Perfection Not Required!

by Anusha Atukorala 

 

Ever since we came to this beautiful Land Down Under, 27 years ago, our local library has enjoyed plenty of custom from all three of my family, and especially from little old me! I’d often emerge after a browsing session, carrying over 40 books. And how wonderful to know that that number was still less than half the number of items anyone is allowed to check out at a given time! Amazing! Thank You God for libraries!

A few months ago, I discovered that I had plenty of unread books in my own personal collection. The fact is, I always gave priority to my library books, since they needed to be returned by a certain date and therefore, I never seemed to get to my own. I had to do something about those unread books! Before my two cataract operations, the first in mid-January this year, I plunged into a frenzied de-cluttering and re-arranging spree of all of my books in our bedroom, and placed all my unread books (mostly gifts) on one shelf for easy access. Brilliant!

After my first surgery, I was delighted that I could SEE clearly again! What a difference good eyesight made! The titles of the books on my bookshelves were not a vague blur as they used to be … I could even read the titles while lounging on my bed, a fair distance away. I stopped borrowing too many from the library so I could concentrate on those close at hand. One of the first books that I read was Christian fiction – a long novel it was. I had no idea if I’d found this book at a second hand bookshop or if someone had gifted it to me. I mostly read secular fiction or Christian nonfiction, so this was unusual.

At first, the story seemed to be a basic plot. There was also quite a bit of head hopping … hmm … how good would this story be? And was it worth my time? As I kept reading, I decided it was. I even began to find great enjoyment in the story. Its main character Sophie became very real to me. She had a beautiful faith and a gentle heart that impacted others around her for good. Although the Christian content was perhaps too explicit for my liking, it still continued to capture my interest. I stayed with it for all 425 pages of it, finally loving the story and especially the happy ending.

And what did I learn from reading this story? That as Christian writers, perfection doesn’t have to be our aim. Yes, God calls us to excellence, and we need to do the best we can. Yes, we must take our writing seriously. We must work hard to polish and cultivate our craft. But … perfection? Now that is another matter! Perfection rarely exists on this side of eternity. 

The thing is, that if we don’t get to publish our writing because we can’t stop editing it … no one will ever read our work. If we compare our writing with other gifted writers, we might give up in frustration, hanging our heads in shame down like a child who’s been sent to her room as punishment for bad behaviour. We each have a calling from our Almighty God. Psalm 139 verse 16 says, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16 Which means that He who created us, planned that you and I would write for His glory, well before the beginning of time! Wow!

So here’s my encouragement to you today, dear friend. If you feel less than enough as a Christian writer, think again. If He called you to write (and you know He has), your best is good enough. Your efforts to write as well as you can for Jesus is enough. You can communicate the love of God, even without a perfect story. You can communicate the heart of God, simply by following the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we need to aim at excellence in our craft and with all of our being. But self-condemnation and comparison with other writers is not required.

What IS required is a humble trusting heart, a pen yielded to the God who writes our own stories and a desire to be used of Him. So ... what are you waiting for? Keep sharing the stories He laid on your heart. In the bigger scheme of things, reviews or the lack of them, the number of books you sell or don’t sell isn’t what is most important. Reaching hearts, one at a time, is a goal we can all aim at. Doing what you can, when you can, how you can, with our faithful God’s help, is all that’s needed. So keep those stories coming, dear friend and let your voice be heard. God’s created you to bless and build His world. It won’t be complete without you and your awe-inspiring stories! Keep writing!

P.S. As for our spiritual lives, now that is a tad different! Jesus said to his disciples, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48  Like our books, our lives too will not reflect His perfection, this side of heaven, but our goal is to become like Jesus. So let's work long and hard on our books, and let's work even harder to become more like our Creator, the Author of each of our stories, JESUS!

Anusha’s been on many interesting detours in life, as a lab technician, a computer programmer, a full time Mum, a full time volunteer, a charity director, a full time job chaser, until one golden day (or was it a dark moonless night?) God tapped her on her shoulder and called her to write for Him. She has never recovered from the joy it brought her. She loves to see others enjoying life with Jesus and does her mite to hurry the process in her world through her writing and through her life. The goodness of God is her theme song through each season, as she dances in the rain with Jesus.

