Deborah Raney’s debut novel, A Vow to Cherish, was made into a film by Billy Graham’s World Wide Pictures. The experience, she says, was a confirmation that she had been called from God to write.

Since that time, Deb has become one of the most well-known novelists in the inspirational market, having published more than twenty-five novels and a number of essays and articles for publications like Christian Parenting Today, Writer’s Digest’s Writing Success, Welcome Home, and Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion. A sought after teacher, mentor, and encourager to other writers, Deb is an avowed extrovert who enjoys interacting with fellow writers online and at author retreats and writing conferences.

She and her husband, Ken, have been married thirty-seven years and are now empty nesters with four children and four grandchildren. They reside in a small town in Central Kansas.

You’ve said you were twelve years old when you first felt the call to write. How did you prepare for eventually fulfilling that call?

I did two main things: I read everything I could get my hands on. And I wrote—letters, short stories, poetry . . . anything that would help me practice and hone my craft. I also took every creative writing class that was offered in high school and college, and doing so gained me some encouraging feedback from my teachers and professors.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Many, many times. First, by asking me to break up with my high school boyfriend, which led me to my wonderful husband of almost thirty-eight years. Most recently, the detour began with my husband’s layoff three years ago from a job he’d held faithfully for twenty-five years. I thought it was one of the worst things that could happen to us, but God took it and turned it into one of the biggest blessings of our lives. My husband started his own company and now not only does he love what he’s doing, but he is also free to travel with me to teach at conferences, to visit our grandkids, and whatever other opportunities the Lord opens for us. It’s been an amazing time!

How does your faith play into your writing?

I once thought I wanted to write books for the secular market–books that would not be blatantly Christian, but would be wholesome and free of profanity, graphic violence or sex. But the more I worked on my first novel, the more I realized that I could not write “honestly” without being open about how faith transforms a person’s life. I’ve occasionally written about characters who don’t know the Lord, and how they come to find faith in Him, but my favorite theme in writing is how faith empowers Christians to walk through difficult, even tragic, circumstances with peace and joy. That, to me, is what makes faith in Christ attractive!

Let’s talk about your new book, After All (Howard Books, May 2012). Please tell us about it.

Here’s a little blurb about this third novel in the Hanover Falls series:

Eighteen months after the tragic Grove Street Fire took the life of her husband, David, and four other heroic firefighters, Susan Marlowe thinks she’s finally beginning to heal. But then she discovers that David carried a secret to his grave. A secret that changes everything she thought their marriage had been. For the sake of their sons, can Susan forgive the unforgivable?

Andrea Morley lost her closest friend in the fire. But she has no right to mourn him. Instead, she must forever grieve in silence—because her dearest friend was someone else’s husband.

Peter Brennan carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. As Hanover Falls’ fire chief, he was responsible for the brave firefighters who lost their lives that awful November night. Can he ever shake the feeling that he should have somehow prevented the tragedy? As Pete tries to rebuild the team at Clemens County’s Station 2, it seems he might find comfort in the arms of the woman he least expected.

God often uses our stories to teach us when we’re writing them. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book or series?

It’s amazing—or maybe it’s to be expected—how often my characters end up walking a very similar path as mine. For instance, just as Ken found himself without a job, my Jenna Morgan in Forever After was facing a similar trial. I’m sure that as I was processing what our new circumstances meant, and as I was praying for the Lord to deliver us from our trials, those emotions and spiritual lessons came through in my writing. I love how writing a novel really turns into a wonderful study of God’s Word and His ways.

You teach and mentor at a number of writer’s conferences each year. What is your favorite piece of advice to give pre-published writers?

My best advice for aspiring authors is something I wrote a few years ago for a collection one of my writers groups produced called What the Wind Picked Up:

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned about the writer’s life is that it is full of ups and downs. In your own eyes, you will never, ever “arrive.” Some months you’ll be on top and feel wonderful about how things are going; other months you’ll be sure your career is over. The sooner you accept that this is normal––and just show up at your desk anyway, day after day after day––the more likely you are to start having more ups than downs. Besides, it’s not about you anyway. Though the act of writing may be therapeutic for the writer, a book doesn’t really come to life until it’s read by someone else. If God uses your story to bring joy or comfort or reproof or wisdom to even one other life, you are a success in the eyes of the only One who matters.

~ Deborah Raney, author of The Hanover Falls Novels

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream! Or any kind of ice cream! I just love it. But it’s definitely a guilty pleasure because nothing puts weight on me faster!

