Power in Writing Community.

 

    In the beginning God created family. He created man and woman and he saw that it was very good. God also noted it was not good for man to live alone and so he gave Adam a mate.

Early members of Sunshine Coast Omega 

Likewise it is not good for a writer to be completely alone.  I’ve heard many say that it’s a lonely experience being an author, and, yes, there is always a lot of time when we pound the keys in our bubble. However, there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. An author, needs a community, people around that support and understand her.

Writers together celebrate the release of Symphony of Grace

Jesus spent time alone, but he also spent much time in community, where He modeled different levels of relationship. He had three close friends, chose twelve disciples, and related to many others in the crowds. When he needed company, it was always available.

 

I find my writing community invaluable so when writing I purposely involve other people. I need people to bounce ideas off, to share wins and get feedback. Equally, I watch for others to help, support, read and critique.

 

When I write anything, my friend Sue wants to read every word. I email my books chapter by chapter. She knows my characters and keeps me encouraged. The wonderful thing about this arrangement is having someone I can discuss a character’s dilemma or a plot difficulty. Sue isn’t an author but an avid reader. She’s been an invaluable help to me as I have written various novels and articles. She’s also edits the document at the first level.

My little critique group. Jo, Miranda, Jeanette, Arlene.

 

I am part of a small critique group of four writers. This blog will be emailed to them today.  Next week when we meet they will edit it and critique it. They suggest changes and highlight obvious mistakes. As I’m a master at mistakes this group saves me from publishing bad writing. Each of us submits three pages each month and we all comment on one another’s writing. Our writing has improved as we’ve learned from each other.

 

Last Saturday, our sunshine Coast Omega writers group met in my lounge room. There were ten of us, investing our time to share each other’s knowledge and experience. It’s an incredibly rich place to be as we talk about our wins in our losses. One person has created a new app for the group to help with our editing. The members of this group are quick to help each other with knowledge and assistance. Some of the members are more experienced with many published books. Others have done a lot of study and bring knowledge about writing craft. Others are only just beginning their writing journey. Some understand technology and others struggle with it. It’s a fun, supportive group and its great to have people you can ring and seek help.

Sunshine Coast chapter celebrates with Julie as she launches Oscar was Here

 

And of course, there is the online writing community. Facebook groups like Australasian Christian Writers and Christian Writers Downunder feed encourage and teach me. Through these sites and others, I have met so many interesting people, discovered their writing and learned from their experience. Recently I sent El Gibbor, my next book, to a few beta readers requesting feedback before publication. One of those readers was Paula Vince in Adelaide. Paula and I met years ago at writers’ conferences. She published Picking up the Pieces the same time I published Though the Bud be Bruised. Both books look at different responses to sexual abuse. I knew she would be interested my latest book. She very graciously sent me three pages of suggestions, sharing how I could improve the book.

 

The wider internet community is a great forum for questions.  How do I self publish? Where is the best place to get this? What’s the best app for that?  So many questions mine the combined knowledge of writers. This help is invaluable.

 

Part of this community dynamic is our willingness to share our wisdom and time. Time invested in helping others reaps much reward. We champion each other, acknowledging wins and giving help when needed. Book launches are a great place to support community and build it. Julie Modra, one of our members, launched her book, Oscar was Here, at the Mad Hatter’s Bookshop last weekend. It was a great occasion and an opportunity to mingle.

Julie Modra at Mad Hatter's Bookshop

 

Wider community again is the Omega Writer’s conference that brings people together from Australia and New Zealand. Many of these occasions have equipped me with new skills, corrected bad habits and warmed me with great fellowship. There are many similar conferences from other Writers Centres, but I really enjoy the Christian fellowship.

A team of contributers celebrating Mosaic of Grace. 

Anthologies develop from community. Tabor College in Adelaide have printed one every year for ten years. There are many books on my shelf where my writing is published.  Keep your eyes open. There are lots of anthologies where your short works can be highlighted. I’m thankful for the community that works together to produce top quality books.

 

How do you find a group? I’d start on Facebook or similar sites. Join groups. Become a member of Omega Writers. And ask the simple question… Does anyone live near me? Join an online group like Grace Writers. Just hunt until you find your family

 

And remember a Christian is never alone. We carry the Holy Spirit within and he’s a great source of creative ideas and fellowship. 

