Pixel Dance

I’m very excited for our guest on the blog this week. Nancy Rue is the author of over 100 books (many Christian fiction). She writes for both young girls (tweens) and adults. Her “Healing Waters,” Healing Stones” and “Healing Sands” books deal with overcoming life’s wounds, and they are must-read material. Her work is fantastic, but I’ve got to tell you, she is a really fantastic person. She is generous with her gifts, and kind to everyone. She loves to encourage people in their dreams, and to support them and give them opportunity and advice (in an age when many withhold these things). I met her at a writer’s conference where she was teaching plot last spring. I was such a rookie, and for most of the conference didn’t even feel like I should be there. But Nancy set me at ease and gave me confidence in the good things I did bring up. Her passion for story was infectious, and her class was fun and inspirational and hysterical and moving. I’d love to share her story, so here it is:

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I was 28 and a new mother when the urge to write seriously for publication overcame me – and ‘overcame’ is definitely the right word. It simply would not leave me alone, and I knew I had to do something about it. So, I took a leave of absence from teaching and vowed to give it my all, and if I wasn’t published in a year, I would know that wasn’t what I was supposed to do. I don’t recommend giving God that sort of ultimatum, but it did pan out in my case! I read, studied, and practiced, every day, like it was a real job (while making sure my toddler didn’t swallow too many of the buttons in the can of them I gave her to keep her occupied). Seven months later I sold a short story to a Methodist youth magazine, made $80, enough to have my electric typewriter repaired, and was on my way. I went to Mt. Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference and met amazing, helpful people who got me pointed in the right direction. As I look back now, I know it was all a God-thing.

My niche has found me. I write largely for girls ages 8-12, fiction and non-fiction, though I also write novels for women. I think my mission, rather than an age group, really defines my specialty. I write so that women of any age can find their true selves through God.

Any advice or philosophy of life/art for the readers: Two things. One, remember what Anton Chekov, the great Russian modern playwright said: “If you want to work on your art, work on your life.” According to Washington Irving, that requires much solitude and time for mind-play. I would add to that prayer and meditation. If your life isn’t true, your writing won’t be either. At least, that has been my experience. Two, I try to follow what St. Francis of Asissi is credited with saying: “Preach the Gospel always. Use words if necessary.” Those two things guide my journey as a writer and a Christian. When I stray from that, it all goes down the toilet.

You can learn more about my art, my life, my faith at www.nancyrue.com, which will lead you to my two blogs, and at www.FaithGirlz.com. I would love to have you visit!

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Have you thought about whether your life is true? It makes me want to hunt down that which is false. In attempting to write my story from the conference last year, I found myself writing on the surface, fixing the problems easily and not wanting to delve into character issues. I wanted it to be easy for the characters, because, frankly, I want it to be easy for me. I don’t want trouble in life, so creating it for my characters was tough. That was a great revelation to me. It drives how I look at life, and motivates me to act in ways I’m not always proud of. Thank you, Nancy, for being able to face your own truth, so you can bring it alive in us. I really appreciate it. And please check out her books. You will soon be a fan.