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

I tried out for a special chorus group in high school and was delighted when I made it. The Lionaires sang for many special events in our town and school and it was a great experience. I took piano lessons for three years, but I didn’t practice like I should have, so mostly play by ear. Since I was five or six I’ve been able to listen to a song a few times and then pick it out on the piano.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Definitely a country ballad. I love songs that tell stories.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Definitely major. I was born a PollyAnna and try as I might, I can’t seem to “sober up.” : ) My mom says I was an optimist almost from the day I was born. I think it’s a pretty good way to live.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

What a fun question! My first thought was girl next door, but on second thought I might be the little girl trying to walk in high heels. Whatever success I’ve ever had in life, I’ve always felt a little like an impostor who doesn’t deserve what she got.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

Growing up on a farm in Kansas, I was privileged to claim all sorts of animals as pets, including the hogs I raised and showed for our 4-H club. We always had dozens of cats (to keep the mice population down in the barn and granaries) and I loved and lost many wonderful dogs. Since we’ve lived in town all my adult life, we’ve made cats our pet of choice. A few years ago a mama cat appeared on our front porch and our daughter made the “mistake” of feeding her. She adopted us and presented us with nine kittens before she went on her way. We found homes for all but the cutest one, Sundae, and we happily kept her and love her to pieces!

Thanks, Deb! It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

Thank YOU! I’ve enjoyed our conversation! : )

~ ~ ~

For more information about Deborah Raney and her books, visit her website at http://www.deborahraney.com/.

To purchase After All logon to:

The author and co-author of sixteen best-selling, award-winning books, Dr. Gary Smalley has spent more than thirty years learning, teaching, and counseling in the area of family relationships. His books combined have sold over five million copies. Many have even been translated into other languages.

Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for forty years and live in Branson, Missouri. They have three children, Kari, Greg, and Michael, and six grandchildren.

Below is an excerpt from Chapter 4 of 4 Days to a Forever Marriage by Gary and Norma Smalley. Reprinted by permission from New Leaf Publishing Group.

One of the most helpful life skills I’ve ever learned is what I call treasure-hunting trials or finding treasures in trials. The concept is simple, though doing it can be hard, especially at first. But once you’ve made a habit of it, the benefits are incredible. In a nutshell, the idea is that even in trying times and circumstances, we can find some redeeming good if we’ll just look for it. No matter how bad a situation may be, there’s something worthwhile to be discovered. This concept has been enormously helpful not only to Norma and me, but it has also helped—in some cases revolutionized the lives of—many people with whom I’ve counseled.

Since learning how to do this, treasure-hunting trials has become an emotional and spiritual life raft for me . . . I got the treasure of watching God work things out that I never could have made happen myself. And in the process, I developed a greater trust in Him and in the power of prayer. Now, that’s a treasure worth cherishing.

We’ll catch the true meaning of Christ’s teaching on faith if we pay attention to how He helped distraught people through their trials. Many of us make the mistake of forgetting that Jesus promises to produce maturity, righteousness, and love by letting us go through trials.

For more information about the Smalleys visit http://smalley.cc/.

To purchase 4 Days to a Forever Marriage logon to:

Click on the book cover to the left to watch a short video from Gary and Norma.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Katie Ganshert’s point-of-view took a major detour during a trip to Kenya in 2006 for HIV/AIDS outreach. After she returned, she found solace in writing.

She finished her first full-length novel, a step that marked the beginning of her professional literary journey. Several manuscripts and six years later, her debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, has just been released.

Still a Midwestern girl, Katie, along with her husband and their son, now resides in Iowa.

Your writing journey began after a real-life journey. Can you tell us about that?

I went to Nairobi, Kenya several years ago to do HIV/AIDS outreach. It was something I’d wanted to do for a long time. When I went, the people I met and the things I saw forever altered me. I came home with words exploding inside me. I had a story I needed to tell. So I sat down at the computer and wrote my first novel. I felt like I left part of my heart in Africa. Now my husband and I are adopting from the Congo, so a piece of my heart is with our child.

How does your faith play into your work?

Hugely. My faith is my primary source of inspiration. I can’t imagine writing a book that doesn’t explore faith to some capacity. Since it plays such an integral part in my life, it usually ends up playing an integral part in the lives of my characters as well.

Let’s talk about your debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter (WaterBrook Press, May 2012). Congratulations! Please tell us about it.

Wildflowers from Winter is a coming-home love story set in small-town Iowa about the bonds of friendship and God’s ability to bring beauty and life from the barren seasons in our lives.

The main character is a young woman named Bethany Quinn, an up-and-coming architect determined to create a life far removed from her past. But when tragedies strike, she finds herself in the last place she ever wanted to be—home.

Besides entertainment, what do you hope readers will take away from it?

I hope my readers will come away knowing that no matter how strong the grief, hope can grow up from loss. I also hope they will see that we worship a God who is in the business of redemption. He is the master at breathing life into that which feels dead and barren.

God often uses our stories to teach us when we’re writing them. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?

