Grace A. Johnson's Blog: Of Blades & Thorns, page 31

What If...We're Fighting the Wrong Way?

I’m going to begin this post with a warning. Y’all will probably need it, trust me.

This post will hurt some feelings, step on some toes, possibly tick a few people off...so if you find your toes begin to cramp as you read this post, I’d advise you to step away (or, I mean, if you can take it, keep reading, just do so only with the intention of learning more about my opinions rather than starting an argument).

This post will definitely be a rant, and as such I cannot guarantee it will make any sense whatsoever. Very few of my thoughts or feelings do.

This post is written from the perspective of a die-hard romantic who believes in the importance of marriage and sex—so excuse me if I’m biased in some way, misinterpret something, or present a view that doesn’t align with yours. These are my feelings. My thoughts. The burden on my heart. And I had to get it out somehow. I’m only sharing this because I believe that I’m not the only one (or at least I hope I’m not) who feels this way, because I hope to generate awareness for those whose views differ from the vast majority, and because someone out there may have never seen things from this perspective and this post may be an eye-opener for them.

Now, without further ado, I present my ranting, offensive thoughts. * bows *

We live in a sexualized culture. A culture that doesn’t value purity—in fact, it makes fun of purity, virginity, and abstinence as if there’s no reason for them to exist. A culture that has “redefined” marriage to mean whatever you want it to mean. A culture that insists that your body has no other purpose than to be used and defiled. A culture that not only allows but supports procedures that realign the way God made you. A culture that pushes their agenda on three-year-olds.

There is no doubt in my mind that this...y’all, this is more vile and wicked than anything the world has seen before.

But how do we, as Christians, combat this?

I don’t know about you, but I have seen an increasing amount of young Christians who shun marriage, who idolize the concept of purity, and who are revolted by the idea of God-ordained romance.

Now, this isn’t everyone. Everyone fights this kind of evil in a different way—some by staying quiet, some by condemnation, and others by doing a complete 180. And I’m not saying those methods are ineffective or even inherently wrong. I’m just wondering..

What if we’re fighting the wrong way?

We are so consumed by the idea that we must fight against the culture, push against the world, and break away from those who disagree with the Word of God. But that’s not what God has called us to do. He didn’t command us to fight people or even the government. He said to love your neighbor and respect authority. He said that our battle isn’t with flesh and blood or corrupt politicians and laws. He said we wrestle with powers and principalities, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6.12).

More than that, He said that we should take heart. Why? Because He has overcome the world.

Not will overcome. He already has. It’s done. The world has been overcome.

So then what are we supposed to do?

Live like it.

Instead of living in direct conflict with the world, why don’t we start living as if there is no conflict? As if there is no world?

I told you this wouldn’t make any sense.

Let me backtrack.

Instead of being against romantic love as God created it, not getting married, and viewing sex as thoroughly evil, why don’t we give the world an example of how God created us to live? Why don’t we go back to the Garden of Eden, where it was one man and one woman, united in love and God-ordained marriage?

My point is this: God made romantic love. God made marriage. God made sex.

He created those things. And it was good. That’s what He said. He looked down upon this amazing life He gave us—a wonderful gift that only exists here in this lifetime—and said that it was good. And it still is good. It’s the way He designed us. It’s the way He wants us to live—in blessed unity with our spouse and God, a threefold cord established the moment the marriage is consummated, to death do us part.

So, yeah, what if we’re fighting the wrong way? What if the only way we can reverse the effects the enemy has on our culture is not by shunning the things Satan has misaligned and redefined but by taking them back to the way they were intended to be?

*sighs* I don’t know. Maybe this doesn’t make sense. Maybe this is just my wacky way of lashing out at people who dis me for writing romance and wanting to get married. Or maybe not. I guess that’s up to God. And up to you how you take all this nonsense of mine.

But I’ll tell you this, and I know this for sure. God designed us male and female, and we came out of the womb exactly the way He wanted us. God designed us heterosexual, and there is no other way to be. God designed us to cleave to one person of the opposite sex for the rest of our lives, to live with them, to serve with them, to grow in our faith with them, to worship God with them, and to raise children with them.

I’m not afraid of romance. I’m not disgusted by it. I’m not made to worship God by being a lonely virgin for the rest of my life (even though, yes, that sounds like the easy way out sometimes).

I’m made to worship God by loving my husband one day. Why? Because marriage is a reflection of God’s relationship with us. The love between a man and his wife is a reflection of God’s love for us. Marital sex is a reflection of God’s intimacy with His Bride.

Yes, Paul said that the single are blessed because they can devote all of their heart, mind, soul, and strength to God and to serving Him. And, yes, there are some people who, like Paul, are set apart for God in a way few others are.

But that’s a calling He places on your heart. Not a choice you make simply because you think marriage and sex are somehow bad.

Me personally? I’m not called to be single. I’m called to be a wife and a mother, and I’m going to embrace that calling and the way I was made.

So what’s the key takeaway from this crazy rant? Um…well, if you walk away from this with anything, let it be that JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD. And that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood or anything of this earth—we wrestle with the enemy and his forces of darkness in a spiritual battle.

#whatif #god #overcoming #theworld #christianity #fighting #fightthegoodfight #romance #love #thewayitssupposedtobe #yesthisistwoseparaterantsinonepost #myapologies #sorrynotsorry

Bookishly (and rantishly) yours, Grace

Tour and Giveaway Wrap-Up (Daylight Launch Tour)

*facepalm* Y'all know how I promised to wrap up the tour yesterday? Yeah, that obviously didn't happen. Why? Because I had a ridiculously busy day and was thiiiiiiis close to finishing up this post when my wifi shut off. So, you know. Here we are now. A day later. Oh, well. Anyway...