Jo Wanmer lives on the northern outskirts of Brisbane with her husband of 55 years, Steve, and a lively needy toy poodle called Barclay. She is used to dodging him on her knee as she writes.She is excited to see her book El Roi named as a finalist in Caleb Christian fiction awards this year. Her book El Shaddai is leading a series. It is followed by El Roi, and El Gibbor is with the publisher. Two more books in the series are on the computer. Exciting books written with Holy Spirit as co-author.

 

Writers Helping Writers by Jo Wanmer

Writers helping me.

‘Do you know how to write books?’ 

Mary Hawkins' gentle question slid through the phone. I’d never met her but she’d read my manuscript and been asked to mentor me. This manuscript was my first attempt at serious writing.

‘I guess not.' I replied. 'I just sat down and wrote.’ 

‘I thought so.’ Mary paused. ‘It shows. But this story needs to be told. It will need a lot of work to lift it to publishing standard. I’m willing to teach you if you are willing to put in the effort.’

Mary had many fiction books published in the Australian market. A few weeks later I met this delightful lady at a mentorship retreat. There were two other fiction writers sharing Mary as our mentor. Other groups worked in their genre with different mentors. We gathered together in a couple of units near Noosa for a week. Within an hour of arrival, we started work, fingers hovering over our laptops, minds keen. 

Mary’s printed copy of my book, which I’d posted to her, was covered with red pen. Under her instruction I deleted the first three chapters. My gut wrenched but she convinced me those pages were irrelevant to the main story. I complied. She taught me how to sharpen the first line and then adjust the first paragraph. Moving amongst the three of us, she read, critiqued, corrected and changed, always telling us to rewrite. I typed, deleted, adjusted and rewrote. And we laughed as she corrected and encouraged us. Fingers sore and brain spent, I completed the first page and fell into bed. Only 369 pages to go!

The week resembled a boot camp. We worked from morning to late evening. In meal breaks we built great relationships. Every moment we learned from each other. When we closed our computers to go home, I’d made new friends and I’d successfully polished seventy of those pages. 

‘What happens now?’ I asked.

‘I’ve taught you.’ Mary hugged me. ‘Now you edit the rest using the skills I’ve given you.’

Reviewing the mentorship on the drive home I was both grateful for Mary’s patience and teaching and overwhelmed by the task ahead of me.

Sixteen years have passed since that pivotal weekend. The book we slaved over, Though the Bud be Bruised, won a Caleb prize for best unpublished manuscript and was published in 2012. The skills I learned from Mary have become my automatic way of writing. Since then, I’ve learned more about making my words sing, through events, workshops and meetings, mostly under Omega Writers and other gatherings of Christian authors.

Writers helping Writers.

Paul exhorted us in Romans 10:24-25 TPT…

    Discover creative ways to encourage others and motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together… In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other forward…

The encouragement I receive from other Christian writers builds my determination to push onward, to fulfil the goals God has placed in my heart.

Helen Hudson talking Holy Spirit and art. Check out her Facebook page    

A couple of weeks ago our Omega Writers Sunshine Coast group held a writer’s retreat. The aim was to spend time together and learn from each other. We gathered at our leader’s beautiful home on Friday night, meet together all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Our shared meals were prepared by Sue and her amazing mother. We stayed close by, some of us sharing a cabin, and we revelled in fellowship. One of our members, Julie Modra, shared from her vast knowledge and taught us about writing structure. Printed sheets helped us apply her wisdom… wisdom she has learned from others. We practised hearing the Holy Spirit through a Zoom training session by Lynne Hudson using art! We prayed for each other and planned events.  What a rich weekend!

Our representation of Holy Spirit's nudges

I also belong to another smaller group led by Jeanette Grant-Thomson. Four of us meet once a month. We write in different genres for different reasons. Each month we email every group member two or three pages of our work. We critique each other’s writing and then gather to share. At the end, a ten-to-fifteen-minute writing exercise stretches us. We read our stories aloud and encourage each other. The relationships are sweet and our skills are growing under this discipline.

Any success I’ve enjoyed as an author is attributed to the Holy Spirit firstly and then fellowship and instruction from other writers. 

