Melody Carlson Answers The Faithful Fifteen
November 2003
FR: What kind of testimony to your faith are you demonstrating in this book? If you are writing fiction, do you write fiction that is based upon your faith or that has a message for the reader? Is your goal to demonstrate your faith in your writing?
MC: Writing, to me, is very personal and always includes various elements of my life. And since faith is the cornerstone of my life, it's inevitably included in everything I write. Naturally, some stories contain more faith elements than others, but I don't think I've ever written anything void of faith. I probably include stronger faith messages in my YA books. I think that's because YA readers are faced with such tough issues and as a result want honest answers.
FR: When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus? Where are you today in your walk? Is your faith an important part of what you do?
MC: I accepted Christ at fifteen. Prior to that I'd considered myself an atheist and was something of a "wild child." Inviting Jesus into my life was a complete turnaround for me. I made this commitment wholeheartedly and have never turned back. All these years later, my walk with God is integrated into everything I do. Writing is no different. It's not that I want to preach at my readers, but I do hope that God is speaking to them and encouraging them between the lines.
FR: Tell us about your church experiences, how you grew up (or maybe didn't grow up) in the church, where you attend now, your involvement in your local assembly, etc.
MC: As a teen and young adult, I was blessed to be part of a phenomenal Foursquare church pastored by the late Roy Hicks Jr. It was during the Jesus Freak movement and our church was frequently visited by people like Keith Green, Second Chapter of Acts, and Amy Grant (before they were big names). For years I taught women's Bible studies and was very involved in women's ministries. I now fellowship at a nondenominational community church.
FR: Tell us about your current church family/fellowship. How does it influence your work?
MC: Our pastor is a gifted and diligent preacher/teacher and I am always stretched and encouraged by his sermons. Our "fellowship" extends beyond the doors of our church as we enjoy spending time with a variety of friends from several of the local churches.
FR: Who are your spiritual mentors? Your professional mentors?
MC: I've been blessed with some incredible mentors. My favorite spiritual mentor, a dear woman friend, was recently ordained and just performed her first wedding ceremony. My most memorable "professional mentors" were probably the members of my first critique group.
FR: Discuss your calling/mission --- as a writer and as a Christian.
MC: I believe God wants me to "worship him in spirit and truth" by living a life that honors him. This doesn't mean I witness to, or preach at, everyone who crosses my path, but that I connect myself to God in such a way that he makes himself visible through me. This really takes the pressure off me --- in thinking I must perform --- since all I really need to do is abide. And writing is no different.
FR: What are your Scripture reading habits?
MC: For years I devoured the Bible, I taught women's Bible studies, and memorized large chunks of scripture. In some ways I think I was building a foundation. But now I feel led to read more sparingly and focus more on the direct teachings of Jesus. Of course, this might change next week since I have found that walking with God is never predictable.
FR: What books have most influenced your work?
MC: While I have enjoyed nonfiction books by C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, Elizabeth Elliot and many other fine Christian writers, I think well-written fiction has influenced my actual writing the most. I have enjoyed classics by authors like Jane Austen and Jean Stratton-Porter, but I also read a wide variety of contemporary authors.
FR: Do you read secular fiction at all? If so, who are your favorite authors and why?
MC: Yes, I read a great deal of secular fiction. I mostly read women's contemporary fiction by authors like Elizabeth Berg, Anne Tyler, Maeve Binchy and Anne Lamott. And I'm always a sucker for any Oprah book club pick. My reason for gravitating to these books is twofold: these stories increase my understanding and empathy of different people with different problems, plus the excellent writing styles challenge me as a writer.
FR: What are your other media habits --- television, movies, music, etc.?
MC: I love both old and current movies and am fascinated by the ability to tell stories through film (although I can't handle violence or gratuitous sex). I try to stay up-to-date on television, but am disappointed in much of it, although I do enjoy an occasional family sitcom. I really like the new Joan of Arcadia show and think it's very creative. I listen to a wide variety of music --- everything from classical to jazz to Sheryl Crow.
FR: Do you and your family have any special faith-based traditions?
MC: Our family seems to be constantly in transition. Maybe our tradition is to stay open to changes. At least things don't get boring or stale, right?
FR: Tell us about your prayer life and habits.
MC: Prayer is like breathing to me. Whether I'm walking, driving, sitting in the hot tub, about to fall asleep, whatever … I often find myself almost unconsciously talking to God. Of course, I consciously talk to him too. But I don't limit these conversations to just certain times of day.
FR: Describe what you believe the role of writing in religion is.
MC: Writing, to me, is sharing "my life" with others. And "my life" is all about being connected to God (in other words, my religion). If God uses this to communicate with or change any of my readers, I am extremely pleased.
FR: Tell us about one or more of your favorite encounters with readers.
MC: The most fulfilling reaction to my writing has been with my YA books. Numerous girls have written to tell me that Diary of a Teenage Girl books have really changed their lives. Some have given their hearts to Jesus. Some have recommitted their lives to God. Some have made chastity pledges. It's been totally amazing!
FR: Would you share a story about someone you've brought to Christ or share how your writing has helped someone?
MC: As mentioned, lots and lots of teens have written, but this story of an older woman has stayed with me for years. The woman wrote to tell me she had purchased one of my early novels (HEARTLAND SKIES) at a supermarket simply because there was a horse on the front. She didn't know it was a Christian book at the time, and had fallen away from God several years earlier. But when she sat down to read the book, she felt God speaking directly to her heart, and as a result she broke down and cried and then recommitted her life to him. I guess if God could speak through a donkey (in the Old Testament), he could certainly speak through a horse at the supermarket.
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