The Joy of Writing Across Eras

Although I always write for the Christian market, my work spans many subgenres. I’ve never believed in locking an author into a single category unless that’s truly where their heart is. Stories come to us from all directions, and I’m a firm believer that a good writer can step into any field they feel inspired or called to explore. My own writing reflects the many interests God has given me, and I enjoy moving from one era or setting to another as new ideas take shape.

Out of the ninety-five books I have on Amazon, six are set in medieval England, three are set in the 1700s in America, and seventy are set in the 19th century (and most of them are Westerns). Three are set in the 1900s, nine are contemporaries, and three are Christian nonfiction. I have already published one book set in Victorian England, and I have two more scheduled for next year. I also have plans to write novels set in biblical times beginning in 2028. And who knows what the future might hold?

I hope my readers will appreciate all of these different journeys and enjoy my writing style enough to follow wherever the stories lead. Perhaps, like me, they prefer variety, fresh settings, new challenges, and unexpected paths. Writing across so many time periods keeps the work exciting for me, and I pray it brings that same sense of discovery and delight to everyone who reads my books.

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The Treasure of His Presence

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

Whether we realize it or not, God Himself is the true treasure of our lives, the One whose presence brings the deepest joy and meaning. From the very beginning, Scripture paints a picture of a God who delights in closeness with His people. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day, enjoying unhindered fellowship with the One who made them. That nearness was not incidental; it was intentional. God created humanity for companionship, for relationship, for the joy of walking with Him. Every page of Scripture echoes this truth: we were made for His presence.

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest (Exodus 33:14).

Throughout the Old Testament, God continued to reveal His desire to dwell with His people. The tabernacle of David was far more than a sacred structure; it was a place centered around the Lord’s presence. David understood something many overlook — that God’s presence is the greatest treasure a person can seek. His songs, prayers, and life choices all flowed from a heart that longed to be near God. When we look at Scripture’s great men of faith, we see the same pattern. Enoch walked with God. Abraham was called the friend of God. David was known as a man after God’s own heart. Their distinction was not in their accomplishments, but in their pursuit of God Himself.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you (James 4:8).

What set these men apart is the same invitation extended to us today, to seek God’s presence above all else. Their lives remind us that closeness with God is not reserved for a select few; it is available to every believer who desires it. When we pursue Him, we find rest, direction, strength, and joy that cannot be found anywhere else. God still longs for fellowship with His people. He still invites us to walk with Him, to know Him deeply, and to treasure His presence as the greatest blessing of our lives. May we be counted among those who seek Him wholeheartedly, discovering that He Himself is our greatest reward.

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Amazon Audibles

I have put all my books on Amazon Audible, and I enjoy Audible books myself. I listen about six days a week as I take my two‑mile walk for exercise — something important for me since I spend so much time in front of a computer writing. I also listen while doing mundane household tasks or traveling long distances in a car or airplane. Audiobooks make the time speed by, and I enjoy getting immersed in the stories.

Although I have lost some talented narrators when they left the business or decided not to do royalty share anymore, I still have a great lineup. Since all profits from my books go to a scholarship for missionary children, I don’t want to pay money upfront but prefer to share the profits with my narrators. I try to choose the producer with the best voice for each particular novel.

Although my Audibles had a slow beginning, sales have picked up in the last couple of years. As of today, I have sold 11,672 Audible books. My best‑selling title is Building Something Beautiful, narrated by LB Neibaur. In second place is Off the Streets, narrated by Douglas Birk and Jennifer Groberg, and third is Mistaken Bride, narrated by Douglas Birk and Jennifer Groberg.

For fiction, I much prefer Amazon Audible with narrators over Amazon’s virtual narrations. I want different voices for the different characters, almost like a dramatization, rather than the one‑voice‑fits‑all approach. The variety brings the story to life in a way that feels richer and more engaging. I plan to continue with my narrators and hope for many more excellent Audible books to come.

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Devotion Instead of Drifting

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord (Psalm 122:1).

In today’s world, staying connected to God grows harder with each passing year. Technology, entertainment, and constant noise pull at our attention from every direction, making it easy to drift into a life where spiritual things feel distant. Yet Scripture reminds us that gathering with God’s people is not merely a tradition; it is a lifeline. When we choose to step into His house, even for one day each week, our hearts are steadied, our priorities realigned, and our joy renewed.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another (Hebrews 10:25).

Modern advancements promise convenience, but they often deliver distraction. The world’s influence is stronger than ever, and without intentional effort, it slowly dulls our spiritual sensitivity. Church provides a needed counterbalance, a place where truth is spoken, fellowship strengthens us, and worship lifts our eyes above the material pull of daily life. It is the solid reminder of what truly matters and the anchor that keeps us from drifting.

