The Subconscious Writer

In novelist circles you hear a lot about plotters (authors who carefully plan their books in advance) and pantsers (authors who write by the seat of their pants and make discoveries along the way.) I’ve even heard the term “organic” writer tossed around lately, which is a prettier name for pantser. I’m a combination. I like to start a book organically, but at some point I can see through to the ending quicker than I can type, at which point I write a synopsis to help me remember the story. Sometimes I really think I need a new kind of name for myself. I propose, "The Subconscious Writer."

Why subconscious? Because so much of my creative process takes place on a level even I do not understand. Ideas percolate under the surface, maybe for weeks, maybe for months, maybe for years. At some point they burst out like a geyser. Characters are talking to me, scenes unfolding in my head, worlds evolving, and I’m frantically trying to get them down on paper before I lose them. I’m sure if push came to shove, I could sit down and come up with an idea and craft a book like a normal person, but that’s not the way I typically do it, and it’s not the way I desire to do it.

An upside of this subconscious process is that I rarely deal with writers block. If the words and scenes aren’t there, I simply don’t write. If I’m under some sort of deadline, I will sit down and read the last chapter or so, and then try to write a few paragraphs. Often, that will stir things up and get them moving in my head, and I’m on my way again. If not, I don’t push it. And if possible, I wait for that exciting artistic wave, because it’s so much more fun to surf it than to try to paddle against the current.

When I returned from Colorado a few weeks ago, I had every intention to work on my newest novel, Chivalrous. This is one I needed to plot in advance for the publisher, but I had my first solid creative burst before my trip and the novel was well under way. However, when I returned, I could just tell. It didn’t want to come. My subconscious was trying to unravel things. I didn’t feel any leading from the Holy Spirit to write. And so I didn’t.

Instead, I did what I felt prompted to do. I worked on me. On the trip, God had been dealing with my heart, and I wanted to continue that work. Over the next few weeks, I read a lot of nonfiction books about the spirit, personality, and the true self. During that time, a few ideas welled up from my subconscious about places in the book where I needed to tweak the plot to be truer to the heroine’s character. Then finally, while reading Desire: The Journey We Must Take to Find the Life God Offers, bells went off in my head. There was a lesson in that book that my heroine desperately needed to learn. Problem was, I needed to learn it too. And Gwendolyn couldn’t learn it until I did first.

What if I had rushed the process? What if I hadn’t waited for my subconscious to untangle things? What if I had pushed ahead of the prompting of the Holy Spirit? I still would have written a good book, but it would have been missing something. It wouldn’t have been all God intended it to be.

I desire to write hand in hand with God in a creative partnership. (He’s so much smarter and more creative than me.) I can’t do that by rushing through a novel. In the end, being a “subconscious writer” isn’t the goal. It’s just the process. The ultimate goal, whether pantser or plotter, is to be led by the Holy Spirit and allow him to flow through every word we put on the page. This is how to write with a godly passion that will cause our readers to fall in love with our stories and transform them from the inside out.

Readers, have you thought about how authors write? Would you rather read a story that is planned or that develops naturally? One written out of practicality or passion? Writers, what is your process like?

A New First

Over eight years have passed since I got serious about writing my first novel. It all started when my friends Angela, Kim, and I decided to form a little writers group--which lasted about three months--but that's when I pulled out my old notes for a novel called These Three Remain and turned an idea into a book. For the next five years, I would rewrite that novel several times until it became the published work with the new title Dance of the Dandelion.

As of now, I've written five complete novels. Three are in print. I've also won awards, become an editor, blogged, and had the pleasure of teaching at writers conferences.

But today, I find myself facing a new scary first. A first I've been putting off for several weeks, and so I'm sharing it with you today as a means of accountability. (This is where I take a deep breath) Today, I must start a novel for which the synopsis has already been submitted.

Now if you're not a writer, or if you are a writer who is a plotter, that must seem very anti-climactic. Here's what you have to understand. For every other novel I've written, it has started with this idea bursting in my head. With these characters just clamoring to get out. And at least a few chapters have poured onto the page in random order with the giddy energy of a honeymoon. Of course later I have to work through the tangles of plot twists and proper motivations. But that initial writing spurt is nothing short of intoxicating. And the initial powerful surge provides me with a strong desire to see the book through to completion.

Today I face a white sheet of paper and attempt to write a story that has already been planned. No initial heady rush of meeting new characters and discovering a new world. No excited anticipation of where this journey might take me. I'm already aware of the tough challenges I will face to make the characters motivations believable and scenes that will be tricky to write. And while thankfully I do know the hero from the previous book, I've written an entire story outline for a heroine who has yet to even come alive in my head.

I guess this is part of growing up and becoming a responsible adult writer. Today I am determined to do it. But I've also determined to figure out how to find that joy of discovery. To let the new heroine become a real person in my mind, and to follow the twists and turns of the journey, even if it takes me in a different direction than I expected.

With or without the giddy rush, I will write today! And I guess that's what being a professional writer is all about.

Any tips as I face this new challenge????

Now Available to Speak at a Venue Near You....

I recently added a new page to my website. In the top bar, you might notice the "Speaking" link. I would love to start expanding this part of my ministry, and I could use your help. Below I have copied the info from that page. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know. I have included possible topics for a variety of venues.

Speaking

I would love to speak at your churches, book clubs, book stores, writers conferences, schools, ladies groups, or other similar venues. My undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communications--as well as twenty years experience in teaching and ministry--have prepared me to bring a vibrant and engaging message to your group.

Here are some of the topics I would be happy to cover for various venues. Feel free to peruse my blog and learn more about me, my passions, and my viewpoints. I will gladly tailor any subject to the time allotted.

For more information or to schedule an event please email me, dinasleiman at gmail dot com, or connect with me through facebook.