The launch tour has officially ended, my lovelies, and as sad as that seems, it is truly a cause for celebration!!! All of you have made the launch a HUGE success, for which I am exceedingly grateful! I sold three preorder copies and NINE copies since it released! YIPPEE! I mean, I've given away just as many, but still.

Anyway, enough chit-chat. I've got a ton of stuff to share with y'all and I've held off too long already!

Giveaway Winner...

Who is the lucky winner of a copy of Daylight and that "extra fun stuff?" (Extra fun stuff being desktop wallpapers and printable bookmarks...nothing fancy.)

Sawyer Marie!!!

Congratulations, girl! Check your inbox for your prizes!!

Thank you to all who entered! You may have missed this giveaway, but there's still a chance to win if you subscribe to my newsletter! I'll be giving away Daylight to three lucky subscribers next month!

The Tour

Missed a post? Not to worry! I've got all the direct links here! Enjoy!

Sept. 1st:

Blog Tour/Giveaway Kickoff

Character Q&A with Joelle Stone

Sept. 2nd:

Review from Kristina Hall

Sept. 3rd:

Review + Interview with E. G. Bella

Sept. 4th:

Review from Kat at TWN

Sept. 5th:

Book Club Kit + Character Q&A

Sept. 6th:

Review from Kristianne Hassman

Author Interview with Victoria Crooks

Sept. 7th:

Author Interview with Issabelle Perry

Sept. 8th:

Character Q&A with E. C. Colton

Sept. 9th:

What Readers Have to Say!

Sept. 10th:

Review from Vanessa Hall

Sept. 11th:

Review from Abigail Kay Harris

Review from Heaven at The Book Cubicle

Never Forget

Sept. 13th:

Giveaway Wrap-Up (also known as the post you're reading right now!)

Where to Buy the Book

I hope you've snagged a Kindle copy for $0.99, because the price is going up to $1.99 today! Not into Kindle? Then check out the other sellers, like Barnes & Noble, here!

There have been some rumors circulating about my writing a sequel...okay, technically, they're not rumors. They're true statements issued out by yours truly...and even though I don't have many details beyond a title, I thought I'd share a short sneak peek into what the sequel should look like!

So, without further ado, I present Something Bright and Beautiful! (Also known as SBaB...pronounced suh-bab. *winks*)

chapter one

new york city

sept. 14, 2001

The doorway to August’s room looms before me, empty. Hollow. Kind of stinky, to be honest. Like old socks and dirt and smoke—certainly not the type of smell you’d expect to lure a person in...but it does.

My fingers latch onto the door frame for support, my feet sluggish as I try to get them over the threshold.

It feels wrong being in here without him, though. Almost as if I’m invading his inner sanctuary. Which is laughable, really, because August never spends any more time in his room than he has to. He’ll catch a few winks between nine pm and five am, then throw on his clothes and be out of there.

Come to think of it, he’s not at home that much at all these days. Ever since he was promoted to crew chief, he’s been hard at work every day from six in the morning to six in the evening. Then it’s straight to Vinny’s to grab dinner and back home for a shower and some sleep. On top of that, he’s always at my place on the weekends, crashing in front of the TV, working on a new sketch, annoying me as I try to fold laundry.

Loneliness clenches me. It hasn’t ever been so quiet when I’ve folded clothes as it was this morning. And there wasn’t anything of Pops’ this time. No ratty shirts or beer-stained tanks or polka dot boxers or sweaty socks.

Just my stuff and one shirt of August’s that he threw in last week and I forgot to wash.

I block out the images of my clothes all alone in the laundry basket, close off the sight of my dad’s bedroom even emptier than August’s, suppress the roil of my stomach that threatens to toss my lunch.

I’m not here for an emotional breakdown. I’m not here to torture myself with all the memories and the what ifs. I’m here to get August’s sketchbook and leave. Quickly.

What do y'all think? Worth reading more of? Or should I leave well enough alone, eh? What would you like to see occur in the novel? Let me know the comments!

Thanks again for being a part of this project and bringing it into the world! I hope and pray that it brings a little bit of daylight into someone's life! Y'all have a fabulous week, and I'll see ya where you typically hang about - the funny papers! *winks*

#daylight #blogtour #launchtour #wrapup #sneakpeek #sequel #giveaway #newbook #newrelease #shortstory #ebook

Bookishly yours, Grace

The Bookworm's Tag

FINALLY. GUYS, I'VE BEEN WANTING TO DO THIS TAG SO BAD I ALMOST RESORTED TO TAG THIEVERY. THEN JOELLE SAVED THE DAY!!!!!! THANK YOU, JOELLE!!!!

Seriously, guys, this self-proclaimed bookworm (that was literally my reviewing username on Amazon once upon a time) was dying for the chance to do this tag! Fortunately, Joelle over at The Pen Inspired tagged me before I swiped Vanessa Hall's questions!

The Rules

Thank and link to the blogger who nominated you (Thanks again, Joelle!) Include the tag graphic in your post Answer the ten questions the blogger asked Nominate between five and ten bloggers Ask your nominees ten book-related questions! Don’t feel bound to these rules (Most importantly) Have fun!

The Questions

#1 If you had to pick just one (ONLY ONE NO CHEATING LIKE ME!) quote from a book, which would be your favorite?

ONLY ONE? WHAT? Oy...that should be really hard, but I do think I can come up with an all-time favorite.

"'In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.'" – Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice.

