CWD Member Interview - Janelle Moore

Most Thursdays this year 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’s interview: Janelle Moore

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

1.  I have been married to my wonderful husband for 21 years and we have two beautiful children, aged 19 and 17. 
2.  I was raised on a dairy farm at Chinchilla and moved to Toowoomba 32 years ago.
3.  Pre children, I worked as a Taxation Accountant in both Chinchilla and Toowoomba.

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

I started writing short articles and devotions about my children’s antics and about some of the issues I faced as a mother.  I’ve also written devotions for women in general, based on my life experiences. I write because I want others to know Jesus and all He offers. 

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

To date, my work has been read by Christian women. I have had short articles published in “Footprints”, which was a Christian magazine, and have also had articles/devotions published in Penned from the Heart, Inspirational Stories for Aussie Women, Rise – Inspiring Devotions to Fuel Your First Year of College, Gathered Treasures – Devotionals to Connect the Hearts of Mums and Girls.  

I would hope that unchurched ladies may read my work in the future. I am currently working on my second book, another simple devotional aimed at women who struggle with self-esteem, self-worth etc. I want them to know they are loved, valued and important, regardless of where they have come from or what they have been through. My desire is that this book may impact the lives of both churched and unchurched women and help them to realise their value. I run a Playgroup at our Church and have contact with many young unchurched mums who desperately need Jesus. I would love it if they read my work and were encouraged to walk with God, and know their worth.

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

My best time to write is when I wake of a morning, propped up on a heap of pillows on my bed. I love to journal and most of my work has begun with journaling. I start by putting pen to paper, and once I have a clear outline, I move to my computer because it is then so much easier to delete, alter, rearrange my words into some semblance of order.

My biggest challenges are self-doubt and procrastination. I don’t think these issues are uncommon for authors. I am learning to be more open, vulnerable and self-disciplined. I am trying to have more involvement with the writing world by attending book fairs, workshops, the conference later this year.  

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

The amazing Quirky Quills! Without them I never would have begun this writing journey. They have patiently stood beside me, nagged me, encouraged me, challenged me, prodded me and cheered me on. I will forever be grateful to each one of them for the part they have played in leading and pushing me along this path. 

What are your writing goals for this year? How will you achieve them?

I have signed a contract to have my first book published, and it will be released later this year. It is a devotion for Mums and is the culmination of a 23-year dream. I can hardly believe that I will soon be planning my very own book launch (with the assistance of the very capable and experienced Quirky Quills of course).

And as mentioned above I have started a second devotion book to encourage women. How will I achieve this? With self-discipline and determination. I am trying to set time aside on a regular basis to attend to this. Easier said than done. But I am trying.

How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

My work is all non-fiction and is based on truths that God has revealed to me during my walk with Him. I have experienced His love, His goodness, his forgiveness, His faithfulness, His grace, among other things, and I want other women to know that these gifts are available to them.

Janelle lives in Toowoomba with her family. She is passionate about the playgroup she runs, is involved in a school-based mentoring program, and enjoys aqua aerobics and mosaicking.

Ride 'em in, Rawhide!

The other day, as I walked into my lounge room to relax with some Netflix and a nice hot cuppa, my eye caught something on the wall...my heart jumped, and an expectant cold shiver ran down my spine. 

A spider.

A big spider.

A HUGE spider!  

Okay, it was a medium sized huntsman. But it was there. And its presence affected my ability to unwind.

I stood there for a few minutes and debated my options; kill it, trap it and release it, or live with it.

Over the years, the choices I've made have definitely changed. As a child, the sight of a spider sent me into a screaming mess of tears; I would call for my parents to come and deal with said spider, and no amount of fly spray was enough to ensure it was dead. I wanted it squished and removed!

Once married, it was my husband's job to deal with my fearsome enemy.

Now, I have realised that I must face my fears alone; I can either allow them to control me, or I can control them.

