiful and intriguing woman he believes might be God’s answer to ending his bachelor status—permanently.

Vara Alexandris is soured on love and scoffs at the notion of soul mates. But soon after meeting the handsome and unconventional Thornton, the speech and language pathologist suspects he might be the perfect ally to help jump-start her stroke patient’s recovery—if only Vara can keep Thornton grounded in Cherish long enough. This man who spouts romanticized and idealistic ideas about love seems all too eager to resume his world travels. Could it be Thornton actually prefers globetrotting in order to avoid a romantic relationship?

Is it time for Vara to call the dreamer’s bluff? And can Thornton convince Vara to put past heartache behind her and trust in God’s plan for her heart?

JoAnn Durgin

USA Today Bestselling Author JoAnn Durgin is the author of more than thirty novels, including the Lewis Legacy Series, Prelude, the Starlight Christmas Series, Catching Serenity, Hearts Design, Gentle Like the Rain, Whisper to My Heart, the Serendipity Christmas Series, the Treasured Vow Series, the Wondrous Love Series, If You Believe, Echoes of Edinburgh, Portrait, and The Valentine Verse. Her most recent release is Love on Assignment in Millcreek, Book 1 of The Millcreek Christmas Series. She’s also written three novels under the pen name of Julianna Desmond, her latest being Only A Whisper Away.

A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana.

Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin
or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.

Staying Relevant and Creating Timeless Fiction by JoAnn Durgin

Staying Relevant and Creating Timeless Fiction

I’ve reached an age where I feel as though I’m “dating” myself at times by mentioning certain people, places, or events in history—meaning those from my lifetime. I’m not quite as old as dirt—yet!—and I don’t feel old except when met with the blank stares from youngsters. Mind you, I’m talking about 25-year-olds, not children.

Let me give you an example. This past October, I commissioned a one-of-a-kind purse at the annual Craftsmen’s Fair in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The purse features a Broadway Playbill with legendary Hollywood “power” couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (see photo). To anyone else, the purse might be considered a mere novelty, but it’s a true treasure for me and brings back fond memories. Why? Because, like many things in my life, there’s a story to be told.

In brief, back in the early 1980s, my mother and I traveled to Italy. We had a marvelous week there and then flew back into New York where my best friend and her mother met us for a four-day weekend. We somehow managed to get second-row tickets on opening night to a Noel Coward play, Private Lives, starring Taylor and Burton. The play had fared poorly in advance reviews during its trial run in Boston, but no one cared. And we, like everyone else, wanted to see the two legends on the same stage together! The celebrities were out in abundance, and we sat so close to the stage that Richard Burton’s spit actually landed on me!

Let’s switch to movies for a moment. In the newest movie version of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless Little Women, my primary “complaint” is that it sometimes slips into modern vernacular in a glaringly obvious way. By vernacular, I mean the everyday language spoken by people today as distinguished from the literary language I expected. Neither did their behavior always “fit” in with the setting and time period. They were sometimes too open, casual, and modern. Not only does Jo lapse into a “Yeah,” but Amy says “Thank you, thank you very much” in the same way Elvis Presley made famous. That statement jarred me out of the story and had me muttering in my popcorn! A couple kissing in a very public place in plain view of others? An editor requesting a “spicy” novel? I seem to be alone in this opinion (and I enjoyed the movie very much overall), but maybe it’s the fact that I am an author and expected a more faithful interpretation of one of my most beloved childhood novels.

You may wonder how this applies to writing novels. I’ve read historical novels that similarly lapse into modern terms and behavior. While I understand this style might attract more readers by being more identifiable, I believe it’s a personal decision from the author on how to best present their story. On the flip side, contemporary authors will often slide into using an overabundance of pop culture terms (brands, actors, movies, etc.). Not that I believe this is a bad thing (and who can keep up with constantly evolving technology?), but give your characters their proper due in terms of motivations, goals, needs, wants, fears, and insecurities. Because that’s what will ultimately hook and keep the reader connected with your story.