If a man ever says this to me, I will legit marry him on the spot. This is how I want to be proposed to, my ideal declaration of love.

The close seconds (because I will not settle for just one) are “‘I am half agony, half hope.’” – Captain Wentworth, Persuasion. And “‘You have no compassion for my poor nerves.’ 'You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least.'” – Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice.

Yes, the Jane Austen quotes will always be the best.

#2 Which book would you love to see turned into a film?

Ooh...this is really, really hard. My first answer would be any of my books...but that’s a given. So, otherwise, I would really like to see Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series (at least the first two books) turned into a film series. Or any of Julie Lessman’s novels. The Daughters of Boston/Winds of Change/Cousins O’Connor series would make an AMAZING TV series! And, of course, there’s Unblemished by Sara Ella! That book...that series...AUGH. It needs to be up there on the big screen! It deserves cinematic greatness!

#3 What’s your most favorite scene from any book ever?

JOELLE. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO ME? I can’t answer this question. I just...I can’t.

#4 (Stealing Vanessa’s question here) Do you judge a book by its cover?

Lord help me, yes. I didn’t use to, but it’s become an unbreakable habit nowadays. Seriously, though, a cover says a lot about a book. It’s, like, a psychological thing. The cover is the first thing a reader notices about a book. It sets the tone for the entire story. It’s the basis of the book’s aesthetic. On top of that, the quality of the cover reflects the quality of the book, at times. At least from the standpoint of formatting and technicalities such as that.

#5 What’s your least favorite series, and why?

Least favorite? Gee. Um… Dude, that’s tough. I don’t usually read a whole series of books I despise… I don’t guess I can think of anything, really.

#6 Are there any books you’d recommend people to stay away from?

For sure. Harry Potter is at the top of the list. The witchcraft in there is very real, people. Romanticizing and normalizing the work of the devil is not okay, no matter how you slice it.

Next would be Twilight. Because, really? Ick.

And then anything with homosexuality in it. I can name a few books, if need be, but my hope is that books containing even a whiff of that kind of content wouldn’t be on any of y’all’s radars.

#7 What is the most impactful theme/message you’ve ever noticed in a book?

Shoot, I think that’s the toughest one yet! I don’t think I’ve ever had a fiction book speak to me specifically, so I really can’t give a good answer. I can tell you that I ALWAYS love the messages in Julie Lessman’s and Kristina Hall’s books. They’re never afraid to preach, and I adore that!

As for nonfiction, The Cost of Discipleship seriously had the most amazing message! I don't read nonfiction (or at least I try not too), but that book was definitely worth my time! And y'all's time, too. Seriously. Read it. You won't regret it.

I will say this...I read a book once, and I’ll be honest with you that I don’t remember what it was called or who the author was (I could probably find that out, though), in which the heroine was...either a prostitute or very nearly one. I can't quite remember. And when the hero finds out, he wrestles with the truth a lot. But eventually, God works on his heart, and the hero (I think his name was Colton or something) goes to the heroine with a rock. (There may have been something written on the rock, but I can’t remember.) Anyway, as unromantic as it seems, the hero goes up to her and drops the rock.

To symbolize when all the men cast down their stones and walked away after Jesus said “He who is without sin cast the first stone.”

I cried.

I had never nor have I to this day cried over a book like I did over that one.

That was just one of the sweetest things, one of the most beautiful gestures. There have no doubt been messages that impacted me more...but not in the way that one did.

#8 *steals another of Vanessa’s questions ’cause they were so good!* What are some qualities you look for in a good book?

This is a hard one, only because there are so many qualities! Content is a given, of course. The one and only thing that makes a good book is content and a message that would make God proud. The way I see it, if Jesus wouldn’t be interested in reading it, then neither should I.

But from a reader’s perspective, some of the top things I look for are (1) characters. I crave characters I can connect with and that seem as real to me as the laptop I’m typing on.

(2) Voice. This goes along with characters, but it can be considered a separate entity in some respects. I want both the individual characters and the author to have a unique voice that fits the story and personality of the narrator(s). A couple authors who have mastered character voices are Sara Ella and Roseanna M. White; and the two authors who, to me, have the most distinctive writing style of their own are Karen Witemeyer and Laura Frantz. (Honorable mention goes to Julie Lessman, Tamara Leigh, and Kristi Ann Hunter.)

(3) Romance. This is a not something I look for in every single book, but when something is classified as a romance, I do look for the strength of the romance, the authenticity of the romance, and (at times) the passion in the romance. If you’re gonna write a love story, do it right or please just don’t do it at all.

#9 If you found a random book stripped of its cover laying in a gutter on a rainy day, what would you do with it?

Depends on which book it is.

But, seriously, I would probably take it home and research how best to restore it to its original glory—even if that meant rebinding it myself. Then I’d proudly display it on my shelf!

#10 And last but not least: what’s the most inspiring story you’ve ever read, and why/how did it inspire you?

This kinda goes along with #7…there haven’t been many stories that have inspired me specifically, at least not that I can think of. Most stories affect me from an authorly standpoint. They inspire new story ideas, help me reach out and try new methods, open me up to new genres and styles and tropes.

I will say this, though. One of the most inspiring stories I’ve read, even if it didn’t personally affect me, was Unfailing Love by Julie Lessman. Guys, I was tearing up at the dedication page. THE DEDICATION PAGE. LIKE, AT THE FRONT OF THE BOOK. Granted, I didn’t full-out cry, but guys. This story...I can’t even explain how beautiful it is, how much it of the author was poured into it, how deeply it could impact you. Please, just go read it.