So, what did I decide to do? I thought about trapping Freda, (yes, I name them, it makes them seem less icky!). but she was far too high for that. And I don't like spraying huntsmen; they aren't dangerous, just really creepy! So, I reasoned with her; you can stay inside, but no suprising me! 

I spent the next 5 days living with Freda inside my house. We got a bit close at times, but generally, we co-existed nicely. 

And then my 6 year old, Josh, saw her! 

"SPIIIIII-DEEEERRRR!"

By this stage, I was so comfortable with Freda, that I was able to tell my boy, she's okay, she won't eat much, (and actually believe it!); but she was sitting on the roof, right over Josh's head!

So I grabbed a long, blossomy ornamental branch thingy and waved it near Freda, to try and have her move along. It worked nicely. So I moved her along a little more. And a bit more. Soon, we were at the back door; Josh quickly opened it, and I calmly encouraged Freda to walk out through the back door, and into her own world again.

We just herded a spider out of our house!

Now, I'm no psychologist or behaviour analyst, but...that is a far cry from my previous reactions! 

So what changed? The fear was still there; why could I suddenly handle it? 

I think there are two key things; firstly, there's no "super hero" to fly in and save me from my enemy. I must be the hero!

Which lead me to my second discovery; my fear was actually unfounded. I was totally overreacting to the situation, because I had allowed myself to do so. The situation was not ideal, but was it really worth all the stress and angst?

No. 

Do I still pray when I see a spider?! You bet I do! But I also pray for wisdom on how to handle it, and to give me clarity of mind, and the ability to relax in the face of the fear. 

As a creative, and in my spheres of writing and photography, I have had to overcome overwhelming fears; doubts that I am any good, that what I have to offer will measure up, feeling overwhelmed with the hugeness of what God is calling me to do. Many - MANY - times I just want to curl up in a ball under my blanket and cuddle my cat and not face what he's called me to.

But...I know that there is a greater purpose to my calling. Fear says, "I am not good enough!" whilst faith says, "Yet I will trust God to take my talent and make it grow exponentially." So I'm learning to live with the fear - of failure, and even of success, and the unknown nature of it all. For if I allow the fear to be in control, I will do nothing, and will just hide my talent away for no one to see; and how sad it is to know that someone could achieve something truly remarkable, had they but the faith to step out. 

I sincerely pray for anyone reading this today who is bound by fear; that God's gentle yet powerful hands would slice through the bindings and release you into your God-given and ordained potential! That you would catch a glimpse of all the things God has in store for you, and that you would take that first step to being in control of the fear, through faith in Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than you could ever ask or imagine!

Blessings,

Helen

Well, this is embarrassing...!

I, like most here, love writing devotionals. I see the world in pictures, and often find myself chuckling at rather inopportune moments at the things God reveals to me in my head.

Devotional writing tends to come easily to me; it's a great blessing and one I don't take for granted.

At least I didn't think I did. Until today.

Unlike my last sheduled CWD blogspot, which I quite simply forgot about - my apologies once again - I have had this one at the forefront of my mind for some time now. And I've been actively using my senses to hear/see from God as to what he wants me to write about.

Nothing.

More looking, more seeking.

Still. . . nothing.

As the days moved closer, my senses started going into overdrive! God, what do you want me to share?!

Silence.

Even now, as I sit here and type, I am pleading with God to give me something - anything - that might sound better than this confession.

Because it feels feeble to write that I have nothing. 

Have I failed God?  Did I not pray hard enough or look hard enough? Surely I could scrounge up something that would "meet the criteria" and sound so much better than...well, than writing about my desperation!

I wonder if I should have handballed this spot to someone else, someone with a pre-scheduled, fully edited and truly awesome message ready to go?!

No, that's not the answer.

So then God, tell me, what is the answer?! What do I do when I have nothing to say?!

You always have something to say Helen; you can praise me!

When it feels that I am silent, praise me.
When it feels that you are getting nowhere, praise me.
When you are doubting where you are walking, praise me.
When it feels that the road ahead is blocked, praise me!