So, how can authors stay relevant to readers of all ages? Write as the Lord leads, keeping in mind as you write that—no matter the genre or the setting—you want your stories to age well. If you can successfully accomplish that while remaining true to the setting and time period, like fine wine, they’ll go down that much easier tomorrow or fifty years from now. And that’s what will make them timeless.

Blessings, friends.
~ JoAnn

How to stay relevant in our novels from USA Today Bestselling Author JoAnn Durgin #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

How to make your writing timeless! Words of advice from JoAnn Durgin #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Love on Assignment 
in Millcreek

Love on Assignment in Millcreek

Millcreek Christmas Series
Book 1

Lisbeth Lawrence never expected to be catapulted into a snowbank on a bitterly cold December night. Dazed and sprawled in the snow, she looks into the soulful eyes of the boy who’d stolen her heart ten years ago—he just didn’t know it. Rugged and more handsome than ever, he’s now a mystery man who travels the globe and turns up in town from time to time. The only person who knows the truth is one of Lisbeth’s physical therapy patients—and she’s not talking.

Miles Langston is close to personal and professional burnout when he’s given a unique assignment: go home to Millcreek, Connecticut, and regroup, recharge, and reconnect. What he didn’t plan on was accidentally sending a former classmate flying into a snowbank his first night back. “Lis” Lawrence, the quiet “good” girl with the prettiest eyes in school, has grown into a beauty who challenges his heart and mind from the get-go.

Brought together through their mutual love and care for his beloved grandmother, Miles and Lisbeth begin to experience miracles unfolding through the quiet good deeds of the “Millcreek Christmas Elf”…and in their own hearts. Can a man who rarely stays in one place for long find love and contentment with a woman firmly entrenched in little Millcreek?

JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty contemporary Christian romance novels, including her signature Lewis Legacy Series. A native of southern Indiana, JoAnn likes to say she’s “been around in the nicest sense of the word” after living in four states across the country before returning to her hometown with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, JoAnn loves to travel and spend time with their first grandchild, Amelia Grace.

Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin 
or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.

Encouragement in Today’s Publishing Climate by JoAnn Durgin

Encouragement in Today’s Publishing Climate

When writing fiction, I’ve never suffered from that dreaded anomaly known as “writer’s block.” Not once. My early writing habits might shed some light on why that is. As a young mother and pastor’s wife, I dabbled in writing novels while our kids were napping. When the children were older and I “got serious” about submitting my manuscripts, I was busy with a demanding full-time job as well as a part-time job. My characters and stories percolated as I went about my life, and I tucked away snippets of dialogue, ideas, and plot points in my mind. As you might imagine, when I finally sat down at the computer, my fingers could barely keep up with the virtual flood of words!

During that period, I drafted out all eleven of the original books in what is now my “signature” series. I labored into the wee hours nearly every night and forced myself to stop at two in the morning. Sure, I was younger with more energy (and required less sleep), but I was focused, determined, and disciplined. Why did I push myself so hard? Yes, I hoped to be published, but it was more than that. Writing was my passion, and it still is.

A natural extension of that passion is that I love encouraging authors, especially new writers. Sure, doling out advice is easy when it pertains to the actual process of writing. However, the landscape of Christian publishing has changed so rapidly in the last decade that, as I face the blank screen to write a blog, I sometimes wonder what I can say to encourage others. While staying optimistic, we also need to be realistic about what’s happening.

First, the straight-talk. A number of established, traditional Christian publishers are being gobbled up or merging with bigger secular houses. Smaller publishing houses are folding or moving away from the Christian market. As a consequence, the career path for a number of traditionally published authors has been altered or redirected. Sadly, some have lost contracts. Many have had their rights reverted and are now independently publishing their backlists. Others have found success with smaller publishing houses and/or gone “hybrid” with both traditional and independent projects.

