I’m taking a leap of faith. It’s been a
while but I’ll be alright. No one’s going to die. It’s a first world problem.
I’m going to write for the general market,
under the name of Andi Eden.
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Image courtesy
of marcolm
at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Put it this way. I was a Christian and a
teacher and taught in the state system. Why not be a Christian and a writer and
pen stories for the general market?
I don’t fit the church mould. Haven’t for a
while. I don’t go to a service on a regular basis (my husband and I are
de-fragging from a bunch of church politics) although I attend a women’s Bible
study on a Thursday. But I love the body of Christ. Two different things.
Another mould smasher. I’ve acquired three
tattoos. Small ones. One for my love of music, one for my love of writing, and
one to show my love and thankfulness for the grace of God. The latter is on the
underside of my right wrist, in Viking runes, part of my heritage. My son and I
share this one. We got them together earlier this year. Mother-son bonding you
might say. Or not, depending on your opinion.
This is not a midlife crisis. I’m too old
for that, unless I live to a hundred and fourteen. (Not a personal ambition, in
case you’re wondering.) It’s simply my response to my nudges from God.
Writing for the general market will be a
challenge. My characters won’t be Christians. They’ll do unChristian things,
have unChristian attitudes and make unChristian choices. But that’s how
billions of people live and they will be my audience.
Yet God is so much part of my life. How do
I not write about Him? How do I not include Him on my page? But He will be
there, in my themes, in my messages. A silent but powerful presence, invisible
yet visible.
Check out Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV). ‘You are
the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people
light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it
gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine
before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in
heaven.’
As my wonderfully wise husband said,
‘You’re not leaving God out of your writing – you’re taking Him with you.’
Andrea is an author and avid reader of contemporary romance. She has written two Christian romance novels: A Simple Mistake and Too Pretty.
Andrea would love to hear from you. You can find her at:
Wow. I did not see that one coming. But I know you've got a heart for the unchurched and don't want to just preach to the choir (although, as you've said, the choir still need to hear it!).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on making the decision. Go well!
Hi Iola - I still have one more Christian book in me so I'll finish that first, then get stuck into the two general market stories rolling around in my head. Got a few years' worth of writing planned, that's for sure! Thanks for your congrats :)
DeleteAndrea, oops Andi, well done on such a decision. You go girl. I like that you've placed a marker between the 2 markets. Having begun to read more widely in Christian fiction in recent times it interests me that much of what I've read could be read by the general market because the Christian messaging is so subtle. However, such novels are unlikely to reach the general market simply because of their publisher, I guess.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm hoping Andi Eden pens the next Les Miz or something spectacular like that. Such a powerful message of grace and forgiveness amongst a cast of mostly non-believers. Wouldn't that be a hoot.
Oh, and I do hope you and your hubby find a new church. There is something very uniquely special about a church gathering, whatever form that might look like when two or more are together.
Hi Ian - It's a scary decision because at the moment I'm not really sure what my books are going to look like. My goal is to simply write a great yarn, and find readers who may or may not share my worldview. Debbie Macomber is a very successful author who has sold over 130 million books. A Christian who writes for the general market. I'd like a turn! Thank you for your encouragement :)
DeleteThat is a surprise. Andi Eden has a great ring to it, and I look forward to the general market books to come from that name. I wish you'd included a photo of your tats too :)
ReplyDeleteHi Paula - Glad you like the name! I should've thought about the tats photo :) Thanks for commenting.
DeleteGood on you Andrea/Andi. That takes a lot of courage, but you've got the talent and potential to reach bazillions of people. Some of the books that have affected me the most in recent years are mainstream ones that have really got me thinking about faith issues (e.g. The Reader, Caleb's Crossing, The Light Between Oceans). It won't be easy, but with God on your side, you can do it. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteHi Nola - What an encouragement you are! Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteLots of love and buckets of courage coming your way. He who is directing your paths I'm sure will show up in your work, and move as only He can in people's lives. All the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Meredith. Your words mean a lot :)
DeleteWishing you all the best in your new endeavours. I love the quote by your hubby. He has some great wisdom, there!
ReplyDeleteHi Catriona - Thank you for your good wishes. It is a great quote from my husband, isn't it? I'll let him know you liked it :)
DeleteCongratulations Andrea. So proud of you hearing from God and saying 'yes'. Can't wait until our books are side by side on the shelves.
ReplyDeleteThat's the plan, Nicki! Thank you :)
DeleteGreat idea! !! Go for it!
ReplyDeleteThought you'd like it :) Thanks!
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ReplyDeleteHah! I wondered if something was up after I read (on your recommendation) London Tides - which I loved by the way. Go well, Andrea...am looking forward to what's ahead for you. Dx
ReplyDeleteHi Dianne. Glad you loved London Tides! Thanks for stopping by :)
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ReplyDeleteLove to you and in your transparency Andrea.
ReplyDeleteIt is a challenge balancing the world whilst following Jesus but a wonderful one full of exciting doors. Writing with both in mind is hard. I tip my hat to you (if I was born in another century) but in 2015 I am sure God can use you in your new books. There is always a still quiet voice in all we do when we are close to him.
I do hope you find a new church you feel more at peace in too.
It's that still quiet voice I'll be relying on, that's for sure. Thanks Kayleen :)
DeleteWhat an interesting, exciting and challenging time in your life, Andrea, all wrapped up in one! God bless you as you go for what God has put on your heart to do. I feel sad for you re the church politics issue etc but I believe, as we stay close to God, good can come out of these experiences.
ReplyDeleteI often read books because the blurbs have intrigued me. But too often I've been disappointed at lascivious sex scenes that could have been left out without any change in the plot.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'm looking forward to some great story lines that are clever and CLEAN. Shades of Esther?
Andrea. I do like the pen name, too. It has a nice ring to it.
I'm surprised by the number of people who say they read general market books and would love to discover more 'clean reads'. Interesting, isn't it?
DeleteGlad you like the pen name, Rita :)
Good for you. A Christian is also a regular person with all their faults and follies, they just know that God will help them overcome them. I am sure that you are rather apprehensive but you will have continued success and grow as well as be a lamp shedding light on a value system that many people don't know.
ReplyDeleteThank you Wyndy - I appreciate your kind words :)
DeleteBig decision Andrea! Let us know ow how the journey goes. I'm pretty sure I'll be doing the same thing when I get into the writing world full time. Nothing I've ever written had been "Christian". God bless on your journey! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jess - it's going to be an interesting ride! I'll be sure to let you know how it's going :)
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