 

Her first book Enjoying the Journey contains 75 little God stories that will bring you closer to your Creator. Her 2^nd book ‘Dancing in the Rain’ brings you hope and comfort for life’s soggy seasons. Her 3rd book, ‘Sharing the Journey’ is a sequel to 'Enjoying the Journey'.

 

Do drop in on her two websites to say G’day! She’d love to connect with you.

Dancing in the Rain 

Light in the Darkness

 

Creative Seasons

I know it's autumn here in the Southern Hemisphere - but in the creative space, I feel like I'm emerging from a long winter. Not a Brisbane winter, where the trees keep their leaves, and wattle and poinsettia splash flamboyant colour against the cloudless cobalt blue of the sky. More a Melbourne winter, with grey low skies, dizzling rain and the cold that seeps deep into your bones. 

The main reason for this long winter over the last few years, where everything seems an effort and motivation is hard to come by, was grief due to family drama (which I won't go into). It was hard to focus on the complexity of my characters' journey and intricate plots when my heart was dealing with the jagged edges of emotional pain.

Thank God for short stories - that keep the creative juices going - and poetry. And time and healing and mending.

Short stories are bite sized - though mine tend to be giant-sized bites - with simplier arcs and shorter timelines. Poetry is even more condensed, where every word can matter - and can express emotion in a way prose can struggle to do.

Despite a hiatus of a couple weeks travelling, I participated in the Month of Poetry again this January - with a special challenge each Saturday - ranging from ekphrastic poems inspired by an art work (sculpture, painting, photograph etc), writing a poem inspired by or in the voice of a favourite book character, writing a compunctual poem (two poems interlaced in interaction with each other - hard to do), a poem inspired by a line of poetry you admire, and finally, a poem about what poetry means to you (Five Saturdays in January this year). 

I also went to my very first Genre-Con this year - on the theme of Inklings - and it was particularly inspiring. Apparently even after 15 years of seriously pursuing writing and getting a Masters in writing, there are indeed new things to learn. I loved the Manga stream under Professor Belne from Japan with a hands-on workshop. The three golden nuggets I took away from the weekend (as Lori-Jay Ellis encouraged us to look for)

1 ) the comparion of the 3 Act Hero's Journey popular in the West with both the lesser known Heroine's Journey and the 4 Act Eastern Kishōtenketsu (with a unexpected asteroid-sized shift in Act 3) (Thanks Belne, Queenie Chan, Genieve Flynn and L.E. Daniels).
2) Scott Wilson's enthuiasm was uplifting as he explained the making of the Indigiverse - and how the powers of his superheros are based on the character and strengths of his great-grandmother, mother, and other people important in his life.
3) I also enjoyed Michelle Birrell's demonstration of using mind-maps to take an idea of a story to one with legs (or rather characters, conflict and context).

And the whole weekend was so much better sharing it with a friend.

Filling the creative well helps keep the creatve spark alive (to mix metaphors).

Though, in many ways, it's also time and God's healing presence that mends. 

I prefer to avoid pain, like things to be easy - yet life isn't easy and sometimes it can break you. God walks with us even when we can't feel his presence, maybe especially then. And it's often in those dark winter fallow times when nothing (or very little) seems to be happening, that the soil is broken up and enriched and the seed grows.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases:
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV*

Have you experienced fallow times - what has helped renew your creativity?

P. S. here's two of my poems form MOP (I resisted the urge to share a third) - the first on the stillness of cats, the other an acrotic on inspiration. Enjoy.

The Stillness of Cats

The stillness of cats
a movable feast of perfected rest
stretched out trapeze like to impossible length,
curled pretzel close, nose to tail,
spine twisted in unlikely spiral,
or paws curled in post-mortem pose
not a whisker or a muscle twitching
as still as death, yet replete with curled up life
a fracture in reality and time.

The stillness of cats, majestic, magical, mystical
suspends time, tears at the curtain of reality

triggering inexplicable yearning

like the infinite arch of the blue, blue sky
the effortless stretch of the restless ocean
the song of the wind dancing between the leaves,
whistling whistling across country,
the slow sink of the sun, the rise of the plump fullfaced moon
the exuberant splatter of stars against the purple-black sky
the wonder and thisness of the world
stirring emotions hard to name, an unspoken promise
unreachable perfection wrapped in eternity
the great beyond calling, calling, calling
further up and further in.