Sunshine Coast members at retreat

Writers Building Writer Community 

Omega has organised a writer’s conference in Adelaide in October. It’s a great place to learn and a good place to meet other writers, build relationships and invite others to connect with you. Large gatherings can be impersonal, but it’s the small groups and conversations where I’ve been impacted. 

When I was writing El Shaddai, I had stalled and closed the file. God and I had agreed to write a book where He was one of the characters. But I panicked when I realised I was writing His words. Feeling totally inadequate, I stopped. Months later, in a small prayer meeting at a conference, God whispered, ‘What’s wrong with the book I’m in?’ Challenged, I came home and wrote the story as quickly as I could, not allowing myself to second guess anything.  And God says some amazing things in that book… things I didn’t know until I typed the words.  

Our Sunshine Coast group grew organically. In a post on Omega Writers page on Facebook, Sue Taylor-Reeves asked for anyone interested in meeting together. A few of us started to connect and then gather. And it grew. Commitment to the group keeps it healthy.

Our groups book launch in March

Jesus taught about sowing and reaping. If you want support with your writing, start by finding someone you can help. Find a writing buddy. Share your work. Give constructive feedback and receive other’s suggestions with grace. Offer prayer and encouragement. 

Reach out to help others. Volunteer to be a beta reader. Write reviews. Help with someone else’s book launch. Be active on the Facebook pages, Christian Writers Downunder and Australasian Christian Writers. These groups connect us to writers across Austrlalia and New Zealand. 

Christian community is important for Christian authors. Even Jesus didn’t walk alone. Often he was surrounded by thousands, but he always withdrew with his twelve, or three. We know he needed their prayers. They accompanied him, served Him and learned from Him.

Likewise, in love we lift each other up and help carry each other’s burdens.

Closing brunch after a great weekend

How has the writing community helped you? How have you helped other authors?

Jo Wanmer is a story teller, that has had to learn how to write those stories into acceptable prose. She writes with the help of the Holy Spirit. Without His inspiration, there would be no books. Though the Bud be Bruised was published thirteen years ago. Late in 2024 El Shaddai was released and its prequel, El Roi, was released late last year. 

She lives, with her husband of nearly fifty-four years, just north of Brisbane. Family, God and writing are her three passions. Eleven great-grandchildren now fill their home with love and chaos.

 

Behind the Scenes: Scattered by Nola Lorraine

 Today we go 'behind the scenes' as Jeanette (Jenny) O'Hagan interviews Nola Lorraine (aka Nola Passmore) about her upcoming release of her debut novel, Scattered.

Jenny: Congratulations on your upcoming release, Nola. What inspired you to write your debut novel ‘Scattered’?

 

Nola: Thanks Jenny. The novel has been a long time coming. I first got the idea when my husband Tim and I visited the Canadian Maritimes in 2012. I heard about Sable Island, which is famous for its colony of wild horses. It’s about 300 km from Halifax and is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic because more than 350 ships have been wrecked on its shores. Then when we went to Prince Edward Island, we came across a sign dedicated to John Willoughby, a volunteer at Avonlea Village who had helped many descendants of the British Home Children reunite with their families. I’d never heard of the Home Children, but I later discovered they were part of a migrant program that sent poor and orphaned children from Britain to Canada from the 1860s through to about 1930. The seeds of my novel had been planted. My heroine Maggie is on her way to Halifax to search for her brother and sister who had mistakenly been sent to Canada, but she’s shipwrecked on Sable Island and develops a special relationship with one of the horses. It took several years to get the rest of the plot in place, but I had my beginning.

 

 

Jenny: Tell us about the main character, Maggie. What drives her? What keeps her going despite the obstacles in her way?

 

Nola: Maggie is a 19-year-old Englishwoman who had been working abroad when her mother died. She has already lost her father and a brother, so when she discovers her two younger siblings have been sent to Canada, she’s desperate to find them. For a long time, I thought her love of family was enough to drive her search. As I got to know her better, I learned that there were also some deeper issues of abandonment that she had to deal with before she could move forward. A lot of obstacles are thrown at her, but her faith keeps her going, as well as the love and support of a dashing newspaper reporter and her new Canadian friends. If she has a flaw, it’s that she can be impulsive in her desire to speed things up, and that sometimes causes her problems.