I love this question, because you are so right. There always seems to be one particular takeaway God wants me to learn while writing a book. For Wildflowers, the lesson didn’t so much come from the story as the process of getting this story published. I had to surrender this story over to God more times than I can count. It got rejections in all shapes and sizes. From contests it didn’t win, to agents who weren’t interested, to editors who decided to pass. But I kept surrendering and trusting that God had a plan and purpose for these words and after lots of waiting, it found a home. I learned that God’s timing is perfect. I also learned that no doesn’t have to mean no forever. Often times it just mean not right now.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Ice cream! Preferably mint chocolate chip from Whiteys. Two scoops on top of a brownie and covered in Hershey’s syrup. I am a sugar addict.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

Oh my goodness, no! I am incredibly tone deaf and I have no idea how to read music. I’m always in awe of people who are gifted in this way. It might be why one of the characters, Robin, is so musically talented.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

I would hope I’d be a praise and worship song. I want to live a life of praise and worship. I don’t often succeed, but I’m a work in progress.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

Oh my goodness, that is such a fun question! My husband and I just spent the last ten minutes discussing it. He says I’m the strong, female lead because I have goals and I go after them. I was thinking I was more of the little girl trying to walk in high heels. So often, I find myself wishing I were further along than I am. Always eager for that next phase in life. Thankfully, I’m getting better at slowing down and enjoying where I am in the journey.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

I’m a dog lover too! Especially dogs of the big goofy lab variety. We have an almost-eight year old black lab named Bubba. He’s been with us since the beginning of our marriage. He the sweetest, calmest, goofiest dog you’ll ever meet. Our son loves him to pieces.

Thanks, Katie! It’s nice to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Katie, visit her website at http://katieganshert.com/ or her blog at http://katieganshert.com/blog/.

To purchase Wildflowers from Winter logon to:

by Linda Cox

A name on my prayer list caught my eye—a man for whom I had worked during my time of rebellion against God. He was a Christian who kept a Bible in his office and talked with me periodically about where my life was heading. He never judged me, and I had no doubt that he was praying for me. I now know God placed him in my life to be one more reminder of God’s love for me.

The Lord said to Joshua, “…Take twelve stones from … the Jordan … and bring them over with you … these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”

… Joshua set up [the twelve stones] at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, “when your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘what do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you … as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea … for us … so that all the people of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever. Joshua 4:1-2,7, 20-24 (ESV)

According to The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, a memorial is “that by which the memory of any person or thing is preserved.” Joshua built the stone memorial as a reminder to the Israelites and following generations of God’s faithfulness in bringing them safely across the Jordan River.

Just as there were memorial stones for the Israelites, so there are memorial stones in our lives. We pick some ourselves, such as a special photo or book, a Bible verse taped to a mirror, or a donation in memory of a loved one. And some memorial stones are placed in our lives by the Lord Himself as reminders of His love for us.

My former boss is one such memorial stone in a monument God is building in my life. Others could be protection in a car wreck, a parent praying or reading their Bible, a feeling of God’s overwhelming presence, a stranger who helps in a time of need, a veteran saluting the flag he served to keep us free.

Whatever form God’s memorial stones take in our lives, may we thank Him for them and their reminder of His love and care for us in the past and His promises to do the same in the future.

Linda Cox is a regular contributor to DivineDetour. She recently retired after twenty-five years as a district office secretary for the State of Illinois. Her first loves are studying the Bible and reading, but Linda occasionally tries her hand at writing. Her work is published in All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa (Thomas Nelson), The One-Year Life Verse Devotional (Tyndale), Life Lessons from Grandparents (Write Integrity) and the Love Is a Verb devotional (Bethany House). She and her husband live on a farm with their two indoor/outdoor farm mutts.

Cynthia L. Simmons has been a homeschool mother and a Bible teacher for more than twenty years. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009, she was honored with a “lifetime membership” for her numerous contributions to writers.

Cindy is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. She and her husband Ray have five children and reside in Atlanta.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8

My friend and I prepare floral arrangements for church. One Saturday we placed miniature sunflowers in a huge blue pitcher and attached a floppy yellow bow. It was stunning. After placing them in front of the pulpit, I went home quite smug. To my horror, I found limp noodles hanging out of the container the next morning. I snatched them out of the sanctuary and disappeared with them. Even though I added fresh water, they didn’t revive.

Now I know that a flower with a heavy stem needs a lot more moisture than the oasis we used. The sunflowers might have performed well in a large container with lots of water, but we never tried that variety again. Instead we’ve mastered all sorts of techniques to make our floral designs last. We’ve learned roses survive longer if immersed in cold water for a couple of hours. Floral preservative increases blossom life while heat and sunshine shorten it. I’m thankful none of our other creations croaked before the service.

Regardless of what I do, however, cut flowers die. As I pull apart the crisp remnants, I remind myself of I Corinthians 4:18, “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Just like those droopy sunflowers, the latest cell phones, a snazzy outfit, or a new purse won’t matter fifty years from now, much less eternity. I share God’s beauty with the congregation knowing my work won’t last, but I hope the visual reminder focuses hearts on the Creator. Because Christ died for me, I have an inheritance in heaven that won’t ever fade.

So how do I keep a long term perspective? It’s a constant battle for me because temporal things can appear important and even glitzy. I have to keep my heart close to God with constant Bible study. When I’m faithful in prayer, the Holy Spirit points out my attitudes, so I can adjust my goals. Spending time with other believers and mediating on Scripture helps too.