But it is good for me to draw near to God… (Psalm 73:28).

If we are not diligent, our faith can fade quietly, almost without notice. But when we choose to draw near to God — to worship, to listen, to be encouraged — we remain grounded in His presence. One day set apart for Him helps us resist the carnal, worldly tug and keeps our hearts aligned with eternal things. Staying close to God is not accidental; it is intentional. And every week, He invites us to return, to rest, and to remember that His presence is our greatest need. 

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A New Anthology

The Christmas anthology I decided to participate in is progressing. We now have twenty-three authors telling their stories. Click on the cover to see their names. Readers will get twenty-three novelettes for only $3.99 on preorder, which is scheduled to be up by September 15, or $5.99 when it releases on October 13. What a bargain!

I will admit that writing in the anthology has presented some challenges. I had to craft a complete story within 7,500 to 10,000 words, and all my others have been much longer. Then, handling the business side of the anthology, submitting all the extras to make it a success, and coordinating everything is taking much longer than I expected, and time is at a premium for me. Still, I'm enjoying it and hope it's a huge success.

My story, One Crazy Christmas, is already written and edited. In it, Marianne Kincaid has only ten days to save the freight business her uncle built, and the only way to keep it is to marry. But in Sundale, Nebraska, decent men are scarce, and the ones available either drink too much, are fortune hunters wanting her business, or can’t stomach a woman who carries a pistol and drives a freight team alone. When a handsome stranger steps off the train and is promptly accused of robbery, Marianne makes a desperate choice. One bold claim, one accidental lie, and suddenly Jonah Benton is her intended fiancé.

Jonah never planned on staying in Sundale, much less courting a woman he just met. But Marianne’s grit, faith, and quiet vulnerability stir something in him he can’t ignore. And when rifle shots ring out on their first freight run together, Jonah realizes Marianne’s troubles run deeper than a rushed wedding. With Christmas approaching, danger closing in, and a marriage deadline looming, Marianne and Jonah must decide whether their unexpected partnership is a temporary convenience or the beginning of something real.

This is a heartwarming, crazy Christian romance filled with frontier grit, unexpected danger, and the kind of love that arrives when you least expect it. Watch for it.

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Your Value

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well (Psalm 139:14).

Every person carries immense worth, not because of their position or what others think, but because they are created by God Himself. Just as the same bottle of water changes price depending on where it's being sold, our sense of value can shift when we measure ourselves by worldly standards. Yet, in God’s eyes, our value never fluctuates. He formed us with care and purpose, and His craftsmanship defines our worth. When we remember that, we can praise Him with confidence, knowing we are wonderfully made.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Our true value shines brightest when we draw near to God. In His presence, we find clarity, peace, and purpose that the world cannot offer. Sometimes we feel misplaced or overlooked, but that’s often because we’ve drifted from the One who gives meaning to our lives. Seeking Him wholeheartedly restores our sense of belonging. When we stay close to Him, we discover our worth isn’t determined by circumstance. It’s anchored in His love.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).

Remaining connected to Christ is what keeps our lives fruitful and full of purpose. Just as a branch draws life from the vine, we draw strength and value from abiding in Him. When we stay rooted in His Word and His presence, we flourish, no matter where we are planted. So if you ever feel undervalued or unseen, remember: your greatest worth is revealed when you’re close to God, because in His presence, you are exactly where you belong.

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A Case for Compact Novels

Longer isn’t always better when it comes to books, and modern reading habits make that clearer every year. Surveys from Pew Research show that nearly one‑third of American adults read primarily on tight schedules, squeezing books between work, family, and digital distractions. It’s no surprise, then, that many readers quietly avoid anything over 350 pages, not because they dislike reading, but because they fear the commitment. A hefty novel can feel like a project, while a shorter one feels like a pleasure.

There’s also a misconception among some authors and publishers that “more pages equal more value.” In reality, reader feedback consistently shows the opposite. A 2023 Goodreads analysis found that books not going much over 250 pages earn the highest average ratings, while significantly longer books see a noticeable dip. Why? Many readers assume long novels contain extra description, slower pacing, or filler chapters that could have been trimmed. They want tight storytelling, not a marathon of meandering scenes. And by all indications, the optimal length will continue to decline.

And, of course, attention spans have changed. In the era when Dickens, Tolstoy, and Eliot were writing, leisure time revolved around reading, church, and community gatherings. Today, people juggle streaming services, social media, hobbies, travel, and endless to‑do lists. Reading competes with dozens of other activities, so a shorter, well‑crafted book often feels more inviting. A novel doesn’t need to be sprawling to be satisfying; it needs to be purposeful, engaging, and respectful of the reader’s time.

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