The Tagees + The Questions

Kads @ Your Writerly Friend Kads E. K. Seaver Kristianne @ Whimsical Wanderings The girls @ Teen Writers’ Nook E. C. Colton V. L. Smith Chelsea @ An Ordinary Pen E. G. Bella Heaven and Grace @ The Book Cubicle YOU! (Yes, that is an invite to steal this tag.) Which book character do you fangirl over the most? If you could visit or live in any book, which one would it be? Which book do you wish you’d written? You’re the author of your favorite book/series...which character would you kill off? (Presumably one the real author didn’t already kill…) If you could rewrite the ending of any book, which one would it be and how would it end? Which book character reflects your personality the most? Most hated book? (C’mon, we all know there’s at least one…) Book that should’ve been written but never was (i.e., sequel, prequel, rewrite, super awesome story idea you just came up with)? Which actors/actresses would you cast as the characters in your favorite book/series? What unpopular bookish opinions do you have? (Like, popular book you hate, beloved character you despise, classic you question, etc.)

What about you? What's your favorite book? Favorite character? Least favorite? Is there a book you think should be made into a movie or TV series? A movie you think should be turned into a book?

Let me know in the comments!!!

#thebookwormstag #blogtag #bookworm #books #iamabooknerd #iheartbooks #aboutthereader

Bookishly yours, Grace

Never Forget (Daylight Launch Tour)

Today marks exactly twenty years since the events of 9/11.

I think that deserves a moment of silence.

Today marks the day thousands of people lost their lives and thousands more lost loved ones.

I think that deserves a moment of grief.

Today marks the day our nation fell in the form of two crumbling towers.

I think that deserves a moment of respect for all the men and women who sacrificed for this country, who built it up before and who built it up again so that, twenty years later, we don't need to fear an attack on freedom like what happened that day.

Today marks the day we - the people of America, the people of the world - entered a new era. One of promise. One of hope. One of freedom.

I think that deserves a prayer of thanks.

Today also marks the day I release my latest creation: Daylight.

I think that deserves some confetti and ice cream!

I just want to thank all of you - readers, reviewers, followers, buccaneers (that would be my street team *wink*) - for making this launch so amazing! Thank y'all for loving this story and these characters and begging for more! Thank y'all for hanging in there with me as I took six whole months to write a 5k-word book!

To celebrate, y'all get the chance to read a never-seen-before (okay, it has been seen before, but only by my few beta-readers) epilogue! (Spoilers have been edited out for the sake of the sequel...because, yes, there will be a sequel.)

Pictures rarely ever do anything justice, the 9/11 Memorial included. I guess I didn’t know what to expect...but the sight before me is overwhelming and relieving all at once. The footprints of the Twin Towers have been cleared and around them are clean sidewalks, greenery, American flags, and so many people. Most of them stand alone, a few gathered with a couple others—their remaining family, I suppose—heads bowed and shoulders slumped.

Silence reigns for several long moments after I exit my cab and step into the crowd. I linger at the fringes, my legs too weak to carry me any farther. Well, that, and I really don’t want to get any closer. I know I’ll have to, when I’m called up to read, but until then, I want to process everything.

After things started going back to, well, some semblance of normalcy, I pushed it all to the back of my mind. It was easier that way. Others...others could talk about it. Others could smile softly and remember the good things. Others could mourn and move on.

But every time I thought back to that day in September, I felt it all over again. The tightening in my chest. The wild beat of my heart. The sting of the smoke. The guilt.

And maybe I wasn’t the only one. Maybe these people here, these that have lost mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, siblings and children, close their eyes and see the towers falling again. Hear the screams of their loved ones as they’re burned alive or crushed by rubble. Relive the last hug, the last phone call, the last kiss, the last family dinner.

Or the last harsh word, the last beating, the last night spent crying alone.

There’s something about losing someone you truly love, someone who loved you in return. You have the memories and the assurance that their time was well-spent. More, many have the confidence that they’ll seen them again in Heaven.

But when you lose the one you should’ve loved, the one who never loved you the way you wanted—you have nothing but regret. Nothing but the too-late prayer that God would save their soul.

That’s the kind of burden on my heart right now. That’s what I’ve bottled up and hidden away all these years.

It’s time I finally let it go.

The screech of a microphone shatters the quiet, causing the crowd to look up at the memorial, where the names we would read are engraved. A woman dressed entirely in black tugs down her mask (which, of course, is black too) and leans into the mic, her voice heavy with a Jersey accent as she addresses us.

I struggle to listen to her welcome and thanks for coming and description of all that’s going on today. Either the wind keeps catching her words and blowing them away, or my mind keeps catching a different train of thought.

It’s probably me. It usually is.

Then she calls out the first name, and my attention snags on a short, grey-haired woman who slowly makes her way up to the memorial.

She’s the first of many. Of hundreds, most likely.

Before we make it through the as, tears are streaming down my face and I notice several others dabbing at their eyes. The next few minutes, or couple hours, or days that pass—all right, I doubt it’s days, but you know that feeling when time seems to elude you and years feel like seconds and vice versa? Yeah, that’s how it feels as I watch others walk up and read the names of their lost loved ones.

Then we make it to the hs.

A few names down, the lady calls out for Sylvie Harpe.

That would be me.

I’ll be honest, my feet don’t want to believe it. They want me to stay right here until she moves on to another name. They somehow glue themselves to the pavement and practically dare me to stride forward.

It’s a dare I have to take, even if my nerves are inclined to stay with my feet.

I force myself up to the memorial, focusing on only the names—not the people around me or the lady beside me or the footprints that loom ahead—and searching until I find the name of my father.

