by Elaine Fraser
Sometimes their lives seemed perfect on the outside, but years later I found out that at that the time turmoil was lurking underneath. Others’ lives were relatively peaceful and happy during the school years and it was only when they left school that problems emerged.
A couple of years ago I received a message on Facebook from a student I hadn’t seen for about ten years. I had never had any contact with her since she’d left school.
At the time, I was writing Perfect Mercy and feeling discouraged. Why had God told me to write fiction? I was ready to give up. What was the point?
I just wanted to say to, that while I was at school I went through one of the hardest times in my life.
I haven't told many people this, but it got so bad back there that I actually became suicidal.
I want you to know that you were a shining light to me back then, and I am sure that God put me in your class for a reason. He knew that what I would go through would be tough, but He always manages to put the right people around us.
While I was at school that right person was you, I might not have always behaved like it, and I'm sure I never said it. You were a light into the dark places of my life.
Coming to your class, for me, was like a breath of fresh air, an escape. It wasn't anything about what you were teaching, it was more who you were and I guess I could see (without realising it at the time) but God was alive in you and that was clear to see. You carried his presence with you and that for me, was life.
So, thank you (insert facebook hug here). So, I thank you...and I am sure that I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for that.
Leaving teaching to write was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I loved it so much. God has given me a new mission - to write for girls like the one above. The ones who love God, yet struggle with life and emerge stronger and more resilient.
My hope for these novels is that the girls who read them enjoy the stories but are also inspired to build faith and live beautiful lives.
Book One: Perfect Mercy
Perfect Mercy, Elaine’s first novel, is the start of the Beautiful Lives series for young adults.
Perfect Mercy is the story of Mercy Hamilton who has the perfect life. She is gorgeous with amazing fashion sense, is intelligent and has the perfect boyfriend, family and home.
However, things start to unravel when Mercy does something she regrets at a party. Mercy’s perfect world falls apart as she discovers her parents haven’t been as happy as she believed, her reputation is ruined and her relationship with her boyfriend breaks down.
In real life our choices have consequences and, just when you think there is no hope, along comes Perfect Mercy.
Book Two: Love, Justice is due out April 2014
Book giveaway: Elaine, thanks for visiting with us today. By commenting on today’s post, Australian and New Zealand readers can enter the drawing to win a print copy of Perfect Mercy. The drawing will take place on Monday, February 3 and the winner announced in a comment on this post on Tuesday, February 4. Please leave an email address [ ] at [ ] dot [ ] where you can be reached.
"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."
She sees the need to teach young people to have resilience, confidence and a strong sense of purpose.
Her husband, Steve is a photographer and they both spend significant time traveling the world gaining inspiration.
Elaine also works for Transform Cambodia as an educational consultant. The role involves travel to Cambodia and the training of teachers.
Elaine has published two non-fiction books: Beautiful: beauty tips for the soul and Too Beautiful: more beauty tips for the soul. Her first young adult novel, Perfect Mercy, was released in 2012.
You can find out more about Elaine at www.beautifulbooks.co
Regular blogger at: http://www.kinwomen.com/author/elaine-fraser/
Website: www.beautifulbooks.co
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ElaineFraserBeautifulBooks
Twitter: @Elaine_fraser
Instagram: elainefraserauthor
That is an amazing testimony, Elaine. We never know when something we say or do is bearing fruit. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and unique ministry you have to young women, Elaine. And that ex student's letter was so touching, and surely a great encouragement for you to keep on this same path!
ReplyDeleteHi Rita, thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear about that influence on a life, Elaine. Please enter me in the giveaway dharcombe(a)bigpond(dot) com.
ReplyDeleteHow precious to have touched a life that way - thanks for sharing Elaine.
ReplyDeleteHow precious to have touched a life that way - thanks for sharing Elaine.
ReplyDeleteWhat a story to help us find mercy for times we were not doing what we know we should. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com . Thanks Elaine, great and touching thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHi Sonja, thanks for leaving a comment and good luck in the drawing :)
DeleteI am not a resident of Australia or New Zealand but I just wanted to say that this book sounds like a wonderful read. Very precious and touching. Thank you.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Hi Melanie, it's a shame you can't enter the drawing. I'm pretty sure Elaine's book is available on Kindle. Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteElaine, thanks for visiting with us today and sharing the letter from your student. A powerful story :)
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine, thanks for sharing in your post. The letter from you student reminds me of a teacher I had, who I still keep in touch with almost 20 years later. She was amazing during a really hard year for me. I'ld love to read your book. matt[dot]linsey[at]gmail[dot]com
ReplyDeleteHi Linsey, wow, it's cool that you keep in touch with a teacher after all these years. Good luck in the drawing :)
DeleteYeah, my situation is probably a bit different then most. I went to a boarding school for mainly expat missionary kids in Indonesia. I had a few pretty spectacular teachers and this one in particular has been very faithful in keeping in touch over the years.
DeleteThank you so much for your comments everyone. We all have various motivations for writing and God has called us to differing ministries, even within the writing vocation. We each have our part to play.
ReplyDeleteElaine, I love your true heart for people. In the few times we've met, your generous spirit has so impressed me. Remember our lunch where we bumped heads and found a job for a friend of a friend? You're always looking out to connect with people, I love that about you. Your ex-student knew from experience, and your readers are about to discover that, too.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, and may your Beautiful Lives series touch many hearts. xx
Thank you for sharing, Elaine. As a mother of two teachers and now a grandmother I honour you for enjoying teaching but prepared to give it up if that is what God wants of you. I have a pile of books still to be read but will look forward to reading yours also.
ReplyDelete