Stepping Out

By Andrea Grigg

As writers, we are continually faced with rules. Rules for grammar, spelling, punctuation, (English vs American vs Australian vs colloquial) rules for point of view, rules for dialog, rules for genre, rules for publishing, rules for marketing, rules for social marketing… phew!

Now, while I’m an advocate for following and learning the rules before you consider breaking them, all this rule-keeping can be exhausting. We become so concerned with doing the right thing, using it as our measuring stick, that it can be easy to lose sight of what we are called to do.

What each of us is called to do is very much a personal thing, depending on what God has said to our individual hearts. For example, it might surprise you to know I don’t feel so much called to write as to encourage.

This being said, I’ve stepped out of the familiar, and started writing for the general market.

These previously unknown, unchartered waters started me thinking about Peter when Jesus called him out of the safety of the boat.

Would those in the boat have been cheering him on? Possibly. More than likely they were questioning Peter’s sanity in stepping out onto a surface that logic told them would not take his weight.

The thing was, as soon as he struggled, Jesus was right there to help him, lift him up, and walk beside him.

I’ve found Jesus is right there with me in this writing journey—calling me out of the HMAS Safety-Zone, out of the familiar, and into something new and exciting.

There may be some who will question my reasoning for stepping out of the firm confines of a genre that allows me to talk about my faith in concrete, evangelical terms—but as I said, my calling is to encourage. 

What’s the name of the boat He’s calling you to step out of? The safety net you need to leave behind, trusting that Jesus will lift you up if you sink a little, struggle a little?

Maybe it’s that you too, are thinking about aiming for a different market, trying a different genre, being nudged to embrace social media, to take up public speaking ...

It’s said that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to do it scared.

Too often we measure ourselves by those who are called to something different, who are sitting somewhere different to us. The others didn’t hop out of the boat—but Jesus specifically spoke to Peter, didn’t He?

What I’ve realised is that unity as Christian writers is not uniformity. Difference need not be dishonour, that we can move on to the endeavours God calls each of us to, and not be afraid.

In essence—let’s do it scared. Because He’ll reach out and help us out if we flounder.

Andrea Grigg lives on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and is author of two contemporary Christian romance novels, and a novella. She would love to connect with you via: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.andreagrigg?ref=hl

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/andreagrigg

Email:    andreagrigg@live.com

Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/andreagrigg/

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Victorian Era Etiquette

Not Mary Poppins, just Rita in costume.

As much as I enjoy researching the Victorian Era, I believe I'd much rather keep our twenty - first century guidelines for acceptably good behaviour in our Australian society.

Since I set most of my novels in this fascinating period of history I thought it appropriate to dress as a governess while addressing my audiences about all the weird and wonderful customs and strict etiquette.

I speak in a upper class English accent ( quite posh) and engage my audience by explaining the times which govern the characters of my novels. I also use audience participation. Here I am in a living room, unable to keep a straight face  when I lectured ladies on the matter of a feminine laugh. Not loud, not a chuckle nor a cackle, but a melodic cadence. I demonstrated then after the count of three, it was their turn. Oh, my. The strange sounds I heard. The men present didn't get off lightly either, but joined in when I explained rules concerning them, especially during the mourning period. Oh, those wonderful Victorians!

The governess is mainly a 'behind-the-scenes' person. It's an interesting fact that the members of a well-to-do family didn't quite know how to treat her. She wasn't a relative, nor a guest, not a mistress, neither was she a servant. Sometimes she was ignored, sometimes treated as a confidante, and usually saw things that should never go beyond the family circle. Some felt they were in a precarious position as the master often treated her warmly whereas the mistress displayed undue suspicion.

I thought this was one way to enjoy a presentation and a vehicle for selling my books. At ladies or seniors f/ships, or a coffee evening, I give my spiel followed by a short inspirational talk about God being the greatest Author of all time. And showing how Jesus used stories to great effect. After all, stories are our history. Stories have the power to change the way we view the world.

View The Tie That Binds trailer at
www.ritastellapress.com

It is a stand alone sequel to Signed Sealed Delivered, Book I of the Victoriana Series. Since becoming an Indy publisher, Rita is enjoying the ride! Choosing the cover and the title is a blessing.

A Parcel of Promises, Book III is on its way. This historical romance reveals the gulf between the aristocracy and those in service.

Rita is a co-speaker on a Christian radio program. Her website:  www.ritastellagalieh.com