Robert Harpe.

I whisper it under my breath at first, trace the letters with my fingertips. Then I clear my throat, glance over my shoulder at the crowd, and say the name as loudly as I can while still hiding the tremble in my voice.

And it’s over.

I step away, disappear back into the crowd. The lady calls another name. A man cradling a baby shuffles past me to reach the memorial.

Life…life goes on.

I stay for a few minutes longer, until my phone tells me I have only forty-five minutes to get back to the hotel and ready to meet up with everyone at Vinny’s. Then I walk away, cross the street, call for a cab, and ride away.

Just like that, it’s over.

He’s gone.

He’s been gone. For twenty years.

I’ve never let him go, though. I’ve always been praying for a do-over, for a second chance. I’ve always been regretting the time we misspent, the harsh words we spoke.

I bow my head, closing my eyes as his name echoes in my ears. Lord, it’s high time I let him go. Let...let all of it go. Guilt over August. Regret for Pops. Pain over all that happened that day.

I can’t do it alone, though. Obviously. I mean, I’m still here, holding onto it twenty years later.

I need Your help.

Help me let it go. Help me go on. Help me commit Pops to you. Help me see the blessings in the curses, Lord, and the beauty in the rubble. I know it’s there—Your Word says it is.

So…I’ve taking the first step toward healing, God. I came back. I read the name.

What’s next?

I lift my head, leaving God with an opening instead of an amen, and lean back in the seat. Nothing but the muffled sound of traffic and my cab driver’s humming penetrate my quiet.

Not until we park in front of Vinny’s. I get out of the cab, pay the driver and wave goodbye, then turn to the restaurant…and I hear God whisper.

Smile.

Today, probably even as you read this post, there are family members gathering around the 9/11 memorial in the footprint of the twin towers to read the names of the loved ones they lost. This is only a fictional account of what that looks like, but the struggle is very real.

If you would like to ensure that the next generation keeps what happened on this day twenty years ago in their hearts, then please donate to the Never Forget Fund here, to support the efforts of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum!

Well, this marks the official end of the tour, y'all! Technically, all the dates have been out of whack...the promo price ended on the 10th for B&N, Apple, and Kobo, but it doesn't end until the 13th on Amazon...and even though this is the official final post of the launch tour, I will have a wrap-up post tomorrow announcing the winner of the giveaway, so stay tuned for that!

I hope you've enjoyed traveling back twenty years with me and my blogger friends! This launch has been...it's been an amazing gift, for which I am exceedingly grateful! I hope y'all enjoyed the tour and all the fun posts and goodies! Thank you again for all your love and support!!!

#daylight #blogtour #launchtour #neverforget #epilogue #releaseday #giveaway #newbook #newrelease #shortstory #preorder #sale #ebook

Bookishly yours, Grace

Join the Book Nations!

A few days ago I wrote a post to challenge y'all to write for Christ...and I announced my new blog, Book Nations, which was created with the sole purpose of equipping writers to write Godly fiction!

Today, I'm launching the blog and inviting y'all to join the mission field!

As Christians we are commanded by Jesus to teach all nations of His love, His sacrifice on the cross, and His redemptive power - even the book nations. So many strong Christians and talented writers have been influenced by the enemy into thinking that our fiction shouldn't be Christian, that it doesn't have to be godly to impact others, and worse - that "preachy" fiction will never reach a secular reader.

​ But that isn't true. God has called us to speak light and life into darkness, and the only way we can do that is with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit - not with generic inspirational messages that go in one ear and out the other. If we are going to reach the hearts and souls of men, women, and children who don't know Christ, then we must plant a seed. If we are going to fulfill our purpose on this earth as disciples of Jesus and children of God, then we must work for the Lord and not for men, bringing glory and honor to Him in all we do.

That's a big task, I know, and most of us feel that we're not up to the challenge - but guess what? Christ has equipped us with all we need to write stories that edify Him and impact our readers – so don’t ever think you can’t do it.

​ Book Nations was created with you in mind. Whether you're feeling discouraged in your efforts, are uncertain of your calling, or have the newfound desire to write for the Lord and not for men, then this is the place to be. The purpose of this blog is to show you that you can write Christian fiction and to teach you how.

​ You have a commission. Will you accept it?

#christianfiction #callingallwriters #seekerfriendlyfiction #christianwriters #booknations #writeforchrist #kingdomwriters

Bookishly yours, Grace

Blography Tag

I was honored to be tagged recently for this new and unique blog tag all about biographies by the creator of the tag himself, Miles Lawson! To be honest, my experiences with biographies/autobiographies/memoirs is quite limited...I skimmed some autobiography my grandpa lent me once (and didn't even finish it) and I read The Diary of Anne Frank when I was about ten-ish...but I really don't want to relive that experience.

Either way, I tried, thoroughly enjoying myself in the process. Plus, I'm pretty sure all my questions are seven words long! (Boy, was that a challenge!)

Anyway, without further ado, let's dive in!

The Rules

Link back to the original site . Mention the one who tagged you. Write an autobiography in seven words. For this, they do not need to form a complete sentence. To make it more interesting, answer seven seven-word questions. Tag seven other bloggers. Think of seven seven-word questions, or use the same ones as you answered.

The Questions

Let's start with that seven-word autobiography, shall we? Born of grace and raised in truth.

Starting simple, what's your happiest childhood memory?

Gee, Miles, make it difficult, why don’t you? Haha. I really don’t know. I guess I’m kinda still living out my childhood...since I’m not an adult yet… But, to be honest, most of the memories blur together and what I do remember clearly is either embarrassing or depressing. Seriously.