Remember that King Jehoshaphat won the battle when he and his men praised me! They did not put their trust in their own strength, but called upon my name and sang praises to me before facing their enemy.  And then I moved in power and in might, and I defeated their enemies before them! 

Ahh, yes, this most wonderful tale of King Jehoshaphat, found in 2 Chronicles 20. It has always been one of my most treasured scriptures, revealing to us the importance of praising God when facing our enemies.

And so today I have been reminded of two things; firstly, I never have "nothing" to say! No matter what blockages I might be facing in my mind, my spirit is never without praise and exhortation of my God, who is my everything! 

And, secondly, as I begin to praise my God, he will start to move things in the spiritual and natural realms, allowing my gift of exhorting and encouraging others might flow as it should. 
Not for my sake alone, but that I might be blessed to be a blessing to others. 

I pray that as I have struggled and shared today, that my revelation would be one that opens up the gates of your praise, and brings breakthrough in whatever areas might feel blocked in your ministry. Keep on praising Him, no matter what, and trusting in his strength to flow through your natural abilities, and your breakthrough will happen.

With many blessings,

Helen Curtis

Lent - Give up or Take up?

Photo courtesy of Common Grace
/Bible Society

“So what are you giving up for Lent?”

Up until two years ago, I’d never given Lent much thought. For some reason, I know not why, I’d thought it an outdated practice that Catholics observe. Typically, it appeared to be reduced to the question above. In my overly judgemental moments I found it strange that apparently non-pious people chose to participate in such a “custom”.

Two years ago I felt the nudge in my soul to explore Lent and one of the studies I followed introduced me to the notion of “spring cleaning of the soul” which particularly grabbed me. We spring clean everything else, so why not the soul?

Yesterday I was cleaning out a cupboard that we used to store odds and ends and invariably I came across stuff that at one time was useful but no longer. Similarly, I’ve found junk in my soul that needs throwing out as I’ve refocused my walk with Jesus during the past two Lent seasons.

Fasting is an important aspect of our daily walks allowing us to let go of our dependence on certain things (food, TV shows, internet, etc) so we can filled by the Lord as we rely on Him. It’s a practice I grapple with and it’s this challenge that makes it worthwhile to keep doing regularly.

However, I’ve also found it important to actually take up a new practice during Lent. Activities that change my focus in my daily time with Jesus.

 “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you.” (Eugene Peterson)

This year I chose to take-up two activities:

1. The Bible Society has teamed up with Common Grace to focus on the Lord’sPrayer. I find it such a great prayer in aligning my spirit to focus on God. In a year where I’m seeking to “adore” God more, the Lord’s Prayer is an excellent way of starting my day.

2. I follow Margaret Feinberg’s work and she brings thousands of people around reading the Bible. Two years ago we read the entire Bible (yes, in six weeks!) and last year, the New Testament. This year, we’re reading the Gospels. But Margaret also introduced us to the idea that a friend showed her of using the Colour Method for reading each passage. I love this as it forces me to linger longer on the words and the message. I won’t do it everyday but I hope to do it 3-4 times a week. Try it.

Photo courtesy of Margaret Feinberg.com

I hope we all draw closer to Jesus during these next six weeks as we prepare for Easter. 

What are your thoughts on Lent?

Are you giving up or taking up something for Lent this year?

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Northern Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard, is now available in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter

Not Seeing Clearly

Can you see anything else in this sunrise picture other than water and sunlight?

Did I when I took the photo? It was taken a while ago so I can’t remember. But a friend who had been looking at the photos pointed out to me the cross that is formed by the sunlight on the water. ‘It would be a good cover for a book,’ she said.

 I agreed and though it would have been a perfect cover for the devotional/ bible commentary manuscript I wrote tentatively titled A Day at a Time. Sadly the publisher I sent it to has elected to change direction and is no longer taking devotional manuscripts.

‘Okay,’ so you might say ‘send it elsewhere.’

