author Julie Klassen
Enter to win Julie's
January, 2014 release,
January, 2014 release,
The Dancing Master
Scroll to the end of the post to see how to enter.
Julie's new release has such an inviting title. Go ahead, take a peek at the book cover below. I asked Julie to share how God has led her on her journey. Here is her story:
Books & Dreams
For the last few years, I’ve had
the following verse propped up near my laptop:
“For we
are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God
prepared in advance for us to do.”
--Ephesians
2:10
I have always loved books, and wanted
to be a writer for as long as I can remember. In fact, my Mom, who was my
biggest fan while she was alive, kept a second grade report card that said
something along the lines of “Julie’s stories and poems show great potential.”
So I really do believe God wired me to be a writer, or at least creative with
words in some way, from the get-go.
 |
| Julie Klassen with her editor Karen Schurrer (and her husband, Jeff) |
I spent many hours lost in make-believe as
a girl, and in writing stories, poems, and skits for my cousins to perform on
Thanksgiving. I took every writing class I could in high school and college.
Though a wise counselor advised me to pursue a degree that would lead to a “real
job,” so I graduated with a degree in advertising and worked in that field for
several years. I also managed to procrastinate getting serious about writing
during those years. Starting things, but never finishing them.
I landed nearer to my dream job
when I landed an advertising job for a Christian publisher. I was like a kid in
a candy store with all those books to read! And later, because I had
volunteered to do any project that came along (reviewing manuscripts, abridging
audio books), Bethany House offered me a job in editorial, which I could do
primarily from home. What a blessing that was to me and my family, especially
when my boys were young.
When I look back, I see how God
graciously lead me to that position. I learned so much from working with other
editors and talented authors – things that taught me not only about writing but
about how to go about crafting a full-length novel, which is a lot more work
than I ever imagined! I am thankful for my years with Bethany House Publishers.
But, I am also thankful that I was able to hang up my editorial “red pen” a few
years ago to focus on my writing.
Being a novelist has drawn me
closer to God—made me realize how much I want and need His wisdom and leading
in my life and in my writing. I don’t consider myself as having “arrived” in
either my writing journey or my walk with Christ. I am still involved in Bible
study and I still take writing classes—there is always more to learn!
Even
so, I love knowing I am doing what God wired me to do and for His glory.
What has God wired you to do? Maybe
it’s writing books like me, or maybe it’s something completely different like
creating a beautiful home, or being a singer, or a teacher, or helping the
sick. But never doubt this: He has created you for a purpose.
Whatever your dream, I want to
encourage you to begin taking small steps in that direction if you haven’t
already. You will be amazed at what God can do in your life. I know I am.
~ ~
 |
| Julie Klassen in lovely Austen gown |
~ ~
The Dancing Master
Dancing
master Alec Valcourt is forced to leave his London academy and move his mother
and sister to remote Devonshire. He hopes to start again, but when he arrives,
he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing for
reasons buried deep in her past. Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch’s
daughter, and the two join forces to uncover old secrets, and restore life to
the village.
To enter the contest for an autographed copy of
Julie Klassen's book: "The Dancing Master":
leave a comment (and email addy)
AND become a follower of this site,
if you aren't already.
Sorry US only
if you aren't already.
Sorry US only
Winner announced on my facebook page.
Thank you, Julie, for Joining us This Weekend!
.
What has God wired you to do?
Comments
I have read and enjoyed all of Julie's books. Quite recently actually I read The Tutor's Daughter, and while it wasn't my favorite of hers, I enjoyed it none the less. I would love to win a copy of The Dancing Master...
I follow via GFC
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
I follow your site via email.
Lis K
garfsgirl [at] hotmail [dot] com
Thanks to both of you for writing and promoting reading material that we Christians are proud to read!
Thanks for the giveaway. I look forward to Julie's newest.
Campbellamyd at gmail dot com
Nice to see you again.
So, you've read all of Julie's books. Awesome. Which one was your favorite so far? I'm thinking this new one is going to be the new favorite for her readers.
I loved the pic of her in the Austen gown as well. Julie said to me, "Choose which pics you want." Seriously? No way could I choose. I put them all on this post and definitely wouldn't have left out the one with her in the Austen gown.
I am so happy you stopped by to join us today and look forward to seeing you again.
I must admit, I've noticed my local library's Christian Fiction section has grown over the past few years as well.
I always love chatting with you, Connie and look forward to your next visit.
I've read Julie's book, The Tutor's Daughter, which I enjoyed very much. I have several of her other books waiting for me on my Kindle. I'd love to win a copy of The Dancing Master.
I follow your blog via e-mail.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Working with two-year-olds is such a treat. I don't know which tickles me more, their curiosity, their discovery, or their energy. What a wonderful time you must have had with them. Now you have the joy of working in the special ed program. Truly God has called you to work with a treasured group of people.
Blessings on you, Pam.
Looking forward to seeing you next time:)
So nice to see you this morning. You have a wonderful list of activities you've done. So many noble and needed things. Knowing that being a good friend, and a good wife, mother, daughter, sister, etc, shows your close walk with God. So many times we are worn down by thoughts that pop in our head, causing us to doubt how others feel about us. These thoughts lead us to edge away which is precisely not what the other person needs.
I'm so glad you shared your thoughts today.
Blessings on you, Maxie.
I really enjoyed your interview, Julie, and learning more about how God orchestrated your writing journey. I caught the last 20 minutes of your live chat earlier this week, and would love to go back and listen to the rest when I get a chance. I haven't read any of your books, and would love to read "The Dancing Master" - it sounds like a wonderfully interesting book with a, somewhat, different story line.
I am retired, and often worked numerous jobs at the same time - while raising my children - so have worked in quite a few different positions during my working career. I also enrolled in college while in my early 50's, and took night classes for several years - while working an office job during the day. Some of my most enjoyable, and most rewarding, positions were a houseparent in a children's home, and a night-shift manager at a women/children's shelter. My favorite, hands down, was as a cast member of a on-going Passion Play - on the life of Christ. Mobility problems prevent me from doing some of the things I'd like, but, I have been enjoying encouraging Christian fiction writers/authors online, and by mail, for a number of months now - and feel that is what God is leading me to do at this point in my life.
Blessings to you, Julie - and thanks for using your talent for the glory of God!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a follower.
So nice to see you today! I'm so glad you came. You have led such an exciting life and it seems you have a lot more fun in store. I hope God grants you the mobility to carry on with some of those things you listed, perhaps the play?
Seems like this is a good chance for you to become acquainted with Julie's works. She is a wonderful author and I am sure you will enjoy her book.
Looking forward to seeing you again.