My sunflowers embarrassed me, and I took steps to prevent that. On the other hand, I don’t want to get to the end of life and realize I spent too much time on temporal things. I’d rather receive God’s commendation for setting the right priorities. I encourage you to join me. In eternity you’ll be glad you did.

About Struggles and Triumphs

What’s wrong with our world? Shouldn’t a God who claims to be all-powerful and flawless prevent suffering? How can we continue to believe when storms rage on in our lives? If you’ve ever had tough questions like these, the Struggles and Triumphs study guide is the book for you. Author Cynthia L. Simmons will guide you toward answers with her unique and enlightening approach. Her twelve-week Bible study for ladies comes from stories of real women as told in Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame. As you study, you’ll come to understand God’s perspective on timeless issues that impact your life. The carefully chosen Scriptures combined with interesting historical information will challenge and encourage you.

Watch the trailer at: http://youtu.be/HOP9HY7xTXU.

Purchase the book at: http://www.lulu.com/shop/cynthia-simmons/struggles-and-triumphs-workbook/paperback/product-20038687.html.

Carla Stewart grew up in a small town in the Texas Panhandle. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, she worked as a registered nurse for a number of years. But she always dreamed of the day she would write novels.

She launched her writing career in 2002, and in 2007 she won two American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis awards for unpublished authors. In 2010, Chasing Lilacs, one of those Genesis winning stories, was published to rave reviews. Broken Wings was released the following year—and it also garnered five-star reviews. Her third novel, Stardust, releases today.

Carla and her husband are the parents of four married sons and have six grandchildren.

Carla, welcome back to DivineDetour! Please tell us about Stardust (Faithwords, May 15, 2012).

Stardust is the story of a young mom whose unfaithful husband drowns in the bayou of East Texas in 1952. Shortly after she buries him, Georgia Payton inherits the derelict Stardust Tourist Court from a distant relative. Faced with opposition from the aunt who raised her and others in the town, Georgia breathes new life into the cottages.

The guests who arrive, though, aren’t what Georgia expects: her gin-loving mother-in-law; her dead husband’s mistress; an attractive drifter who’s tired of the endless road; and an aging Vaudeville entertainer with a disturbing link to Georgia’s past. Dreams of a new life are crippled amid the havoc.

Woven throughout is the presence of polio, both as a fearsome possibility and a stark reality for some. When polio strikes close to home, Georgia’s only hope is that she can find the courage to forgive those who’ve betrayed her, the grace to shelter those who need her, and the moxie to face the future. One thing is certain: under the flickering neon of the STARDUST, none of their lives will ever be the same.

Wow… an interesting premise! Where did you get the idea?

My stories always seem to have their roots in my memories, little sparks of ideas or questions I had growing up. For Stardust, I remembered the tourist court we once stayed in as a child—the kind with individual cabins. I liked the idea of it being a haven for weary travelers. I also had two relatives who had polio and carried the physical reminder of it their entire lives, and I remember the fear of the disease when I was a child.

Pairing unusual elements and weaving them into a story is a challenge that I keep returning to, so I brainstormed and let all the characters and plot possibilities simmer until I was ready to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

God often uses our stories to teach us when we’re writing them. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?

The biggest thing I learned with this book is that God enables us to do things we don’t think are possible. Just as He gives Georgia His divine grace to do hard things in Stardust, so He also allowed me time to get this book finished on deadline. My dad had unexpected quadruple bypass surgery during the exact time I’d set aside to write the rest of this book (which was about half done with miles to go). I knew what I was going to write, but my time and concentration were broken for a three-week period. And yet, I was able to finish with more than two weeks to spare for rewrites and editing, thanks to a fabulous husband . . . and God’s grace.

Your book covers are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen. How much input do you have on the artwork?

I’m asked to submit my ideas and covers that I like. Truthfully, though, I’m glad to turn the cover art over to the design people and let them come up with something. So far, they’ve done a fantastic job. I’m in awe of how my books are vastly different and yet the covers have a cohesive feel that represents me and my brand—nostalgic heartfelt fiction. The team at FaithWords is incredible.

What’s next for you and/or what are you writing now?

Sweet Dreams was turned in a few weeks ago. It’s set in 1962 and has two different settings—an exclusive Southern charm school and an oil tycoon’s ranch—both in Texas.

Here’s a short blurb: Two close-knit cousins struggle to fit in at an exclusive Southern charm school, but when they both fall for the same handsome guy, their love for each other is tested. Patsy Cline sings Crazy on the radio while the worlds both inside and outside the halls of the charm school begin to crumble. Past secrets and family lies collide with the changing times. Sweet Dreams has a flawed cast of characters whose dreams have the power to take them to new heights or tear them all apart.

A few fun questions…

What’s the title of the last GREAT book you’ve read?

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield

What’s your current favorite song on the radio or your mp3 player?

In honor of Stardust, I’ll go with Georgia on My Mind or Stardust by Michael Buble. Anything he sings is my favorite of the moment.

What verse or story in the Bible best describes your faith journey?