Now for the good news! In spite of it all, I like to believe the Christian publishing industry is alive and well. With all the different avenues of publishing available today, there is a place for everyone. New authors are still signing traditional contracts, and the explosion of independent publishing in recent years has made it possible for almost anyone to publish their work.

My mother used to say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” If you’re called by God to write for His glory, if it’s your passion, then let Him handle the details and keep forging ahead. You won’t be able to walk if you don’t take that first step. Especially in today’s fluctuating book market, Christians need to make their voices heard. Whether you write from a Christian worldview or from a stronger spiritual stance, what you write is valid and someone’s out there who needs to hear your message. If you’re in the category of not yet published, that doesn’t mean you’re not an author. Your voice just hasn’t been heard—yet.

This point can’t be stressed enough (and I see it often here on Seriously Write): pray over your writing. Ask God to help you to write in such a way as to bring honor and glory to Him, not you. When we take the focus off “self” and redirect it to the One who makes all things possible, He will bless your efforts. Not necessarily in terms of monetary success, glory, or awards (but that can happen, of course), but with the soul-filling satisfaction of a job well done.

Blessings to all during this joyous Christmas season, and onward and forward into 2020!

~JoAnn

"Writing was my passion, and it still is." ~JoAnn Durgin #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Straight-talk about Christian publishing from JoAnn Durgin #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Starlight Book 1

Jacob Marston, Starlight, Iowa’s hometown hero made a long-ago promise to the Lord: he won’t kiss a woman until he knows she’s “the one.” Now at age twenty-eight, the rugged firefighter questions if it’ll ever happen. Then, he meets his best friend’s sister, and Jake believes he’s found the woman of his dreams. But what will she think when she discovers his vow? 

When Julia makes an unexpected confession on Christmas Day, Jake shares his secret with her, and it looks as though happily-ever-after will make a holiday appearance. But somehow, everyone in the tiny town of Starlight learns Jake’s secret, and he’s instantly transformed from town hero to laughingstock. Did Julia reveal his secret? Can Jake forget the humiliation and find his way under the mistletoe to share a forever kiss with Julia?

JoAnn Durgin

JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty contemporary Christian romance novels, including her signature Lewis Legacy Series. A native of southern Indiana, JoAnn likes to say she’s “been around in the nicest sense of the word” after living in four states across the country before returning to her hometown with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, JoAnn loves to travel and spend time with their first grandchild, Amelia Grace.

Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.

Getting to Know You by JoAnn Durgin

Getting to Know You

As a little girl, the velvety smooth crooning of Johnny Mathis often lulled me to sleep. Let me explain. My mother relaxed in the evenings by playing her favorite record albums in the living room, and the music drifted into my nearby bedroom. Considering I was serenaded into dreamland by beautiful love ballads (many from musicals of the fifties and sixties), is it any wonder I grew up to write Christian romance?

One of the songs I remember most vividly was Johnny’s version of “Getting to Know You” from The King and I, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s legendary musical. One of my favorite aspects of the writing process is conducting research. While writing this blog post, I discovered the melody for “Getting to Know You” was originally written for another musical, South Pacific, but it was replaced by another song, “I’m in Love With A Wonderful Guy.” Eventually, lyricist Oscar Hammerstein wrote entirely new lyrics for “Getting to Know You,” and the sweet, upbeat tune found a forever home with Anna and the King of Siam.

Music has played an important role in my life as a way to praise, worship, and fellowship with the Lord. When I’m writing, my headphones or earbuds are never far away. The genre of music I listen to ranges anywhere from classical to contemporary Christian and depends on the scene and level of concentration needed. Drafting? Anything goes. When editing or finalizing a book, however, I prefer silence or quiet background music. Michael W. Smith’s instrumental albums, Freedom and Glory are personal favorites.