28 January ©  Jeanette O’Hagan

Inspiration - an Acrostic

Inhale the shy sparks of imagination
Nourishment for mind and soul
Simmering, swirling, unspooling
Percolating in quiet places and the routine
Incubating in dreams, in the shower, on walks
Reverberating with rhyme and rhythm and rhetoric
Activating, unannounced, in media res, bums on seats
Torrents of creation causing creek banks to overflow
Incited by the everyday, the minutiae of living
Outrageous too, sparked by the weird, the wonderful
New emerging like phoenix from the cinders of the old. 

2 Jan 2026 ©  Jeanette O’Hagan

Jeanette O'Hagan has spun tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight. She enjoys writing fantasy, sci-fi, poetry. Her Nardvan stories span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs.

She has published over forty stories and poems, including the Under the Mountain Series (5 books), Akrad's Children and Rasel's Song, the first two books in the Akrad’s Legacy series and more recently, Rise of the Consortium. Her story in Stepping Sideways, 'In a League of Her Own' won the 2024 Aurealis Award for YA Short Stories & 'Anomalies at Prospero Base' (in Rise of the Consortium) was shortlisted in the 2025 Aurealis Awards.

Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and writing. She loves reading, painting, travel, and pondering the meaning of life. She lives in Brisbane.

*Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
 

They’re not your books!

 

Before I began writing, I remember standing in a large, Christian bookstore thinking, ‘Why would anyone ever want to add to the enormous numbers of books already here on these shelves? Surely we know enough about living the Christian life, without any more “how to” books from anyone? Perhaps there’s room for more Aussie novels, but how could I compete with all the American ones already here?’

Have you ever felt like that in your own writing journey? You may not have stood in an actual physical bookstore, feeling overwhelmed and intimidated, but perhaps as you have noticed online what others are writing, you too may have begun to doubt your own writing efforts. It can be so easy to compare ourselves with other writers and end up completely discouraged, can’t it?

I can also easily become discouraged after reading how others manage to promote their books in ways I have never explored. My current publisher, Authentic Media UK, tries hard to encourage all their authors to be more proactive promotion-wise, especially on social media, by providing excellent monthly coaching for us online via Teams. Even while taking part in this, however, I can manage to compare myself to others and wonder if I am doing enough.

In times of discouragement, one key thing that has helped me is remembering how God called me to start writing. I was overseas visiting a friend and, one morning while reading Isaiah 42, I sensed God saying, ‘Come on, Jo-Anne. How many times do I have to show you? Go home and start writing!’ I had wanted to write for years – but now I sensed God was giving me permission to do something I had felt might be self-indulgent and actually start. I am forever grateful for this strong challenge as it has helped keep me determined to do my best for God in my writing and speaking. So … do you have that same sense that God has called you to write? If so, may God continue to give you the strength to be obedient and persevere.

I remember too how, way back when I doubted the wisdom of adding to the plethora of books already out there, someone said gently, ‘But they’re not your books!’ That resonated with me, especially in the light of believing God had called me to write. God had created me as I am, with my own unique gifts and abilities, and taken me on my own unique journey through life. Surely then it was possible that God had things for me to say that no one else could say in quite the same way? And of course this is true for you too. Yes, we need to research the market and know what other similar books are out there already, but God is quite able to guide us in all that and show us the unique contribution we can make through our own writing.

I am so grateful as I look back on my writing and speaking journey of around twenty years and remember God’s encouragement and provision through it all – and God’s continued strengthening as I keep writing in 2026. Whatever unique writing journey God has called you to take, may you too know that same encouragement and provision, now and for many years to come.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and four non-fiction works. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves encouraging others through both the written and spoken word and is a keen blogger. Jo-Anne’s latest book, God Moments, is available via her website, Koorong Books and Amazon

Highlighting Members Recent Releases

 

Christian Writers Downunder is a diverse group of writers, editors, bloggers, illustrators. As a group we support each other through our Facebook page and blog.

Today's blog will highlight some of the recent releases of our members from Aug 2025-Feb 2026

Historical Fiction

The Hunter fo Macquarie Collection

The Hunter fo Macquarie Collection - 1795-1822

by Sara Powter

This collection of stories offers insight into life in the colony during the early days of settlement, as seen through the eyes of the governors and trusted convicts. Of the first ten governors, seven were recalled to face inquiries, and all were later exonerated.