 

Jenny: You’ve written an impressive number of poetry, short fiction and non-fiction pieces. How is writing a novel different?

 

There are some obvious things of course, like the length and complexity. However, I think one of the main things is the perseverance you need to complete a novel. I set myself a difficult task by writing an historical novel set in 1882 in a different country. I knew it would involve research, so I started by reading books on Sable Island and the Home Children. However, I was amazed at how many little things I had to find out to make it authentic. For example, it’s wasn’t enough to know that the telephone was introduced into Canada in 1880. I had to know what types of people would have had some of the earliest phones and how long it took for phonelines to be laid in different areas. The research was never-ending. Then there were the rewrites, some of which involved taking out huge chunks of the plot and totally rethinking some scenes and chapters. If I’d known how much work would be involved, I may not have started. But I have a very supportive husband and writing group who kept me going. I also prayed a lot about the trickier aspects and there were many times when I felt God gave me insights as to how to proceed.

 

Jenny: What do you know now about the craft and business of writing that you didn’t when you started?

 

Nola: This book has been a seven-year journey, so I now know about a hundred things I didn’t know before – LOL. I think one of the biggest ones is that it’s so important to have a good plot before you start tinkering with the prose too much. When I started, I had a general idea of where the story was headed, but it changed so much as I went along. Some of my most beautiful, gut-wrenching scenes ended up on the cutting-room floor because they didn’t fit the evolving plot. A lot of craft books and workshops will teach you the ‘how-to’ of creative writing (e.g., show-don’t-tell; snappy dialogue; good imagery), and all of that is important. However, if you don’t have a good story, you could end up with beautifully written rubbish. So my advice would be to work hard on your story, then polish it up.

 

You also really need to be thinking about marketing well before you finish your book. I highly recommend Iola Goulton’s Kick-Start Your Author Platform (https://christianediting.co.nz/kick-start/ ) online course. It’s a great way to get you started.

 

Jenny: Now you’ve finished your first novel, what plans do you have for the next one?

 

Nola: I’m in the early stages of plotting the second novel. It will be set in 1896 in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and features one of the characters who was a child in the first novel. I can’t say more due to spoilers. (Wink wink!) I’m also working on a small devotional book and have been blogging some of the material for that on my website.

 

Thanks for chatting with me today, Jenny. It’s been fun.

Jenny: Thanks for giving us a peek behind the scenes, Nola. I'm looking forward to reading Scattered and the sequel. 

Nola Lorraine (aka Nola Passmore) has had more than 150 short pieces published, including poetry, devotions, inspirational articles, true stories, short fiction and academic articles. Her debut novel Scattered is being published by Breath of Fresh Air Press (https://www.breathoffreshairpress.com/) and is due for release on 20 October 2020. She also co-edited the Glimpses of Light charity anthology with Jeanette O’Hagan. 

When she’s not engrossed in her own writing, she’s helping other writers through The Write Flourish, a freelance editing business she runs with her husband Tim. She is passionate about faith and social justice issues, and loves weaving words of courage and hope. She would love to connect with you through her website and social media platforms.

 

Author Website:          https://www.nolalorraine.com.au

Editing Website:             https://www.thewriteflourish.com.au

Facebook:                   https://www.facebook.com/nolalorraine

Twitter:                       https://twitter.com/nolalorraine1

Pinterest:                     https://www.pinterest.com.au/nolalorraine1

 

Scattered is currently available for pre-order from Amazon, Koorong, Breath of Fresh Air Press and Book Depository.

 

The Best Scoop of All

by Anusha Atukorala

2020! I heralded the year as THE YEAR above all years. I believed that God’s blessings would abound; that prayers would be answered. I knew they would. I prayed they would. I decreed and declared they would. One day, early in the year, a smile danced on my lips as I zoomed off for a special encounter, one dear to my writer's heart.

Once on the road, I discovered to my concern that I’d taken a wrong turn. I was now heading in the opposite direction to where I was going. Oh no! What should I do? I turned left into the next street—performed a quick U turn and spun back to the road I’d been on, retracing my route. Soon I was back on track. Relief fanned me, like cool breezes on a warm summer's day. But I’d wasted ten whole minutes on that unnecessary detour!