Perhaps it was inevitable that music has a strong influence in the lives of many of my fictional characters. Whisper to My Heart features a concert pianist heroine and her guitar-playing, songwriting construction worker hero. Pursuit is the story of a NASA shuttle commander who falls in love with the girl next door, an up-and-coming Christian singer and songwriter. In both of those books, I tried my hand at penning lyrics. Although a different creative stretch, I enjoyed it immensely! In Prelude, the tragic circumstances which inspired Horatio Spafford to pen “It Is Well With My Soul” are recounted. Likewise, in Let Your Light Shine, the children of the main characters act out the dramatic story of John Newton, who wrote “Amazing Grace.”

As you read this, my husband and I will be spending the day in Asheville, North Carolina, the setting of my most recent novel, If You Believe. We will be visiting locations noted in the book and following the downtown Urban Trail with markers depicting famous people and events in Asheville’s history. Kind of a “walking where my characters walked” exercise. As an author, it’s one of my absolute favorite things to do! The song I highlighted in If You Believe is “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?” A precious and tender song, the tune and lyrics speak to my heart and make me sigh.

Whether a soul-uplifting and convicting hymn, or a beloved classic love song, music fills my heart with joy. It soothes and encourages me, especially as I’ve grown older and face new challenges. Do you listen to music as you write? Have you incorporated music as part of your books? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Please feel free to share!

Until His Nets Are Full,
JoAnn

How music can inspire our souls and inspire our novels!
#seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Do YOU listen to music when you write?
#seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Whisper to My Heart

Whisper to My Heart

The unlikely romance between a concert pianist and a construction worker.
After a decade of touring the globe, Manhattan-based classical concert pianist Annalise Redmond needs a break. What’s a Juilliard-trained musician to do when she wants to live a “normal” life for six weeks?

Weston Galloway, a former firefighter and member of an Atlanta-based construction crew, is as much into soul-winning as building the new bank in little Darling, Georgia.

Anna’s barely been kissed. Weston’s not looking for love. When these two souls collide in small-town Americana, is their time together destined only to be a precious memory or will they listen to the whispers in their hearts and dare to dream of a future together?

Throw in Anna’s quirky sister and brother-in-law, Weston’s challenging coworker, spirited employees at The Darling Diner, and a cast of lively townsfolk, and you won’t want to miss this journey to Darling!

JoAnn Durgin

JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty contemporary Christian romance novels, including her signature Lewis Legacy Series. A native of southern Indiana, JoAnn likes to say she’s “been around in the nicest sense of the word” after living in four states across the country before returning to her hometown with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, JoAnn loves to travel and spend time with their first grandchild, Amelia Grace. Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.

When Life Gets in the Way by JoAnn Durgin

Ever felt like everything that could go wrong…did? When you think about it, wouldn’t life be boring without its annoyances, hindrances, stumbles, or grievances? I’m a firm believer that everything, from the minutia to the major events in our lives, happens for a reason because God is in the details. Simply stated, it’s what Jeremiah 29:11 tells us: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

Last September, for the first time, I’d been invited by a reader to join her and some of her South Carolina girlfriends at a beach house in Myrtle Beach for a week. We arrived at the beach on a Saturday, but Hurricane Florence took aim toward South Carolina, and we were ordered to clear out by Tuesday. Mumbling and bellyaching, I drove on the opposite side of the highway along the mandatory evacuation route. Not only that, but Florence also disrupted the remainder of my planned trip.

So, where do you go when you’re weary and disappointed? In my case, I trekked through the mountains to my beloved Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for a personal mini-retreat. For the first time in years, I spent three days doing what I wanted when I wanted, including talking with the Lord, reading my Bible, and praying a lot. I also spent quality time working on my novel, Portrait. I returned home rested and rejuvenated—just not in the way I’d originally intended.