Book 1 When Upon Life Billows
Book 2 The Saddler’s Song
Book 3 Tuppence to Pass
Book 4 His Majesty’s Pageboy
Book 5 A Fist Full of Holey Dollars

Sara Powter worked with her mother, Sheila Hunter, to research their family history. Through this, they discovered many wonderful Australian Colonial stories from the four Convicts they found in their tree.

https://www.sarapowter.com.au/ 

Universal buy link to collection:-https://mybook.to/CbMaqV

Romance

A Heart to Treasure

A Heartto Treasure

by A Heart to Treasure by Dienece Darling

The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, yet both are ignoring the cracks in their relationship. And a storm is coming. One that will shatter everything. Can two hearts torn apart by pride find their way back to each other?

Dienece Darling is a former Georgia Belle who calls Melbourne home these days. She writes first person inspirational historical romance, and her first name is a variant spelling of Denise.

Find Dienece on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063748350005

Buy link:
https://books2read.com/ahearttotreasure

Not Running Away

Not Running Away

Melissa Gijsbers

Gemma Duncan isn’t running away — she’s running towards something new. A temporary job in Sapphire Bay was meant to be a quiet escape, but friendship, community, and an unexpected connection with Adam make her question everything. When a permanent opportunity arises, she must choose familiarity… or the life that feels like home.  

Author Bio: Melissa Gijsbers is a late-diagnosed AuDHD woman and Gippsland-based author who can't stick to one thing. She has written picture books, middle grade books, novellas, and more. You can find more about her on melissagijsbers.com or https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGijsbers (feel free to leave out the Facebook link if you only want one link).

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Not-Running-Away-Melissa-Gijsbers-ebook/dp/B0GHJ1JBH6

Holly Hartmann Romances

One Cabin For Christmas: A forced proximity, second chance, fade-to-black, holiday romcom with rescue horses and a gassy beagle (Christmas in Vermont Book 1)

By Holly Hartman

One job. One cabin. One second chance at forever.
☃️Expect:

• Small-town Christmas magic
• Forced proximity
• Second chances
• Found family
• Veterinary workplace
• Rescue horses
• Heart and humour
• Swoony, fade-to-black chemistry and guaranteed HEA

Buy: https://books2read.com/u/mVJa5r
Or get it free: www.hollyhartmanbooks.com/bonus-Christmas-romance

Running from Christmas: A Grumpy-Sunshine, Snowed-In, Christmas Romance with Heart (and Paws) (Christmas in Vermont Book 2)

By Holly Hartman

She hates Christmas. He lives for it. One rescue dog thinks they're perfect for each other.

☃️Expect:

• Small-town Christmas magic
• Reverse grumpy-sunshine
• Aussie veterinarian fish out of water
• Snowstorms with great timing
• A huge rescue dog
• Widower finding love again
• She’s leaving town (ticking clock)
• Swoony, fade-to-black chemistry
• Guaranteed HEA

Buy: https://books2read.com/u/boJazp

A Very Merri Christmas: A Second-Chance, Snowed-in, Holiday Romance About Brave Love and Finding Home (Christmas in Vermont Book 3)

By Holly Hartman

She's marrying the safe choice. He's the deputy who never stopped loving her. One blizzard means there's nowhere left to hide.

☃️Expect:

• Small-town Christmas magic in snowy Vermont
• He’s always loved her / she’s been playing it safe
• Animal rescue
• Snowed-in survival intimacy
• Poignant and funny
• Swoony, fade-to-black chemistry & guaranteed HEA

Buy: https://books2read.com/u/b5LG7k

Bio: Holly Hartman writes contemporary, small-town romance, with warmth, wit and swoony fade-to-black chemistry. Her stories are filled with longing glances, emotional misfires, and love that feels like coming home.

https://www.facebook.com/HollyHartmanBooks/

Contemporary

Spiralling Solo

Spiralling Solo (book 3 of the Spiralling Trilogy)
by Michelle Dennis Evans

Stephanie is determined to stand alone, juggling finances and past trauma while her friendship with Tabbie fractures. Tabbie faces heartbreak in her final school year. The girls drift apart just when they need each other most, both drawn to the newly confident dancer Joey. Navigating loneliness, loss, love, and temptation, they must discover their true selves before their bond breaks.

Podcaster and YA contemporary author exploring life’s challenges, victories and the joy of hope. Michelle Dennis Evans balances her writing by empowering others to live with health, vitality & freedom.