I reached my local library with a few minutes to spare. To my dismay, I found the car park inexplicably full. Grrr! I drove around several times, searching urgently for a park. I would be late. ‘Lord, help me please!” And then … there it loomed ahead of me—an empty spot. Hooray. I slid in with a whoop of joy. Thank you God.

I had chosen the busiest day at the library apparently—a holiday program for kids was on. I reached the building for my 11 a.m. appointment—just in time. The library’s personable Event Officer greeted me and we sat down to talk. Despite the hustle and bustle around me and my frazzled nerves within, the meeting went exceptionally well. Detour or not, sweet melodies now began to hum in my heart. Our local library was willing to organise the launch of my next book ‘Sharing the Journey’. I was delighted to hear how well they’d support me. They promised to even serve wine for my guests at no cost. Oh? Yes! Yes, please!

Afterwards I realised that perhaps my detour was a reminder that the year might not flow as smoothly as I hoped! Plan for detours, I told myself when I got home. Go with the flow, Anusha. Dream on but expect the unexpected. Don’t be fooled into thinking my plans won’t get messed up. I spent the next few weeks making goals and plans for 2020. Soon, I was ready for the year; I was ready to fly, to fly high like an eagle!

That was three months ago. I laugh today as to how naive I was! I did expect a challenge or two ... just not this level of difficulty! Did you? The vicissitudes the planet has had to face in 2020 have been unprecedented.

And by the way … on a personal note, I had:

One Exciting Book Launch  - POSTPONED!

One Exciting New Dream Job - CANCELLED!

A tiny virus which cannot even be seen by the naked eye has romped across our world creating havoc, instigating whole countries to be shut down, including our own! What does that say about us and how much control we have over our lives and calendars? The illusion of humankind being Masters of our fate is being fast stripped away; our dreams laid bare as we scrabble around, trying desperately to re-organise our lives and to return to a state of normalcy.

 “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counsellor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? … Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales.” Isaiah 40:12-15

Part of me has been shocked at the way things have turned out, as if I’m an actress in a pandemic horror movie. But another part of me sees things a little differently. It has caused me to lift my eyes in awe of the One who holds all things in His Powerful Hands.

“To whom will you compare me?  Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?” Isaiah 40:25-26

You and I will not last one day, one hour or even one single moment without the mercy and grace of our Mighty Saviour. He cares for us every single moment in ways we don’t realise. We often take it all for granted, so 2020 was a good wakeup call of how much we need Him.

What does this mean for us Christian writers? During the last few months, I have beheld  God’s glory afresh as I’ve been made aware how small I am and how little control I have over my life. I’ve also been made aware of the grandeur and majesty of God. It’s as if I am a tiny ant. As long as I look at the mirror of misconception and worldliness, I am magnified a hundredfold, so I strut around as if I was the size of a giant human being and in control of the homo sapien world. Until … I see myself through the looking glass of reality! And that … changes everything.  I realise once more who I really am—small, insignificant, and in need of a Saviour.

Thankfully, we have good news. Great news. Fabulous news! 

The same God who created the world is a Good Good Father who loves us beyond measure. So let’s focus not on our smallness but on the immensity, majesty and splendour of our awe-inspiring Triune God. We Christian writers have been called by the Creator of the Universe to reach His world.

If He has called us, our calling must be significant!

He is the One Sure Rock who will not move in the shifting sands of life’s insecurities. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, fact or fantasty, you have been given The Best Scoop of all—the good news of Jesus and your Christian worldview! So … hold your head high today. In spite of uncertainty and fear, sorrow and heartache, loss and pain, we still have one thousand reasons to write. We can write for Him with joy and hope in our hearts, inspired by the One who has called us.

Let’s fill the earth with stories 
that bring glory to the magnificent Author of life.

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' and was released in March 2020.

Do stop by at her website Dancing in the Rain to say G’day!

  

Dancing in the Rain: Book Depository

Sharing the Journey: Elephant House Press
                                         Book Depository
                                     

CWD Member Interview - Hannah Currie

Most Thursdays in 2019 we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today interview: Hannah Currie

Question 1: Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from. 

