Today I welcome a well-known authoress, one with a bubbly, energetic personality
and has become a sweet friend: Julie Lessman.
Enter to win an autographed copy of one of Julie's books! see below
I met Julie through ACFW. She taught the first class I attended at ACFW. Her husband graciously showed, enduring Julie's stories. She taught how to write Christian Romance. We laughed and learned so much that night.
I asked her to share her writing journey with us. Here is what she wrote:
My Journey As a Christian Romance Writer …
My journey as a romance author
actually came LONG before my journey with God. It happened the moment I read Gone With the Wind at the age of twelve.
The instant that Scarlett seared Rhett with a look on the winding
staircase of Twelve Oaks, I was hooked, and my “romance-writing career” began
with a 150-page, single-spaced ms. entitled When
Tomorrow Comes, which, by the way, is now a Janette Oke title! I used to
read my story to my little sister, Katie, and she loved it. But then
adolescence hit, and I soon abandoned paper romance for the real thing as a
teenager.
Fast forward almost forty years later—I was sitting in a
beauty parlor reading a Newsweek
magazine July 16, 2001 cover article about Christian entertainment. It said
Christian books, movies and music were on the threshold of exploding. My heart
jumped, and something in my spirit said, “It’s time to finish your book.” Now,
I have to be honest with you—up until that moment, I had never seriously
considered writing a book. But the pull was so strong, that I started writing A Passion Most Pure one month later,
finally selling it to Revell 4-1/2 years and 45 rejections later.
Now, my journey to God? Not so pretty. I was a
twenty-three-year-old hardnosed agnostic from a devout but dysfunctional
Catholic family of thirteen kids. Suffice it to say that I was pretty angry at
God. According to the world’s standards, I had everything going for me—a hunky
boyfriend with a Corvette and a boat, a great job, my own apartment, and acing
an advanced writing course at Washington University, a prestigious college in
St. Louis. But I wasn’t happy. I felt like Peggy Lee singing, “Is that all
there is?” Then one day, this annoying gal at work approached me. She had a
lesser job than me, was divorced with a kid and no boyfriend in sight. I hated
her because she came in humming every day, happy as a lark while I was utterly
miserable.
One day when she and I were alone, I looked up from my
typewriter and said, “Just what in the heck (except my language was a bit
stronger back then) makes you so happy all the time?” She said, “I’ve been
praying you would ask.” Oh, no, a Jesus
freak, I thought to myself, but I found myself going to lunch with her,
badgering her with questions and accusations. I don’t remember now if it was a
week or a month, but either way, I met Jesus Christ through the remarkable
patience of a God-sent angel by the name of Joy—pretty appropriate name, eh?
Since then, my life has been a journey of “joy,” because EVERYTHING with God at the center is joy—especially romance! He is the one who takes us on this amazing journey, which I have found in the long run, is really just a U-turn to lead us back to Him in a deeper, more passionate way than ever before. Through God’s grace, I’ve encountered so many “significant” things during my publication journey that I wrote an entire Clint-Eastwood-ish blog on this for Seekerville—including all the reverberation of guitar strings, jangle of spurs and haunting wah-wah voice—in “The Good, the Bad and the Really Ugly: Memories of a Published Writer.” It gives writers all the ups and downs I encountered on the road to publication and beyond, all neatly listed in a format of the “good” things I did to get published and after, all the “bad” things I did, and all the “really ugly” things to avoid.
For me, in my life and my writing, God’s close and intimate presence is as natural as breathing, just like the lyrics from the Michael W. Smith song, Breathe –“This is the air I breathe, Your holy presence living in me.” Jesus Christ transformed me, a hard, cynical agnostic (like Charity, the rival sister in A Passion Most Pure) into a person of joy and hope and love (like Faith, the heroine). This is a story I never tire of telling, and hope to do so in all the books I am privileged to write. You might say that The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series are my love letters to a God whose love took me from the dark into His glorious light, and I hope and pray they bring Him—the One Who is the true passion in my life—the glory He so richly deserves.
Julie Lessman
“Passion with a Purpose"
Daughters of Boston Series
A Passion Most Pure--ACFW Debut Book of the Year, Holt Medallion Merit
A Passion Redeemed--Inspirational Reader’s Choice Finalist
A Passion Denied--Borders Best: Your Favorite Fiction
Winds of Change Series
A Hope Undaunted--Booklist's Top 10 Inspirational Fiction 2010
Family Fiction magazine 2011 and 2012 Readers Choice Awards
#1 Romance Author of the Year, #1 Historical Fiction Author of the Year,
#3 Series of the Year, #3 Author of the Year, # 4 Novel of the Year
To enter the contest for an autographed copy of one of Julie's books, leave a comment and become a follower of this site if you aren't already. Please also include your email address (username (at) yahoo (dot) com) so I can contact you if you are the winner. The winner will be selected by a third party, random.org, and will be announced next week. U.S. residents only.