We’ve just finished a series on Peter at church, and he’s always been my favorite disciple. I like that he’s from a lowly background and knows the value of hard work. And I LOVE the depths of his passion, his love for Jesus. And yet, he fails over and over. I’m a lot like Peter. From the moment I became a believer, I’ve never doubted my faith or God’s power, but my walk has been like a drunkard’s path many times. And like Peter, the moment I take my eyes off Jesus, I stumble.

Which season of the year best describes your personality and why?

I’m not sure it describes my personality, but autumn is my favorite season, watching the colors change, the swirl of magenta and gold and fiery orange. I love the crisp feel to the air, the anticipation that comes with it. There’s something warm and cozy and invigorating, and I like that. Of course, there is that pesky ragweed, so maybe if autumn were to describe me, you could say that mostly I was pleasant and agreeable, but beware the ragweed days!

As a writer, are you a morning lark or a late-night owl?

Definitely a night owl. I always get a little surge of creativity after ten o’clock and write for a couple of hours. Sometimes it’s a blog post, but often a new scene, and sometimes a long, thoughtful email to a close friend.

The last time you visited, you told us about your Dachshund Zelda. How is she? Any new pets at the Stewart household?

Zelda is doing great. Still my little muse and watchdog. No new pets in our house, but she has a couple of new cousins at my son and daughter-in-law’s house nearby—Siberian husky sisters that are adorable and sweet. Zelda has a different opinion about that, though.

Thanks, Carla! It’s nice to have you back at DivineDetour.

Thank you, Kathy! I’m always glad to stop in. Blessings to you and your readers!

~ ~ ~

For more information about Carla, visit her website at http://www.carlastewart.com/.

To read Carla’s DivineDetour interview from January 2011, visit http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=5726.

To purchase Stardust: A N0vel logon to:

Roy Lessin is a co-founder of DaySpring, the world’s largest Christian greeting card company (now a subsidiary of Hallmark Inc.) and served as a senior writer for the company for more than thirty years. The author of many devotional and gift books, he is a recognized biblical teacher and provides content for the Meet Me in the Meadow blog, which has an audience reach of over one million.

Roy and his wife Charlene once served as missionaries in Mexico and Puerto Rico. They now reside in Arkansas and have two children and four grandchildren.

When did you discover you wanted to be—and had a gift to be—a devotional/inspirational writer? In what way did you first put that gift to use?

When I was in grade school, writing was the furthest thing from my mind. The only class I ever flunked was tenth grade English.

The college I attended lost my entrance exam scores, and since my brother had attended the same school, they decided to use his test scores to evaluate me. The problem was that my brother had majored in journalism and was an excellent writer. Based upon his scores I was placed in an advanced writing class.

I did terrible in that writing class. I turned in fifteen assignments during the semester and received the same grade each time, a D minus. At the end of the course my teacher told me, “You cannot write college level material.” I agreed. I couldn’t get out of that class fast enough.

After my first semester in college I came to a personal faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. My life was changed. I wanted to study the Bible and left college to attend a Bible School in the Midwest. One of the courses at the Bible School was English and composition. However, this time my writing experience turned into something positive.

One day in class, our English teacher told us to write a one page article on a certain theme. I finished the assignment and turned it in. For our next assignment, the teacher told us to write the same article in a paragraph. I enjoyed the challenge of condensing my thoughts and did well on the assignment. Then the teacher told us to rewrite the paragraph in a sentence. Once again, I loved the challenge and did well on the assignment.

Through those assignments I discovered I greatly enjoyed expressing my thoughts in concise ways and in simple terms. Years later, this writing style would play a major part in the ministry God would lead me into.

My first published writing happened during my second year in Bible College. The inspiration came when I was given night-guard duty and had to stay up all night watching the campus. To help stay awake, I decided to write a gospel tract. I titled it Religion is a Drag. I finished the tract a few hours before dawn. Since I had no publishing contacts, I decided to self-publish the tract. After having it proofed and checked for doctrinal accuracy, I had 500 copies printed.

About a year later, I received a letter from the American Tract Society. The letter stated that they had come across a copy of Religion is a Drag and wanted my permission to reprint it and add it to their line. I enthusiastically gave them the okay, and received a check for $10.00 in return. About twenty years later, I discovered that the American Tract Society still had Religion is a Drag in print and had sold almost one million copies.

How does your faith play into your work?

I believe God is allowing me to participate in His work, rather than Him participating in my work. My writing is an outflow of His working within me. Faith is so closely tied to the whole of who I am and what I do that I cannot separate them. It would be like asking, “What part do my lungs play in my breathing or my heart play in my circulation?” My breath and my blood cannot operate independently of the organs that support them, and my faith cannot operate independently of the One on whom I totally depend.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

When you come upon a detour it’s usually a surprise and unwelcomed. Thankfully, a detour does not mean the end of the journey, just a different way to get to the destination.

I faced my biggest detour in the early 80’s. Our company, DaySpring Cards, had recently moved our location from Southern California to Northwest Arkansas. Before the move I had become involved in speaking, traveling, and conducting seminars. I thought the move to the middle of the country would make it easier for me to travel and take speaking engagements while still fulfilling my responsibilities at DaySpring.

