Introduction -- Bravo, Banter & Books
My life as a Christian author.
I began writing in 1996 because as a relatively young Christian, I did not fit into the culture. I didn’t craft. I wasn’t quiet or demure. And I was far more comfortable in 501’s than a floral dress. So I started writing books about strong-willed Christian women who didn’t fit into the mold.
My most famous book, “What a Girl Wants” was touted as started the Christian Chick Lit movement, and I was featured on “The Today Show” to discuss it. I may, or may not have discussed watching “Desperate Housewives” on the show — further separating me from “normal” Christian culture. When asked what it is I write, I used to say, “Think Bridget Jones’s Diary without the sex and swearing.”
I took a lot of heat for that book — for things that wouldn’t even be questioned today, but now I feel like the culture is starting to close up again, and it worries me. I’m a Christian because of my faith, not because of a set of rules.
I watch Bravo. A lot of it.
I love stand-up comedy and hearing from people who live differently.
I read a lot of biographies, and believe people act the way they do because of their unique backgrounds. I try to have empathy and understand what makes people tick.
And I still don’t fit in. I’m shy in person preferring to hide behind the pen. I’m the ultimate introvert who prefers to sit in a corner and have a deep discussion—shallow conversations leave me empty.
I’ve written over 50 published works. Lately, I wanted to write a book about an internet influencer and her best friend — a crisis counselor, but I was told influencers don’t sell. What does sell, I suppose doesn’t interest me as a writer.
So now I’m in this midlife crossroad, trying to figure out what’s next, and where I belong. Do I self-publish? Do I start painting again instead? Do I get a job at Taco Bell?
Can anyone identify?
I will forever be grateful that I discovered your work in my local bookstore. I have never connected with Amish fiction, and usually just re-read favorites until I discovered Dee Henderson & Christian suspense.
But even then, Jeanette Oke isn’t a “fun” read, you know?
My fellow Bible College students called me “too worldly,” and I was WAY too religious for most men I met at my mall job.
So there I was, and seeing the tagline about wanting a new pair of shoes and a Christian boyfriend made me stop dead in my tracks *Cue Angels singing.* Thank you.
Your writing resonates with us women who don't fit in the typical Christian woman mold. I don't like a lot of Christian music because it's bland and when those record companies get hold of it, get ready for the Bland Band. I found the same with many Christian authors. Folks would complain that the characters are not little perfect Polly church-goer or if someone did write flawed people, then the holier-than-thou types wailed to the rafters that the book was "indecent." So many authors played it safe. Let's hop on the Bus of Boring.
Authors like you and Rene Gutteridge reignited my interest in books written by Christian women. I love your relatable Jane Austen-esque style and RG's quirky sense of humor and the absurd.
You can't please everyone all the time. Write what interests you and you'll find that those things interest a lot of us as well.