Read it Again

Colors of fall as seen on my drive to Breezewood PA. on the north and south sides of I 70. It was hazy and bright, and I couldn't get good snaps of the far valley. Had to cut the sky out of most of the east snaps. I always enjoy looking at these valleys when I make that drive. Other snaps from the valleys are below. 

Back in the early days when I first began writing and dreamed of being published, I bought a book called "Behind the Stories" by Diane Eble. It's filled with personal stories of Christian novelists, their hopes and dreams, how they got started, their failures.

As much as I wanted to be a novelist, I knew I was not a story teller, and I didn't have enough words to write a novel. But I did like writing articles, so I was looking for encouragement.

Through the years I did get some of those articles published, but God redirected my focus to writing notes of encouragement. The other day I went downstairs to choose some books to read. I picked up "Behind the Stories" again, some 14 years later. In each author's story there are choice words of wisdom and encouragement.

Jan Karon, of Mitford fame, is one of the authors who shares her story.
I had to laugh when I read: "I remember playing the card game called
'Author,' with pictures of authors such as Henry Longfellow, Henry David
Thoreau, Jane Austin, and Charles Dickens." I immediately went to the
 internet to try and find a set. I found three card games: America Authors, Women Authors and Children's Authors. I'd never heard of that game before.

Karon also shared these words of wisdom: "God can't give you a gift to touch other people in a variety of ways unless He has put you in the valley in a variety of ways. That's the only way we can ever reach people." Most of us, through the years, have learned the lesson that our trials and burdens can be used for God's glory if we let Him work in us.

Janette Oke is another author featured in this book. She was a pioneer in Christian fiction, and as a new believer I learned a lot about living a Christian life through her stories. She calls her books "paper missionaries." They certainly helped me.

A while back I recall a quote that went something like this: "If a book isn't worth reading over a few times, it's not worth reading at all." I don't remember who said it, but my memory is leaning towards C. S. Lewis. (I decided to try and find it and found my remembrance isn't quite right, but I still like my version!) Here is what Lewis actually said: "No book is really worth reading at the age of 10 which is not equally--and often far more--worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond."

I'm glad I decided to reread this book. It's good to become acquainted with people who share a similar gift. They have the ability to encourage you and inspire you in your work.

I'm looking forward to reading stories on Karen Kingsbury, Jerry Jenkins, Beverly Lewis, Gilbert Morris, Jack Cavanaugh and T. Davis Buss, some of the authors whose books I've read and enjoyed.

What books do you have that are calling for you to read a second, or third time? A good book is worth reading again!