One night, while sharing my testimony at a local church, my voice began to tighten. It became uncomfortable for me to speak but I wasn’t sure what was causing the difficulty. In a few days my voice seemed normal again and I thought the problem had passed. However, it wasn’t long before the problem returned. Once again it became difficult to speak. This time my voice problem lasted for several days before returning to normal. This pattern continued for several months. One day, my wife and I needed to meet with the principle of the local junior high school. When we got to the meeting I found it so difficult to speak that I whispered to (my) wife, “You will need to do the talking today.” My voice never returned to normal.

It took five years of searching, asking questions, visiting doctors, and trying everything I knew, before I actually discovered what was wrong with my voice. I discovered I had a neurological voice disorder called Spasmodic Dysphonia. I had no idea what that meant, but at least my problem had a name.

After years of further research, I discovered that my voice condition was rare and that there was no known cure. Because the condition became chronic, I had to cancel all speaking opportunities and say “no” to all future invitations. Not only did public speaking become almost impossible, but so did my communication with family and friends. Slowly, my personality began to change and I became more socially withdrawn and tried to avoid any type of speaking situation. Talk about a detour! I thought I would never speak in public again.

Over thirty years have passed since I first developed Spasmodic Dysphonia. As I look back, I see a strong redeeming thread running through these years. Yes, I had to step away from the “pulpit,” but God gave me a pen. It was the detour of my voice condition that moved me onto the pathway of a full-time writing ministry. The pen literally became the voice that God used to allow me to speak to others the things that I heard Him saying to me.

Let’s talk about Today Is Your Best Day (New Leaf Publishing Group, February 2012). Please tell us about it.

Today Is Your Best Day is about living every day in the light of who Jesus is and what He is doing in your life. The book brings to the reader over sixty reasons why, as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, each day is your best day.

Too often, we think about our days as being good or bad, depending upon what happens to us and what is going on around us. God has not called us to live a life that is defined by our circumstances, but by His will being done in us and through us.

The Apostle Paul was a follower of Christ who lived through incredible hardships and difficulties. The Lord even told Paul shortly after his conversion on the road to Damascus, that he would suffer greatly for his obedience to God’s call. Nowhere in Paul’s writings does he ever complain about what God was doing in his life or how God was using him. Paul does not evaluate his life based upon his circumstances. He never tells us that he had a good day or a bad day, but he does remind us often that every day is God’s day. Paul “counts it all joy” to be able to serve the living God.

My prayer is that God will use Today Is Your Best Day to help encourage believers to rest their heads upon their pillows each night, no matter how difficult the day has been, and say with full assurance of faith, “Father, today has been my best day because I lived it for You and for Your glory.”

Where did you get the idea for the particular theme in this book?

I noticed a focus in the market place aimed at trying to help people be happy and live fulfilled and meaningful lives. What I didn’t notice was a focus upon the importance of seeing life from God’s point of view instead of our own point of view.

I sensed the need for a book that did not put the focus upon what God does to bring us happiness, but upon what we do to please Him; not upon our success, but upon His wise plan and loving purpose for us; not upon our resources, but upon the abundant riches that are daily ours in Christ.

You are both a father and grandfather. Are there other writers in your family?

My dad was an outstanding writer. My brother, Don, was also an excellent writer. However, God used my dad as a bible teacher and my brother as a missionary and pastor. Neither one was ever used by the Lord in a writing ministry. Today, both my son and daughter are gifted writers, and I see the same gifts in my grandchildren.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

I’m afraid all my comfort foods have gone with the wind . . . last year I had major surgery to remove a cancerous tumor the size of a baseball . . . I have since been advised that sugar feeds cancer . . . so goodbye pie, ice cream, and all their “comforting” friends.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

Can’t sing a note or play a toot. I once took singing lessons, but after several lessons my teacher remarked, “There’s nothing I can do to help.”

However, to my joy, I have had several of my writings put to music and recorded by other artists.

What’s the last GREAT book you’ve read?

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand . . . an amazing story with a powerful ending.

Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

Even though hamsters, fish, birds, cats, and dogs have all taken up residence in our home at various times, there are no pets at the moment. My favorite pet was our parakeet, who added to his large vocabulary such phrases as, “The King is coming!” and “Glory to God.”

Thank you, Mr. Lessin, for the encouragement you have shared with others through the years. It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.

~ ~ ~

To read or subscribe to Roy’s online devotional blog, Meet Me in the Meadow, visit http://roy.dayspring.com/.

To purchase Today Is Your Best Day logon to:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author who enjoys living through the thrilling, nail-biting suspense that is experienced by her characters. Now readers can experience it too, because Dani’s debut novel, Submerged, was released on May 1.

A fan of traveling, dark chocolate, and little cottages on remote stretches of the beach, Dani, along with her husband and their two teenage daughters, resides in Maryland.

You seem to love adventure! What sparked your decision to journey down the adventurous path of writing?