MDE link:https://michelledennisevans.com/

Buy link: https://www.booktopia.com.au/spiralling-solo-michelle-dennis-evans/book/9781923533073.html

Paint the Walls Red

Paint the Walls Red
 by Suzie Peace Pybus

Meg has carried the weight of one devastating choice for forty years. Now as strange events unfold in the hospital where she works, she senses they are tied to her past. With her memory failing, she must race to uncover the truth before she forgets completely.

Suzie lives on a small fruit and vegetable farm in Tasmania. She writes distinctly Australian stories about courageous women facing social challenges, each threaded with mystery.

Suzie's website: https://www.suziepeacepybus.com/

Buylink: https://tinyurl.com/y3u4s9nv

Restoring Hope

Restoring Hope

by Philippa Cleall

After escaping harm, Hope returns to Wombat Valley to rebuild her life. But when a charming, dangerous figure from her past returns, can she stand firm in the new faith and friendships that she’s found? Restoring Hope is a heartfelt story of resilience, rediscovery, and finding a safe place to call home.

Philippa Cleall is a Children’s and Family Counsellor and volunteer Court Chaplain. She has a heart for seeing faith communities become more trauma informed so they can care for those hurting with greater wisdom, compassion, grace, and truth. www.philippacleall.com

Bu link: www.amazon.com.au/Restoring-Hope-Philippa-Cleall-ebook/dp/B0F4H6WWY4/

Speculative Fiction (Sci-Fi & Fantasy)

The Wells of Callystra

The Wells of Callystra Book 8 (published 31st October, 2025).
by Elizabeth Klein

A perilous journey to the mountains of Karakor is undertaken by elf prince, Aeron Bregolas. Once there, he manages to unite his elven tribe with the largest dwarf kingdom in Bethloria. But at a terrible cost. To save both himself and his men, he is forced to activate an ancient talisman with devastating consequences to himself.

Elizabeth Klein lives and writes in a caravan and has over 100 published works. She enjoys writing YA fantasy and fairytale retellings.

Website https://www.elizabethkleinauthor.com/

Buy Link: https://www.ama:zon.com/-/e/B07ZBTVVX4

Flare Up

Flare Up: Adventure with Jett Faraday, much loved character from the Blaine Colton trilogy 
by Adele Jones

Eighteen-old, Jett Faraday is pushed to the limit when gym manager, Luca, discovers his interest in a bodybuilding competition and pressures him to take an illicit performance enhancer to accelerate his gains. When Luca makes physical threats, and he grows increasingly erratic. Jett digs deeper, unearthing a high-tech operation formulating ingestible products for engineering mind-manipulable super-humans. When that technology is turned on him, Jett faces a fight for survival that may cost him everything.

Adele Jones writes fringe and near young adult "Science fiction for the real world". Fuelled by her passion for family, faith, music and science, she tackles complex teen issues including self-worth, disability, loss, domestic violence, youth crime and more. To learn more visit: www.adelejonesauthor.com

Buy link:

Rise of the Consortium

Rise of the Consortium

by Jeanette O'Hagan

A young blind woman, an ambitious math genius, a rejected splice clone, a cynical detective, an angry post-doc student, or an agent trying to correct the mistakes of her father?

Nine interwoven stories that stretch from the seat of Nardvan power in Pelinor to the far reaches of the sun-system. Ten different and diverse people forced to face their own demons and overwhelming power, privilege and corruption. A growing band of rebels fighting against the might of Endira Corp.

Will their courage, choices and resolve save Nardva or will they die trying – or worse – be transformed into one of Endira’s mindless cyborg slaves?

Find out in Rise of the Consortium, a thrilling collection of sci-fi short stories by Jeanette O’Hagan, set in the future of the world of Nardva.

Jeanette O’Hagan began spinning tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight or nine. Her Nardvan stories span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs.

Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/47ow8A

Christian Life and Reflection

Stories of Life - Turning Ten 

Turning Ten

Edited by Claire Bell (Editor), Pete Court (Editor), Esther Cremona (Editor)

The Title Story (Jenny Woolsey): Explores a child's ordeal with major surgery, featuring themes of comfort, support from adults, and faith during a challenging time. Turning Ten is, appropriately, the title story of this tenth annual Stories of Life anthology. Once again, ordinary people have sent in wonderfully varied stories of how God met them in everyday situations readers can identify with. Some stories span many years, others a single afternoon. Some are a little sombre, and some are laugh-out-loud funny. Many, like the title story, recall childhood experiences of God’s comfort and provision in difficult times. Other writers drew inspiration from road trips, hospital trips, family life, and walking in nature. But one theme shines through them all. No matter how small or large our need, God always watches over us in love, to guide, protect and equip us.