Churches and Ministries:
Intimacy with Christ
Finding Your Dance from Deep Within
Let God Lead Your Dance
Reaching Out Across Cultures
Spacious Living in an Expansive God
Women in Islam
Freedom in Christ
Inner Healing
Hearing God's Voice
Enriching Your Prayer Life
*I would also love to do short 3-5 minute presentations about my novels along with a book signing after service

Writing Conferences and Classes:
The Inspiration and the Perspiration
Strategy for Beauty in Your Writing
Writing Powerful Scenes
Edit Like a Pro
Exercising the Rules of Fiction
Personality Types for Writers and Characters
Advanced Plot Structures
Life Changing Fiction
Hearing God's Voice for Your Writing and Your Life
*Also for Christian conferences, I would be happy to do devotional presentations on any of the topics in the ministry section

Upper Elementary, Middle, and High Schools:
Becoming an Author
How a Book is Born
Plotting Highs and Lows
Write Poems Like a Pro
Stages of Editing
Book Readings
Poetry Readings
*I hold a Statement of Eligibility for Middle School English from the Virginia Department of Education

Book Stores and Book Clubs:
Book Readings
Book Talks
Book Signings
Author Interviews
Discussion Groups
Meet the Characters
Poetry Readings
*My latest novel, Dance from Deep Within, is set in the local Hampton Roads Area

Basking in Literature

This weekend I had a truly phenomenal experience. My eleven-year-old son just read Holes in his advanced English class. He told me that he really wanted to watch the movie together. Being the good Mommy that I am, I said, "Sure, honey." The truth was, I remembered this movie from when my older children were his age. At the time, it hadn't caught my interest. It seemed kind of depressing. A bunch of kids forced to dig holes in the hot desert with poison lizards. Not really my thing. So I was surprised when I studied for my Middle School English Praxis exam this summer to learn that Holes, published in 1998, is now recommended young adult literature for school English curriculum.

As it turned out, Holes is a complex, deep, and thought-provoking story. It actually has three separate but related plot lines set in three different times and places that all tie together gorgeously by the end. The writer used so much circularity and continuity to demonstrate the hand of destiny at work that I was completely blown away. And he tossed in delightful, well-crafted touches throughout.

Even better, though, was enjoying this literary marvel through my child's eyes. As we watched the movie, he often paused to give me back story or explain the the plot or tell me about the historical significance of things going on in the story. I could tell how excellent his English teacher is and that my son's mind had been completely engaged in comprehending and critiquing the book on many different levels. He understood the historical significance, the sociological significance, the literary structure, the symbols, and more. He grew through the relationships in the story and his own relationship with the characters. Most importantly, he learned to understand and appreciate literature to a degree he never had before. I sat there thrilled as I watched him basking in the literature. In the pure unadulterated power of story.

Maybe that's why I'm so excited about writing for teens. Teens don't just want fluffy, entertainment reading. They read to learn about the world, to discover new experiences, and to be challenged. They don't mind complex plots or complicated vocabulary. They are willing to engage a tough story and come away changed. For them, literature is one of the many means by which they mature and grow into an adult understanding of the world. They are excited about this, and I'm excited for them!

When is the last time you completely basked in literature? What sort of stories cause you true delight?

My Publishing Journey

(As seen on Novel Rocket)

Recently I read Michelle Griep's Novel Rocket post about her fairy tale publishing journey with David C. Cook's digital first line (A True Fairy Tale). A year ago I was living out a similar fairy tale. With one small press historical under my belt, I was encouraged to write a historical romance. Less than twelve months after I even had the idea for this book, Love in Three-Quarter Time released through a brand new digital first line with a very well-respected company.

But as so often happens in the publishing industry, my experience did not turn out to be a fairy tale. It turned into something more along the lines of a nightmare.

After releasing my lone little book, the new line shut down. I understood this, really I did. I took a risk along with them, and this time around, the risk didn't pay off. But the short version is that my lone little book for the most part fizzled along with the line.

At this point in my career, I turned to God with a lot of tears and anguish. What should I have done differently? Honestly, I couldn't think of a single thing. All that came to mind was an article Gina Holmes wrote in 2011 about God damming up our writing careers (Dam Isn't a Four-Letter Word). The basic idea was that sometimes, even though we are ready as writers, due to other issues in our personal or professional lives, the timing just isn't right.

Now here's the part of the story I didn't mention. Love in Three-Quarter Time was my second published novel, but it was actually the THIRD novel I'd written. In between my first historical and this one, God had laid on my heart the story of a contemporary Muslim woman living in America and her interactions with a blond ballerina wounded by church and a bi-racial hippie chick of the New Age persuasion. A story full of humor, drama, and romance, but much more issue-driven than my other novels. My husband is from the Middle East, and he works in ministry to Muslims, so this story was very special to me.

This is the book that caught my current agent's attention, even though she wasn't sure she could sell it. Evidently the publishers felt the same way, because it had a habit of sitting in committee for lengthy periods of time. Meanwhile, a part of me wasn't sure I even wanted it to sell. I didn't want to be branded as a contemporary “women's fiction” writer. Not to mention that my cross-cultural marriage seemed to be perpetually in crisis, and I wasn't sure if it would be a good career move to highlight that area of my life. Most importantly, though, I was concerned that I might draw negative attention from Muslim readers, and I just wasn't sure how safe that would be.

Around the same time that Love in Three-Quarter time released, due to my husband's involvement with Muslims, we received some threats against our family. At first we were panic-stricken, but before long we adjusted to this new reality. Consequently, my contemporary novel (which is in fact very respectful and loving towards Muslims) now seemed like the least of our problems.

Another thing changed over that year. Suddenly, “New Adult” fiction became the hot thing everyone was talking about. With my twenty something characters searching for meaning and identity, I no longer had to pigeonhole my book as women's fiction just to find a genre that fit.

So back to my publishing story. When spring of 2013 rolled around and I realized that I might not have a 2013 release, I decided to just go for it. I also work as an acquisitions editor for WhiteFire Publishing, so I asked the owners if they'd like to publish my contemporary novel, Dance from Deep Within. Since Roseanna White had been my critique partner on this project and loved it from the beginning, it was a no-brainer.

Another year has past, and Dance from Deep Within released in November. I can't help but think this must have been God's plan all along. If my historical romance had been wildly successful, it would have been a bad career move for me to switch to contemporary so soon. And now I can even announce, my new contemporary novel is going to be a trilogy. I might not make tens of thousands of dollars on this project. And I still want to write historicals too. However, this was the book of my heart.

Now, like Gina, I look back and see that God “dammed up” my career for a purpose. And is it any good? I'll leave you with Novel Rocket's own James Rubart's thoughts on the subject:

“This is not my kind of book. So when I say it went deep into my heart, you’ll know it’s a story that will impact you no matter what genre you typically read. This novel will open your eyes. You’ll start seeing the people around you in a vastly different way than you do right now. And you can’t help but be changed by the three young women who Sleiman portrays with authenticity, penetrating insight, and well crafted prose.” 

~James L. Rubart Bestselling author of Soul’s Gate, and Memory’s Door.

Stuck in the Waiting Room

Last week a writer friend of mine, Ann Tatlock, posted something on facebook about those who were in "the waiting room." Yep, that was me. Boy did I relate. I'm sure you know that feeling too. That slightly anxious/kind of bored/a little bit excited feeling of waiting for something to happen. Writers are all too well acquainted with this feeling. We wait for agents, then we wait for publishing contracts, only to wait another year or two until the book comes out.

