Welcome to those stopping in from Bonnie’s devotion at Proverbs 31 Ministries! You picked a great day to visit. Not only are we going to introduce you to one of the most gifted writers around today, but we’re also going to give you the chance to win some really cool prizes.
Today’s grand prize winner will receive a copy of Bonnie Grove’s debut novel, Talking to the Dead as well as an iPod Nano, pre-loaded with the songs Bonnie listened to while writing. Four additional winners will each receive a copy of her novel. All you have to do enter is leave a comment on this post or sign up for the She Reads monthly newsletter. Winners will be chosen on Wednesday, November 18th.
Bonnie Grove started writing when her parents bought a typewriter, and she hasn’t stopped since. Trained in Christian Counseling, theology and psychology, she developed and wrote strength-based social programs for families at risk while landing articles and stories in anthologies. She is the author of the non-fiction Your Best You: Discovering and Developing the Strengths God Gave You; and Talking to the Dead.
Bonnie’s ministry has spanned decades and includes such varied activities as leading street drama, door to door evangelism, Divorce Care, Alpha and other compassionate care ministries. She is a small group leader of a women’s ministry group. Bonnie speaks to women’s groups about how to discover and use their strengths. Her husband, Steve, is the Senior Pastor of Louise Street Community Church of the Nazarene in Saskatchewan, Canada. They have two children, Benjamin and Heather.
Talking to the Dead Summary:
Twenty-something Kate Davis can’t seem to get this grieving widow thing right. She’s supposed to put on a brave face and get on with her life, right? Instead she’s camped out on her living room floor, unwashed, unkempt, and unable to sleep-because her husband Kevin keeps talking to her. Is she losing her mind?
Kate’s attempts to find the source of the voice she hears are both humorous and humiliating, as she turns first to an “eclectically spiritual” counselor, then a shrink with a bad toupee, a mean-spirited exorcist, and finally group therapy. There she meets Jack, the warmhearted, unconventional pastor of a ramshackle church, and at last the voice subsides. But when she stumbles upon a secret Kevin was keeping, Kate’s fragile hold on the present threatens to implode under the weight of the past and Kevin begins to shout.
Will the voice ever stop? Kate must confront her grief to find the grace to go on, in this tender, quirky story about second chances.
You can read the first chapter of Talking to the Dead here.
Those who love books will find a kindred spirit in Bonnie. So we couldn’t help but pin her down and persuade her to fill us in on what it looks like to live and write in her world:
Tell us about yourself:
I’m a Canadian – my family and I make our home in Saskatchewan. My husband, Steve, is the senior pastor of a Nazarene church and we have two children, a boy age 8, and a girl age 6. Before I embarked on a writing career, I developed and wrote social programming for families at risk, focusing on issues of addiction. Now a days, I use my training in counseling, psychology, and theology in my writing. We have a busy, happy life that keeps us all hopping.
What made you start writing?
Simply not knowing I shouldn’t, I suppose. I love stories. Want my full attention? Tell me a story. I’ll sit there, wrapped up in the world you create until you tell me “The end.” I suppose it’s a natural progression from story lover to storyteller, to writer. By the time I was in high school I was writing what I thought of as “emotionally complex” stuff. Then my parents bought a typewriter and I wanted to try it. I wrote a very bad romance novel my mother loved, and I’ve been pounding out ever improving prose ever since.
Why do you write?
Like many people, I’m creative. I can’t play piano, and I’m the absolute worst scrapbooker you’ve ever seen (which is a total bummer!)My creativity flows with concepts and communication – words. Writing comes naturally for me and is simply an expression of who I am acted out in the world – just like all other forms of creativity we encounter every day.
Do you put yourself into your books/characters?
Am I a character in my books? Nah. But characters are a creation of the writer, so yes, I’m *in* there. Bits and pieces of me, and my take on people. When you write fiction you talk to people, research, and explore the ideas and concepts you want to talk about in the book. But, at the end of the day, you choose which angle you will come from, which side of the issue, which voice needs to speak, and ultimately, how the story will end. On that level it’s all me. But in time the characters move and breathe and make choices too, and that’s when I take my hand off and say, “go.”
How important is faith in your books?
I’m a Christian first in my life, before anything else. I live from a Christian worldview and I write from one. The way I approach faith in my writing is that I’m privileged to contribute to the ongoing discussion about what it means to be human. For me that means also discussing what it means for humanity to encounter God.
What themes do you like to write about?
Grace. I’m endlessly fascinated by God’s grace and what it looks like in the world. How it enfolds us, how it chases us down, how it strips us bare and shows us our need. Everything I’ve ever written is an exploration of some facet of God’s grace.
Within that over arching theme, I also like to explore the idea of “life as journey” or “process” as opposed to a rigid set of ideas about what life is and what we should be doing.
Lastly, I asked my husband what he saw as a theme in my writing. He said that all my work explores some kind of loss. After we talked about that for awhile, we decided that what I love to explore is the things we hold on to, and believe are “ours”, but they never were really ours – and that moment when God asks us to let go.