But one thing I do like thinking back on is something a little more recent...when I held my youngest brother for the first time. My dad had claimed that not a one of us kids were permitted to hold Jacob—even though I was, at the time, thirteen. However, when he needed to help my mom (she’d just had a c-section and was in really bad shape), I was called upon to cradle the child in my arms and GUYS. Holding that little munchkin, rocking him, singing to him...that was amazing. I really can’t remember when my other siblings were born, but Jacob? Yep. He’s my little man. Seriously, some of my best memories are of him and Joanna, the sister who was born seventeen months before him. They’re my babies.

Which age would you choose to revisit?

Eight. I remember eight as being when I finally outgrew my awkwardness and anxiety (as well as my crappy bangs), when I was very carefree and busy doing all sorts of fun things. That said, I know I had some emotional breakdowns at eight, but it really was my best age. Definitely not half as bad as five. Or two. Or, worse yet, thirteen. Here’s to hoping sixteen won’t be too terrible.

How would you have your biography end?

And thus, with a kiss, she died.

Honestly, that wouldn’t be that bad. I could pass away peacefully alongside my husband (because we would die at the same time, of course), giving him one last kiss before we entered eternity.

But, then again, I should probably opt for something more original, shouldn’t I? Hmm. To be honest, I don’t really know how I want it to end. I think the best thing for me to do is leave that up to God. He knows best, after all.

What would you name the current chapter?

Lost in the Swamp...of School.

Who would you write a biography about?

My great-grandmother, Myrtle Wildes. Or my grandfather, Donald R. Johnson Sr. Or my however-many-greats-grandfather Dr. Samuel Nunez. Or, if I can ever uncover the mystery surrounding his entire existence, my eighth-great-grandfather, Maximilian Wildes. Or Jane Austen. Either one, if not all four.

What are seven of your favourite (auto)biographies?

About that…

I have only ever completely read one book that qualifies as a biography/autobiography...and I hated it. Sorry, Anne Frank, but there are some things that my ten-year-old self just wasn’t interested in reading, regardless of who wrote them. This review puts my opinions into the words that I couldn’t.

How have those biographies affected your life?

I don’t guess I have an available answer for this question, do I? Oh well.

The Tagees + The Questions

Kristina Hall Vanessa Hall Joelle @ The Pen Inspired E. C. Colton Kads @ Your Writerly Friend Kads Katja @ Little Blossoms for Jesus Bree Dawn @ The Long Voyage What seven words would best describe you? Where would you spend your last days? Who would write your biography for you? What would you would title your story? What is your biggest regret in life? (I know that's a tough one, sorry.) (Gonna steal Miles’s question here…) Who would you write a biography about? How would you describe your life story?

Thank you all for joining me today! (Seven words.) It has been a true pleasure, y'all! (Seven words.) I'll see ya in the funny papers! (Seven words.)

Seriously, guys, I'm thinking in sevens now. *facepalm* Well, it is the number of perfection, isn't it?

Anyway, thanks again for reading this post! Feel free to steal it (as long as you give credit where credit is due, of course), and have fun!

#blographytag #blogtag #biography #abouttheblogger

Bookishly yours, Grace

What Readers Have to Say! (Daylight Launch Tour)

Reviews are pouring in, y'all, and I am pleased to say that Daylight is looking like a success, all thanks to my amazing reviewers!!! Y'all are the best!

Now, because positive reviews - or reviews of any kind - make my like author heart want to jump for joy, I want to share a little bit of what readers are saying about Daylight!

“Out of the ashes of 911 comes Daylight, a poignant short story about a tragic moment in American history, where glimmers of hope emerge from glimmers of pain when a quiet love rises from the ashes of friendship nearly lost.” – Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston and Isle of Hope series.

“Rich with emotion, this 9/11 story will pull you into the aftermath of one of America’s greatest tragedies. The author has skillfully interwoven the pain with hope, the loss with new beginning, and the fear with a tender touch of romance. Definitely a read you won’t want to put down!” — Willowy Whisper, Selah award-winning author

“It takes talent to make me care about characters in a novel, much less in a short story. Grace Johnson has that talent in abundance. I need more of August and Sylvie!” – Kristina Hall, author of the Moretti trilogy

“A beautiful short story of daylight, hope, and rising from the ashes. With a poetic writing style and a lifelike cast of characters, Johnson paints a gentle reminder of hope in every sunrise.” – E. C. Colton, author of Shards of Sky

"I'm amazed at the depth of character development Grace A. Johnson packed into this nine-page wonder. I feel like I know August and Sylvie, and the dialect only added to the depth. . . . [T]his story captures the essence of grief and hope, strength and sorrow, darkness and, well, daylight." - Jayna Baas, author of Preacher on the Run

"I seriously cannot recommend this short story enough. The author did a fantastic job writing this short story, it just really is one of the BEST I've read out there, and it's hitting my list of top favorites of Grace Johnson's works!! It's so poignant and heartfelt, with such a beautiful message of the hope that God brings, that He can restore and make good from evil." - Sophia, Goodreads reviewer

"Writing about a national tragedy like 9/11 can pose difficulties, but Grace really captured the horrible essence of that day very well. . . . Definitely go check this story out - you won't regret it." - Vanessa Hall, author of Unknown

"'Daylight' tugged at my heart and brought me to the reality of the events of 9/11. I felt as if I was experiencing the trauma that the characters experienced. 9/11 always brings me to tears, and I am so glad that there are stories like 'Daylight' that give us a glimpse into the event so that we can relate and understand those who lived through it." - Katherine, Teen Writers' Nook

Seriously. My heart... It pleases me more than y'all could ever know to see people out there actually liking my writing. (Yes, I am very insecure and hungry for affirmation. Cut me some slack, I'm only a kid.)