Now for this year’s trip to Myrtle Beach… I’d already decided to fly, but in the days leading up to my Saturday departure, Hurricane Dorian threatened the eastern coast of the U.S. By Friday, the hurricane had moved on. When I arrived in Myrtle Beach, I discovered the water and the elevators at the condo had been turned off but that service “should” be restored by Monday. Okay, I thought, taking a deep breath, I can rough it for a few days. Did I mention the condo is on the fifth (top) floor of the building and the stairwell is brutally muggy inside—a concrete cave with steep steps?

Thankfully, the water flowed freely on Monday morning, and the elevator was up and running by evening. In retrospect, the lack of those things was annoying mostly because they inconvenienced me. With so many blessings—friends, family, opportunities—I have no reason to complain.

Just as in our everyday lives, inconveniences and annoyances (a/k/a setbacks and disappointments) are an inevitable part of our writing journey. Whether it’s a delay or missed deadline, a rejection, a pesky issue with an agent or publisher, slow sales, or a less-than-stellar review, we can give our troubles to the Lord with full confidence they’re in His control.

An episode of The Big Bang Theory recently reminded me of a very real truth. The mother of one of the main characters frequently quotes the Bible. When someone snipped, “Maybe one day you’ll read another book,” she said, “When God writes another one, I will.”

While we certainly hope readers will find our books, reading about the issues faced by the men and women of the Bible reveals how we are not alone in our humanity. As we’re called to write for God’s glory, let’s rise to the challenge in a way that conveys His grace, mercy, and love—in spite of ourselves. Because, after all, everything else is really only a stumbling block along the way.

Blessings, friends,
JoAnn

What to do when life doesn't go "your" way.
#seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Everything happens for a reason because God is in the details!
#seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Portrait

Portrait

Once upon a time, when she believed in fairy tales, ten-year-old Lianna Chandler had a dream. As the princess of a faraway land, she stood by the shoreline at sunset as her prince galloped toward her on a magnificent white horse. Now, sixteen years later and happily prince-less, Lianna co-manages an art gallery and is a promising portrait artist in the charming land of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When she meets Evan Michaels, a man who embodies the handsome prince of her childhood dream, can she move away from past heartbreak to embrace her own happily ever after?

Evan Michaels learned early on that life wouldn’t hand him anything. Using his fists and street smarts, he fought his way out of a bad childhood to make his own way in the world. With divine help, he’s now a partner in an international shipping firm based in San Francisco. Although he’s proven himself to the world, something is still missing. When he meets the beautiful Lianna Chandler, Evan believes he’s found the woman of his dreams…until he takes a phone call that could change everything. Will the secrets and shame of Evan’s past come tumbling down around them, leaving their love in ashes?

JoAnn Durgin

JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty contemporary Christian romance novels, including her signature Lewis Legacy Series. A native of southern Indiana, JoAnn likes to say she’s “been around in the nicest sense of the word” after living in four states across the country before returning to her hometown with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, JoAnn loves to travel and spend time with their first grandchild, Amelia Grace. Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.

A Labor of Love by JoAnn Durgin

A Labor of Love

What’s the most difficult writing you’ve ever done? Perhaps it was a pesky piece of prose that wouldn’t come together. Or you lacked inspiration and the words wouldn’t flow. Or it could be the tears flowed freely because the words weighed on your heart. I recently wrote my greatest labor of love—the eulogy for my 87-year-old mother.

In fiction, we reveal the underlying layers of our characters because it makes them real and identifiable. In writing about my mom, I wanted to pay tribute to an inspiring woman from the unique perspective of being her daughter. Surprising things like how as a young, divorced mom raising two small children, she sometimes wore a black leather jacket, fire engine red lipstick, and big black sunglasses. She wasn’t rebellious, but she could be independent, feisty, and speak her mind.

When she needed a new car, she took me with her to a car dealership that advertised “Nobody walks away.” The salesman who waited on her suggested she come back with her husband. Mama, all of five feet tall, proudly rose to her feet and squared her shoulders. “Nobody walks away? Well, watch this!” Taking me by the hand, head held high, she marched out of the showroom. Then she drove straight to another dealership where she plunked down cash for a shiny new vehicle.