I’m Hannah, I’m from Brisbane (born, raised, and still here ☺) and I’m mum to three amazing kids (and wife to a pretty cool husband too!). 

Question 2: Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc).  What do you write and why?

I write Young Adult Contemporary Christian Romance novels (aka YA princess books, which is way easier to say!). 

As to why…short answer, because it’s what I love to read. Longer answer, because the YA age is such an incredible time of personal growth for people – they’re coming out from under their parents’ umbrellas and discovering who they really are and their own purpose in life. Add in the rules and expectations of royalty, a few tiaras, a bit (lot) of romance and I can’t think of anything I’d rather write more. Christian fiction – especially Robin Jones Gunn’s Christy Miller (and co) series – had a huge impact on my faith as a teen and if God could use my books to encourage and grow someone like Robin did me, I’d be absolutely stoked!

Question 3: Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it?

Currently, those who’ve read it are family, a bunch of publishing professionals and editors (including Roseanna White and Dina Sleiman at my publisher, WhiteFire), and some authors who are endorsing it. 

Who would I like to read it … everyone? ☺ Well, everyone who loves Christian romance or princess stories. The vast majority of my readers so far have been a decade or two (or three…) past the Young Adult age group, which is amazing because it thrills me that so many ages are loving it, but I’d really love for lots of young adults to fall in love with it too. 

Question 4: Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

Heart of a Royal (my debut novel) was actually a really different writing process to every other story I’ve written. Where usually I skip back and forth and write whichever scene is in my head at the time and take between 6-9 months (sometimes longer) to finish the first draft, with this story, I wrote it from start to finish in three months, sending a chapter a week to my teenaged sister to read like a serial story.

In general, my first drafts are very similar to the finished product because I edit a lot as I go. Once the first draft is finished, I’ll read through it a few more times, adding in more ‘atmosphere’ – description, setting, what’s going on between the words. I tend to forget them when I’m writing because I get so caught up in the dialogue! 

My biggest challenge is turning off the inner editor so I can actually get words on paper. Doing word sprints has really helped with that. I set the timer on my phone for fifteen minutes and challenge myself to see how many words I can get written in that time. 

Question 5: What is your favourite Writing Craft Book and why? 

A Novel Idea: Best Advice on Writing Inspirational Fiction in which heaps of multi-published Christian authors  - like Robin Jones Gunn and Jerry B Jenkins – share their advice on (surprise surprise) writing inspirational fiction. It was one of the first writing books I read and was so incredibly helpful in those early days, not only to read about their processes and passion for writing but to learn all about POV, Show v Tell and all those other writing terms you hear wherever you go. An amazing book and whether you’re starting out or have been on the journey for a while, one I’d highly recommend.  

Question 6: If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

Penny Morrison, author of all the Hey! books that my kids absolutely giggle themselves through every time we read them. There’s something so heart-overflowing about hearing your child laugh as you read together and these books always have them – and subsequently me – in stitches. Brilliant books, gorgeous photos and totally my kids’ humour. Keeper shelf forever. Thanks Penny!

Question 7: What are your writing goals for 2019/2020? How will you achieve them?

My writing goal for 2019 has been to do the absolute best I can do with releasing my debut book, Heart of a Royal, including connecting with readers in both the US and Australia through my social media accounts and newsletter. Also, to finish Book Two of the series (oh boy, did that main character misbehave! I think I have almost an entire book (definitely a long novella) of words and scenes cut from it because she wouldn’t do what she was told). 

2020 is then all about finishing Book Three and starting the edit/release/launch process all over again for them. 

Question 8: How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

Like most Christian authors, so much of my faith and what God is teaching me comes out in my writing. In many ways, the characters’ stories are my story – of finding hope in dark places when life just seemed too much, of discovering that God will always be enough, of fighting anxiety and the pressure of expectations, of holding on to faith when God leads me through the impossible, of finding love in unexpected places and trusting that God has that in his hands too… Sure, the situations are different – I’m certainly not a princess or royal of any kind! – but the heart is the same. The journey. The challenges, hopes, doubts, prayers. 

I don’t think I could leave faith out of my writing if I tried!

Aussie author, Hannah Currie, loves God, family, people (in small numbers, let’s not go crazy here!) and writing. She and her husband live with their three adorable kids in sunny Queensland, where it really is beautiful one day and perfect the next. Except, maybe, during heatwaves. They’re not so fun. 