Also, by clicking on the "contest" picture above, you can see how to enter Julie's book promotion contest. Lots of great prizes!
Reader, How has God made your life a journey of joy?
Comments
Heather
HM at HVC dot RR dot COM
One of the greatest compliments I received as a writer is a woman who wrote me after reading my first book, A Passion Most Pure. She picked it up at Wal-Mart because she liked the cover, but she told me she would have NEVER picked it up had she known it was a Christian novel because she was right where you and I had once been -- bitter and angry at God. I broke down and cried when she wrote me that the message of God's love in that book brought her back to Him after years of having been backslidden!! Goodness, that's what it's all about, isn't it? Especially at this time of year when we celebrate God's love for mankind in the gift of His Son!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and I hope you win because I would LOVE to send you a signed book. :)
Hugs and Merry Christmas,
Julie
And Julie is one of my favorite guests for sure. I love when you share your story. I'm hoping I'll get another opportunity to sit in one of your crazy classes someday :). I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, with the grandkiddo and the rest of the family. :)
Yep, the "grandkiddo" will definitely add some spark to our gathering, so I am looking forward to her first real Christmas.
I wish you and yours a happy, healthy and holy holiday season, Julia!
Hugs,
Julie
Thank you, Mary, for your Friendly Fridays. They are a treat. Merry Christmas!
Blessings, Janice
Callie
genuinegagirl(at)gmail(dot)com
Another great book that I just finished is called The Well, by Mark Hall, a pastor and lead singer for Casting Crowns -- AWESOME book!!! So much so that our church is asking each of its 6,000 members to read it, so that can be a future Bible study for you. :)
Good luck in the contest and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Hugs,
Julie
GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS!!
HUGS,
Julie
Thanks for the chance to win it here though! Merry Christmas!!!
Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez
amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com
I am a new Follower
I love the way you said "God's wink at you." What a great way to communicate God's nudge. :)
Welcome to my site. We are enjoying Julie's company. Don't forget to grab some virtual hot chocolate before you leave.
Sharing Jesus without using words, what a beautiful way to express this. I am so glad you stopped by. Hope to see you again. :)
So glad you are here. Let me know when you review her book on your blog, I will stop by. Connect with me on FB
Truly God has given you a great blessing in your treasures. Children bring so much to our homes. Thanks for stopping by. Grab some virtual Christmas cookies before leaving.
I signed up to follow this blog by e-mail.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Callie
genuinegagirl(at)gmail(dot)com
So happy to have you here! Thank you for stopping by. Julie's books are great reads. I'm glad you've had a chance to enjoy them.
Welcome. And thanks for stopping by!
(thanks also for the compliment...blush)
Thanks for coming by, sweetie, and here's to a win in the contest. :)
Hugs,
Julie
Hugs and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
Julie
Hugs and GOOD LUCK in the contest. :)
Julie
Thanks for signing up, my friend, and here's hoping it nets you a win.
Hugs and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
JULIE
GOOD LUCK, sweetie, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Hugs,
Julie
I'll be talking to you soon about you know what ... ;)
Hugs,
Julie
Merry Christmas all....
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for including us in your day.
I agree, Julie's books are a blessing. Her gift has ministered to so many, including me. I am blessed to have her with me to chat with you. Hope you sleep well.
You have given two gifts today. One to Julie and me for stopping by today, and second to all the others who have entered the drawing.
I sure hope you have a wonderful Christmas:)
I loved your post--it touched my heart.
And now pen and paper can be used to express the times with horses, adventure, and boys:)
Thanks so much for stopping by this morning. Merry Christmas
GOOD LUCK and like Mary said -- hope you slept well. :)
Hugs,
Julie
At any rate, what book did you win? And ... I hope you enjoyed it. :)
Hugs and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
Julie
Thanks for coming by and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!
Hugs and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
Julie
I love Julie and her books...and am anxious to read Light in the Window (have read all others)! Please count me in! Thanks & Merry Christmas.
Jackie Smith
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
I'm so happy to see you here. I can't wait to read Light in the Window myself. I'm sure neither of us will be disappointed.
You are counted in the drawing. Looking forward to seeing you again:)
I'm so glad he does!
And I'm SO thankful for Julie's encouragement and her writing. WOW! What a ministry.
Mare - you are AWESOME!
We truly are blessed by a God who chooses to pursue us even though we walked away from Him.
Thanks for popping in this morning. :)
Just wondering...is your April release included in this giveaway? Can't wait to read it!
Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm a new follower as well! Thanks, Mary Vee for this awesome post!
I am a follower.
dymesich(at)juno(dot)com
So happy you both came today. Don't forget to grab some cyber Christmas cookies. We certainly are having a wonderful time!