Sounds good in theory but to date it hasn’t happened.  Why? Is it a case of too many other health issues happening with husband and family? Or am I just over the whole writing and trying to get published business? Only time will tell. But at the moment writing and submitting has come to a stop.

Meanwhile I am just thinking how easy it is to over look what is obvious to others.  When I look around us at the beauty of this place God has brought us to I am amazed that people can look at it and not see the hand of the Creator behind it.

 

 

To believe all this beauty just happened by accident takes more of a leap that it does to believe in a loving Creator who made it all.

 

I’ve also been thinking recently about the wonders of modern science and medicine. Since he seemed to feel his eyesight was getting worse, my husband went to the optometrist. Not only did he need a new glasses, the optometrist picked up that he had a hole in his macula. After being sent to a specialist and then an eye surgeon, they both agreed it was likely that it could be repaired successfully. Pretty amazing eh? This is an operation that has only been able to be done in the last twenty years. Again I thought how can people not see that  mighty Creator is behind the way people are able to come up with such creative ideas of mending what was years ago a major problem. 

The operation went ahead. My husband came home the next day and is now in the recovery period.  It appears the op has gone well, though he is not allowed to drive yet. His eye still feels as though he is ’looking through a bubble,’ he said. Sadly, that’s the way some people look at life, through a bubble, only a bubble of scepticism and unbelief. Though the evidence is right there in front of their eyes they refuse to believe in a God who created people in His own image and gave them the abilities to be able to think and reason and create. Is it any wonder people have been able to do the amazing things they do in medicine and science as well as other creative areas like art and literature and so forth?

Before I become too critical of others for what they don’t see, it made me wonder what I don’t see. Maybe God is trying to tell me something about writing at the moment? Maybe he wants me to give up? Or it could be he wants me to change direction? Or simply to persist? I don’t know the answer.  To date I am just not seeing it.  Or not seeing clearly. Only asking God to make His Will clear and then keeping alert for His answer is the way to whether I will get back into writing or not. And if I do, exactly what should I be writing? Maybe it’s a case of having to wait for His answer on that one too?

Have you ever had occasion where you were tempted to give up or have not seen clearly what to do and had to wait for God’s answer? We’d love to hear about it.

Dale writes fiction, poetry and children’s fiction, and has written bible studies and Sunday school lessons. More information about Dale can be found at www.daleharcombe.com or on her Write and Read with Dale blog http://www.livejournal.com/users/orangedale/

 

 

 

One person makes a difference

Photo courtesy of Salvatore Vuono/
freedigitalphotos.net

When was the last time you heard a message and thought the speaker was directing it specifically to you? It’s like you’re the only person in the auditorium, an audience of one.

I had that sensation last week at church when a visiting pastor from the UK, Paul Scanlon, spoke. His message didn’t really have a title but it was about encouraging us all to know that we are useful to God.

When God wants to do something He always finds someone who He can use. Whether it was to wipe out all living creatures (he used Noah), to building the temple (Solomon), or to evangelize to the Gentiles (Paul).

David and the Temple

Scanlon anchored his message around David. David was chosen to be king when he was a teenage shepherd boy who wrestled lions and bears if they dared go after his sheep and wrote poetry to God as he tended the flock through the lonely nights.

“If we compare ourselves to David, we’re probably over qualified.”

When David was king he had a passion to build a temple as he was affronted by the fact he was housed in a palace but the ark of God dwelled inside tent curtains. (2 Samuel 7:2). So Nathan encouraged David to build it:

“Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” (2 Samuel 7:3)

God didn’t give David the idea, He didn’t need a temple, but He honoured David’s idea. As most of us know, David didn’t build the temple, his son, Solomon did.

I often find myself having an idea and rather than starting the process of engaging others or moving on it, I wait for some validation from God. Somehow confirmation will miraculously appear.

Sure the world is full of hair-brained ideas that have failed. And we don’t need more of them. So we shouldn’t be shooting off to do everything that comes to mind.