CWD Member Interview

Each Thursday in 2018 we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today we interview Anusha Atukorala.

Question 1
Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from.

1.    I am firstly (and with deep gratitude) a child of God. My primary calling in life I believe is to lover of God and to love others. I’m also called to encourage and bless; to build the body of Christ through my writing and through my life.

2.    I come from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka—a pearl drop in the Indian ocean.  I am fortunate enough to have two places I call home—this magnificent Land Down Under (thank you for having us, Australia) as well as the enchanting Land of my birth. What’s more … I have a third place I call home – the heart of our Father. (Aren’t I blessed?)

3.    I’ve been married for 32 years to an exceptional man, Shan. We are parents to a another exceptional young man of 28, Asela. All three of us love to read. I’ve just counted the bookcases in our home—TWELVE!  Yes, books are our friends.

In Sunny Sri Lanka May 2017

Question 2 
Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc.).  
What do you write and why?

I grew up in a family of readers and writers. Mum was a journalist for seven decades years right until she left for heaven’s shores at the ripe old age of 89. My Dad was a Director of a Newspaper company in Sri Lanka. So it seems that writing was in my blood. I write non-fiction mostly though I’ve had a few short stories published in anthologies. It’s hard for me not to express all God’s done for me, so non-fiction suits me to a T. I’m looking forward to writing a novel one day, but for the moment, there’s plenty of non-fiction flowing from my pen and I can’t stop the tide. J

I’ve had two books published so far (and lots more in the pipeline).
1. Enjoying the Journey - 75 little God stories. (Back to the Bible Sri Lanka, June 2010)
2. Dancing in the Rain - words of comfort and hope for a sad heart. 
    (Armour Books, March 2018)

I blog regularly at my website which, (like my latest book) is called:
‘Dancing in the Rain’.

Writing is an act of obedience to the One I love. But of course it’s much more than that. I write because God has been so good to me that I can’t help but shout it to all the world. I write because my joy takes flight when I make sense of the world using the power of the written word. I write to encourage and bless others. I write to share Jesus with those who have yet to encounter Him. I write because God’s called me to share His love with His world. I write not because I have to but because I have to!

Question 3 
Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it?

The short answer to your question Jenny is that my books are for ANYONE – of any age and gender.

As for the long answer …

When I wrote my first book I assumed it would be mainly women who’d be interested. I was surprised and pleased to discover that many parents used it as devotionals with their young families. Older people have expressed their appreciation of the book as well. I received a heart-warming message one day from a stranger across the seas—a Chinese man who told me how much the book blessed him. It made me very happy.

My second book was released just over a month ago. Dancing in the Rain was written out of life’s stormy seasons, to encourage others who needed comfort. I received feedback from a few readers recently who thanked me for the book, adding that it was exactly what they needed right now to help them through their difficult situations. I was so glad to hear it. 

About a week ago, I had an email from a stranger living in Victoria. She said she was very lonely. She had been about to give up on her faith when she read my website and my latest blog and said they helped her keep going. That for me is what it is all about. God is good, isn’t He? Because after all, it’s nothing to do with us. It’s the Holy Spirit who takes the words we write and uses them to convict, comfort, edify, teach and bless. All praise to Him.

Question 4
Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? 
What helps you the most?

Process? Hmmm! I’m not sure I have one.

God prompts me often by what I see around me—so I carry around a little book (as most of us writers do) to fill in when needed. It is a most helpful tool.

My biggest challenge is my health. I’ve suffered from a chronic illness for about 13 years and it has unfortunately affected my productivity. I find it hard to be creative when my body is screaming in pain and fatigue. Often when I have a day free to write—my body doesn’t co-corporate so I can’t get much done. Having said that, I have to add that I have gleaned plenty of golden writing nuggets by journeying through fields of adversity—so I shall not complain. Life is good. And better yet, God is good.

The Holy Spirit is my Helper. I love the editing process.  For me, getting the first draft is the hardest part of writing. Once that is done—I really relish the task of going over my manuscripts over and over again in my attempts to reach perfection!

Question 5
What is your favourite Writing Craft Book and why?