But there are more reviews to come!!! Keep following the tour (schedule here) for more posts!

Don't forget to preorder before the price goes up! The discount will stick around on Kindle until the 13th, but the price will go up to $1.99 on the other sites on the 10th! Want a copy for free? Then enter here for a chance to win Daylight and more goodies!!

What's coming up next on my blog? A super special release day post that includes a glimpse into the future! (Well, the future for August and Sylvie...it'll still be our present!) Be there or be...well, technically you won't be square. You just won't be there, like the rest of the world's population, who are so missing out! *winks*

Peace, love, and daylight, y'all! *blows kisses*

#daylight #blogtour #launchtour #giveaway #newbook #newrelease #shortstory #preorder #sale #ebook #whatreadershavetosay #reviews

Bookishly yours, Grace

What If...God Has Something Else in Mind?

Y’all will remember that last week, we talked about seeker-friendly churches/Christians and how we’re not supposed to be living or acting just like the world, how we have been consecrated for God and His way of life.

Well, this week, I want to come at the same subject from a different angle.

Writing.

Particularly writing fiction.

We’re all writers here, aren’t we? Most of us, anyway. And the ones who aren’t are readers, yes? (Because it would be really weird if a non-reader was following an author’s blog.) We all know what Christian fiction is…and we all understand the struggles of writing it. In today’s culture, Christianity is suppressed, ignored, denounced, rejected, and reviled. Labeling yourself a “Christian” writer or categorizing your books as “Christian” fiction practically seals your fate in blood—your books will never be read by secular readers and your writing will never reach a lost soul, because no unbeliever would ever read Christian fiction.

On top of that, Christian readers are getting tired of sermonizers and are bored of the same messages they hear on Sunday repeated in their books. Most Christian readers would rather read popular mainstream novels—from the classics like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Twilight to up-and-comers like the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Selection series.

So how do we solve this dilemma?

It’s simple.

We dilute Christianity. Our Christian readers won’t get bored with our stories if we dial back Jesus to a few quick prayers and mentions of going to church. And our secular readers will connect more if we mention a gay couple in the book or throw in a few cuss words and some magic.

It’s not a big deal. It’s not like we live like we’re in a Harlequin romance, after all. We’re just depicting reality. We’re making “Christian” fiction accessible, inclusive. Seeker-friendly.

Or we’re not calling it Christian at all. Not really even spiritual, faith-based, or inspirational. Sure, there are some themes and faint allegories, and good wins out over evil in the end, but we keep the focus on fantasy worldbuilding and character relationships and action-packed plots. If the reader is meant to be affected by something in the story, then they will. Somehow. Besides, it’s not our job to proselytize. We write fiction to excite and engage, not nonfiction that bores you to death. That’s Max Lucado’s job, David Jeremiah’s job, Rick Joyner’s job, Priscilla Shirer’s job, Lysa Terkerst’s job, the local preacher’s job, the overseas missionary’s job, the Bible’s job.

Not ours. We’re just trying to make it through, right? Trying to live our own lives as best as we can.

But…what if God has something else in mind?

What if our job, our calling, our mission, and our whole purpose as Christians is to preach, to teach, to inspire other people? What if we, as writers, have been given a gift for the sole purpose of writing for Christ? What if it doesn’t matter if we market to the secular audience, if we sell a million copies, if we write a book that “depicts” reality, if we make Christianity relatable and inclusive? What if God wants to use our words to bring the lost to Him? What if He’ll put your book into the hands of that erotica-loving, black-magic-devouring secular reader, even though it’s nothing like what they’d usually read?

What if we’re meant to write for Him?

Y’all, I can’t tell you how many of my fellow writers have struggled with these questions. I can’t tell you how many Christians have written books that don’t at all reflect their faith. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up a book marketed as “Christian” and been appalled by the lack of God within it.

All I can tell you is that I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that it’s not supposed to be this way. There isn’t supposed to be a question about whether or not we should write Christian fiction. There isn’t supposed to be a line between Godly and entertaining. There isn’t supposed to be this variation of Christianity in our media that’s watered-down and reduced to nothing but a few passing remarks about God.

Even the demons believe in God. Even they herald the Christ. Even they bow before Him. Even they shout as they see Him, “Messiah! The Christ! The Son of God! The Holy One!”

If they do, why shouldn’t we?

Why shouldn’t we write for God? We owe it all to Him, don’t we? He is the reason we’re even here to write in the first place. The least we can do is dedicate our words to Him.

I just want to remind you...this life...it doesn’t belong to us. The money we make isn’t ours. The position we hold isn’t ours. The very air we breathe isn’t ours. We can’t based our decisions on the assumption that our lives belong to us.

Because they don’t.

God made us for Him, not for us to work from nine-to-five, live modestly, and churn out a few bestsellers. We were made for the sole purpose of bringing glory and honor to God Most High.

So put God into the equation. Put His will for your life into the question. Consider His sovereignty and His calling your life the next time you put the pen to paper—or do whatever it is you’re doing. Remember that He wants to use you, and that if you submit to Him, He will. He’ll move mountains to get that message He wrote into your book into the hands of the one who needs to hear it.

I know that’s not easy. I know writing Christian fiction is hard. I know surrendering to God is hard. I know some of us have no idea how to do either of those things. I know a lot of writers still believe that the best way to reach nonbelievers is to blend it.