(Commence thumb tweedling now.)

This time around, I actually wasn't waiting for book stuff, (well, I guess I was, but that wasn't the big one on my mind.) I was waiting to hear back about some job interviews I'd had. I felt like both of them went well, but of course I had no idea about the other applicants. Plus, both jobs involved contingencies that had nothing to do with me. And to top it off, I was also told by both potential employers that if the job comes through and they choose me, to be ready to start right away.

(Get tomorrow's work outfit ready, make sure everything else I can possibly get ahead on is done, and commence thumb tweedling once again.)

Sigh. Waiting is not fun. So how ironic that just the week before I had posted a positive message on my facebook page about waiting.

My latest novel, Dance from Deep Within, will release sometime around mid-November this fall. This will be my third published novel, but it's actually the second one I wrote. In fact, a reasonably decent version of this novel was finished three years ago. Talk about a waiting game. My first agent wasn't sold on this book. After talking to a few experts, I changed the primary protagonist of the book from the blond to the Muslim. That newer version was actually the book that caught the eye of my current agent, but she wasn't sure if she could sell it.

We shopped it around for almost two years. One well known publishing house actually held onto to it for over a year, asked about it again, and still didn't give us an answer after another six months.

Finally, long after the novel I actually wrote after this one came out, my agent and I decided to go with a small press, WhiteFire, to publish Dance from Deep Within. And, the truth is, I'm glad for the wait. I'm a much stronger writer now.

But more importantly, after years of begging people, just a few weeks ago I was finally able to get a former Muslim woman to read this book and provide feedback. Now don't get me wrong. I did my research. A Christian expert on Islam from the Middle East read it and approved the content. And the European wife of a former Muslim also read it for me. So my major details were all in place. But this former Muslim woman helped to catch a lot of subtleties about how Muslims think. She helped me to better understand their motivations and the significance of traditions I didn't fully grasp like Ramadan and their ritual washing.

Yes, the waiting was worthwhile. This book is so much better than it ever could have been in 2010, or 11, 12, or even earlier in 2013. As much as it hurt at times, I'm thankful that God made me wait. So how will my current wait turn out? Who knows? But I will keep believing that it will be worth it.

Have you been in the waiting room lately? What do you do to get by?

That Magical Moment

The writers journey is long, challenging, discouraging, and often tedious. On average it takes ten years of committed work to get published, just so you can sell (again on average) about 10,000 books and make about $10,000 bucks. Typically, it takes another decade and several books to even begin making something that looks like a living. And only a few, rare, authors (whom lightning strikes) will ever get rich. Instead most will face constant criticism and scathing reviews while they rake in their pittance.

So why do writers do it? We do it because we love to write. We love the creative process. Bringing to life worlds and characters upon the paper that will spark to life in the imagination of our readers.

And perhaps nothing is more magical and rewarding in the eyes of the author than that moment when inspiration strikes. Some authors get inspiration all the time. Every creepy barn they pass on the highway is the site for a murder. Every quirky old man the basis for a character. And inspiration builds slowly. But for me inspiration hits fast, and it hits hard. Like a tidal wave I can barely control.

Inspiration hit me last week. I had discussed the possibility of a YA medieval romance series with an editor a year and a half ago. Then last Saturday, while I took a walk, inspiration hit. NO, not hit. Inspiration smashed me upside the head and hi-jacked the next 8 days of my life. Not only with a book idea this time. That would be too easy. With an entire series that must be mapped out, plus the beginning of book one.

So this past week has been a haze of research, editing, and manic writing. Thank God for my faithful team of supporters who jumped right on the project with help strategizing and critiquing. And somehow, in the midst of it, I managed to not burn down the house or neglect any of my children. As of today, a full series proposal along with three chapters of book one is ready to be sent off to publishers.

It's been an amazing, exhilarating, roller coaster of a week. And a wonderful reminder that these magical moments are why I write.

An Interview with...Me!

Hi Friends, I thought you might enjoy this interview that first appeared on Inkwell Inspirations. Roseanna White has been my critique partner for years, and she knows me just about as well as anyone. She asks lots of great questions. You might want to check out her awesome novels as well.

Roseanna White: How did you get the idea for Love in Three-Quarter Time?

Dina Sleiman: Well, my agent had basically given me two choices. 1) Write a contemporary romantic suspense. 2) Write a historical romance. I took a class on romantic suspense at ACFW in 2011, and decided forget that option. Totally wasn’t me. So I started really praying about an idea for a historical romance. What I felt God gave me was the title, Love in Three-Quarter Time. Then I was like, “Okay, and…?” I felt like His answer was that I know how to write now, and the title should be enough to get me started. Ha ha! He was right. Before long my brain went to work and a storyline started to unfold. Six weeks later the first draft was written.

RW: I remember when you came up with the idea, and it struck me then as a definite God-thing. Even more so now! So while we’re talking inspiration and writing, what was the most fun bit of history you discovered while researching for the book?

DS: Hmm…I learned so much fun and interesting stuff about Jefferson and Monticello, but I wasn’t able to use most of it in this book. Much of what I learned would actually be considered controversial in conservative Christian circles. Someday I’d love to write about a fictional plantation similar to Monticello. But I did set a few scenes at Monticello. I especially loved the cool little garden pavilion where a pivotal encounter takes place between hero and heroine. I was also fascinated by the history of the “Black Indians.” These were runaway slaves who integrated into Native American culture. And of course, the dance history and the fact that the waltz was considered a “scandalous” dance during its day was tons of fun.

RW: That would be a fun story! I love that lesser-known side of history. And while it’s a shame you couldn’t use much in here, at least you got to integrate a hint. Now—who’s your favorite character in LiTQT and why?

DS: Oh, I think that would have to be Lorimer. Lorimer is an enigmatic circuit preacher. Earthy yet mystical. He’s given his life to serve the “least of these” and dedicates himself to ministering to slaves and Indians, as well as secretly working with the abolitionist cause. In addition to being the spiritual mentor in the book, he’s also part of my love triangle :) He’s known for his buckskin attire, his reddish gold hair, his muscular physique, and his boyish grin. A number of my readers so far have mentioned that he’s their favorite character.

RW: He’s definitely a good one! The hunky moral center—*blissful sigh* ;- ) I happen to know from reading this that the waltz, when it first arrived in America, was a bit different from the waltz we know. Can you explain it to us?

