This is our final day for getting to know author Brenda S. Anderson. Review of Chain of Mercy will follow soon. If you have a moment, thank Brenda for her honest answers to a variety of questions.
You write Christian fiction. How does the faith element work its way into your stories?
I don’t hide the faith element. I can’t. Perhaps I’m not skilled enough. But, I make a concerted effort not to preach. In my first draft of Chain of Mercy, Richard had an epiphany at church, during a sermon with lots of scripture. That’s gone now. Honestly, when I’m reading a novel and run into Bible passages, I tend to skip over them. People don’t want to be preached at. Richard’s epiphany is now something more organic, something I hope readers will empathize with.
What is the most important part of your work? In other words, what is the primary take away for readers?
I want readers to know that they’re not alone in whatever it is they’re going through. Even if they’re physically alone, spiritually, God never abandons them. He understands their problems better than they do, and He’ll walk them through it.
Will Chain of Mercy be available for Kindle and other e-readers upon release?
Yes, it will be!
When you write a story, do you have a "biggest fear"?
Hmm. Not really. I just know that when I’m writing a story, I’m so into it I have to keep writing to find out what happens next. The fear comes now, as Chain of Mercy is about to hit the shelves, with me wondering “What if no one buys it?” “What if those who buy it think it’s lousy?” And the biggest fear, “What if my peers think it’s lousy?” But I just have to remember God is bigger than that. He knows who needs to read the book, and He’ll get it into their hands.
Your favorite genre to read?
I gravitate toward contemporary fiction, but will read any genre. If the author tells a good story, it doesn’t matter what the genre is.
Is it possible to list your five favorite novels?
Hmmm. (Drumming fingers on the table.) Let’s see, these would probably be in my top five. They aren’t listed in any particular order.
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – Love that Jane isn’t your typical heroine!
- A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers – best characterization I’ve read from a contemporary author
- Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift – Swift knows how to write satire
Let’s see, now it gets harder …
- The Dead Don’t Dance by Charles Martin – this book has the most beautiful description of communion I’ve ever heard / read, so I’ll include this book on that alone. Besides, I love Charles Martin books!
- Can I say Steven James’ entire Patrick Bowers Series? I couldn’t possibly choose just one book!
Now this is where you get to say anything you want about anything you want. If I've forgotten to ask you something where you really wish to register a comment, this is the place. Your concluding thoughts?
Nicole, first I want to thank you for challenging me with these thought-provoking questions! Love them!
And I want to thank you for your friendship. It’s so wonderful talking books with a kindred spirit!
I guess I’d just like to say I write because it’s a gift from God. Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner of Chariots of Fire fame is quoted as saying, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
When I write, it’s an act of worship, and I do feel God’s pleasure!
Thank you, Brenda, for your friendship and all it has entailed between us. What a joy you are. I hope you have truly great success with Chain of Mercy and every book to follow. Blessing follows obedience and you've been obedient in this journey. May the Lord hold you close and give you all the assurance you need throughout the rest of this walk with Him. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.