CWD members include authors Karen John Roper, Jenny Woolsey & Barbara Jean McKay & editors Claire Bell, Peter Court and Esther Cremona.

Alternative:

Buy link: https://storiesoflife.net/product/turning-ten/

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

Finding Christians in Unexpected Places (by Susan J Bruce and Holly Hartman)

 

It started like every sensible writing decision starts: with me doing the responsible thing.

I’d just decided to shelve a Christmas romance idea so I could stay faithful to my mystery series. I even prayed about it with my husband. I stood up, walked five steps toward my study, and prepared to get back to the safe, sensible work of murder.

That’s when the still small voice cut in—clear as anything: “Christmas is in Vermont.”

And just like that, my neat little plan went out the window.

But let me back up.

Most people in Christian Writers Downunder know me as Susan J Bruce, a cozy mystery writer. I’m currently editing Mostly Dead, book two in my Ruthless-the-Killer mystery series—and loving it. 

But that voice led me into an initially secret identity: writing mainstream Christmas romance under the pen name Holly Hartman, set in a town called Christmas, where Christmas happens all year round.

The books are mostly sweet, with a dash of heat. Swoony, fade-to-black romances—mainstream stories about love, hope, and second chances, written for readers who want heart with their happily-ever-afters. And yes, some faith content does seep in because it’s Christmas, and it's really hard not to have it there. 

Unexpected? You have no idea.

The idea began with a grumpy Australian veterinarian who hates Christmas and a sunshine game warden who loves the season. Add a stray dog with a knack for matchmaking, and it became Running from Christmas—a heartfelt rom-com about finding love after loss.

But the surprises didn't stop there.

When Characters Take Over

The story spawned a prequel (One Cabin for Christmas) and then, somehow, a book three (A Very Merri Christmas).

I was almost finished the draft of the latter when I realized it needed something. The story was set against the backdrop of Jack and Mia’s destination wedding (the couple from book two), but it didn’t feel Christmassy enough. That’s when my characters did what characters do: they took over. Secret carols appeared. A grand gesture started looming. And Liam—my male lead—casually revealed he could sing.

Who am I to argue with a handsome deputy?

Once I accepted that the wedding needed music, I had a new problem: what songs were playing in the background? I can’t quote lyrics unless they’re public domain, but I still needed the soundtrack in my head. Songs set the emotional temperature of a scene, and I wanted a Spotify playlist for readers who like stepping deeper into the story world. 

So I went hunting for warm, heartfelt, country-rock-leaning love songs. It turns out that even in snowy Vermont, the Nashville sound feels like home. That search led me to something I didn't expect at all: Christian artists in the mainstream. 

(Unexpected side note: I didn't see myself writing Christmas romance, and I definitely didn't see myself enjoying country music this much, although I don't mind country rock. God is full of surprises.)

Christians in the mainstream,,, 

Brett Young was my first small jolt of recognition. I loved the sincerity of In Case You Didn’t Know, then discovered he’d worked with Chris Tomlin and spoken openly about faith shaping his life. And I thought—wait. He’s one of us.

Then Russell Dickerson showed up in my recommendations with Yours. 

The music video is amazing. Dickerson is singing against the backdrop of a huge storm, lightning flashing (apparently there was a tornado warning that day). The lyrics are strong and song has the intensity and sincerity I needed for Liam. 

But even though it was a mainstream love song, the lyrics had a distinct Christian flavour.

I dug deeper.

I found Russell and his wife Kailey's testimony—shared openly in interviews. And the story behind the song got me. Russell had been dropped from a record deal. They were broke, newlyweds, and Kailey had to take side jobs to keep them afloat. They kept going anyway, following God’s call to bring Russell’s music to the world. The video was slow burn at first but then built into a massive hit.

I love stories like that. God at work while his people keep showing up, creating anyway. Then he steps in and shows off—lightning and thunder included!

It’s unexpected—and deeply encouraging.

Then there was another song of Dickerson’s that I couldn’t get out of my head. This was only a few days ago, after book three was published. 