I hang my head in shame. I don’t have one. I’ve been borrowing books from the library over the years and continue to learn the craft through them, but no one book stands out.

But …  perhaps I can lift my head after all? I do have a favourite Writing Book. 

The Bible! The more I read it, the more treasures I glean from it. So even as I acknowledge that it’s not a craft book on writing—I can honestly say it IS the base of my writing journey. What I learn in His Word shapes me as a Christian writer, apart from the treasures of poetry, history, stories and adventure I discover in its pages. And with the Holy Spirit, the Word is my Guide in my writing adventures.

Question 6
If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

Thanks for the opportunity to do so, Jenny. The Bible points to 7 as a perfect number so let me acknowledge and thank 7 fabulous authors today!

1.    Nola Passmore – You are not only an experienced, gifted writer but you also never fail to encourage and help many of us on our writing journeys with your brilliant expertise and friendship. Thank you so much Nola. You are a trooper!

2.    Jeanette O’Hagan - You’ve used your gifts and skills to produce many lovely books (congratulations Jenny) – but that does not keep you from using those same gifts to expend much time and energy to help other writers. Thank you Jenny.

3.    Penelope McCowen – You have been a wonderful blessing in my writing journey and in my life. Thank you Friend. I appreciate you deeply.

4.    Jenny Glazebrook – Jenny, your blogs are always inspirational as are your talks. I’ve really enjoyed your books. I appreciate your passionate spirit and your lovely gift of encouragement. God bless you dear special friend.

5.    Elaine Frazer – You have always inspired and encouraged me by your excellent writing and your caring friendship. I love catching up with you at conference! I appreciate you.

6.    Paula Vince – You are a gifted writer and I’ve loved your books. It’s been so good to work with you on CWD and I look forward to reading your latest work.

7.    Anne Hamilton – You are a gifted writer with many published books that teach, inspire and bless the body of Christ. Thank you. A special thank you Annie for publishing Dancing in the Rain through Armour Books. It’s been great working with you and I am very grateful.

I’d also like to thank  Jeanette Grant-Thompson, Rhonda Pooley, Melinda Jensen, Jo’Anne Griffin, Lesley Turner, Jo Wanmer, Adele Jones, Mazzy Adams, Pamela Heemskerk and Janelle Moore for the special encouragement you have been on my writing journey. Thank you ladies. I appreciate you all.

Omega Conference Sydney 2016

Question 7
What are your writing goals for 2018? How will you achieve them?

As you know Jenny, we’ve spent the last 10 months on a challenging, exhausting, relentless rollercoaster ride of moving house so my writing had to be on the backburner during that time. But now, at last … I’m free to dream and to write again. Hooray!

So these are my goals for 2018:
1.    To Launch—my latest book ‘Dancing in the Rain’ on the 12^th of May 2018.

I hope to see many of you there!

2.    To Write/Put Together 2 books –

a.     Blessings on the Journey – A book created from my blogs.

b.    The Way that He loves – birthed out of our eventful house move and a God who surprised, led and blessed us way beyond all expectations. My faith muscles have been stretched and strengthened in the process and I have a story to tell of His faithfulness. He truly is an awesome God!

3.    To Find the right Publishers for two of my books –

a.     A Frog by any other Name – (A Children’s Chapter Book)

b.    Little Lulu’s Lullaby – (A Children’s Picture Book)

How will I achieve them? I’m thrilled that God’s blessed me with a little den in our new home. I love it. Love it. LOVE IT! I’ve been writing in our family room for the past eleven years with too much noise and distraction around me (never can write with noise), and now I have a perfect quiet retreat to escape to! Yay! How blessed I am.

This new season, God has been calling me to:

1. Pray lots 
2. Write lots

May I be faithful.

Question 8

How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

I write because God has been good to me. Faith is the bedrock under the swirling oceans of my writing life. Everything I pen is a reflection of the amazing God who created me, loved me, saved me and gave me a new song to sing for all eternity. Need I say more?

Thank you Jenny for your interview and thank you my fellow writers for your support and prayers as we work together as Christian Writers to bring God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. 

God bless you and (your writing) richly and always.

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. Please stop by at her website to say G’day to her. She’d love to see you there. Dancing in the Rain