What’s your biggest challenge in balancing writing time with your other responsibilities?
Knowing when to stop. Everyone who works from home understands the challenge of how to keep work and home life separate. During the workday it’s so easy to just run downstairs and throw on a load of laundry. And on the weekend it is tempting to pull myself away from the fun in the backyard with the children and just jot down an idea or two. . . or three.
Perhaps it’s just a matter of learning to love the blurred lines between work and rest, but I’m hoping to find a greater balance. Novel writing takes up large chunks of my brain. When I’m not writing, I’m thinking about the book. If I’m not thinking about the book, I think I should be thinking about the book.
I’m working on balance. I talk to my husband about it, I plan my days so I take extended breaks when my children come home from school – things like that.
Ask me in five years how it’s working!
Who is your favorite author and why?
In January I began blogging with five other authors on a blog called Novel Matters. We all write fiction, and as part of the process of getting to know each other, we exchanged books. I’m blessed to have read the works of Patti Hill, Sharon K. Souza, Kathleen Popa, Debbie Fuller Thomas, and Latayne C. Scott. These are gifted writers who have taught me so much about writing. I highly recommend all of their books.
Other standout books have been Francine Rivers’ The Mark of the Lion Series (love, love LOVE her books), Susan Messiner’s The Shape of Mercy, Joy Jordon Lake’s Blue Hole Back Home.
I read a great deal of non-fiction as well and have fallen for writers like Brennan Manning, Francis Chan.
What has God been teaching you lately?
A deeper sense of how my identity is found in Him. This spring I was pushing myself hard to meet a deadline – really relying on my own ideas and talents to push out a book. I exhausted myself. I was discouraged! But God’s grace tracked me down, soothed my soul and then He assured me that He was in control and I didn’t need to push or force anything. My job is to put my faith in Him, rest in His grace, and do the job He has put in front of me. Because at the end of the day – it’s about Him, His kingdom.
Got a question for Bonnie? Leave it in the comments section below, and you’ll automatically be entered to win!
If you are interested in Talking to the Dead, would you consider purchasing it from Proverbs 31 Ministries? All proceeds from book sales go to support this powerful women’s ministry.
Jamie: Thank you so much! What a wonderful compliment – I’m excited to hear it is on the purchase list for your church library! I hope lots of people ask to take it out. It’ll make an interesting conversation piece with the title, I’m sure. Thank you for championing the book in your church. I so appreciate you!
Hi Bonnie! I can’t wait to read you r new book! Blessings to you and may God bless your words to be pleasing to Him and encouraging to his children!
Hi, Bonnie – Thanks for your “She Reads” devotional today. I really appreciated what you shared about the importance of listening and the power in being silent. I’ve always been so intimidated by silence because I feel like I should be saying something. Your words encouraged me to be quiet and let God speak.
Wow, Bonnie! Now I’m totally curious to know what kinds of songs you listened to while writing Talking to the Dead. Any chance you’ll post a selection after the contest finishes?
This sounds like a great book and She Reads is such a great new ministry!
Bonnie, I am really looking forward to reading your book. It sounds wonderful. Putting it on my wish list right now. With an anniversary, birthday and Christmas all in less then 40 days, perhaps I might get it!
Leigh
I’ve read the book and it’s true… it’s a really good one! Thanks for the interview as well. Helps us know you a bit better!
Oh please not let me be late for the contest! Bonnie, I went online and read the first part of your book and let me say, “I am hooked!” I can not wait to get a copy of the book and tuck myself away on the couch with this treasure. I would love, love, love to be part of the contest (please pick me, ha!ha!). But seriously either way I truly am looking forward to reading this book and can’t wait for you to write more novels. God bless you and have a wonderful day!
Aimie: Thank you so much for your blessings and your encouragement. I appreciate it so very much!
Kari: Thank you for stopping in! I know what you mean about the awkwardness of silence. It feels strange to sit and not say anything – but the rewards on the other side of silence can be amazing. Peace.
Valerie: Its a good idea! You can have a look at the “soundtrack” for Talking to the Dead on my website – it’s listed there. But I like the idea of posting the songs here too. Thanks!
Beth: Thanks so much! I agree, She Reads is a wonderful ministry. Thanks for stopping by!
Leigh: Happy Anniversary, birthday and Christmas to you Leigh! I hope it’s a wonderful time of celebrating and fun (and good reading!) Thanks for coming by!
Bonnie, I loved your devo about “being still” with someone.
I know for me as I walked the road of cancer with my 13-year old son who passed away last November, it was the friends who simply sat with me who ministered to me the most.
It is still in the simply “being” together times that I feel His love and presence and have learned to long for those moments with God more and more every day!
My pain has also taught me to just “be” with my friends….not provide solutions or quick fixes………just to “be” there.
Thank you for enforcing these deep truths with your words.