Happened to Me is another huge hit of his, but very different from his other work. On the surface, it's just a fun breakup song. It went viral on TikTok—catchy, cheeky and full of energy.

And it got stuck in my head. All week. It even made me feel a bit teary. I couldn't work out why until one day it clicked. 

The song is about a woman on the run from a breakup and a guy who falls for her even though he knows she's going to wreck him. He’s falling for her, taking every second he can while knowing this can’t go well.

Cue the facepalm. I can be dense sometimes.

That was essentially the back story of the characters I’d been living with for the past two months. 

The details in the song are different, but the mess of feelings is the same.

In A Very Merri Christmas, Liam met Merri right after she'd had a nasty breakup. He spent the next two weeks falling for her hard, then watched her pull back because it was too much, too fast. 

Six years of her being the one that got away—until a destination wedding and a snowstorm finally made them stop running.

It's a thrill when a song nails the emotional truth of something you wrote—like proof you tapped into something deeply human.

It was like it had been put there as an Easter egg for me to find. 

Totally unexpected.

But I digress…

Making Beautiful Work

Accidentally finding Christians lurking in creative places. Hearing how God breaks through for talented people creating, working, persisting, creating beauty and heart, and trusting God through the hard times. 

It shouldn’t be unexpected, but it is. 

It’s easy to put on blinkers and create a false dichotomy between the sacred and the secular and limit our understanding of what a Christian work is. 

There's a quote from philosopher Jacques Maritain that I love: 

"If you want to make a Christian work, then be Christian and make a beautiful work, into which your heart will pass. Do not try to make Christian."

Be a believer, make the best work you can, and infuse it with your heart. Who knows what the Lord will do with it?

Christian author and editor, Iola Goulton, recently wrote an article about this. I found these words from Covert and Crossover Christian Fiction empowering:

 "If you don't feel called to write Christian fiction, don't. Write to your calling. Trust that God's light will shine through in whatever you write. And trust that God will bring your words to the people who need to read them."

In that same article, Iola shared a story about a family who came to faith after the father read The Da Vinci Code—a book nobody would ever call Christian. He'd never heard of Jesus, but the novel sparked his curiosity. He researched, became a believer, and started bringing his family to church.

If God can use that, imagine what He can do with the words you and I are writing right now. He can bring fruit from work that doesn't have a label stamped on it. He can use songs and stories about love and life to soften hearts, to give courage, to stir hope, to remind someone they aren't alone. 

He can take mainstream US musicians and use them to encourage the faith of an author in Australia. He can take the creative work you and I are called to do and carry it further than we can imagine.

If your call is to write Christian fiction. If your passion is to encourage Christians and create stories that outline the path to salvation, then please do so. Your words are needed. But if that's not you, that’s okay too.

The world needs your words, your heart and your hope.

Photo courtesy of www.svklimkin.com on Pixabay

Your Turn

Finding Christians in unexpected places over the last few weeks has been like finding a light left on the porch outside. It's hope. Our brothers and sisters are out there. Faith isn't confined to one section of the bookstore, or one playlist category, or one approved pathway.

God is at work—everywhere.

So here's my encouragement to you, especially if you're a Christian writer who sometimes wonders where you fit.

Write to your calling. Write with beauty, truth, and integrity. Pray over your work—not only for success, but for God to use your words in ways you will never see. Pray that it strengthens other believers who stumble across you out in the wild. Pray that it reaches people who would never pick up something labelled Christian, but who might still be hungry for hope.

You might never hear the results. That doesn't mean nothing happened.

You may be someone else's unexpected find.

Is there a "mainstream" song, movie, or book that has deeply encouraged your faith recently? Share the title in the comments below so we can add it to our reading/playlists!

__________________________________________________

If you’d like to explore more:

• Susan J. Bruce mysteries

• Holly Hartman romances

• The Holly Hartman Christmas in Vermont Official Spotify playlist

Susan J. Bruce is a former veterinarian and self-confessed animal addict who writes mysteries with heart, humour, and plenty of fur. Find her binge-worthy Ruthless-the-Killer series at www.susanjbruce.com.

She also writes funny-with-feeling romantic comedy as Holly Hartman, where falling in love feels like finding home. Follow Holly Hartman on Amazon for swoony, emotionally rich, fade-to-black romance with small-town warmth, second chances, and excellent coffee instincts.