DS: Yes, it looked more like the cotillion of that day. Lots of pas de bourrées and spins. It was closer to the Viennese waltz than the American waltz. The most interesting part, though, was that it included a variety of close holds, several with hands linked overhead, that seemed quite scandalous at the time. I’ve written an entire article on the subject, "Waltz - The Forbidden Dance."

RW: When you first describe it in the book, I was pretty surprised by those overhead holds! Not what I thought I knew about the dance, LOL. Okay, time to shift gears. =) You’re being kidnapped, but your kidnappers, wanting to keep you quiet, let you bring your Bible and one other book with you. Which one would you grab?

DS: Ugh! Just one. Maybe Sailing Between the Stars by Steven James. That’s the first book that comes to mind. It’s not a novel, but it’s a book I can read again and again and learn something different each time. Plus, it includes poetry, which always brightens my day.

RW: From all I’ve heard (mostly from you, LOL) that’s a great choice. Now, the really important question: are you going to be arriving at the next writers conference wearing a Regency gown befitting Gingersnap? ;-)

DS: I’ve thought about it. Don’t tempt me.

RW: Oh, come on! I’ll wear my big hat again . . . ;-) Okay, next question. If you had to pick one historical era to live in, when would it be and why?

DS: Oh my. Truthfully, living in any historical era seems pretty rough, unless you’re part of the teeny, tiny upper class. Even then you have wars, diseases, oppression of women, and dangerous fashions. I will say, part of my reason for choosing 1817 for this novel is that the fashions were much more natural and free flowing. I hate uncomfortable clothes, and they seem to be the bane of the upper class throughout most of history. But if I choose a time in history based on what was going on in the world, I would probably choose the late 1800s to early 1900s because it would be so fascinating to see the world changing with new technologies every few years, and the changing role of women as well. So if you combine that with my fashion issues, I guess early 1900s would be the best time for me.

RW: As they moved into the Edwardian era, the clothing did get much more natural again, so I could definitely see you in that. And I’ve thought all the technological and mechanical and social advances would make that a fun era to witness!

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Dina! Love in Three-Quarter Time is a wonderful book, and I’m so excited that Zondervan loved it so much they’re launching this new line with it. Readers, be sure to check it out on Amazon LOVE IN THREE QUARTER TIME 

My New Magazine Career Etc...

Today starts a new venture for me. I'm now writing inspirational articles for a women's online magazine called iflourish at http://iflourishonline.com . The magazine began as a local endeavor and is relaunching in an online format today with my article called "Spacious Living in an Expansive God." I would highly recommend to all my female friends that they sign up to have these daily inspirational encouragements sent to them by email. Just click on the envelope icon at the top to subscribe through feedburner. The women involved in this magazine are all wonderful women of God, many of whom lead major ministries.

In other news, some early reviews for Love in Three-Quarter Time are coming in. Check them out on Amazon. And while you're there, you might also want to read the free sample of the novel. Remember, it's only $3.99. And here's my blog tour schedule so far for November and December:

November 8th: "The Power of Change" at http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/
November 8th: "Overcoming through Dance" at http://cfpagels.blogspot.com/
November 9th and 10th: Reviews of LITQT at http://cfpagels.blogspot.com/

November 13th: "Launching a Career" at http://www.novelrocket.com/

November 15th: "A Fusion of Cultures" at http://lauriealiceeakes.blogspot.com/
November 15th: Featured with the CACW on USA Today's Happily Ever After Blog 
November 16th: "Regency Influence on the American Frontier" at http://christianregency.com/blog/

November 21st: Tea Party at http://colonialquills.blogspot.com/ 

December 5th: "Making History Work for You" at http://seekerville.blogspot.com/ 

Finally, here's a little teaser of my first magazine article...

Spacious Living in an Expansive God Part I

Hi, I’m Dina, and I’m new to the iflourish staff. So I wanted to share a little bit about who I am. Not my job, or my relationship status, or even the number of kids I have. No. I mean who I really am deep inside. For the last three years I’ve been grappling with the same few Bible verses from Matthew. I’ve been determined to learn how to live “freely and lightly” in the flow of the Holy Spirit. I’ve been discovering the “unforced rhythms of grace.” And quite a journey it has been.

Then a few weeks ago while I was attending the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Dallas, TX, I took a class called Live Free. Write Free. Honestly, I figured it would just be a relaxing class that would reinforce my own thoughts and beliefs on the subject. A friend of mine was one of the instructors, and I always enjoy hearing him speak. But the class pushed me to a new level of freedom. Even for me.

(visit http://iflourishonline.com/ for the rest of the article :)

And Now a Word from Our Local Sponsor...

Just kidding. Sort of. Today I'd like to talk about my group blog, Inkwell Inspirations. The ladies of Inkwell, or the Inkies as we like to call ourselves, have been a part of my life for over three years now. We all banded together as pre-pubbed authors, most of whom had won contests or achieved some level of professional success, and started a blog in the fall of 2009. At the time only one of us was published. Now, the majority of us are published. More importantly, these ladies have been there for me through all the ups and downs of life, marriage problems, health crises, job issues, and of course writing struggles.My friends at Inkwell have been a huge part of my writing journey, and I'm not sure I would have made it here without them.

Charlie's Inkies (Lisa Richardson, me, and Gina Welborn) at ACFW 2011

This fall we have a lot to celebrate. Here's a quick list.

Congratulations to:

Gina Welborn: A Cascades Christmas,  Barbour Books, Sept 1

Lisa Karon Richardson *Her first release: Colonial Courtships, Barbour Books, Oct 1

Dina Sleiman: Love in Three-Quarter Time, Zondervan books, Oct 23

Jennifer AlLee: A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, Abingdon Press, Nov 1

Susan Diane Johnson *Her first release: No Substitute, White Rose Publishers, Nov 30

I invite you to join us at the Inkwell as we celebrate our successes and take a look at these awesome books. Click here.

ACFW Fun On the Way!!!

This week is the American Christian Fiction Writers yearly conference, and I’m so excited. I attended in 2010 and 2011, and both times it was a high point of my year. Most of my closest relationships these days are online friends I’ve met through ACFW. This is my yearly reunion with those close friends. 

This week's home away from home

At this point in my career, the potentially overwhelming writers craft classes are optional. My plan is to hit a few I really want or that my friends are attending, and skip about an equal number to hang out and play :) And at my agent’s most excellent advice, I don’t have to face any nail-biting editor appointments this year. Although I’m always looking for casual ways to network with industry professionals.

Here are some things I’m looking forward to seeing and doing this week.

1)      The ladies from my group blog Inkwell Inspirations. I’ll be rooming with one of them and plan to have meals with them throughout the conference, but Friday will be our main hang out day since one of our members is coming in for Friday only.