I have always loved daydreaming and making up stories. I dabbled with creative writing growing up, but set it aside. It wasn’t until after the birth of my youngest daughter and a bout with a serious illness that I really felt God stirring me to start writing again.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

My illness was really scary and difficult, but God brought a lot of blessings out of it, including renewing my love of writing and the desire to pursue it professionally.

How does your faith play into your work?

It plays a great role, but I’d like to think in a natural way. Just as my love of adventure permeates the stories I write, so does my faith. My relationship with Jesus is part of every facet of my life, it’s only natural to be part of the stories I tell.

Let’s talk about your new book, Submerged (May 1, 2012, Bethany House). Please tell us about it.

Submerged is the first in my Alaskan Courage series.

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation–and Yancey’s a town that doesn’t forget. She’s returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey’s own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey’s reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart… but doesn’t seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he’s not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

Besides entertainment, what do you hope readers will take away from it?

That true fulfillment and wholeness can be found only in Christ.

God often uses our stories to teach us when we’re writing them. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?

God showed me that even when we are forgiven, sometimes we let our past sins weigh us down. Instead of embracing the new creation we are in Him, we let the past hinder our future, and it keeps us from fully experiencing what God has planned for us.

As a debut author, what’s your best piece of advice to writers—young or older—who are just starting out?

Keep writing. It sounds trite, but it’s very easy to become discouraged. Writing can be a solitary endeavor and there are many obstacles along the path to publication, but if God has laid the love of story on your heart (no matter your age) then write for Him. You just may be amazed what He does with it. : )

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Dark chocolate is my go-to treat whether I’m celebrating or in a funk. My absolute favorite dark chocolate dessert is Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé. It’s a Belgian chocolate soufflé drizzled with raspberry coulis and accompanied by vanilla bean ice cream. It is out of this world.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

My daughter laughed hysterically at this because I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but I did play the flute growing up and dabbled with the guitar. Although, I have terrible flashbacks of having to practice over and over with a metronome ticking rhythmically in the background.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Something with a fun melody like Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison or Bubbly by Colbie Caillat.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Major.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

The little girl trying to walk in high heels. It’s exactly why I try to never wear high heels, though it’s a hilarious sight to see when I do. Just ask my husband.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

We have two dogs—a black Lab who thinks he’s a lap dog and a Miniature Dachshund who thinks she’s a lion.

Thanks, Dani. It’s great to have you as a guest at DivineDetour this week!

Thanks so much for having me! It’s been a pleasure.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Dani, visit her website at www.DaniPettrey.com.

To purchase Submerged logon to:

by Linda Cox

I paused to look at the quilt draped over the rocking chair. Bright pink and blue embroidered butterfly blocks set in blue and pink gingham material with a hot pink backing. Now that’s what I call a “happy quilt”! Not anything extra special in the quilt world. But doubly sentimental for my husband and me.

I had found the quilt blocks buried in the bottom of Mom’s closet as I readied my parents’ home for the estate auction after their deaths. Mom had embroidered them but apparently never found time to finish the quilt. The blocks were too beautiful to sell or simply store away as a keepsake. They were meant to become a quilt. But I knew I’d have to find someone to do that for me.

I also knew I didn’t have to look very far. Just across the field, in fact. I approached my mother-in-law about finishing the quilt and happily left the blocks in her capable hands. She picked out the material, set the blocks, and put the batting and backing into place. Then she and the Trinity Quilters from her church finished it.

Now, it’s more than just a “happy quilt.” Embroidered by my mother whose arthritic fingers must have struggled with each stitch. And quilted by my almost-90 year old mother-in-law. It’s a masterpiece of love.

Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.

… a rope that is woven of three strings is hard to break.

Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12 (NCV)

Two women created this quilt. Two women of faith whose labors of love were woven together by God’s love. It’s just a simple quilt as quilts go, but the love in those stitches created a family heirloom that my husband and I will treasure forever.

As we pause once again on Mother’s Day to honor mothers and daughters, those who have been like a mother or daughter to us, even our friends, may our relationships be woven together and strengthened by the love of God.

Linda Cox is a regular contributor to DivineDetour. She recently retired after twenty-five years as a district office secretary for the State of Illinois. Her first loves are studying the Bible and reading, but Linda occasionally tries her hand at writing. Her work is published in All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa (Thomas Nelson), The One-Year Life Verse Devotional (Tyndale), Life Lessons from Grandparents (Write Integrity) and the Love Is a Verb devotional (Bethany House). She and her husband live on a farm with their two indoor/outdoor farm mutts.

The month of May brings not only spring flowers but a bouquet of fresh reads from American Christian Fiction Writers’ authors. Here are nineteen novels featured at www.fictionfinder.com, a free and helpful book “finder” for avid readers of Christian fiction.

Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar — The prophet Nehemiah’s cousin, Sarah, has come to two conclusions about life: that God does not love her, and that her accomplishments are the measure of her worth. Caught in an arranged marriage, Sarah must learn to love—a task that could prove dangerous.

