What advice would you give to a person trying to become a fiction writer?
If you’re a Christian, you should probably start by scrutinizing your motivation.  Meditate on scriptures like the two mentioned above, and pray.

What is your purpose?  Is writing fiction what God told you to do?  Is it about His glory or your own?
Being sure of your gifting and purpose will keep you on track. In my case, it kept me from quitting when life got complicated. It gave me the grit to start over when my computer lost months of hard work. 

Once you know that this is your course, have fun and be excellent.

Let your writing be powerful by feeding on good literature; cut out the junk-food novels. So what if they’re best sellers. You draw from a different well, a deeper well with pure life-giving water.

You are unique, with a background like no one else. No one else can tell the stories you have to tell; no one else has your voice.

Learn all you can about the craft of writing fiction.  Writers’ Conferences offer a plethora of information as well as invaluable networking with other writers, agents and editors.  And of course there are plenty of good books on fiction writing and editing to tap into.  And did I mention, have fun?

What message would you like your readers to take away from this book?
To paraphrase what Amelia advised Sidney, either pray or worry.  It’s stupid to do both.  Sidney was like Peter walking on the water toward Jesus, doing fine until he looked around at the wind-tossed waves.  She too began to sink, but Jesus reached out and caught her.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

What is your goal or mission as a writer?
The desire of my heart is to write fiction full of truth that will permeate even hardened hearts. My goal is to see my books on the best-seller lists and even made into movies. Why not? All things are possible with God.

 
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