2)      A close friend from my local ACFW group who I will also be rooming with.

3)      My critique partners. I’ll be meeting one of these awesome ladies for the first time! I’ll be looking for her early in the conference to make sure we get plenty of time together.

4)      My new Zondervan editors and other Zondervan writers. Friday night is set aside for the official dinner.

5)      The ladies of my Hiswriters European historical fiction group. We’re planning a late night coffee run that could just turn into a regular old slumber party.

6)      My WhiteFire Publishing family. As many of you know, I serve as an acquisitions editor for WhiteFire. Saturday afternoon will be the time I reconnect with several and meet a few in person.

7)      I’ll also be keeping an eye out for my buddies from the Blue Ridge and Philly conferences.

8)      I always end up meeting a few Facebook friends live and in the flesh.

9)      And this year I’ll be spending time with my college roommate who lives in Dallas. That’s an added bonus, but part of the fun of visiting different cities every year for the conference.

10)  Finally, I get to dress up in a gown Saturday night for the Awards Gala.

So that’s just some of the fun in store for me at this years ACFW conference. Have you been to a writers conference? What did you enjoy? If not, what’s a special yearly event you look forward to?

The Setting for Love in Three-Quarter Time

Stories come to authors in all different forms. Really, the impetus for this story first came from my agent who asked me to write a historical romance novel set in America during the 19th century. From there we narrowed down the setting to Virginia or Pennsylvania, the two states I know the most about. Then after several weeks of prayer, the initial idea came to me in the form of the title, Love in Three-Quarter Time. So I knew it would have something to do with the waltz.

Regency Era Waltz

I wanted it to take place when the waltz first came to America. However, I could only find absolute documentation that the waltz was officially accepted in England in 1816, when it was included in a ball given by the Prince Regent, and that it was well established in America by 1830. From there I chose 1817, figuring some daring Americans probably tried shortly after their British counterparts. And by choosing this time, I was able to give my book that popular Regency flavor.

Next I needed a place for my story. It seemed that it should start in Richmond and move to a gorgeous Southern plantation home nearer the frontier. So I created the fictional White Willow Hall just off the famous Three Notch'd Road which ran through Charlottesville, Virginia. I decided my plantation would be set in rolling hills with a weeping willow, lots of flowers, and a small pond out front. For the architecture, I thought my Beaumont family might have chosen something similar to the nearby Monticello. Oh! And I would include a few scenes at Monticello for an added historical touch.

Monticello

So I went about writing my book, mostly from my imagination and my memories of Charlottesville. I did some online research. But it wasn't until I had already completed the first draft that I had an opportunity to visit while I was in Charlottesville for the Virginia Festival of the Book. It was quite a feat to figure out where Three Notch'd Road ran today, but with the help of the ladies at the Monticello gift shop, I finally figured it out. Then of course it was farther than expected, and I was running out of gas, and my GPS kept taking me to old country gas stations that weren't open.... Suffice to say, it was the next afternoon before I skipped out on the festival and managed to explore Three Notch'd Road west of the town.

Dina at Birdwood Pavilion (Now a Conference Center) on Three Notch'd Road

And it was so worth it!!!! I found a plantation about 3 miles west of town, right where it belonged, that fit my description almost precisely. The willow and pond were more to the right side than in front. The house did not have a rotunda, but the size, red brick, white pillars, and verandas all matched! You can't tell in the picture, but there are about two sets of rolling hills between me and the house. The plantation would have existed at the time of my story, although the house was built a few years later. I was so excited that I went back after the festival with my travel companion, author Christy Barritt, to snap some pictures.

Garden Pavilion at Monticello

But don't forget those few scenes at Monticello as well. I had actually found great online tours, photos, and videos. So there weren't too many surprises for me. I was, however, oddly shocked that it sat on top of the only mountain in the area. Duh! Thus the name. But I didn't realize there were any mountains that far east. My favorite place at Monticello was a spot where I had already set a pivotal scene. This lovely little garden pavilion where Constance and Robbie shared a passionate kiss for the first time in five years.

I had so much fun with the setting of this story. I hope you'll enjoy it too!

What's your favorite historical time and place? Do you enjoy Southern plantations and old mansions? If you could set a book anywhere, where would you choose?

The Write Circles

Early in 2009, three years after I started writing seriously, I hit a wall. I knew writers had to deal with rejection, but that day was just too much. I received a rejection letter from the agent, who at the time, I really had my heart set on. I locked myself in my room to pray and cry, and I realized something. If I didn’t get into a community of writers—and quick—I was never going to survive this industry.

How true that is. The writing world is brutal, and in order to make it, you have to be in the “write” circles.

Problem was, other than those super-scary writers conferences I’d heard of, I had no idea where to start. So I emailed two of my favorite authors, and Siri Mitchell was kind enough to take me under wing. I drove to Charlottesville, Virginia to meet her at the Festival of the Book, and she pointed me in the right directions. Through her, I got involved in the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Hiswriters historical fiction loop. Even better, at that festival I met a lady who had been wanting to go to the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference like me, but—like me—was a big weenie .

So we went together!!!

Five Inkies at ACFW in St. Louis

By that summer, Gina Welborn had the idea to form a group blog. She’d seen the effectiveness of the synergy between the ladies at Seekerville, so she gathered up a group of “Contest Divas” (which thanks to discovering Hiswriters in the nick of time before contest season--I was one), and we joined together to form Inkwell Inspirations. At the time, only Jen AlLee was published. Now over half of us are. Why? Because we’re all there cheering and praying each other on. We pick each other up when we’re down. At times we even critique each others work. And perhaps most importantly, we offer each other priceless industry insider tips.

We’ve all come a long way baby.

Other important relationships to come out of those early introductions were my friendships with Roseanna White and Christine Lindsay. Newbie me tentatively approached these two special ladies and asked them to be my critique partners. Not only did I learn tons from each of them, but Christine and I are now published by Roseanna’s WhiteFire Publishing. And because she knows my tastes and editing ability, Roseanna invited me to be an acquisitions editor as well.

Last week I went to the Blue Ridge Christian Writers conference for the fourth time. And because I’m an editor at WhiteFire Publishing, it was my second year on staff. My writing relationships have continued to grow and flourish to the point that I somehow found myself at Denny’s after midnight with four very famous authors. I won’t name drop, but it seems I’m now hanging out with some amazing, award-winning, best-selling authors. And trust me, I’m listening closely and learning all I can. Some might call it networking, but to me, it’s just having a blast.