Julie will stop by later to answer your question, Emily.
I am a newfollower via GFC.
Patty
pattymh2000(at)Yahoo(dot)com
LOL ... now, see?? That's where you and I are different, Deb. You were balanced enough to have more than one obsession. Me??? Boys, romance, boys, boys, boys ... ;)
Thanks for your sweet comment, my friend, and I wish you and yours a MOST BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!
GOOD LUCK in the contest. :)
Hugs,
Julie
So, here's to a win and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, my friend.
Hugs,
Julie
So, thank you, PEP, for your sweet comment, and thank you, MARY, for having me on your blog -- a TOTAL blessing!!
Hugs,
Julie
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
Good luck to you, my friend, and here's to a win!!
Happy and holy Christmas to you and yours! :)
Hugs,
Julie
Hugs and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
JULIE
I'm now following via GFC.
ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com
God bless you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Following your blog now, Mary!
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas!
Cheers,
Sue
So nice to see you here today. Heart of San Francisco does sound exciting! Sure hope you have a Merry Christmas and thanks for the follow :)
Merry Christmas to you as well. Sure glad you could come join our party with Julie.
We've connected in so many places, and now I have the honor of visiting with you here. Wow! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I'm going to start reading ALITW tonight. So excited!
marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
As we both can see from all the comments on this post ,Julie has followed a great calling from God. So many lives walking closer to HIm because of her stories and testimony.
Thanks for joining us today, hope you grabbed some virtual festive hot chocolate :)
I am a follower of your blog. And, Julie, I'm so glad you have given your heart to our Savior. Enjoyed your story. I'm glad your worker friend was willing to talk to you. So many draw back from telling others about Jesus. I hope I can win one of your books!
Maxie ( mac262(at)me(dot)com )
I'm so glad you came today to read Julie's testimony. Doesn't it crystalize the themes in her books?
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope to see you again.
You're absolutely right. Many workers shy from sharing their testimony or whomp co-workers over the head with it, and end up squelching interest. Thank God Julie's coworker, led by God, did it just right.
Thanks for joining us today. Hope to see you again.
Hugs,
Julie
And guess what I am halfway through reading??? Your marvelous Christmas e-book (Candlelight Christmas)all night long while Keith and I were driving in the car, shopping, eating out (I love it when he goes to wash his hands 'cause I whip out the Kindle like a gunslinger!!). What a BEAUTIFUL story, Mary, so full of the Christmas spirit -- I LOVE it!! Will write a review when I'm done.
Hugs and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your beautiful family too. :)
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
I wish you and your family (and your mom!!) a happy, healthy and holy holiday season.
Love you!!
Julie
Hugs,
Julie
Good luck in the contest and maybe we can get you started on book 1, A Passion Most Pure.
Hugs and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
Julie
Goodness, girl, you've been trying for a book for a while now, so maybe this is your turn!! I have one other giveaway going on this year over at the Pearl Girls Blog, and you can find the link at the end of my Journal Jots blog on my website, okay?
Hugs and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
JULIE
And thank you, Julie, for sharing your testimony like that. I know this is cliche, but it is inspiring!
inspiringdaring (at) yahoo (dot) com
Hugs,
Julie
I agree with Julie. It is never a cliche to feel a testimony is inspiring. To have God touch our hearts with the events of another person's life is a gift. Sure glad you came today. May the Lord richly bless you this Christmas season.
Julie's one of my favs!
Now as for the giveaway... sounds really good, but could one of neighbors to the U.S possibly have a chance to enter please? (And hopefully she's not to late...).
Merry Christmas All!
:-)
(g.gclermont (at) gmail (dot) com)
I just finished reading ALS with my friend- Oh. My. Gosh. SO amazing! I can't wait to read Love At Any Cost (and of course, A Light in the Window)!!!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I'm a new follower!
lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
winterrose(at)comcast(dot)net
Merry Christmas and God Bless :D
Reading books with friends makes the experience so much better. It's like going to a movie with a friend. You can replay scenes and laugh together for days and months to come.
I'm so glad you stopped by and commented today, Elyssa. Have a wonderful Christmas.
So glad you stopped by today, we were waiting for you :) God bless you as well, and may you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
I will check with Julie about your question. Nonetheless, I am so happy you came today. God has blessed by sending folk such as yourself.
Have a Merry Christmas!
GOOD LUCK!!
Hugs,
Julie
Hugs and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
Julie
Hugs,
Julie
Thank you Julie Lessman for spending time with us this weekend. I had so much fun, and from the comments, I'd say the others did as well. What a great party! And the focus...God's love.
I feel blessed.
I wish you and yours a happy, healthy and holy holiday season and let me know if you want me to pick the winner or you, okay?
Hugs,
Julie