RANDOM RAMBLINGS_THE QUESTION

Last weekend I emailed a copy of Reflections of Promises to someone who won it in a free book giveaway, which I was participating in for another author. After emailing it I received a response stating that the book would be read and a review written once time allowed. And then the question came: the reader wanted to know if it was a Christian book.

I have long since stopped making apologies for the type of books that I write, but it did cause me to stop and question myself.

As a Christian woman, wife, and mother, should I change my focus on the type of subjects that I write about, as well as the content contained within? Am I painting a different picture of myself as an author and Christian than I intend to, when I include graphic details, and adult content in my books? Should I eliminate the information that I include?
In the past I would have struggled with these questions. But I only paused for a moment and said no. My writing is what it is, a true depiction of the struggles and challenges many people go through in life, not to be ignored, but attention brought to the matter. Many of these people are not in Christ and some are, but are struggling with their faith. The challenges that I portray in my books are no different than what people in everyday life encounter on a daily basis. I use these depictions to show regardless of the circumstances someone finds themselves in, they can rise above their limitations and still have victory. Does every life have a fairytale ending? No, and neither do my stories. But my characters do grow and evolve in those stories, as we should in real life.

My hope is that my books will touch someone out there and change a life. I pray that someone will become inspired and grow through reading my books, as they realize they are not alone in their struggle, and there is hope that things will get better and improve in their lives, too.

My characters have flaws just as real life people have flaws, and that's my audience. Those who are in a place of pain, a place of hurting, doubt, low self-confidence, or insecurities. That's the reader that I am trying to connect with, so that I may inspire, motivate, and encourage. We all fall short of His glory, and we all have the power through His Holy Spirit and within ourselves to change and improve if we just believe. That's what I like to convey through my writings.

So, no, I make no apologies for what I write; I just continue to write and grow as an author, improving my craft day by day...working on the masterpiece. And I continue to pray that people will be touched by my writings as they have often told me they are. I continue to fill my books with drama to keep people intrigued, because through feedback I know my readers like that. I promised on my website to take my readers' emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. That's what I intend to continue to do.

Knowing yourself, your purpose, and your place in this world makes all the difference in your life...and maybe that of someone else's. Keep Shining! Until the next time I'm just....


WRITING MY DREAMS,By: C. Michelle Ramseywww.cmichelleramsey.com