And, while hanging out with said famous authors, I ended up spending some relaxing time with Zondervan editor Sue Brower. One week later Zondervan offered me a contract as their launch author for their new Zondervan First imprint. Coincidence? Probably not. At least not on any sort of cosmic level. Torry Martin, another awesome new friend, kicked off that Blue Ridge conference with an inspirational speech about divine appointment and God connections, and I think that's exactly what happened.

People often consider writing a solitary profession, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. It’s all about relationships. So if you plan to be a writer, get-involved. Get yourself into the “write" circles.

Share with us about your writing relationships. What has worked for you and what hasn’t?

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

So after nearly bursting for several days, I can finally announce that my new historical romance, Love in Three-Quarter Time, will be the LAUNCH TITLE for a new ZONDERVAN imprint called ZONDERVAN FIRST!!!! Zondervan First will have a digital focus, although print books will be available as well. Think of it as Zondervan's response to the changing market. It's a low risk way of diversifying and investing in new authors. “We are thrilled to launch Zondervan First,” notes Scott Macdonald, President and CEO. “This digital imprint will give voice to notable content utilizing our editorial, marketing and creative expertise.”

On my end, this all happened really fast. My agent got the call Friday. Since we were both on vacation, I didn't get the news until Saturday afternoon, and a decision needed to be made by Sunday at 9 AM. It wasn't an easy call, because we had to make concessions on some issues, like no advance and no guarantee on the following two books of the series. And there was no time to contact the other editors who were looking at the manuscript. However, there were many advantages as well, including great publicity as the launch author, the chance to be involved in something new and exciting, and a quick release date of October 2012, which keeps me on track for releasing a book a year.

As I weighed everything a few factors stood out. 1) I could see God's hand in how everything had unfolded. Especially how He provided an opportunity for me to meet and even hang out with my new editor, Sue Brower, at Blue Ridge Christian Writers conference just a week earlier. 2) I felt incredibly honored that Zondervan had enough faith in me to choose me as their launch author in this new endeavor. 3) As I deliberated my decision, two scriptures kept popping into my head. First from Romans 8, This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" As well as the simple phrase from Galatians 2, My ego is no longer central.

Finally I decided, a door is standing open before me, and I'm going to walk through it. So, at the risk of mixing my metaphors, I hopped on this roller coaster and buckled myself in for the big launch. I'm adventurously expectant and waiting with a childlike, "What's next, Papa?" I can't wait to see what God has in store.


For more info on the Zondervan First imprint and the opportunities available to authors (even pre-published and unagented authors) visit their webpage. http://zondervan.com/first/faq 

And if you'd like to see the full press release about Zondervan first and Love in Three-Quarter Time you can see it here. http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/739293

Why I Dance with Passion

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

 I often describe my writing as “lyrical stories that dance with light.” My debut novel is called, Dance of the Dandelion, and I have two other completed manuscripts titled Dance from Deep Within, and Dancing After the Wind. Hmm. Do you see a recurring theme here? Yes, I love dance. It’s a huge part of who I am, how I live, how I write, and even how I relate to God.

I have had the honor serving as a worship dance choreographer and director for eighteen years, and I have discovered that dance is at its core, a form of communication. It can be used in as many ways as words themselves: worship, praise, prayer, intercession, warfare, prophecy, evangelism, teaching, and yes, even fun and entertainment.

Throughout my writing, dance becomes a metaphor for life: for the willingness to step beyond yourself, to embrace the wonder about you, to move in harmony with the universe. Yet dance is an actual physical expression as well. As joy and celebration build within, they require an outlet. And so, our hands and feet begin to move, our bodies begin to sing and flow, releasing emotions from our hearts and culminating in dance. Even releasing the heavenlies deep within through our fingertips and toes.

Dance is a fundamental form of human expression. It can be found throughout history in nearly every culture. It can be found in the Old Testament as a form of celebration, praise, and worship. Dance is often a community expression, drawing us together in unity and love. David danced before the Lord with all his might, and God was well pleased. Even Jesus spoke of his frustration with the generation around him by saying in Matthew 11, "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge and you did not mourn.” Yet how often do we stifle this wondrous outlet?

Most churches today that incorporate contemporary choruses sing songs about dance. “Dance with me, oh lover of my soul.” "Dancers who dance upon injustice.” “We will dance on the streets that are golden.” “Dancing with my Father God in fields of grace.” The list goes on and on, but do we take it seriously, or do we stand still and sing the words, hampering our bodies from becoming living, breathing expressions of praise. 

Romans 12:1 instructs, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Of course this scripture has many applications, but I prefer to take it quite literally.

Dance may or may not be acceptable in your church’s culture. However, I encourage you, on your own, at home, in your prayer closet and throughout your life to offer up your bodies as living sacrifices of praise. Embrace and enjoy the wonder of dance. Take time to relate with God through this amazing form of expression. And, as you've probably heard me say before, join me as I explore the unforced rhythms of grace. 

Entre-author

The new hot thing this year seems to be coming up with one word to encapsulate your goals. Even before I noticed this trend, I had spotted my word for 2012 in a quote from Mary DeMuth on Author Media. Are you ready for it…Entre-author. A friend asked if this had something to do with an author entering, like the French entre vous. Actually, I think it does. To my understanding it is a mix of entrepreneur and author. Therefore, I suppose it is a writer ready to enter the big leagues.

This word captured what God had been laying on my heart for the last half a year . You see, I started my novel writing journey as an art and a ministry. At some point I realized in order to succeed, I would have to understand writing as a craft and a business as well. But just late last year, it hit me that I had two teenagers headed for college and needed to start making a serious income from my writing. As my debut, small-press, medieval novel struggled for sales, I watched my crit partner’s first “marketable” novel thriving. My desires began to undergo a change. While I still wished to touch lives, I now wanted to provide for my family through my writing as well.

Of course the question that remained was whether or not I could write to market while achieving my artistic and ministry goals, but I determined to try. At my agent’s urging, I prayed for several weeks for a marketable idea. Finally, a title dropped into my head, and a story began to unfold in my mind.

As I sat down during NaNoWriMo to pen my first “market-driven” novel, an amazing thing happened. I chose my hot genre, my popular setting, and even focused on plot for once in my life. Each time I had a decision to make, I asked myself what would be more entertaining. But as I did so, my voice and themes still found their way into the novel with little effort. The book still fit my “Dina Sleiman ~ Dance with Passion” tagline. It still depicted intimacy with Christ. And as I sat in church the first Sunday morning after I started it, God even gave me a vision for a worship dance scene that I could weave organically into the plot and setting. Something I hadn’t dreamed of for my Scarlett O’Hara meets Jane Austen novel.