Much love,
tammy nischan
Hi Bonnie! Thanks for your devotional. I arrived here from Lynn Cowell’s blog today and I went back and read your devotional on silence. I never thought of listening as an active effort, to still my mind from all the distractions and totally be engaged in what the other person is sharing. The word picture you gave me of deliberately saying no to the world rushing by me was convicting. Thank you so much for sharing that with your readers. I plan on utilizing that when I am trying to be still before my Lord and truly give Him my attention as well as when listening to the people He has placed in my life.
I love to read fiction that draws me closer to God. and I am looking forward to reading your book.
Can’t wait to read the book! Thanks so much!
Carla Anne: Thanks so much for the great review! I really appreciate it. Thanks for dropping in and spreading the joy around!
Kristie: You are not too late! She Reads will choose a winner Thursday evening. You are IN, girl. Good luck! And thank so much for your encouragement. Makes my day!
Tammy: Thank you for sharing your story with us today. Heartbreaking – I’m glad you had friends who sat with you. There are no good words in that situation. Just sharing the load, hurting and loving and waiting for the Balm of Gilead.
When we stop rushing in with quick fixes, we begin to understand so much more than we would have otherwise. Peace, my friend.
Loretta: What a joy to hear how God is speaking to you already – and you are listening and doing something about it. Your faithfulness is inspiring! Thank you for sharing today. Good luck in the draw!
Carrie: Thank YOU so much. Good luck in the draw!
Thanks for the great devotional today at Proverbs 31 ministries. It was a great reminder.
Hi Bonnie, Great interview. I really enjoyed hearing about your heart for Christ.
My question: Is it difficult for an author to write both fiction and non-fiction?
Thanks,
Carla
Debbie: Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words.
Carla: Thanks for stopping in! In answer to your question: I think it depends on the writer, but in general (very general) it is difficult for a writer to write both non-fiction and fiction. They require different skill sets.
Agents aren’t crazy about client who have a foot in both fiction and non-fiction only because it can be difficult to market them. Most will say they would prefer a client to choose one or the other.
It is difficult for the writer as well, who must divide her time tending to two “congregations”, two audiences who have different needs and expectations. Marketing can chew up a ton of writing time – so when you x2, you can imagine how time consuming it is.
Having said all that, I do know several authors who walk the fiction/non-fiction line and have made it work. But it isn’t easy.
Bonnie, how many drafts did you write before you got Talking to the Dead just right?
I loved reading about your journey and I can’t wait to see what else God has planned for you.
Be blessed!
Wendy
Hi Wendy: Thanks for your question!
Talking to the Dead went through three drafts – two of those involving a fair chunk of changes/additions.
After the last draft was handed in, there were smaller changes made to the manuscript – spelling, grammar, those sorts of things.
Thanks for dropping by! And for your words of encouragement!
God’s timing is everything! Your devotional in P31 Ministry sat in my In Box going unread for some strange reason. It must have been an especially busy day or something because I rarely miss reading the daily devotional. But this morning I opened it and it was like opening up a gift from God. Sunday after church, my best friend asked me to meet her at this quaint little coffee shop. As we sat there sipping on our indulgences with whipped cream, I listened intently to what she had to share with me. She’s a nurse who takes her job very seriously and makes strong connections with her patients and their families. She’s been going through a series of hardships and I was listening to even more that she was going through. I felt as if I should offer her advice but nothing seemed to come forth. Accept for a few moans and utterances to let her know I was feeling her pain, I offered nothing. Of course, we do take our burdens to the Lord in prayer and continue to wait on Him. But I left there feeling inadequate as a friend. She called last night and the same thing happened over the phone. More hardship, more heart-breaking gut wrenching pain, and still …. I just listened and sighed. This is just not like me for I am a trained lay counselor. Not until I read your devotional this morning did it make any sense to me. Silence …. is golden. You showed me that there is a time and a place for counsel and wisdom. Sometimes wisdom is, as you said, allowing for that stillnes where God can speak to their heart. So thank you for bringing some peace to my feelings of inadequacy and even though I didn’t read it the day it was sent, I do feel that God saved it for me until today when it would be my Balm of Gilead. Having lost my husband several years ago to a massive heart attack (and my mother right after), I am still finding it hard to get back into the mainstream of life. I loved my husband so much. I knew he was addicted to porn and was the master of keeping secrets. But I loved him no less. There are times when I worry about a secret being uncovered that will unravel me. So I know I’d enjoy reading your book, Talking to the Dead.
I’ve also given birth to a stillborn son so I can relate to your loss of the twins and no matter how many years go by, we don’t forget and we yearn even more for the Lord to come quickly. What a day of rejoicing that will be! Until then, we can be assured that everything God does, He does with our best interest at heart. Our losses, our hardships, our broken hearts here will gain for us an eternal glory in heaven and knowing that makes it a little easier to bear. Thank you so much for sharing with us about being the stillness.
May God continue to bless you richly,
Linda
Loved the interview and the book sounds incredible. Like some others have mentioned in the comments, I would love to know what songs are on that iPod that Bonnie used for inspiration while writing! Thank you!