Follow Your Passion

As the author of 43 books, mostly novels on the history of British Christianity, I’m often asked to give advice to new writers. My answer is always the same: “Write from your passion.” And, of course, this is equally true for whatever you are called to do: teach from your passion, sing from your passion, cook from your passion. . .

I like to think that Psalm 37:4 “He shall give you the desires of your heart” can mean that he places your desires— your passions— in your heart, because we know that “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

In my case, the passion I have been given is to see spiritual renewal in Great Britain, and the vehicle God has given me is to recount the stories of holy men and women from ages past in my novels. My prayer is that this will inspire men and women of today to a new vitality of faith and to renewed efforts that our Christian heritage won’t be lost.

I am unspeakably grateful for this calling. I can’t imagine life without it. However, as with most things in life, my greatest joy is also my greatest burden because sometimes the weight is very heavy. I often feel the longing as a deep, deep sorrow. But that’s good, because it always moves me to pray.

This started thirty-some years ago when a friend gave me a picture of the royal family, sent to her by her family in England. I put it over my desk and every day before I began writing I would pray, “God save the Queen.” My life’s work has grown from that simple prayer. And I still pray it.

My passion has led me to write, among other things, Glastonbury, The Novel of Christian England, which recounts 1500 years of English Christian history from the birth of Christ through the reformation. And currently, to The Monastery Murders whose theme is the validity of traditional Christianity. I use a contemporary mystery to keep the pages turning while I recount the stories of ancient saints. An Unholy Communion, the story of a pilgrimage in Wales where my characters are confronted with satanic evil develops the theme of the reality of evil.

I would love to have any readers who feel a similar stirring to join me in prayer for revival in Great Britain. But whatever your passion is, Thank God for it and remember, “whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord” Colossians 3:23.

Donna Fletcher Crow currently writes three mystery series, all presenting English Christian history in different ways. Her newest release is An Unholy Communion in The Monastery Murders and A Tincture of Murder in The Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime series. Her next release will be A Jane Austen Encounter in The Elizabeth & Richard literary suspense series. Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 adult children and 12 grandchildren. She is an enthusiastic gardener.

To read more about all of Donna’s books and see pictures from her garden and research trips go to: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/ You can follow her on Facebook at: http://ning.it/OHi0MY

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