Which is why I’m starting Book Nations, a blog for writers who long to write for Christ to learn more about what Christian fiction is, how to write it, and why God has called us to bring the Gospel to all nations—even the “book nations.” The blog goes live later this month, and I’ll have uplifting interviews with other authors who have chosen to write for Christ, spotlights of books that showcase the Gospel, guest posts from other writers who’ve endured the same struggles you have, and articles to equip you to enter the mission field of fiction.

I know this post turned out to be more of a rant (that ended like an advertisement), but this has really been on my heart for some time now, and I hope that I’ve made you ask some questions, made you consider writing for Christ. If so, won’t you join me in navigating this minefield of media missions? We’ll discover why Christ has called us into this ministry and how to fight the good fight against the powers of darkness that want to put down our God and His followers and pollute the world with wickedness and sin.

Will you do it? Will you write for Christ as a sold-out believer instead of writing for yourself as a seeker-friendly drifter?

#christianfiction #callingallwriters #seekerfriendlyfiction #christianwriters #booknations #writeforchrist #kingdomwriters #youweremadeformore #whatif

Bookishly yours, Grace

Free to Read!

GUESS WHAT, Y'ALL?

I am officially offering e-copies of Held Captive...for free. You now have the chance to read my debut novel for $0.00, and all you have to do it review it on either Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, your blog, or social media! Even if you absolutely despise it. I won't mind.

(Okay, I will. But that is life, no? Can't please everybody.)

Anyway, if you're interested, fill out the form below! If you're not, share this post with someone you think might be!

Happy reading, my friends!!!

#readforfree #reviewcopies #heldcaptive #freebook #rinasendsherlove #pleasekeepinmindthiswaswrittenbyatwelvetothirteenyearold #yallenjoy #thepiraticalmayhemiscomingforyou #holdontoyourtricorns #tisapirateslifeforme #yohoyoho #werereallybadeggs #itscaptainrinablackstonetoyou #captainisfine

Bookishly yours, Grace

Book Club Kit + Character Q&A (Daylight Launch Tour)

Welcome to Day 5 of the Daylight Launch Tour!!! Today, I have two fun things to share with y'all - an exclusive interview with the main character of the story, Sylvie; and a downloadable book club kit!

A book club kit contains discussion questions, a note from moi, and a bit of backstory about Daylight, perfect for book clubs (of course) or an individual reader! To download the kit, just click the graphic below!

Now, let's welcome Sylvie Harpe, the MC of Daylight, as she joins me for a quick interview!

How would you define your role in the story?

Technically speaking, I suppose I’m the main character...but it’s hard to envision myself as something so important when I’m just like everyone else. We all had a story end and a new one begin on that day—I’m simply the one whose story Grace chose to tell.

What was it like experiencing firsthand the events of 9/11?

It’s hard to put into words what I felt...it was all so surreal in some ways and in others, it was too real, you know? Looking back, I see myself dazed and confused by what was going on, but I can still feel the horror and the anger and the strength of my emotions, even if I didn’t really know what to think.

It wasn’t something I would’ve imagined myself strong enough to survive. Probably because I wasn’t. I’m not. If it weren’t for God…I don’t know where I’d be, mentally, physically, and spiritually. August has said before that he was glad that it was him there, that he got to stand alongside America when she fell. I can’t exactly echo the sentiment with the confidence he has, but I understand that. And now I’m...I’m proud to say that I was there. It was like being on the battlefield, you know, and I would much rather have been on that field, fighting the war, than watching helplessly as it was waged.

How has 9/11 impacted the rest of your life?

Oh, in so many ways! Strangely enough, there was a good way. I think if I hadn’t come that close to losing August, I wouldn’t have realized how much I needed him—I might’ve not even realized how much I love him as more than just a friend, you know?

I also don’t think I would’ve come to this place of full surrender and trust in God. You really can’t until you’ve been through something as tragic as that. So, I mean, I could focus on all that went wrong that day, all that was never the same...or I could be grateful for how God has carried me through not just 9/11 but the long days and weeks after it. I have a brand new perspective now, and that’s probably the most important way 9/11 changed me. It gave me eyes.

How do you find hope after such a horrific event?

God. Only God. I tried on my own at first. I tried bottling up my grief, because of all the people, I’d lost the least. I tried feeding my guilt that I was the reason why August would never be the man he once was. I tried moving forward without ever letting go of the past, and you can’t do that. You can’t walk in shackles or fly with your wings bound.

And it wasn’t until I took it all to God, laid it down before Him, acknowledged all that I was feeling and going through, that I started seeing the light. It was a slow process, and I had to take the first step. As lovely as it sounds, you can’t just expect God to take all your issues away. If you’ll ask, He’ll give you the strength to push through them, and you’ll end up better for it, you know? I think that’s really the point. You know, refining fire and all? Yeah, it wasn’t until I made it out of that fire that I saw how true Jeremiah 29:11 is, where God has that He knows the plans He has for us, plans for a hope and a future.

And that doesn’t just apply to me. That goes for America too. He’s building us back stronger after all that happened, and no matter what the devil does to try to break us down again, God’s just gonna use it to make us even tougher, even greater.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway here for a chance to win an e-copy of Daylight AND some other fun goodies!!!

Keep up to date with the other stops in the launch tour by checking out the schedule here!

And remember, you only have FIVE more days to take advantage of the preorder discount from these sellers and until Sept. 13th on Amazon!

#daylight #blogtour #launchtour #characterinterview #bookclubkit #discussionquestions #charatcerqanda #giveaway #newbook #newrelease #shortstory #preorder #sale #ebook

Bookishly yours, Grace