My mother took us on car trips every summer. With the windows rolled down, she’d belt out theme songs from musicals at the top of her lungs. She adored covered bridges and we’d travel over many country roads to find and photograph them. A fun and adventurous traveling companion, she took me to Europe several times and on a Caribbean cruise. She sent me to London for a semester. Mama did so because she wanted her child to view the world with its diverse people and cultures. The Lord knew her generosity would help make me the writer I am today. Later on, she visited the Holy Land, Egypt, Russia, Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska. After turning 60, she went whitewater rafting and parasailing.

My mother loved Jesus and studied her Bible daily. She baked countless cookies and volunteered for many projects with a wide smile and an even bigger heart. She taught kindergarten for 11 years and invested herself in her “children.” Mama gave talks to local groups, digging deep into her research and opening the eyes of her audience to topics such as human trafficking and the need for clean water in impoverished areas of the globe.

Finally, Mama was a voracious reader. She kept a journal for years where she faithfully detailed her thoughts, her life. She wasn’t perfect, but she did the best she could, and that was more than enough. If you earned her loyalty, you had it forever. If you earned her love, it was unwavering and steadfast.

This is the kind of real-life woman who can inspire a great fictional character! If you have trouble giving “life” to your characters, look no further than the people all around you. I dedicated my debut novel, Awakening, to my mother as well as my latest release, If You Believe, which was the last thing she ever read.

Portrait of JoAnn Durgin's Mother

For Mama~

You taught me by example to love words—

the wonderful images they create

and the senses they evoke—bringing

sight, touch, smell, hearing, and tasting

into glorious, vivid being.

I grew to love the way words roll off the tongue,

the way they sound.

How, when paired with other words,

words can bring new worlds to life.

You opened my mind to embrace ideas

and encouraged me to dream.

You gave me wings and

taught me to fly on my own.

You modeled strength, character, and

grace with dignity.

You showed me I could do nothing on my own

without Christ in my heart.

I’m doing my best to follow your example

and pray I’ll always make you proud.

Thank you for giving me life and

demonstrating how to live fully, confidently,

and passionately.

For that and so much more…

I love you now,

I love you always.

~JoAnn

Who has inspired you in your writing journey?

Blessings, friends,
JoAnn

Need character ideas? They're all around you!
#seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

How JoAnn Durgin's mom inspired her writing!
#seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

If You Believe

If You Believe

From the author of The Lewis Legacy Series, If You Believe brings readers the story of Brendan and Edlynne. Can a man struggling with a terrible tragedy and a woman wounded by betrayal find love together?

In charming Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the shadows of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, firefighter/paramedic Brendan Williams barely has time for himself much less a social life. After his world was torn apart by a family tragedy, the only woman he sees on a regular basis is Mimi, his beloved grandmother. When he meets a beautiful cake baker/decorator on his delivery route, he wonders for the first time if she could be “the one.”

Edlynne (“Edie”) Harris begins her days in a bakery downtown before dashing off to her job as a ticket agent at Asheville Regional Airport. Besides her two jobs, she volunteers for a ministry benefitting displaced and abused women. Then a handsome new delivery driver at the bakery snags her attention. She’s been fooled before, and the last guy she dated a year ago stole more than her smile.

When Edie and Brendan independently enter a Valentine’s Day contest, they’re challenged to plan the “perfect date.” For personal and unselfish reasons, they’re both determined to win the cash prize, but if chosen as finalists, they’ll be pitted against one another. Will the competition sour their growing attraction for each other, or does God have another plan? When the Almighty’s involved, anything is possible!

JoAnn Durgin

JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty contemporary Christian romance novels, including her signature Lewis Legacy Series. A native of southern Indiana, JoAnn likes to say she’s “been around in the nicest sense of the word” after living in four states across the country before returning to her hometown with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, JoAnn loves to travel and spend time with their first grandchild, Amelia Grace. Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.