Last week my agent sent this Virginia set historical romance off to a bunch of publishers, and truly, I couldn’t be happier with it. Who would have guessed? I can write a novel to market and still love it myself. I learned something important through this experiment. The outer trappings of the novel are not what matters. If God is in the mix, His purposes will be accomplished. The heart of the novel is what counts.

The Five Stages of (Writing) Grief

Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.

Well, I wish today I could bring you something smart and helpful about writing a great novel. But quite frankly, I’m just not in the mood. True confession time. I’ve actually been pretty bummed out about writing lately.

Recently, some bad news I’d received a few weeks ago finally hit me, and I spent about two hours crying. (Which I hate doing because I’m loud and pathetic and not very pretty when I cry.) Now this book is not necessarily “dead” yet. I’m working on a revision which might make a difference. And even if it doesn’t, the novel might work for later in my career. Nonetheless, my initial high hopes for the original version have been laid to rest.

For writers, our novels are like children. We love and cherish each one. And it can be devastating to see one perish on any level. So why did it take me weeks to give into my crying fit? I think I was working through the five stages of grief (not to be mistaken with the seven stages that didn’t seem to quite fit my way of dealing with things.)

The five stages of grief were initially formulated for people dealing with terminal illness, but over time have been expanded to apply to any form of catastrophic loss. And they certainly applied to my experience with this book.

When I first informed the Inkies about this bad news I was in denial. “It’s no big deal. I’ll get it fixed. I just need to take out some of the grittier historical aspects. I don’t mind that at all.”

Then I went through a period of anger, which I won’t go into great detail about because it does not necessarily speak well of me, although it’s a normal stage. Suffice to say, at least I had the wisdom only to vent to a very few friends, and only one at a time.

And I think my anger stage kind of overlapped with my bargaining stage because all along I kept working on that new version which I hoped would work out. I changed everything I possibly could without having the entire plot fall apart. Anything to keep from having to go back to the drawing board and start over with a new idea.

Now I tend to get stuck in the anger or the bargaining stage. Or in a loop between the two. I’ll just stay mad because mad feels safe. I’m in control. And I’ll keep fighting and bargaining until I somehow make it work. Since, after all, this is a novel we’re talking about, not a terminal illness. And I tend to do this in life in general.

Funny thing is, my fiery red-headed heroine of said novel, Constance Cavendish, likes to hold onto her anger as well. We have a lot in common in that area. But she learned a lesson or two about it in the book.

Last year I learned an important lesson too. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. When you’re angry, no one’s going to comfort you. Not even God seems able to break through and do that. You have to let yourself experience stage four. You have to mourn before you can truly start to heal and get better. You have to mourn before people will rally around you and encourage you. The fourth stage is actually called depression, and while we can’t let ourselves get mired there for too long, we have to let ourselves feel it. A time to mourn and a time to dance. One of my favorite scriptures, although you know I prefer the boogie on down aspect.

The final stage is acceptance. In my case acceptance says, this novel may or may not work out. It may work out later rather than sooner. And if so, I need to figure out a way to be okay with that. And if so, I need to come up with another idea and keep trying.

I realize in the greater scheme of things having a book rejected is not a major life crisis. But it sure feels that way. And sometimes we as writers need to grieve in order to move on.

How do you deal with grief, writing or otherwise? Any tips for getting through it?

Will Beauty Save the World?

One thing I ask from the LORD,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
   and to seek him in his temple. ~ Psalm 27:4

The quote "Beauty will save the world," is attributed to Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Is this true? And if so, what does it mean for us as Christians? I’ve really been delving into the concepts of art and beauty lately. They are primary ways I connect to God, one might say to the divine. I believe that this generation is not merely looking for a logical, rational faith with sound systematic theology, but rather for beauty and wonder and relationship with the creator of the universe.

Just look at the popularity of flash mobs lately. Does anyone watch those videos of uplifting spiritual songs and dances and say, “Why are you trying to shove your religion down our throats”? Not that I’ve heard of. Do the performers get accused of being close-minded or judgmental. I think not. Art has a way of transcending our preconceptions and going straight to the heart. It’s the perfect means of introducing the world to the beauty of God.

In my last post I recommended a novel which accomplishes just that called The Oppposite of Art. And I also mentioned two books released last year with the same title as the Dostoevsky quote, Beauty Will Save the World. The version by Professor Gregory Wolfe is a sort of treatise on Christianity and the humanities. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading it yet. But since it recently came out on kindle, I do hope to check it out soon.

The one I have read is Beauty Will Save the World is by Pastor Brian Zhand. He takes more of a theological approach, asserting that Christians have somehow managed to get things all wrong. That Christianity was never meant to be about power and politics but about beauty and love. He begins the book with the story of a Russian prince from a thousand years ago who was looking for a new religion for his people. The prince sent envoys to study other religions of the world. Here is the report he received about Christianity in Constantinople.

Then we went to Constantinople and they led us to the place where they worship their God, and we knew not whether we were in heaven or earth, for on earth there is no such vision nor beauty, and we do not know how to describe it; we only know that God dwells among men. We cannot forget that beauty.

And so Prince Vladimer adopted Christianity as the new religion of Russia. This is the sort of Christianity that draws people to it like a magnet. Where is that Christianity today? All too often I think it is missing. But thank goodness, it seems to be on the rise.

Zhand challenges the reader to be a prophetic people ushering the kingdom of God here on earth even now. And to do so largely by living according to the Beatitudes, that very inconvenient and impractical sermon of Jesus’ that we would probably rather brush under the table.

So I spent the last few weeks immersed in a novel about art and a theological book about beauty, but that wasn’t all. I also read Heart of an Artist by Worship Leader Rory Noland. This book helped me to better understand myself as an artist. Both my weaknesses and my strengths. Too often artists are looked down upon in Christianity. Like the Beatitudes, we are viewed as impractical and inconvenient. Volatile people. But God made artists with a distinctive sensitivity to bring special messages to His people. To bring the wonders of the spiritual universe just a bit closer to our grasp through song, dance, paintings, poetry, etc… To bring a little piece of heaven here to earth.

Will beauty save the world? Not beauty for beauty’s sake. But beauty that gently woos people to the savior of the world. That sort of beauty most certainly will. Whether you consider yourself an “artist” or not, let’s all challenge ourselves to be conduits of beauty. To be a prophetic people bringing beautiful glimpses of heaven to earth. To do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Not shoving our morals and theologies down people’s throats. Rather introducing to them to the unparalleled wonder of our savior. Let’s do so in our writing, in our art, and in our lives. 