When I received a co-publishing offer for Angelguard I sought counsel from others in the industry. I could have gone yippee (I did do that) and signed the deal believing that was the path the Lord wanted for Angelguard.

But it was that counsel that had me turn down the offer and more significantly opened a door to another publisher who offered me a traditional contract.

Active Waiting

I’ve always been more of a thinker than a doer. These past few weeks I’ve been thinking a lot as I’ve waited. Whether it’s for new work, more sales of Angelguard, or the right words for the second novel.

God has chosen all of us to be a move of God. Sure some people will have BIG roles to play like leading mega churches, or massive revivals, or whatever. But we’ve all been chosen. We all have a responsibility to further the kingdom. It’s not just those revivalists or our pastor’s job. It’s for all of us.

That might just be by asking our neighbour to come to church with us rather than simply praying about it, or choosing to take the self-published route for your novel because it’s a genre not too popular in the CBA market at present (as a friend has recently done), or writing an email to a prominent author that I’m encouraging another friend to do.

“God isn’t fussy: He uses someone who is useable.”

So enough passive waiting for me. Time to start doing, and sharing with others the one or two of the ideas that have been percolating for a while.

Thanks Lord for the kick up the backside.

How do you actively wait when you have the seed of an idea? And especially one that you believe will bring God glory?

When did you last hear a message (it doesn’t have to be a Church one) that stung you into action?

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Northern Sydney. Ian's first novel, Angelguard, was released recently in US, UK, Canada and Australia. You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter

Burning Beliefs

The following question is one I saw posed as part of suggested writing tips;

Why must you tell this story in particular? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off?

This appeals to me because I immediately identify with the idea of writing that is motivated by the desire to provoke readers to be challenged to grow.  The stories I want to tell are based on my belief that life is a journey of learning, that life has a purpose which is beyond ourselves, and that it is often from reflecting on our own struggles and challenges, or the lives of others who have wrestled with life’s issues, that we learn our best life lessons, and come to understand what real love is, and what real life is all about.

 

 



I think this is so true!

 

Yet I’m reminded by Meredith Resce’s provocative post on Facebook, questioning the value and pitfalls of writing romance stories. In spite of so much acknowledgement that romance can have a misleading and shallow focus, and perhaps even be counterproductive for Christian writers, that romance and love are quite different concepts, still it seems that so many readers – Christian and non-Christian - want to lose themselves in a romance, with prince charming, the excitement of the pursuit, and the happily ever after ending.

I was warned when I began to write that if I wanted to sell books, I’d need to write romance novels; if I wanted to write historical fiction, it would need to be romance, couched in historical settings. The feedback I get about my novels supports this notion, but I still find it frustrating.

I’ve also come across many Christians who will not read novels at all. They are only interested in devotional material and don’t see the value of reading anything which they see as ‘fiction’. Of course, that is their choice and it may be a safe path to stick to the scriptures and purely devotional material. For all of us there’s a place for this kind of reading in our lives.

For others reading may be mainly an escape from reality; a way to relax, or enjoy the distraction of imagining a life on earth that is ideal, romantic and happily ever after. I suppose that’s also a valid motivation for reading.

Then there are those who love other genres; fantasy, mystery, historical, and no doubt there are plenty of readers who like to learn from novels, who like to be challenged to grow in their spiritual, emotional and relational lives, regardless of their preferred genre.
 

There is also the question of writing for Christians or non-Christians. How do we draw non-Christians to our work in order to influence their thinking, and yet maintain our Christian values in the way we write? If we can't do this, are we simply preaching to the converted?
 

What a challenge we have as writers! We certainly can’t address all these issues in any one story. We’ll never please everyone, or be every reader’s favourite writer.

So I’m drawn back to the original question:

Why must you tell this story in particular? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off?





 

See Carol's websites for more on her historical novels (real life with a little romance thrown in)

www.carolpreston.com.au

www.amazon.com/author/carolpreston

www.facebook.com/writingtoreach