A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer — At the close of the Civil War in Tennessee, Heaven Wharton’s life is out of control, and Travis Logan is running from a painful past. Did God orchestrate their meeting, or is it one more problem in their search for true peace?

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert — Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, nurse chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to ER duties. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? To prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge. Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.

Mary’s Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley — When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden?

Read Lena’s DivineDetour interview at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=10182.

The Black Sheep’s Redemption by Lynette Eason — Charles Fitzgerald is guilty until proven innocent according to the townspeople of Fitzgerald Bay. When Demi Taylor comes to town, Charles finds one more reason to urge his law enforcement family to hurry up and solve the case–Demi’s love.

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert — Young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. The unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan. Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

Katie will be featured on DivineDetour on May 22.

The Marshal’s Promise by Rhonda Gibson — Mail-order bride Rebecca Ramsey arrives in the New Mexico territory full of dreams—but they’re shattered when she discovers her intended husband has been killed. If it weren’t for U.S. marshal Seth Billings’s housekeeping job offer, she’d have nowhere to go. Caring for Jesse Cole’s would-be bride is the least Seth can do. If it weren’t for him, the young man would still be alive. Seth had promised to look after Rebecca—and to keep her safe from Jesse’s enemies. Now if only he can keep his heart safe, as well…

Whole Pieces by Ronie Kendig — Whole Pieces is a novella in the 7 Hours collection. After a brutal attack left him without a limb and his team dead, former Green Beret Haytham “Hawk” Wilson is angry at life and God. Every day he relives his decision to send the Afghan boy home rather than following orders to kill any who came upon his hidden team. Eaten alive by grief and regret over one order he failed, Hawk seizes the opportunity to go back and correct his failure. The decision is simple . . . until he gets there.

Chameleon: The Ravensmore Chronicles, Book Two by Jillian Kent — After battling a chronic childhood illness that kept her homebound for years, Lady Victoria Grayson journeys to London determined to have the adventure of a lifetime. Jaded by his wartime profession as a spy, Lord Witt understands, more than most, that everyone is not always who they pretend to be. He meets Victoria after the Regent requests an investigation into the activities of her physician brother. Witt and Victoria become increasingly entangled in a plot targeting the lords of Parliament.

The Soul Saver by Dineen Miller — Lexie is fighting a supernatural battle to save her marriage and her husband’s soul. Will she unmask the evil before it’s too late?

Submerged by Dani Pettrey — A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Dani will be featured on DivineDetour on May 8.

Rainbow’s End by Cara Putman, Valerie Comer, Nicole O’Dell and Annalisa Daughety — Join a geocaching adventure in the spectacular Lake of the Ozarks wilderness, with Lyssa, the reluctant volunteer whose former nemesis is now her chief sponsor; Madison, a city girl paired with an outdoorsy guy who gets on her very last nerve; Hadley, who doesn’t know enough about guys to realize she’s met a womanizer; and cautious Reagan, who meets an equally cautious guy. Will they find the treasure they’re looking for… or something else entirely?

Read Cara’s DivineDetour interview at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=13187.

After All (A Hanover Falls Novel) by Deborah Raney — Eighteen months after the tragic Grove Street Fire took the life of her husband, David, and four other heroic firefighters, Susan Marlowe thinks she’s finally beginning to heal. But then she discovers that David carried a secret to his grave. A secret that changes everything she thought their marriage had been. For the sake of their sons, can Susan forgive the unforgivable?

Andrea Morley lost her closest friend in the fire. But she has no right to mourn him. Instead, she must forever grieve in silence—because her dearest friend was someone else’s husband.

Peter Brennan carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. As Hanover Falls’ fire chief, he was responsible for the brave firefighters who lost their lives that awful November night. Can he ever shake the feeling that he should have somehow prevented the tragedy? As he tries to rebuild the team at Clemens County’s Station 2, it seems he might find comfort in the arms of the woman he least expected.

Deb will be featured on DivineDetour on May 29.

Fatal Disclosure by Sandra Robbins — An undercover DEA agent finds himself protecting the woman he loves from the smugglers who murdered his partner.

Read Sandra’s DivineDetour interview at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=2557.

The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad — The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws’ home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. When a row ensues with the in-laws, a handsome stranger—who designs roller coasters, of all things—intercedes on her behalf. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

Annie’s Truth by Beth Shriver — Annie Bieler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is.

Stardust by Carla Stewart — An East Texas widow sets her dreams on running the Stardust Tourist Court, but when her dead husband’s mistress arrives with a child in tow and polio strikes, her dreams are crippled.

Carla will be featured on DivineDetour on May 15. Her previous interview can be read at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=5726.

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade — A single Christian girl determines to renovate the broken heart of her contractor.

The Homesteader’s Sweetheart by Lacy Williams — To escape a dreaded arranged marriage, Penny Castlerock will face anything–even life on her grandfather’s farm. But it isn’t the rustic lifestyle that’s got the Philadelphia socialite tied in knots. It’s the handsome homesteader and his eight adopted children next door….

Read Lacy’s DivineDetour interview at http://www.divinedetour.com/?p=9607.