What beautiful things have touched you lately? What draws you closer to God? How can you be a conduit for beauty?

Do I Write Everyday???

For those of you who aren’t authors, November is in known in the writing community as “Nanowrimo,” or National Novel Writing Month. Writers traditionally use this time to focus purely on writing and try to finish a book in a month. This was my first year to participate. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it, but it worked great with my writing style.

You see, there’s another tradition in the writer’s world. Writers must write everyday. No matter what. Many instructors will tell you this is the only way to be successful. I say—hogwash!

While I do spend time everyday working on something writing related: editing, critiques, reviews, blogs, marketing, promotion, networking, (don’t worry, there’s plenty to keep me busy) I never just sit around staring at an empty, white computer screen. It would be a complete waste of time for me to write 200 or even 500 words a day as many insist that you should, because it usually takes me an hour or two to get in the right frame of mind to write.

In my definition, writer’s block is what happens when you try to write without inspiration, which I won’t even attempt. I love it when a story is boiling inside of me until it erupts like a volcano and comes flowing out. When I write in that magical flow, I can easily pound out 10,000 in a day given no distractions. And speaking of distractions, I don’t even notice them in that marvelous zone. Hours later I’ll realize it’s dark outside and check to see if all my kids are alive and the house still standing.

Probably the best thing about writing in big, inspired spurts is that the book comes out with a tight sense of unity. You’re less likely to mess up characterization or motivation if you stay in the flow of the story. The voice, rhythms, and details will remain consistent.

When I wrote my first novel, I was still homeschooling my kids. I wrote in big spurts on weekends or getaways until it was done a year later. For my second novel my kids were in public school. I wrote about 30,000 words in the fall, then the other 60,000 in a big spurt in the spring. Since then, I’ve found I have about three sprees a year. Fall, early winter, and late spring. I've utilized these spurts for major rewrites and the beginning of sequels during the last year.

Between the spurts I relax, catch up, spend time with the family, and refill. During those spaces I do the normal living required to find new inspiration. I’m sure I at least write an email everyday. Maybe a blog post, but I don’t worry about new novels.

In fact, I haven’t worked on entirely new project in a while. And I hadn’t written a book in 2011. So with NaNoWriMo approaching, I decided to pray for a new idea. God sent one in the form of a title in late October. That was all the inspiration it took to spark my creative juices. This is my first time writing an entire novel in one spurt, but I’m enjoying the ride for sure.

In addition to the unity I expected, I’ve also found this method saves a lot of time. I don’t have to go back and check things that I’ve forgotten. And while I’ve started plotting ahead of time with most of my books, for this experience I’ve been able to let the characters tell me the story and just write it down as it unfolds in my mind without worrying if the plot will come back to me at a later date.

I’m sure there must be some merit to writing everyday (although I can’t say I really understand what it is). Maybe it works better for more methodical left brain type thinkers. But for me it would be like Chinese water torture. And I submit for the record that I think writing in big spurts with breaks in between to refresh and relax is much more productive.

At least for some of us.

By the end of the month (and head start week in October) I had 70,000 words written. Not bad. I'm now up to 83,000. Need to make some time for Christmas preparations after all, but I hope to have it all finished by the new year. And what is it, you might ask. Well, for now that's a secret. But I'm going in a more marketable historical romance with American setting direction with this one. Soon I'll let you know how it turned out.

How do you write? If you're not a writer, have you ever stopped to wonder how authors create?

Exploring God in All His Shades and Textures

All my life I dreamed of writing “the great American novel.” So, some might find it surprising to learn that I did not set my first novel in America.

I think the reason goes back to my four years spent at Oral Roberts University. There the campus pastors drilled into us that we should not think of ourselves as American Christians, but rather as World Christians. Citizens of the globe, reaching out to others without discrimination. People who did not base their views on ethnicity or patriotism, but rather considered the good of the whole world in their decision making. I guess I took that a step further by choosing a husband from Lebanon. And when my sister married a man whose parents hailed from India, we became one seriously international family.

Perhaps another reason I preferred a foreign setting is because I love that sense of traveling through fiction. When I read, I want to experience new places, cultures, and mindsets. I want to learn something about people who think and act differently than I do. I want to discover something unique about what it means to be human, and consequently to unveil more about the God who made us all in his marvelous image.

So, when I finally did sit down to write that great American novel, I didn’t feel restricted to placing it within our fifty states. The whole world stood open before me, ripe with possibilities.

My first consideration as I chose the setting for my book was that I wanted a time predating our current religious schisms and prejudices. A time when everyone was a Christian, but being a Christian didn’t always mean much. A time before the Protestant Reformation. That pretty much meant my book would be set in Europe. I choose England because much of my ancestry is British, and I had spent a summer there during a college missionary trip.

As the story began to unfold in my mind, I realized I needed a year when feudalism still existed, but when the middle class was beginning to emerge. I wanted my heroine to be born a peasant tied to the land, but I also wanted her to have the ability to rise above her circumstances. And since I wanted her first memories to be of suffering through abject poverty, I needed a famine.

So I settled on Sussex, England beginning in the famine year of 1315. The story continued to unravel before me. Dandelion would begin in Sussex, but would experience a journey of discovery through this romantic coming of age story. She would search the world over looking for the true meaning of love. First the nearby castle, then on to London. And she needed a sea voyage, perhaps to…Italy? Yes, Italy in the 1330’s as the Renaissance began to dawn would be cool.

Searching for the true meaning of love in Italy. Wait a minute. Weren’t some of my favorite medieval mystic poets from Italy and Germany during this time period? I looked it up, and yes they were. St. Catherine of Siena, St. Therese of Avila, and Hildegard von Bingen all wrote intensely passionate love poems to God within two hundred years of my story. Dandelion definitely needed the influence of women like that if she was going to ever discover the meaning of love. And so my fictional nunnery was born outside of Florence, Italy.

Of course, these odd settings aren’t the easiest sell in the CBA market. In fact, if someone had told me that medievals didn’t sell well before I had started mine, I might have reconsidered the decision. But I’m glad I wrote it in blissful ignorance. I love the setting. I love the way I was able to use it to bring to light unique aspects of man’s relationship with God, and I love the rich, musical language it permitted.

Yes, Dance of the Dandelion was a hard sell. Several big houses gave the book serious consideration but turned it down over the medieval time period. But eventually, I did find a publisher. I feel so blessed to have connected with WhiteFire Publishing for this project because they share my love for exotic settings, and they are willing to take risks. They embrace the vision that birthed this book: to explore God in all of his many shades and textures.