Lifting Your Spirit!

As an author, I often feel like I am taking one step forward and two steps back. I’m sure the millions of other authors out there, who write books that haven’t sold millions of copies (yet) or been made into movies (yet) or reached the New York Times Bestseller List (yet) feel the same way. Yet day after day we strive to put words on the page (or computer screen), market our books already published, and pray for the best. It can get a little daunting, discouraging, frustrating. Yet every so often there’s a light that shines through the clouds.

A few rays have shone forth for me lately…my novel, The Peace Maker, is being promoted through a company called Books Go Social and reviews and sales are happening as a result! My novel, The Runaway Prophet, is also gaining sales through good reviews. And my latest novel, The Faithful One (republished on Feb. 14, 2017 by Morgan James Publishing) just received a good Kirkus Review: “…an exploration of what a contemporary Job might look like, Chynoweth’s tale should more than satisfy.” (KIRKUS REVIEWS)

I write “Modern Day Bible Stories,” contemporary, edgy, inspirational novels full of suspense and romance based on Old Testament stories in the Bible. Many times I’ve been asked why I write novels based on Bible stories…instead of something more “in vogue.” But I write them because I feel that’s the calling God has put on my heart…to “re-imagine” these otherwise hard to read and comprehend stories into fast-paced, entertaining fiction so that today’s readers can get the message (and escape into a good book at the same time!)

There is part of me for sure in each story…I started writing The Faithful One based on the Book of Job (about the guy who has it all and then loses everything and questions God) when I was going through a lot of Job-like trials and tribulations; I wrote The Peace Maker about the story of David and Abigail in the First Book of Samuel after going through a rough divorce (Abigail is in a terrible marriage and faces some tough decisions to do the right thing when she meets soon-to-be King David who is ready to obliterate her husband and her village); and I wrote The Runaway Prophet based on the Book of Jonah (about the guy who tries to run from God’s call and then falls into all sorts of trouble as a result) when I was mired in doubt and frustration about my own calling.

So how do we keep trudging along when the light seems to fade? First, I think we have to find our true purpose and then keep trying to fulfill it with everything in us. I actually have come to love my calling, despite the hardships that come along, and am writing the next novel based on Cain and Abel in Genesis (stay tuned!). Second, I believe we all need to try to help each other whenever possible. And last but not least, we need to just keep putting one foot in front of the other on this journey we call life – and hope, pray and have faith in God’s Will and Purpose.  And although all of those other great bonuses I mentioned (millions of sales, movies, bestseller lists, etc.) are still part of my dream, my main encouragement meanwhile usually comes through my readers. Every time readers tell me they got something out of one of my books, whether it was enjoyment, entertainment, inspiration or even a little more faith, my spirits are lifted. I pray I am lifting your spirits right now with this message. And with that I’ll leave you with my favorite Bible quote: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Thank you to all of my fellow authors, readers and even critics – you push me to keep striving and keep writing!

Michele Chynoweth is the award-winning author of The Peace Maker, The Faithful One and The Runaway Prophet, contemporary, inspirational suspense/romance novels that are Modern Day Bible Stories. She is also an inspirational public speaker, book coach and writing instructor at her local college. More about Michele and her books can be found on her website: www.michelechynoweth.com

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NOTE: The Peace Maker is on sale for a limited time for $3.99 on Amazon Kindle:
The Peace Maker on Amazon Kindle